Previously a gin festival, the event invites all spirits to the party this year. Photos: Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival.
Jervis Bay is branching out in the spirit of inclusion (pardon the pun) to host more craft distilleries around the Shoalhaven and South Coast region in the newly rebranded Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival. This marks the third year of the festival at White Sands Park in Huskisson, which overlooks the stunning beaches of Jervis Bay.
The annual event is run by the iconic Huskisson Hotel and aims to bring together craft alcohol producers as well as local food trucks for a day of gourmet delights. Organiser Robert Bartlett described the day as approachable and family-friendly.
“We know people are after something new and exciting,” he said. ”Our local gin distillers offer a tremendous product. But they also offer a lot more. So we expanded the festival to include whisky, vodka, rum, aperitivo and the like – from the region’s best distilled-spirits producers.”
Jervis Bay Distilling Co will have exclusive tastings of a yet-to-be-released spirit.
It’s quite common for craft distilleries to offer a range of different drinks. Whisky and rum need to be barrel-aged for several years, but gin is a product that can be sold immediately. So many distilleries make and sell gin as a way to grow their business while other spirits are ageing. Now that the craft distillery industry in Australia is a little more grown up, an increasing number of exceptional local whisky and rum products are coming to the market.
Tara Distillery will have its Single Pot Still Whiskey and Single Malt Whiskey, which it mills, mashes and ferments itself. The Irish-style distillery, just outside Nowra, was the first new craft distillery to be built in the Shoalhaven for more than 140 years, but many others have since joined it as these are drawn to the pristine landscape and ingredients of the region.
Family-friendly activities, live music and lawn games will be held throughout the day.
Another South Nowra offering is Old Salt Distillery, run by two former fine-dining chefs from Sydney who made the move to the South Coast to pursue their love of distilling spirits. Other distilleries include Marickville’s Unexpected Guest and the Blue Mountains’ Karu Distillery.
In addition to old favourites, brand-new products will be available for tasting at the festival.
“The festival will also be the first opportunity to taste Jervis Bay Distilling Co Sailors Rum,” Robert said.
”Not yet of age and so not released to the market, Jervis Bay Distilling Co has been quietly fermenting, distilling and ageing a rum that is distinctly local.
“With a history steeped in fishing, sailing, boat building and the navy, it seemed fitting that Jervis Bay Distilling Co crafts a rum fit for any sailor. Aged in a mix of ex-shiraz barrels and rye whiskey barrels, the rum is light and vibrant, just like the Jervis Bay summers.”
Cocktail masterclasses will be another highlight.
Other activities on the day include an espresso martini masterclass from Jervis Bay Coffee, cocktail and mixology demonstrations and fun family lawn games such as mini putt golf and Jenga. Local musicians will entertain the crowds while they enjoy food from local vendors such as Artisan Delish Salami, Old School Ice Cream and Fatty Dumplings.
The Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival will be held on 23 November from noon at White Sands Park, 2 Beach Street, Huskisson, NSW. For tickets and more information, click here.
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