“World-first” process delivers a world class spirit for tiny NSW distillery.
North of Eden’s Oyster Shell Vodka – an award-winning combination of tradition and ingenuity.
Artisanal distillery North of Eden today released its brand-new Oyster Shell Vodka. Already known for its stable of award-winning gins, this is North of Eden’s first vodka and a ground-breaking addition to the Australian vodka scene.
In what is thought to be a world-first process for a commercial distillery, co-owner and Master Distiller Gavin Hughes stacks the columns of North of Eden’s small copper alembic stills with hundreds of locally sourced oyster shells. Those shells then act as “purifiers” in the distillation process, allowing this tiny regional distillery to create a beautifully smooth, unfiltered vodka.
“I thought it would be impossible for us to make a vodka, because I know that premium vodka is generally only made on much larger, and very specialised, column stills,” laughs co-owner Karen Touchie.
However, after hundreds of hours of meticulous experimentation in the distillery, including hand-cleaning thousands of oyster shells, the couple’s dream of creating a premium vodka was finally realised.
“What I love most about this vodka is not simply that we’ve been able to create a world-class spirit, but we’ve done it in a way that completely reimagines the distillation process,” says Mr Hughes.
“It’s an artisan spirit in every sense of the word. Handcrafted with equal parts innovation and hard work, it really has been a labour of love to create a vodka of this quality using alembic stills” he added.
The judges at the International Wine and Spirits Competition and the San Francisco World Spirit Competition agree, with the Oyster Shell Vodka picking up a Silver medal at both competitions.
On awarding the vodka a silver medal, IWSC judges noted the spirit displays: A clean nose with zesty citrus notes and a subtle grain character. Balanced, creamy texture with soft caramel, white pepper, herbal undertones and hints of vanilla on the finish.
Launched by Canberra’s beloved craft spirits advocate ‘The Martini Whisperer’ Phillip Jones, who said of the new Vodka: “What Gavin & Karen have done is craft something unique that speaks not only to their locale and its gifts but offers a deliciously complex vodka that is world- class through a perfect combination of innovation, experience and inspiration”.
North of Eden Distillery is located on the NSW Far South Coast, near Bega, and its spirits are all handcrafted on two small 100-litre copper alembic stills. Producing only 400 bottles at a time, the distillery was established in 2018 and also produces an award-winning range of gins.
North of Eden's Oyster Shell Vodka is available from select bottle shops along the NSW South Coast and in Canberra. It can also be purchased at the distillery Cellar Door or online at www.northofeden.com.au. For trade enquiries, please email info@northofeden.com.au
For further information, visit www.northofeden.com.au
Media contact:
Gavin Hughes • North of Eden Phone: 0419475261 • Email: info@northofeden.com.au
