Australia's craft distillery scene is in the midst of a spirited renaissance, with a surge of innovative establishments cropping up and garnering global acclaim. Amid this flourishing landscape, one name that resonates with distinction is Headlands Distilling, an artisanal haven nestled in Wollongong.
The journey begins with a commitment to perfection and a focus on precision, as Headlands' founders fine-tune their craft by meticulously creating a premium-grade vodka. Rooted in Wollongong and armed with a scientific background linked to the University of Wollongong, they unravel the intricacies of distillation to create a liquid masterpiece.
Seacliff Vodka, the hallmark of their expertise, is a testament to their dedication to quality and traceability. Sourced from locally grown barley, each grain can be traced back to individual paddocks, establishing a profound connection with the earth that nurtures the ingredients. This attention to detail culminates in an award-winning vodka celebrated for its eloquent smoothness, designed to be savored by those who relish life's finer pleasures.
The fermentation process unfolds as a cold symphony, mirroring the meticulous techniques employed in crafting lager beer. Although this method demands more time than traditional hot vodka fermentation, the result is a superior elixir, free from the impurities that often plague products born in a heated environment.
At the heart of Headlands' ethos lies the "Grain to Glass" philosophy, a commitment to producing every element from scratch. From milling the grain to labeling the bottle, every step is a testament to their passion for ensuring purity at every stage. With complete oversight of the locally grown barley, from the ground to the glass, Headlands ensures an uncompromising journey of quality.
As their approach evolves, a customised, energy-efficient distillation setup takes center stage, emphasizing a sustainable approach and waste minimization. This milestone opens the door to a diversified range, including gin and related spirits. The initiation of whiskey production follows suit, with locally sourced barley and barrels from Australian wineries, creatively shaved and re-charred.
While the debut Bourbon cask release remains elusive, a recent encounter with their 5-year old Single Malt Apera Cask provides a tantalizing glimpse into Headlands' alchemical prowess. Floral and dried fruity notes enchant the senses, seamlessly transitioning into a palate of dried fruits, vanilla, and walnuts, culminating in a lingering finish with hints of chocolate and toasted marshmallow. At a moderate 46%, it's a masterfully calibrated drop.
The Muscat Cask expression, refined in fifteen-year-old Seppeltsfield Rare Muscat oak casks, unveils a sensory journey of floral aromas, sweet lychee fruits, browned butter, and caramelized sugar, enriched by a crescendo of vanilla and charred oak notes.
With a holistic approach to distilling, Headlands Distillery navigates the challenges of Australia's excise taxes, finding the sweet spot between crafting premium products and offering competitive pricing. The biggest compliment is reserved for their Tidal Lines Plum Gin – a testament to their ability to transcend personal preferences. This gin, aged for a year in French Oak wine barrels, presents a complex flavor profile, requiring no mixers to shine.
Indulge in the sublime with Mt. & Sea Gin, a libation that captures the essence of Wollongong's natural wonders. Crafted with tradition in mind, this gin weaves a tapestry of flavors, setting it apart from the mundane.
Encased in iconic bottles, both the Tidal Lines Plum Gin and the Mt. & Sea Gin are not mere drinks; they are aesthetic experiences, a testament to Headlands' commitment to quality and artistry.
For those who appreciate spirits, the trajectory of Headlands Distillery is unmistakable. Their talented, agile, and ambitious approach, coupled with a relentless pursuit of value and quality, positions them to become an internationally sought-after brand.
Get in early; the journey has just begun.
Explore more at Headlands Distillery.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesty of Headlands Distillery.