Summerleas Distillery Tasmania
Founded in March 2018, Summerleas Distillery Tasmania is proudly owned and operated by Sarah Gunn, a 7th generation Tasmanian.
Summerleas Distillery is the start of a family legacy. A daring dream to leave something of value for the next generation to build upon.
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Each gin tells a story, and Summerleas Distillery have lots of stories to tell…
From a botanist naming the local plants and sending a Tasmanian Tiger back to Queen Victoria. From showdowns with bush rangers and surviving prohibition of how they make vodka from fire damaged grapes, and how a sole parent of 6 kids decided to risk everything to start a distillery.
So many stories, all waiting to be told.
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An Adventurous Spirit
While encouraging her six children to pursue their dreams, they asked her one day what her dream was! As Sarah was enjoying a favourite single malt whisky at the time, she replied ‘I want to learn to make this!’
Summerleas Tasmanian Distillery | Boutique Gin
After a trip to Scotland to learn the art of distilling, Sarah found herself in Amsterdam on World Gin Day and discovered a new passion for Gin. She travelled around Europe learning all she could about the fine art of gin making and doing a distilling course.
When she heard of a distilling course dedicated to gin in New York she applied and to her delight was accepted. Her trip to Scotland turned into around the world Gin journey!
Sarah Gunn | Summerleas Distillery | Tasmanian Distillery
The course focused on recipe development and the importance of getting the ratio of botanicals just right. The instructors included a master distiller, a recipe developer, a chemist and a professional taster from around the world.
With only 4 students accepted, it proved to be an invaluable experience. This knowledge and technical expertise enabled Sarah to develop her recipe for Summerleas Dry Gin and Navy Gin.
After a huge adventure, travelling around the world solo and with only carry-on luggage, Sarah arrived back in Tasmania. Her life savings spent on pursuing a dream. Then the real work began…
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Summerleas Distillery Place
Summerleas Distillery is nestled in the foothills between kunanyi/Mount Wellington and Storm Bay in an area known as Summerleas – a unique microclimate encompassing the cool air rolling over the mountain, offset with the salt laden sea breezes blowing in off the roughest piece of water in the world.
A hidden world of valleys, creeks and tall timbers with birds and wildlife aplenty, the distillery operates – quietly producing spirits of the highest quality at one with the Summerleas’ environment.
Being a small, family-owned distillery allows Summerleas Distillery to recycle, re-use and re-circulate, ensuring nothing goes to waste as a result of their operations.