Celebrating the Launch of Central Coast Life & Style’s Summer Issue, Master Distiller Philip Moore and Distillery Botanica
Despite the recent stormy weather, the team from Central Coast Life & Style and over forty friends of the magazine gathered at picturesque Distillery Botanica last Friday afternoon to toast the launch of our summer issue, welcomed warmly by master distiller Philip Moore and his team.
Guests were treated to a full grazing spread courtesy of the hosts, along with irresistible scoops of goodness from Spoon Bay Gelato, stunning live music from our favourite, Elaskia, and a floral backdrop impeccably styled by Cosmos Floral Boutique – and of course, an open bar celebrating all of the Distillery Botanica creations – creating a warm and inviting atmosphere despite the weather outside. Philip Moore himself shared insights into his craft, leaving guests inspired by his journey and the story behind the award-winning Distillery Botanica. As promised, we’ve gone back through the Central Coast Life & Style archives to re-share the story of this beautiful property, and the humble man who owns it.
Above: Cathy Baker, Editor-In-Chief of Central Coast Life and Style, and Philip Moore, Master Distiller and Founder of Distillery Botanica
The Origins of Distillery Botanica and Master Distiller, Philip Moore
Previously a nursery, as well as a venue for weddings, fairy parties and other events in the 1980s and ‘90s, you’d be hard-pressed to find a veteran Central Coast local who doesn’t have fond memories of ‘The Fragrant Gardens’, now occupied by Distillery Botanica, the home of Moore’s Gin.
Local horticulturalist Philip Moore was a passionate wholesale grower of high quality herbs that he had previously supplied to the old nursery in Erina Heights. Following his ‘retirement’ in 2005, he bought the property – and with the help of a few books, the internet, his first tiny ‘still’ and his trademark curiosity, he set about learning the science and art of distilling.
Philip’s years of experience with herbs and botanicals served as invaluable preparation as he was self-taught to create gins and liqueurs with ingredients sourced from the surrounding gardens. A year later, Moore became only the 16th Australian to be granted a licence to distil. As he has perfected his gins and liqueurs over the years, he has spent thousands of meticulous hours honing his craft, creating some of the best gins and liqueurs in the world.
In 2025, there are now over 700 distilleries around Australia, but Distillery Botanica is still one of the very best. They were the first and only Australian distillery to win Herb Liqueur of the Year in Germany, as well as gold medals in London and San Francisco for Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, co-created by Philip in 2013. This acclaim paved the way for its acquisition by Diageo in 2022, further solidifying Distillery Botanica’s reputation as a leader in craft spirits.
For Moore’s Gin, though, the distillery was the first in Australia to win a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London – the world’s most prestigious spirits show, held in the home of gin.
It is Moore’s Gin that is truly the jewel in Philip Moore’s ‘king of gin’ crown. A classic juniper and citrus dominant London dry style of gin, it is subtly layered with Australian native botanicals to create a flavour that is truly unique. Judges described Moore’s Gin as “truly classic in style – uplifting, assertive, balanced; pleasing and captivating.”
The newest addition to the range, Moore’s Pearl Crush Gin, underscore the distillery’s innovative spirit and connection to the local Central Coast community. Created in collaboration with Broken Bay Pearl Farm, this unique gin incorporates distilled Akoya saltwater pearls alongside botanicals such as pink grapefruit, Valencia orange, and blood orange, many of which are grown locally in Kulnura. The result is an elegant, ocean-inspired gin with delicate notes of citrus, salt, and seaweed, presented in a luminous bottle that pays homage to the beautiful region where it was created.
Philip’s accolades extend beyond his products, too. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, he was inducted into the Gin UK Magazine Hall of Fame, the first Australian to receive this prestigious honour. But for Philip, it’s all about the craft – you’ll find him most days at the cellar door sharing his now extensive knowledge of distilled spirit creation, guiding visitors through a tasting or working away at his next creation.
Explore Distillery Botanica
Visitors to Distillery Botanica can immerse themselves in a range of experiences designed for the ultimate producer experience. From gin tastings and cocktail-making classes to distillery and garden tours, there’s something for everyone. Highlights include the ‘Distil Your Own Gin’ workshops, where participants can create their own personalised gin (in a personalised bottle) using botanicals picked fresh from the gardens. For a truly special experience, guests can join an exclusive guided tour with Philip Moore himself, held on the first Sunday of each month.
The distillery’s recently upgraded cellar door and expansive botanical garden offer a stunning backdrop for exploring, particularly on a warm summer day. Inspired by Spanish and Persian walled gardens, the space features a martini glass-shaped fountain, rows of citrus trees, herb beds and abundant florals, creating the perfect spot for a drink, or even a light meal in the on-site café.
For those looking to enjoy Distillery Botanica’s creations at home, the full range of gins and liqueurs, including the special edition Pearl Crush Gin, is available for purchase online and at the cellar door.
For updates and opening event details, sign up to become a Friend of the Distillery. For online orders, home delivery and further information, head to www.distillerybotanica.com or call (02) 4365 3968.
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