Overview
Not content with bringing rum distilling back to Sydney's inner city, making batches of it in a 1200-litre still and serving up more than 150 different varieties at its onsite bar, Brix is adding another aspect to its operations — custom 20-litre casks that Sydneysiders can help design and make (and then drink, obviously) themselves.
Fresh from opening back in August, the Surry Hills distillery has launched a barrel program, which enables rum lovers to whip up their own concoction. Customers will choose their own barrel style (including lightly or heavily charred, ex-whiskey, Chardonnay or Shiraz) and create a rum to their preferred taste. Next, they'll help head distiller Shane Casey during the distillation process, before filling the barrel themselves.
The cask is then signed, sealed, stamped, stacked and stored at the Bourke Street spot, for a minimum of two years. As the rum fully matures across that period, barrel owners can pop in for a taste and sample whenever they like — and choose when they think the spirit is ready to drink.
As you might've noticed, there are a few caveats. Firstly, you do have to be willing to wait two years to take your boozy barrel home with you. Secondly, you'll need a lazy $3,500 + GST lying around, although the price does include excise. If you're patient, cashed-up and raring for your own rum, you'll also receive with a Brix tour and tasting for four people with your barrel purchase, plus 10 percent off at the bar for life.
Find Brix Distillers at 352 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Its regular opening hours at 12pm–midnight Monday–Saturday, and 12pm–10pm Sunday.