Since 2017 when three mates – Sean Baxter, George Georgiadis and Tim Boast – launched Never Never Distilling Co in a 16-square-metre garage with a 300-litre pot and column hybrid named Wendy (which they still use), the McLaren Vale-based gin house has become one of Australia’s most-awarded distilleries. Now, Never Never Distilling Co has made a move into the ready-to-pour cocktail market.
Instead of going the single-pour route, it has launched with two limited-edition cocktails: a
Panettone Negroni and an Oyster Shell Gimlet, both 500 mils. “We’ve taken two of our most popular Distillery Door drink serves and decided they’re too damn good not to share,” Never Never said on Instagram.
Inspired by the traditional Italian Christmas loaf, the Panettone Negroni consists of Never Never’s Triple Juniper Gin mixed with Campari, Regal Rogue Vermouth, aged muscat, orange curacao, rye and vanilla bean. Think buttered fruit toast, candied fruit and spice. Serve it chilled, over ice and with a fresh orange wedge.
If you prefer a refreshing but nostalgic drink, the Oyster Shell Gimlet tastes like a sticky, lemonade icy pole slurped at the local pool on a stiflingly hot day. Because it includes one of Australia’s first gins made with oyster shells, Never Never’s Oyster Shell Gin (which was a collab with Melbourne fine diner Society), it has a subtle saline character. It’s rounded with apera (Australian sherry) from the Barossa and a zesty kick thanks to the house-made makrut lime-leaf syrup. To serve? Pour in a chilled coupe or highball glass and top with soda. It goes well with seafood.
When the cocktails were first released in November 2022, they sold out in less than a month. As of Friday March 17, the cocktails will be re-released both online (shipping nationally) and from their McLaren Vale distillery door. Based on the the success of the first release, the cocktails are sure to sell out again soon – so make sure you get that order in fast.
Never Never Distillery’s 500 millilitre bottled cocktails are $70 each or two for $130. Head here for the Panettone Negroni, head here for the Oyster Shell Gimlet or head here to purchase the cocktail bundle.
