IMBIBIS CRAFT DISTILLERY

Imbibis Craft Distillery – The Spirit of Ipswich

On the outskirts of the beautiful heritage city of Ipswich, a visit to Imbibis Craft Distillery offers up more than just spirits; it promises an immersive experience that captures the essence of local artisanship and biodiversity. As the only craft distillery in the area, Imbibis stands out with its commitment to producing small-batch artisan spirits that celebrate and echo the rich natural landscape and bounty of the region. Visitors are invited to discover the craft and passion that go into each bottle, which have earned the distillery prestigious awards. Guided tours and tastings reveal how Imbibis fashions a unique narrative, fusing tradition with innovation, with a foundation in produce and botanicals sourced right from its doorstep.

Tailored for both curious travellers and connoisseurs seeking an authentic cellar door experience, Imbibis welcomes its guests into a world that combines the art of distillation with the science of taste. Open from 10 AM to 5 PM every Friday, the distillery offers guided tours , led by their esteemed chief distiller, Jason Hannay. This exclusive tour provides a deeper understanding of the meticulous processes involved in distillation, promising a journey of nuanced aromas, flavours and stories. The experience at Imbibis is not just about imbibing spirits; it’s about understanding and appreciating at first hand a culture deeply rooted in local flora and unique flavours. 

Every visit begins at the bar, where the air is thick with the inviting aroma of botanicals – juniper, citrus and more – that hint at the craftsmanship waiting inside. This is where guests first encounter the tactile elegance of Imbibis: the smooth, cool surface of the handcrafted wooden bar offers a sensory introduction to the distillery’s artistic ethos. Here, visitors are invited to embark on a multi-sensory tasting journey led by the chief distiller, as they connect with the story behind each drop of gin or brandy crafted in the bespoke copper pot stills designed by Jason himself.

Craftsmanship and Creativity

Imbibis is renowned for its award-winning range of gins and brandy, each a testament to the fertile Sunshine State’s diverse flora and the distillery’s dedication to premium quality. With ingredients sourced directly from Southeast Queensland, visitors can taste local treasures like lemon myrtle, native pepper berry, and the distinctive, tart Davidson’s Plum. These botanicals are carefully incorporated into each batch, offering a unique flavour spectrum that changes subtly depending on the specific herbs and spices used. It’s a dynamic and fluid tasting experience that encourages visitors to detect the distinct characteristics of each batch.

As visitors are seated, listening to the tales and techniques shared by chief distiller Jason, the distillery comes to life around them. Throughout the experience, guests are encouraged to smell samples of the botanicals, discovering how each element influences the final product’s flavour profile. The cool touch of gleaming copper stills helps them appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship up close. The sounds of botanical infusion are complemented by aromatics that tease the senses, laying the groundwork for a deeper connection to the spirit-making craft imparted by Jason. 

Jason’s narratives, drawn from over two decades of experience, enrich the visit – from the initial inspiration derived from the Sunshine State’s rich landscapes to his personal journey of turning a winemaking legacy into a distilling dream. You’ll come to appreciate how he combines his passion for the science behind distillation with the artistic freedom required to capture and create the unique flavours his products are renowned for. And you’ll learn more about distillery’s philosophy of integrating the essence of local produce with integrity and respect for nature.

Distillation Process and Heritage

Guided by the skilful hand of Jason Hannay, Imbibis proudly champions a distillation process steeped in tradition yet infused with innovation. The use of a bespoke copper pot still, engineered specifically for small-batch production, brings to life the uniqueness inherent in each of Imbibis’ spirits. Jason’s 20 years in the Queensland wine industry – not to mention 600 distillation runs under his belt – are apparent in the harmony he creates between nature’s bounty and scientific precision, capturing the essence of local produce with intriguing complexity.

This deep-seated connection to local ingredients is a testament to Imbibis’ roots in the soil of Southeast Queensland. From the fragrant lemon myrtle to the peppery zing of native spices, each botanical speaks of a commitment to harnessing the best of both traditional and inventive distilling techniques. Guests come away with an appreciation for Jason’s ability to transform regional ingredients into extraordinary spirits, echoing through the gleaming pots and  barrels that populate the distillery floor.

Throughout the tour, Jason shares stories of botanical heritage and careful craftsmanship, connecting visitors with the legacy that informs each bottle produced. As the tasting room comes to life with the clink of glasses and shared laughter, there’s no denying that Imbibis is a place where tradition is honoured but innovation is celebrated – a meeting ground where spirits are crafted not just for consumption, but to be experienced through every sense.

Guided Exploration and Exquisite Tasting

Upon stepping into the tasting room, visitors are greeted by a space that is as inviting as it is informative. Here, in this open-plan room, the tasting journey takes a more interactive turn as the aromas deepen and guests delight in pairing their newly acquired knowledge with the spirits at hand.

The tasting, led by the chief distiller, involves savouring small samples of finely crafted gins accompanied by perfectly matched mixers. The sound of glasses clinking coupled with the stories of each botanical’s journey augment the sensory experience, leaving visitors with a deep understanding of Imbibis’ commitment to excellence and authenticity. Jason continues to engage and inspire, ensuring every guest leaves with an appreciation for the both the artistry and science behind the distillery’s bespoke creations.

A pivotal feature of the experience is the interaction and dialogue, as visitors question and converse with Jason about the craft. Whether discovering the subtleties of flavour profiles or the distillation process’s intricate details, guests gain a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of artisan spirit production. The tasting is as much about education as it is about enjoyment, making it a hallmark experience for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Local Ingredients, Global Recognition

Imbibis prides itself on its accolades from numerous national and international competitions, underscoring the distillery’s dedication to premium artisanship. From Clarity Gin’s silver at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards to the prestigious London Spirits Competition recognition for their Passion Pink Gin, the distillery’s repertoire speaks volumes about their commitment to quality. Yet, what sets Imbibis apart even more is their deep connection to the local environment. Ingredients such as lilly pilly, galangal and turmeric all originate from their backyard, allowing their spirits to truly encapsulate the essence of Queensland.

The collaboration with local growers is not just a part of Imbibis’ charm – it’s where the authentic taste and cultural provenance of their products originate from. Each different botanical is a separate piece of the Imbibis puzzle, contributing to an identity that is as much about location as flavour. The result is an array of spirits that reflect not just a place’s geography but also the rich tradition and innovation that permeate each batch.

But Imbibis’ commitment to local stretches beyond sourcing ingredients and botanicals. With a deep, personal understanding of the importance of small businesses to the economy, the distillery prides itself on supporting local businesses to supply as many of their needs as possible, as well as by supplying various local restaurants and bars and providing product donations for local charities.

The ethos of Imbibis, encapsulated in both their name and logo, signifies more than a distillation process: it’s an art form. From the Latin root of the word “imbibe”, literally meaning “you will drink”, their name combines with their logo to symbolise the transformative journey from liquid to vapour and back again. The curated experience at Imbibis is not just to show off products, but is rather a homage to the ingredients and the artistry that bind them together, showing that every element of the distillation process is meticulously crafted, ensuring that Imbibis is an artisan distillery in the truest sense of the word.

Accessibility 

Imbibis Craft Distillery prioritises accessibility, ensuring that every visitor can experience the essence of artisan spirit production comfortably. Staff members have all undergone disability awareness training to cater to diverse needs, and the business proudly displays the Accessible and Inclusive Host badge granted by the Australian Tourism Export Council to businesses that have undergone their training. Their commitment to accessibility is also shown by the comprehensive information for people with access needs found at imbibis.com.au/accessibility.

If arriving by public transport, the Ebbw Vale Railway station is about 1 kilometre from the distillery, although wheelchair users should note that construction in the area makes for very uneven terrain. If driving, accessible parking bays are conveniently situated right at the entrance. The entry – an open roller door – sets the stage with clear and contrasting signage for guidance. 

The distillery itself is fully wheelchair accessible, with tours conducted on a single-level cement floor. The tasting room’s open-plan design ensures there’s ample room for all guests, featuring moveable chairs and clear aisles, making sure that even larger devices such as mobility scooters can be accommodated. 

The distillery’s amenities testify to their commitment to accessibility. The accessible bathroom, marked with Braille signage, is located just by the entrance and equipped with tactile indicators, fitted handrails and a contrasting toilet seat to aid visitors living with low vision. Their menu accommodates various dietary needs and they ensure clear communication through plain English on menus and signage. They welcome service animals and have nearby grassy areas for their toileting needs. Imbibis also supports the Companion Card program.