Overview
Last year, Four Pillars dropped a boozy ode to the legendary haunt that is The Espy. Fittingly dubbed Sticky Carpet Gin, the creation was crafted in celebration of the historic pub's much-hyped reopening. But, you couldn't actually buy it — you could only try it in cocktails at the St Kilda pub.
Now, the Healesville distillery has dropped a super limited release of the gin on its online store. There are only a very small number of the $85 bottles available, and they're limited to two per person, so don't sleep on it if you want one. If you do miss out, however, there'll be a few available to buy from the distillery door from Saturday, September 14, too.
Lauren Bamford
With this drop, Four Pillars co-founder and distiller Cam Mackenzie set out to capture the spirit of a venue that's meant many different things to different people. To lend an unmistakable pub feel and give a malty edge, the gin uses local Watts River roasted dark stout in its base. On top of that, some roasted barley and cascade hops push the beer flavour a little further, mingling with other botanicals like juniper, coriander, green pepper, honey and cassia, and a fresh hit of lemon peel and ginger. The result is a little bit deeper and darker than your usual gin of choice, aptly described by Cam as "a gin for beer lovers".
Even the Sticky Carpet Gin's packaging gives a firm nod to The Espy, with old band posters recovered from the venue used on the underside of the labels.
Four Pillars Sticky Carpet Gin is available to purchase online, and from the Four Pillars distillery, 2A Lilydale Road, Healesville from Saturday, September 14.
Top image: Lauren Bamford.