In the heart of our distillery sits a 500-litre masterpiece of copper and steel. She’s sophisticated, she’s hardworking, and she’s a little bit wicked. We call her Gwendoline.
Naming our still wasn’t just about tradition; it was about tribute. Gwendoline was my grandmother—a woman who truly defined "grit with grace". She survived two husbands and a World War, and raised two children, all while maintaining an immaculate garden and an even sharper wit. We figured if we were going to craft a premium spirit, we needed a machine with a personality that could handle the job.
Elegance Under Pressure
Gwendoline (the woman) had a flair for creating flavour in the kitchen and an unparalleled work ethic. Gwendoline (the still) follows suit.
To ensure every drop of our Gin and Vodka is nothing short of premium, we don’t take shortcuts. Our hybrid still features four oversized plates in the reflux column. Much like my grandmother’s approach to her legendary Sunday roasts, these plates ensure total precision. By engaging the reflux column for both our vodka and our gin, we’re able to "nurture" the spirit—stripping away the harshness and leaving only a smooth, sophisticated finish.
A Legacy of Botanicals
If you ever saw Gwendoline’s garden, you’d understand our obsession with local provenance. Her commitment to her floral sanctuary was legendary; not a leaf was out of place, and the scents were intoxicating.
Today, that botanical brilliance lives on in our spirit making. As the spirit vapour passes through, it’s infused with locally grown citrus and native Australian botanicals, much like the vibrant influences that once filled Gwendoline’s backyard.
Serious Spirit, Wicked Soul
Gwendoline took her tasks seriously, but she always did them with a hint of elegance and a twinkle in her eye. We’ve built Port Jackson Distilling Co. on that same philosophy. We are meticulous about our science, but we never forget that a great spirit is meant to be enjoyed with a laugh and a toast to the good times.
So, the next time you pour a glass of our Sydney Dry Gin or our smooth Vodka, know that it was watched over by a still with a lot of history and a little bit of attitude.
Here’s to Gwendoline – the woman, the still, the spirit