Happenstance Gin

Happenstance Gin combines juniper and coriander with two Australian plants, lemon myrtle and strawberry gum. At 42% ABV, it is the distillery's citrus-forward house gin, and the four named botanicals make its character easy to follow. Happenstance received a Gold Medal at the 2020 Australian Gin Awards, early in the brand's life.

Citrus · Dry · Herbal

Lemon myrtleLemon myrtleThe leaf of an Australian tree with an intense lemon scent, purer than zest and without acidity.Glossary gives the nose a bright, fragrant lift, more perfumed than lemon peel, while coriander adds a warm spice that links it to the juniperJuniperThe one compulsory botanical: gin must taste predominantly of juniper. Its "berry" is really a small conifer cone, resinous and peppery.Glossary.

On the palate, juniper keeps a resinousResinousAn aroma reminiscent of pine or fir resin. It is juniper's signature, due to compounds such as pinene.Glossary line beneath the freshness. Strawberry gum, a eucalyptus with a soft berry scent, rounds the edges with a gentler native note, so the gin is lively without being sharp. The finish is clean and dry, with a faint green, leafy echo of the two native leaves. Coriander brings a dry, slightly citrus spice mid-palate.

Sold in 700 ml bottles, it leaves the choice of drink to the drinker, and the gin moves easily between tonic, soda and cocktails. Tonic brings out the aromatic citrus; soda leaves more room for the juniper and the strawberry gum. Its balance also suits a GimletGimletGin with lime cordial or sweetened lime juice, served well chilled without ice. It is said to come from the Royal Navy, as a guard against scurvy.Glossary or a Tom CollinsTom CollinsA long drink of gin, lemon juice, sugar and soda water, served over ice in a tall glass.Glossary, where fresh citrus juice meets the lemon myrtle. Compared with the distillery's Fiesta Gin, there is no chilli or anise here, which makes it a straightforward house pour. Neat over a large ice cubeLarge iceOne large block melts far more slowly than several small cubes, so the drink stays cold without watering down.Glossary, the lemon myrtle is especially clear.

For a gin and tonic, pour 4 cl over clear iceClear iceIce without air bubbles, made by slow, directional freezing. Denser, it melts more slowly and dilutes less.Glossary in a balloon glass, add 10 cl of chilled Double Dutch Indian Tonic Water and stir once. A lemon myrtle leaf and a strawberry gum leafStrawberry gumThe leaf of an Australian eucalyptus that smells of strawberry and red fruit.Glossary garnish the drink with the two native botanicals of the recipe. Rub the leaves lightly before adding them, so their oils reach the nose with the first sip.