By John Rozentals.
James Young: merely a custodian.
His small tin-shed distillery only opened in 2016, but James Young has already won back-to-back Distillery of the Year titles at one of Australia’s most prestigious spirit competitions.
With that enviable title under his belt, the Perth local is about to see his lifelong dream become a reality: the opening of brand-new distillery in Gingin, and the launch of a world-class gin of the same calibre — one that earnt Old Young’s the highest accolade possible at the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards in 2017 and 2018.
The move means Gin will finally have a spiritual home, not London, or even The Netherlands, but in West Australia.
Gingin Gin — a modern classic where Mediterranean meets exotic — is made using the finest locally sourced ingredients from Gingin, as well as botanicals from far away exotic locations.
“I’ve been driving through Gingin since I was 3 or 4 years old. The penny finally dropped that I should be making gin in Gingin about 8-10 years ago,” said James Young.
“I’m merely the custodian of Gingin Gin however, and so it is incumbent on me to make an amazing gin that befits the name.
Anything less than the perfect packaging, design and liquid would be underselling the region’s incredible local ingredients and pristine water.
WINE REVIEWS
D’Arenberg 2018 The Lucky Lizard Chardonnay ($32): This dry white is brimming with stone fruit, lemon curd and cut-straw aromas. It’s a textural, refreshing Chardonnay, with pithy grapefruit and white peach flavours strewn across the palate. The finish is tangy and long, concluding with gentle phenolic grip. Drink with white-sauced pasta.
D’Arenberg 2018 The Feral Fox Pinot Noir ($32): The nose of this dry red is typically varietal with cherry plum notes complemented by woody spice, truffle and subtle charred oak. A delightful lighter-style red. Drink with meat and mushroom pizza.
GIN OF THE WEEK
Gingin Gin ($85 per 700ml): This is top-class gin. As it should be given the price tag. Blended from grade and classy botanicals — including Tuscan juniper, Spanish coriander, German angelica, liquorice from China, Ti Kwan Yin (Green Tea) from Sri Lanka, and almond from Egypt — this shows excllent pure spirit and flavour.
