Four Pillars Gin, Healesville

I don't usually drink before midday, but we popped in for a quick look at Four Pillars Gin Distillery one morning, and before I knew it - there was 4 bottles lined up in front of me and I was sampling the wonderful flavours of the gin varieties produced on site. 
At 11:00am.
Oops!

Made in the huge copper stills named after the owners Mums - Wilma, Jude and Eileen - these spirits contain a range of botanicals to scintillate your senses.

Located in a former timber yard, the distillery is a visual delight of copper, steel, timber and glass, with splashes of vibrant colours from the native plants and flowers dotted around the place.

I started the tasting session with the Navy Strength, and it almost sank my battleship there and then. Wow - it packs some punch.
Next was the Spiced Negroni, a tasty mix of spices.
Then my favourite - the Rare Dry Gin. A refreshing and aromatic blend of  whole organic oranges, cinnamon, star anise, pepperberry and lemon myrtle.
The final gin was the limited edition Christmas Gin - an interesting mix of flavours creating a very Christmas-sy beverage.

The session lasted for about 45 minutes and the $10 cost was refunded upon my purchase of a bottle of gin to spend the Summer with.
Suitably refreshed, we set off to enjoy a fabulous lunch at Ezard at Levantine Hill.

What: Four Pillars Gin

Where: 2a Lilydale Road, Healesville

When: Daily from 10:30am

Why: gin. What more do you need...
How much: $10 tasting
Nearby: Ezard at Levantine Hill