Taste along with Charlie and compare the Kiwi gins against the Aussies. Headphones supplied.

George Grbich is a New Zealand-based spirits judge and author of The New Zealand Gin Guide with a strong passion for the world of gin. At the youthful age of 24, he has already published six independent books covering more than 800 gins and 300 distilleries. Experienced and committed to the promotion and development of the craft spirits industry and scene, George leverages both youth and expertise to share his knowledge and passion with others.

In the class he will compare and contrast two world class industries looking at gins that hold some properties of a classic style but integrate local flare and flavour. You will sample drinks showcasing NZ Native botanicals alongside a more classic backbone: Roots Dry Gin for Kawakawa and Juno for Manuka & Harakeke. You will be able to contrast these against Australian Native botanicals from Prohibition’s Original for Lemon Myrtle and Archie Rose’s Signature for Geraldton Wax and Pepper leaf.

Gin expert, Charles Casben of Moya’s Juniper Lounge in Sydney, introduces you to one of New South Wales’ newest distilleries.

Camden Valley Distilling Company produces both traditional and contemporary style gins, perfect for mixing up classic cocktails or enjoying neat. Taste your way through Camden Valley’s range, learn about gin production and appreciation, and receive great tips on how to mix up easy and delicious drinks at home by one of Australia’s most knowledgable bar owners. All masterclass attendees receive a cheese plate to enjoy alongside their tasting and the opportunity to win some prizes.

Join Ben in an interesting and informative class where you will taste his premium, boutique, handcrafted ROOTS Gin.

Produced in the heart of New Zealand’s internationally recognised wine region, Elemental Distillers is a Marlborough based craft distillery, founded by Ben Leggett and Simon Kelly.

Bringing decades of combined international drinks experience, Ben and Simon believe in delivering premium craft spirits and liqueurs with complete transparency of all ingredients, processes and production, from root – to cup.

Roots Marlborough Dry Gin, a bold juniper forward gin with only six core botanicals. Of these, only the juniper is sourced from offshore, imported direct after being wild harvested from the highlands of Macedonia.

Our other remaining botanicals are all grown entirely in New Zealand and acquired direct from either wild, organic, native or family-owned farms and co-operatives.