By Kirra Livingstone
THE Rare Orchid Distilling Co in Landsborough opened its doors in mid-September, but even before they had a chance to serve patrons, the distillery won two Australian Gin Awards Owner Jamie Jones said he was blown away that his product achieved recognition at the National Gin awards.
The Still Working orange-flavoured gin won Best Classic Dry Gin in Queensland and List of Two Doos won silver for Best Comtemporary Gin “We try and do everything as best as we can—the best coffee, best fit-out, and what I consider the best still,” Jamie said.
“When I found out, I was really stoked. It’s great for me, but how great is it for our local community too.” Jamie started the business after a post COVID-19 lockdown interest turned into a true passion.
“I left a dream job in Sydney when we moved up to the Sunshine Coast for my wife’s new job opportunity, and once COVID hit and I was staying at home, I thought, ‘What’s next?’” he said.“I successfully completed a course in distilling from the International Brewers and Distillers Association (IBD) based in London.
“I learned all the basics, and then I got interested, so I started on this self-awareness journey: What is it all about? How do you do it? There are various tutorials online.” The Rare Orchid Distilling Co is unique in its own right, as Jamie uses a still from Holland, different from a run-of the-mill still.
“An inventor and businessman from Holland set up a company called iStill, and I went to Europe and completed his distilling diploma at an intensive hands-on distilling workshop,” he said.
“The technology with the copper stills hasn’t changed in 200-odd years. “He has revolutionised a new kind of distilling and has made a smaller, mobile still out of stainless steel.”
The distillery is located at 7/35 Lenco Crescent, Landsborough. To book an appointment to sip their delicious gin on Friday and Saturday from 12–7 pm call 0477 219 144.
