Creative Spirits: Craft Distillers & Brewers at ’Bourne Local.

Aug 5, 2022

’Bourne Local is gearing up for another celebration of all things creative and fun – so put 28th August in your calendar!

No idea what to expect? Take a look…

 A vibrant community of Victoria’s makers, bakers, crafters and creators? Tick!
 An expansive all-weather space? Tick!
 A roller rink for Melbourne’s funkiest roller disco? Tick!
 Victoria’s best craft gin, whisky, aperitif and cider makers? TICK!

As well as over one hundred fashion, food and craft stalls, our August market will showcase local brewers and spirit makers from around Victoria. Locally made gin, whisky, cider… we don’t need to tell you how fun this will be!

Craftmanship You Can Taste

There’s no universal definition of ‘craft’ spirits and brews, but they’re generally understood to be handcrafted, or produced by a small distillery – often with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. What does this mean for the end result? It means unique flavour profiles that more directly reflect the region, ingredients and choices of the makers.

Importantly, it also means that Victorian buyers have the chance to support local makers: a win for sustainability and the economy.

Reviving & Thriving: Cider, Whisky, Gin & More

The craft spirit revival has been growing over the last ten years, and our small Victorian distilleries have begun claiming national and international awards. Just eight years ago there were only thirty small-scale distilleries in Australia. Now we are home to more distilleries than Scotland. (Three times more, in fact!)

This is craftsmanship that Victoria can be proud of. It’s craftsmanship that we are excited to showcase at ’Bourne Local.

Finding Flavour…

This market is your chance to chat to the makers. Find out more about the drinks they’ve crafted and how to best enjoy them. Taste the complexity and clarity of flavour that comes from carefully crafted small-batch production.

Here’s a snapshot of who you’ll see at our August market…

Original Spirit Co.’s classic dry gin is an award-winning triumph, but colourful ‘ginfusions’ are the jewels in this distillery’s crown. Think lemon myrtle with elderflower. Rhubarb with ginger. And don’t forget to ask about their gin hot toddy. Who wouldn’t want to try that?

Cheeky Rascal Cider is all-natural, vegan, gluten-free and absolutely all about flavour. These Cheeky Rascals have cemented their place as one of Victoria’s finest cider makers with flavours like limoncello and pear, mint and chilli as well as lime, blood orange and apple.

Sterlina Wines is a private artisan wine label, from the Bendigo region. They produce fabulously rich reds – Malbec, Shiraz and others, so worth a taste.

What about whisky, we hear you say? Chief’s Son Distillery won Gold at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards 2021 for their single malt. Handmade, small batch: this is local craftsmanship at its best.

A couple of other crafty brewers that are also regular guests are:

Snowgum Distillery has produced hand-crafted vodka, gin and aperitifs since 2019, and they have a slew of awards to show for it. Try their herbaceous classic gin, or perhaps the award-winning Blue Tongue Gin and – if you’re lucky – Yarra Valley limoncello too.

Eddie’s Cider is all about crisp not-too-sweet cider created from their 5th generation of apple groves. Family-owned and operated on the Mornington Peninsula, there’s just so much to love about this 100% organic cider. (And take note: for those alcohol-free days, their sparkling apple juice is masterful.)

Roll on in!

’Bourne Local is all about inclusive, family-friendly events. Our markets celebrate artisans, music, fashion and community, and our focus is on creating events and spaces that are welcoming for all.  On market day, you’ll find our bustling community of traders at the ready – sipping coffee, sharing stories and looking forward to showcasing their wares. We know you’ll find something you love.

And don’t forget to bring your safety gear and wear matching socks so you’re stylin’ when you swap your shoes for skates! What better way to farewell winter than to roller-dance the weekend away!

At a glance

What: ’Bourne Local Artisan Market featuring craft brewers & distilleries
When: Sunday 28th August, 11am – 4:30pm
Where: Collingwood (21-53 Hoddle Street)
Entry is free, but you’ll need a ticket. Find them here

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