Over the last few years, gin has seen a resurgence in popularity which has led to a lot of innovation in the range of gins that are available. Big-name classics like Hendrix and Tanqueray remain a constant fixture in most bars; however, the increased popularity has led to an explosion in the number of smaller distilleries that are creating their own gins.
One such distillery is Margaret River-based Smilov Spirits. Two years ago, during that small pandemic that nobody talks about anymore, Smilov launched its first product, a vodka. After spending the last couple of years since its launch perfecting its distilling process, it’s just launched its first gin. What makes this gin special is that it isn’t your typical clear or pink gin, this one is purple, getting its colour and flavour profile from lavender.
“I have personally wanted to create this elegant looking and tasting product before we even released the Vodka. The importance of ensuring that all these senses were given the right signals by this creation was a process that took over a year to perfect, and I couldn’t be happier with the results.” Smilov Spirits founder and CEO, Mary Smilovitis, told So Perth.
“So why did I choose to go down the path of doing a Lavender Purple Gin? In short – I’ve never been a pink lover. The more in-depth reason would be — I love the symbolism behind things, so of course it was important to have a product with strong meaning behind every aspect of its creation. Purple is royal. It’s elaborate. Purple is cheerful, whimsical, and playful.”
The gin utilises a combination of traditional and Australian native botanicals, which include Cinnamon Myrtle and Lemon Myrtle to enhance the distinctive tastes of Margaret River’s native bushland. It was also important to Smilovitis that all botanicals, including the lavender, were locally sourced, helping to support other local businesses in the region.
The Lavender Purple Gin launched last Tuesday with the first batch selling out almost immediately.
