If you've visited a cellar door in the Hunter Valley lately, gin is everywhere, and you'll have noticed. And for good reason. Australia's craft gin scene has exploded over the past few years, with small distillers drawing on native botanicals that simply don't exist anywhere else in the world. At Wildstreak Distillery in Pokolbin, those botanicals are at the centre of everything we do.
But what exactly are botanicals, and why do they matter? In simple terms, botanicals are the herbs, fruits, spices and plants that give gin its flavour. Juniper is what makes it gin. Everything after that is the distiller's choice. And those choices are what make each gin unique.
Here's a look inside the three signature gins we distil right here on the property at 694 Hermitage Road.
Australian Dry Gin: Lemon Myrtle, Citrus and Macadamia
This is our Australian expression, built around native ingredients sourced as locally as we can get them. The hero botanical is lemon myrtle, a native Australian leaf with an intense citrus aroma that's unlike anything you'll find in a European gin. It's brighter and more complex than lemon peel, with a slightly herbal edge.
Alongside the lemon myrtle, we use grapefruit, lime and tangelos for a layered citrus profile that builds from zesty to sweet, then finish with creamy macadamia for a smooth, rounded mouthfeel. The result is a gin that's vibrant and distinctly Australian, with locally-sourced citrus and lemon myrtle coming together in a smooth, harmonious finish.
How to serve it: Classic G&T with quality tonic, ice and a garnish of fresh lemon myrtle leaves. If you can't find lemon myrtle, a slice of grapefruit works beautifully. The citrus notes pair beautifully with fresh seafood: grilled prawns, oysters, or a simple fish and chips.
40% ABV · $75 · Shop Australian Dry Gin →
Classic Dry Gin: Juniper-Forward and Refined
If the Australian Dry is our native expression, the Classic Dry is our nod to tradition. This gin puts juniper front and centre. The piney, resinous backbone that gin purists love is supported by a carefully curated blend of aromatic botanicals, delivering a perfectly balanced and smooth finish.
It's the kind of gin that rewards simplicity. You don't need to bury it under flavoured tonics or elaborate garnishes. A good dry tonic and a twist of citrus peel is all it takes to let the juniper and aromatics speak for themselves. It's also the perfect foundation for a properly made martini. Stirred, not shaken, with a quality dry vermouth.
How to serve it: Dry martini (3:1 gin to vermouth, stirred with ice, strained) or a classic G&T with dry tonic and a lemon twist. The juniper cuts right through rich cured meats and aged cheese, making it a natural match for an antipasto platter. Perfect alongside the platters at Wildstreak Kitchen.
40% ABV · $75 · Shop Classic Dry Gin →
Australian Rosé Gin: Rose Petals and Summer Berries
Our Rosé Gin takes a completely different path. Where the Australian Dry leans on citrus and the Classic Dry centres on juniper, this gin is all about soft, delicate rose petals and ripe summer berries. It's a harmonious blend inspired by the vibrant beauty of Australian summers, crafting a gin experience that's lighter and more floral than its siblings.
At 37% ABV it sits slightly lower than the other two, which gives it a softer, more approachable character. The rose petals bring an elegant perfume to the nose, while the summer berries add a gentle sweetness on the palate. It's versatile enough for cocktails or sipping on its own over ice, and the natural pink hue tends to start a conversation.
How to serve it: Make a Rosé Gin Spritz by pouring over ice, topping with soda water and a splash of prosecco, and garnishing with fresh berries or a rose petal. Pairs with lighter fare: a cheese board with soft brie, fresh strawberries, or a margherita from the kitchen.
37% ABV · $75 · Shop Australian Rosé Gin →
Christmas Gin: What Botanicals Can Really Do
If you want proof that botanicals can take gin in any direction, our Christmas Gin ($60) is the example. It starts with a classic dry gin base, then layers in warm notes of freshly baked gingerbread lightly dusted with icing sugar, rich Christmas cake and candied fruit. It's nostalgic, festive, and genuinely different. Try it in a spiced gin fizz or a Christmas-inspired G&T. It's a limited seasonal release, so grab one while it lasts.
Tasting All Three at the Cellar Door
The best way to understand how botanicals shape a gin is to taste them side by side. At Wildstreak Distillery, part of the Peter Drayton Wines cellar door at 694 Hermitage Rd, Pokolbin, you can do exactly that. Work through the Australian Dry, Classic Dry and Rosé Gin in sequence, and you'll notice how dramatically different each one is despite starting from the same base spirit.
Pay attention to the nose first. The lemon myrtle in the Australian Dry hits immediately. It's the most aromatic of the three. The Classic Dry is more restrained, all juniper and spice. The Rosé Gin is floral and soft before you even take a sip. On the palate, notice how the macadamia rounds out the Australian Dry, how the juniper lingers in the Classic, and how the berry sweetness gently fades in the Rosé.
We're open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Bookings recommended on weekends, but walk-ins are always welcome during the week.
Take All Three Home
Can't decide which one you like best? The Wildstreak Gin 3 Pack includes the Australian Dry, Classic Dry and Rosé Gin for $199, saving $26 off the individual bottle price. It's also a cracking gift for anyone who appreciates quality Australian spirits.
And if you're a Wine Club member, you'll enjoy 20% off all spirits and dining at the cellar door, along with 30% off wine and free shipping on online orders. It's the best way to keep your bar stocked year-round.
