There’s a new gin released from the Never Never Dark Series experimental crew which promises a little slice of the Mediterranean, just in time for summer.
The Dark Series promotes the fresh local produce found around Never Never’s home in the Fleurieu Peninsula and for Med Gin the team have partnered with local growers in McLaren Vale, to create this summer-style gin.
“We’ve always been a distillery focused on using local flavour in the drinks we create,” says Never Never Distilling Co. Head Distiller Tim Boast. “This is our first gin expression that selects various botanicals from our home region to create a unique gin that pays homage to the Vale.
“We’ve sourced Somerton almonds from Taronga, Lloyd Brothers Kalamata olives and McMillian and Drew herbs which include lemon thyme, thyme, bay leaf and basil.”
As for creating a gin style that celebrates South Australia’s own little slice of the Mediterranean, Never Never Distilling Co. Brand Director Sean Baxter, says: “The Fleurieu has always been compared to the Mediterranean. One second you’re traversing pebbled beaches and limestone coastal cliffs and the next you’re touring through some of the greatest wine country in the world.
“More than that, the produce that comes from this area is synonymous with the European coastal clime, so it felt right to give our gin a slightly Mediterranean feel, both in name and ingredient selection.
“Whether it’s a classic spritz, served with orange and olive, or something a bit more dressed up in the Martini category, Med Gin is the perfect gin style to complement the cocktail occasion.”
Never Never have also included Coastal Daisy Bush which is indigenous to the local area. Its inclusion adds a unique element to the juniper pine and adds depth to the olive and thyme. It’s the only ingredient you won’t find in a Mediterranean setting.
“Our Med Gin uses ingredients from the Willunga coast to our McLaren Vale distillery door and everything in between,” adds Baxter.
One of the most exciting ingredients that’s been included was kalamata olive brine. This is combined with whole kalamata olives which are then pot distilled.
“It’s very rare that you can call a waste product an exciting ingredient but anybody who loves a dirty martini knows exactly how much punch that can be delivered by a single barspoon of the stuff,” Baxter said. “It’s incredibly full-flavoured and is usually just turfed once the olives have been used, we give it a second life as a key component of our Med Gin.”
The Med Gin perfect serve is with tonic water garnished with fresh orange and bay leaf.
The Med Gin is available now on Never Never Distilling Co. website.
