About Us
Our Mission
“At HM Gin, we’re a father-daughter duo distilling more than just award-winning gin, we’re here to create spirited connections. Every bottle is crafted with care, flavour and the belief that good gin brings people together. Whether sipped over ice or mixed into your favourite cocktail, our gins are made to be shared, savoured and enjoyed in good company.”
Amy & Gavin Shaw (founders)
Our Story
Like all good stories ours started over a long lunch. Gavin had always dreamed of making wine but, in his 60s, he figured the timeline might have passed him by. His mate, let’s call him Big Gary, suggested spirits instead. With Gavin’s degree in Applied Chemistry it all started to make sense… even after a few wines.
Then came Melbourne’s 2020 lockdown. We began experimenting in the family shed and from the first distillation we were hooked. What started as curiosity quickly became a shared obsession. After our first batch of Orange Squeeze, we knew it was time to share our gins with more than just friends.
As a father-daughter duo, we bring different strengths to the table, from Amy’s carefully balanced recipes to Gavin’s years of technical expertise and occasionally a bit of bickering (usually when the best ideas are born).
Every bottle we craft is a reflection of our story, built on curiosity, collaboration and connection. It means a lot to be able to share that with you.
Amy and Gavin
Our Values
Family
Liquid Expertise
We Care
Our Name
What does HM Gin/Hillmartin stand for ?
Hillmartin Distillery is named after the street where the magic happens and where our story began. Hillmartin is shortened to HM and that’s how you get HM Gin.
Fun fact: Who was the brains behind the name? Not Dad or I, it was my Mum Kim – naturally she came up with this over a gin.
Go Behind the Scenes
Commitment to continuous learning
With a background in Applied Science and a major in Applied Chemistry, our Head Distiller Gavin Shaw has a fascination experimenting with different Australian botanicals and production techniques to make a perfect range of Gins. We are meticulous in ensuring a consistent flavour by controlling the quality of botanicals, distillation process and final product checks. Both co-founders have completed WSET Level 2 and Gavin’s has completed WSET 3.
Gavin in October 2025 was one of the first in Australia to complete Certificate 4 in Artisan Fermented Products.
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At HM Gin we are committed to being at the forefront of gin development and new and better ways to make your favourite drink.
We are proud members of the Australian Distillers Association ad Victorian Spirits Association.
The Australian Distillers Association is the peak industry body for Australian distillers, and was founded in 2004. Our Association aims to:
- Nurture the union of Australian distillers by promoting industry activities which further strengthen the distillers community
- Create opportunities to share information through industry forums and workshops
- Promote the knowledge and science of distillation
- Support the introduction of an Australian Spirits competition
- Lobby and work with established government and non-government organisations who share similar goals and philosophies
- Encourage and invite allied industry and consumer enthusiasts to become involved with ADA activities and events
- Provide education on Australian distillers and their products
- Promote the responsible consumption of alcohol
Meet the team spreading the love of gin all across Australia, one sip at a time!
