Meet the Maker: Philip Moore of Moore’s Gin
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 gardens now occupied by Distillery Botanica, the home of Moore’s Gin.
Words by Jacqueline O’Neill, Photography supplied.
Local horticulturalist Philip Moore was a passionate wholesale grower of high quality herbs 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 and his first tiny ‘still’, he set about learning the science and art of distilling.
Philip Moore at work.
His 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.
Turmuric root, grown in the gardens, is a feature in several gins in the Moore’s range.
In 2022, there are now over 300 distilleries around Australia, but Distillery Botanica is still one of the 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. For Moore’s Gin, the distillery is also the first and only 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. Philip himself has also recently been inducted into the Gin UK Magazine Hall of Fame – and is the first Australian to receive this honour.
Everything about Philip’s gardens, gins and liqueurs is home grown.
Mr Black is delicious, and the seasonal Lemon Myrtle liqueur is a must-try, but 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.”
Some products from the Moore’s Gin range – from left, Moore’s Dry Gin – Distiller’s Cut Juniper, Moore’s Dry Gin, and Moore’s Dry Gin – Roots & Leaves
At the distillery, guided group tastings, tours and ‘distil your own gin’ workshops will be launched soon. There’s also an exciting distillery door upgrade on its way, and plenty of opportunities to meet and learn from Philip himself. 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.
