Gin aficionados have heard the words 'native botanicals' plenty of times. They're part of the gin lingo, after all. Ask the Applewood Distillery team how they view the term, though, and you'll likely hear about the outfit's commitment to sustainable ingredients that have adapted to South Australia over millennia — with the Gumeracha-based operation focused on crops that thrive with minimal water and agricultural intervention.
As sourced from Indigenous farming communities, Applewood's botanicals flavour its range of gins. If you're only going to pick one, though, Coral Gin stands out. Its newest core product, it's made with riberries, strawberry gum and karkalla, is inspired by the Great Barrier Reef, and part of all its sales are donated to preserving the natural wonder.
Applewood Distillery is open for tastings and takeaway sales five days a week, from Thursday–Monday, with bookings recommended.