Other than tasting mighty fine, what actually is gin? And what are the botanicals which give different varieties their unique flavours? Kangaroo Island Spirits co-founder and owner Jon Lark established Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery in 2002, choosing their unique location after travelling the country from east to west and in between.
While Jon and his wife Sarah think gin should be predominately juniper flavoured – as originally created – they like nothing more than creating new flavours using local plants – or botanicals. Jon can also tell you how best to enjoy a gin, or what to add to maximise its ingredients.
The South Australian Business Chamber’s favourite was KI Spirits’ Mulberry Gin… but if you visit their Kangaroo Island distillery you can taste their seven varieties while enjoying their native bushland setting, which has in the past played host to parties, weddings and almost anything.
KIS has been hitting the jackpot in recent months with awards left, right and centre. It’s O’Gin was recently named best contemporary gin at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London and in early June (this year!) KIS won double gold at the international SIP awards in the US, the only internationally-recognised, consumer-judged competition. The double gold is the highest accolade for a gin, and KIS won double golds for three of its gins; KIS O Gin, KIS Whisky Barrel Gin, and KIS Old Tom Gin. Earlier this year KIS won Best in Show at the Australian Gin Awards, and a multitude of other gongs.
KIS is also a partner at the South Australian Business Chamber 2019 Export Awards, sponsoring the highly-popular gin bar at the event. It’s the place to be as the awards wrap up.
KI Spirits also recently participated in the South Australian Business Chamber’s Export Ready Program to get a better understanding of the export process.
Having commenced negotiations with potential distributors in China and Japan, Jon wanted to get a better understanding of processes, the support available and how to avoid making costly errors.
“The ERP provided us with a greater understanding of the costs involved in exporting and promoting our brand in the overseas market place, so we are now in a better position to budget and plan,” Jon said.
To find out more about KIS and the best way to drink gin, watch this week’s member profile video here:
