Applewood Distillery
Adelaide Hills, South Australia
SUSTAINABLE - GLUTEN FREE
Applewood is the latest venture from the incredibly talented duo behind Unico Zelo, Brendan and Laura Carter. The project began in 2012 with the acquisition of a 300L pot still and focuses on the distillation of Australian native botanicals to create hand crafted Gin, Whisky, Liquers and Amaro that speak of the sites and soils from which they come and we belong.
The project was originally thought up as a way to minimise waste created by the winery through distilling grape must into base spirit. However a keen interest in native botanicals and research into fermentation and distillation of locally sourced produce resulted in countless trials and in turn a host of unique and distinct spirits.
Ever evolving Applewood’s tiny distillation runs mean that minute adjustments can be made regularly in order to work towards desired styles. It also means that Brendan and Laura are able to regularly create limited releases of spirits using less readily available produce and botanicals. To date this includes Sake and Sultbush Gin, Lavender Gin and Chai Gin.
As seen through Unico Zelo , Brendan and Laura have an absolute love and respect for all things Italy and where Unico Zelo offers an opportunity to demonstrate the results of growing Italian varietals on Australian soil, Applewood shows a similar dis- play of how technique and terroir can result in Australian Cellos and Amaro. One such example is the Økar Amaro which they have created to be used in a similar fashion to Aperol or Campari. Using native Australian Riberries (Lillypilly) as a base they have created an amaro of freshness, vibrance and bitterness that can be served neat.
“We’re very excited to announce the initial release of this new beverage – we’ve christened Økar – a phonetic spin on the word ‘Ochre’ – how Australi- an’s might pronounce it. It’s an Amaro – probably a bit of an esoteric term to the uninitiated, although bitter/herbal aperitifs have been popular for more than a century – Aperol or Campari ring any bells? Whilst aperitifs in this category are generally marketed alongside images of the Amalfi coast- line, roadsters with the top down, winding roads and a spritzer in-hand, we felt a more comfortable image could be ‘chilling at the beach’ – be it Noosa, Bondi or Cottesloe. Or perhaps ‘sitting in a café’ – be it in the multitude of laneways across our country. We like to take an Australian-spin on things – and dry aperitifs seem to epitomise a renaissance in contemporary Australian drinking.
It just so happens that seemingly – 90% of all native Australian botanicals are also intensely bitter. Probably something to do with the harshness of our climate – and one native ingredient stood head-and-shoulders above the rest when it came to Økar – Riberries. Otherwise known as Lilly Pilly. Histori- ans have noted that indigenous Australians used to use these as a form of ‘candy’ – although contemporary palates might be surprised! The Riberry’s cranberry-tartness, hints of clove and bark-like bitterness make it well-suited for an Australian aperitif. “
Brendan Carter - Applewood Distillery
APPLEWOOD AUSTRALIAN GIN - 43% ABV, 500ml
APPLEWOOD CORAL GIN - 43% ABV, 500ml
Inspired by the Great Barrier Reef, this idiosyncratic pink-tinted gin features strawberry gum and riberries. Woody juniper aromas combine with hints of fresh kelp and strawberry. The palate follows with medium-fresh flavours suggesting gobstopper, raspberry jube, pepper and late sappy pine. Recommended in a Gin Fizz. 43% Alc./Vol.
APPLEWOOD ALPINE GIN - 43% ABV, 500ml
An intricate, unabashedly Australian dry gin with a native citrus core, alongside a piquant, unctuous earthiness and a soaring eucalypt freshness. An authentic reflection of the arid interior of Australia. 43% Alc./Vol.
APPLEWOOD NAVY GIN - 58% ABV, 500ml
APPLEWOOD DAVIDSON PLUM GIN
Davidson Plums interplay with sugary Malt, delicate Strawberry Gum, herbal Wild Basil and juicy Sumac, blended with a rare Davidson Plum Wine. A Modern, Bright, and Plump Australian Gin. Unique and Tart.
APPLEWOOD WILD BASIL GIN
A stunningly elegant and leafy Australian Modern Gin, with a bright mix of refreshing earthiness, citrus and perfumed basil. Smoky White Kunzea Flowers, oily Desert Lime and an intense umami hit of rare Bush Tomato blended with the Peppery and piquant backbone of Wild Basil. Evocative of fresh rains in an outback garden.
APPLEWOOD COLONIAL MALT - 40% ABV, 500ml
APPLEWOOD ØKAR - 26% ABV, 750ml
APPLEWOOD ØKAR TROPIC - 17% ABV, 750ml
APPLEWOOD ØKAR MOCHA - 20% ABV, 750ml
UNICO LIMONCELLO - 20% ABV
UNICO MANDO CELLO - 20% ABV
UNICO ESPRESSO CELLO - 20% ABV
UNICO POMELO VERMOUTH - 16% ABV
UNICO ROSA VERMOUTH - 16% ABV
With a blend of Pinot Gris from the Adelaide Hills and Grenache from the Riverland, your next aperitif is about to win the Superbowl.
There’s some epic crunch from skin contact on the Pinot Gris and we’ve blended in enough Grenache to make you think you’ve eaten watermelon sugar. This base wine is fresh and bright A.F.
Alongside the star of the show – Rosella from the tropical Australian north – we’ve added some Davidson Plum for some zip and grip and some strawberry gum for uplifted aromatics.
Blended with both fresh and dried wormwood for a fresh drop of herbals, Unico Rosa is about to give you 10 minutes of pure fire… until you pour yourself another!
