That’s Amaro! Sip a spritz with an Australian twist at Tamborine Mountain’s new distillery, Loborn
Ah, happy hour. There’s nothing like a little tipple at the end of the day to make us feel like a job well done. The Italians not just invented happy hour, but perfected it with an aperitivo: a glass of your favourite drink for a pre-dinner perk up. Now there’s a new small-batch distillery in Tamborine Mountain embracing the Italian spirit, in particular, the amaro spirit, and giving it a true Aussie taste. Here’s everything you need to know …
Nestled in the beautiful Tamborine Mountain, the Loborn Tasting Bar has officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for Australian amaro. Celebrating the local flavours and ingredients, Loborn is poised to redefine the way we experience amaro with its modern twist on this classic Italian aperitif.
Amaro is a bitter herbal liqueur that has been embraced by cocktail connoisseurs for its complex flavours and rich history. Traditionally Italian, Loborn spirits has created an amaro that truly reflects its Australian roots. Loborn’s innovative approach uses local botanicals, creating a distinctly Australian amaro while paying homage to its Italian heritage. There are two signature amaros created. The first, aptly named Amaro N01 is a light and bright aperitif crafted with a vibrant blend of native botanicals, making it a quintessential choice for a happy hour spritz. In contrast, Amaro N02 has rich and robust flavour with bittersweet notes, ideal for after-dinner cocktails like the Negroni or Americano. Complementing these is Loborn Original Gin, a crisp dry gin handcrafted with a blend of juniper and native citrus, delivering a clean, refreshing taste that elevates any gin-based cocktail to new heights.
Opening in June as part of the Scenic Rim’s Eat Local Month, Loborn, short for locally born spirits, is committed to championing community and sustainable practices. Located in North Stores, a mecca of food, art and nature in the heart of Tamborine Mountain, Loborn fits right in.
Founder and Head Distiller of Loborn Tom Drewett, shared his joy for Loborn’s new home: “It’s been great to open our doors and welcome the Tamborine Mountain community to chat about Amaro and share a few negronis with new friends.”
The Tasting Bar is open from Friday to Sunday, offering walk-in tastings, bottle sales, and a curated cocktail menu featuring classics like the negroni and the spritz, as well as some cheeky Loborn signatures such as the Amaro Sour. Enjoy within the picturesque setting of Tamborine Mountain, then take a bottle with you and make cocktails at home with the recipes found conveniently on the Loborn website.
Say “arrivederci” to the daily grind and book a tasting or cocktail masterclass at Loborn this weekend.
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