Patient Wolf's Huge New CBD Warehouse Distillery Is Almost Ready to Open Its Doors

Patient Wolf's name might refer to a cheeky quote from Hollywood screen siren Lana Turner — she famously said "a gentleman is simply a patient wolf" — but it's also fitting given how many of the gin label's fans have been waiting (perhaps not so) patiently for it to open a tasting bar of its own.

Having launched the business in 2016, Matt Argus and Dave Irwin have been operating out of a cosy Brunswick distillery, only open to the public on a handful of celebratory occasions. But now, the wait is finally over — and just in time for gin season, no less. The team is just weeks away from opening the doors to its new, much grander, Southbank digs, which comes complete with cellar door, cocktail bar and plenty of room for future growth spurts. In fact, once running on all cylinders, it'll be Victoria's largest independent gin distillery (now that Four Pillars is half-owned by Lion).

The distillery's entire operations will be relocated here, with the boys' original 220-litre Müller copper still to be joined next year by another sleek German-made edition with five times the capacity, as output amps up big-time.

At the front of the warehouse space, you'll find a warm, contemporary 30-seat tasting bar, where you can camp out, sipping gin with a direct view of where it was crafted. Soft blue tones reference the juniper berry, contrasting with exposed brick walls and a few polished-up industrial elements.

Brand ambassador Blake Hall (Jasper's, The Store Room, Fall From Grace) is heading things up front of house. With the bar team, he'll be gently pushing the knowledge side of things, and offering fun workshops and tastings along with top-notch Patient Wolf cocktails.

You'll spy an ever-growing selection of vermouth, as well as a rotating showcase of favourite drops from other local craft booze producers. And — off the back of some successful collaborations and barrel-ageing adventures with Cheltenham brewery Wolf of the Willows — you can expect plenty more small-batch experimental stuff to come, much of which will be exclusive to the bar.

An oft-changing cocktail list will pay homage to the classics, without being afraid to get a little creative. Settle in with a vibrant snow pea-infused southside, or perhaps a contemporary riff on the clover club. Or, for the ultimate boss move, there's the new martini trolley, wheeled right to your table. Booked by the hour, this one gets you a customised tasting featuring various vermouths and garnishes, a little education, and some tips and tricks to nailing the perfect martini at home.

Patient Wolf's new distillery will open at 34–36 Market Street, Southbank in the coming weeks. We'll let you know when the doors are open. 

Images: Julia Sansone.