A Family Legacy Distilled in the Blue Mountains
26 December 2024, 1:33 AM
When Joe Hungerford and his younger brother decided to start a distillery, they drew on their deep roots in the Bilpin region. As fifth-generation locals, their family has been part of the fabric of the Bilpins and Berambing area for over 120 years.
The Old Shed Distillery began operations three years ago, operating out of a heritage-listed shed on the Hungerford family's 120-acre Berambing property. Using only local, organic ingredients, they have crafted a range of premium gins, and other spirits that capture the essence of the region.
This commitment to local, sustainable production is evident throughout the distillery's operations, explained Joe. ”Everything we use is sourced from around here, from the local rainwater to the botanicals in our gin.
"Our orange, lemon thyme, and rosemary are all grown on the farm or sourced nearby, and we use an organic juniper as well.” The website also shares that “We live and source as much as we can locally, such as apples, blueberries and other native botanicals grown on the same site as our distillery.”
This year, to accommodate growing demand, Joe moved the still and manufacturing down the hill a bit, and opened to the public five weeks ago for gin tastings and a social destination, but they've maintained the small-batch, artisanal approach that sets their gin apart. “It’s a good fit with the cider sheds, and adds to making the area a great destination to visit,” said Joe.
Visitors to the Old Shed Distillery can enjoy free tastings and samples of the current gin, vodka, and citruscello offerings. The distillery is open Thursday through Sunday until 5pm, with a new licence granted that allows them to open until late on weekends.
Guests can enjoy the rustic environment and sip their gin (or a glass of wine) in comfortable surroundings (including the still) and enjoy charcuterie platters and housemade hot sauce with corn chips to pair with their spirits.
Locals can sign up for loyalty membership, which will give them first options on bespoke events and new relases.
In the future Joe and the team are releasing a limited edition whisky, more gins and fruit liqueurs, and as always, all the fruit for these will be sourced from Bilpin’s surrounding orchards and growers. Once The Old Shed Distillery releases more products in the next few months, It is planning an online retail presence as well.
The Old Shed Distillery is shaping up to be a must-visit Hawkesbury destination.
With a bottle of their organic gin retailing for $68, it makes the perfect gift for the gin lover in your life this Christmas. To book a tasting or private event, email the Old Shed Distillery or to organise a pre-Christmas get together with friends book at at [email protected]. Alternatively pop into the shed at 2419 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin.
