Australian gin seeks investors

An Australian duo has launched a crowdfunding campaign to develop a gin made in Melbourne, in partnership with The Craft & Co.

McGowan and Reaburn have reached 90% of its crowdfunding bid to launch the Melbourne-based gin

Created by Dervilla McGowan and Sebastian Reaburn in collaboration with The Craft & Co in Collingwood, Melbourne, Artemis Gin is the first “craft” gin to be distilled in Melbourne.

McGowan and Reaburn have launched a Pozible campaign to release Artemis, reaching 90% of its goal in five days.

Artemis is described as a “juniper dominant, dry gin with our namesake botanical Artemisia filling out the middle palate, and native eucalyptus to boost the juniper”.

The gin is distilled in small batches, with all botanicals macerated and then distilled. Each batch takes a few days of maceration and then two days to distil.

Reaburn has spent his entire working life in the industry, and is currently house distiller at The Craft & Co. He opened Melbourne bar 1806 and helped launch 42 Below. McGowan left bartending to become a scientist, recently completing her PhD in microbioloogy.

McGowan said: “The Craft & Co are opening a path to market for people to create their own spirits. As part of that, Artemis Gin will be collaborating with The Craft & Co to deliver industry and consumer training on all aspects of distillation and craft spirit production.

“We love gin, we love cocktails, we have been a part of the Australian booze industry for more than two decades, and we are very excited to share our passion and our spirit with gin lovers everywhere.”

Earlier this month, a crowdfunding bid was launched to establish Scotland’s second rum distillery on the Moray coast.