World Gin and Tonic Day - 19th October

After day after day of ‘biblical rain’ in Bundaberg, we began to feel a bit cabin crazy. Even getting to the laundry required dressing up in sailing foulies and sea boots to have a hope of arriving anywhere semi-dry. Zofia needed a good power wash to be rid of salt and volcanic dust so we should have been pleased. After 4 days straight of drenching rain nobody was amused. Even car hire was cancelled due to flooded roads. So when on the first fine day, Geoff the marina manager, asked if we’d like to visit a new boutique rum distillery in town The Bloke leapt at the opportunity and promised to ‘fill the bus’ with our equally frazzled marina rats.

All aboard with Debbie (La Jorja)!

Geoff ushering us in

Geoff delivered us to Kalki Moon, the latest of the boutique rum distilleries that have sprung up in Bundaberg utilizing the abundance of sugar cane and it's reputation as the Australian home of Rum.

Rick is under strict supervision from wife, Kylie

Once a senior rum maker at ",THE" Bundaberg Rum distillery, Rick has branched out on his own, ably assisted by his attentive wife, Kylie and other family members. By Australian law, rum must be matured in wooden barrels for a minimum of 2 years, so to establish a good cash flow in the interim, the available pure alcohol is used to produce both Vodka and Gin. We were shown how this is done.

 

The still

Vat of botanicals for the gin. Principally Juniper Berries, but a cocktail of other seeds, leaves and roots.

The Bloke's response to the taste test

Some of the product range available to buy now.

10 botanical additions for the Gin

We were introduced to 2 of the 3 Gins in their range plus to some of their flavored Vodka. Chocolate, vanilla and hazelnut proved a killer combination and a confident purchase.

Tasting was enthusiastic

As it turned out, it was World Gin and Tonic Day - who knew? I in particular, was thrilled with this revelation and forced myself to buy a couple of bottles - and not just the ‘everyday’ one with a mere 5 botanicals. 10 botanicals were a heady mix and guaranteed the cementing of October 19th into my calendar.

Wishing everyone a most happy World Gin and Tonic Day!

To complete our gourmet experience Geoff took us for Gelato; probably to balance the food groups. Bless him!

In the spirit, sister-in-law Jan, took little encouragement to say “Bottoms-up!” from Busselton!