For most of us layman libation sippers, the art of spirit making might as well be an incomprehensible magical art. By our logic, that would make Ryan and Megan Sanders modern-day alchemists. While they would politely rebuff the title, the talented duo behind Binge Creative have managed to crack the secrets behind gin distillation, and now after many months of what we imagine to be mad-scientist experimentation, the team is unveiling the result of its efforts – Brisbane’s latest home-grown gin brand Winston Quinn. Back in May, Ryan and Megan shared some details about their plans to open a distillery and cellar door, and we’ve been waiting to hear more. Well, Winston Quinn has sent a few bottles to Little Valley, where the skilled bar staff have immediately put all four of Winston Quinn’s gins into its spirit rotation. From this weekend onwards, Winston Quinn will have bottles popping up all over town, and while Ryan and Megan modestly claim they don’t want to take over the world, their traditional approach to distilling and use of fresh-in-the-moment ingredients will certainly earn them acclaim.

Winston Quinn’s debut range includes four varieties, each tested to ensure the right mix of botanicals created flavours that would pair well with Queensland’s climate. Winston Quinn’s range is versatile, with a tipple suiting most tastes, like a comfortable pair of denim jeans. Leading the release is the brand’s most flexible style, the Dry Cut – a take on the London dry gin, made using fresh lemon peel, orange peel, plus lemon myrtle to give it some tasty citrus undertones. The second type is called Skinny Jeans – a similarly dry gin, this drop is more juniper heavy and is coloured naturally by the butterfly pea flower, giving it a blush pink hue when tonic is added. Few garnishes suit a G&T better than cucumber, and the Slim Crop uses it as a major flavour cornerstone. Roughly 60 kilos of fresh cucumber are cut by hand and macerated for ten hours before distilling, giving the end result a punchy aroma. Finally, the Pink Fit gin is an ode to Brisbane’s love of strawberries – naturally coloured and flavoured by the freshest fruit, this one is perfect for anyone who only goes to The Ekka for its strawberry sundaes. Keep your eyes peeled for Winston Quinn gin around town – it’ll be hard to miss, just look for the gorgeously designed labels and textured glass bottles.

Winston Quinn is being stocked at Little Valley right now. Be sure to check Winston Quinn’s website for updates on stockists and the progress on Winston Quinn’s cellar door.