The distillation process for HM Woodcutter gin starts with the still being loaded up with a mix of water, alcohol, a healthy dose of juniper and a sprinkling of coriander seeds. The hatch of the still is closed and we turn the stirrer on. For the next 16-18 hours the juniper and coriander seeds macerate in the base of alcohol and water. The maceration process is important as it draws the maximum flavour from the juniper and coriander seeds creating a much deeper flavour.
When maceration is complete, and before we begin heating the still, coconut sugar and finely cut lemon myrtle is added to the pot of the still. We do this to allows these two ingredients time to permeate through the solution.
Whilst the still is heating up we prepare fresh Australian lemons and limes for the botanical basket. Our head distiller Gav cuts each lemon and lime into 16 pieces – fiddly and time consuming but worth the effort. The cut citrus is then added to the botanical basket.
Fun fact, in case you didn’t know, pure ethanol (alcohol) boils at approximately 78 degrees Celsius. So, because of this we heat the still to around 80 degrees and once it reaches this temperature, we back things off to keep the solution gently boiling throughout the distillation process. And this is when the gin magic happens.
Now with the contents of the still at boiling point, the vapour travels through the column to the botanical basket picking up all the delicious freshness of the lemons and limes. Once through the botanical basket the vapour then makes its’ way through the condenser column where the vapour is cooled to revert to liquid and collected in a storage tank.
To the concentrated Woodcutter distillate being held in a stainless steel tank, we immerse medium toasted French oak spirals (or staves). We leave these for 14 days before removing them from the tank. The oak balances the flavour of the distillate resulting is a citrus forward gin with a caramel oak finish.
The final step of all our gin manufacturing is to adjust the ABV of the distillate by adding water followed by quality control. Once the gin has been approved we commence bottling.
Michael Hall-Johns – :
HillMartin have hit a home run with this gin, pair this with a ginger ale, ice and a slice of lime and you have bliss in a glass. This is my definite go to gin.
Andrea Randall – :
A versatile gin. It’s lovely to drink with a ginger ale/beer, and would be a good choice if you’re trying to convert a darker spirit drinker! Also, I used Woodcutter in my Christmas baking instead of brandy, and it was simply divine. A good one to always have on hand.
Eliza Shephard – :
This is one of my go-to gins, great in both of the serving suggestions (over ice or with ginger ale). Super easy to drink and enjoy, and a perfectly versatile one for both hot summer days and dark winter evenings. Everyone should have a bottle of this!
Josette – :
This is the kind of gin a whiskey drinker could appreciate. It’s a smooth gin with with notes of citrus and a lovely honey colour due to the French oak spirals. This gin is both delicious neat over ice or as a mixed drink with Fevertrees spiced orange ginger ale.
David S – :
I was lucky enough to come across Hillmartin Gin a few months ago at a local farmers market.
I’m now a massive fan and recommend Woodcutter and Orange Squeeze Gin to all my mates. Keep up the great work.
Nathan S – :
Tasted this awesome gin at Brisbane Gin Festival and immediately bought a bottle. Such a smooth and tasty gin that often I drink without any mixer (not really required). Has become an immediate favourite.
So easy to buy from HM Gin. Postage was fast and packed really well. Onto drinking my next bottles of Woodcutter Gin.
Alison – :
Thankyou for the quick delivery. I am looking forward to drinking it over the summer.