Historic McLaren Vale wine producer d’Arenberg has purchased award-winning craft distillery, Settlers Spirits and associated premium mixer brand Oceans Spirit.
Founded by Rowland and Shelley Short in 2018, Settlers Spirits has quickly become one of the industry’s premier boutique gin distillers. With thirteen different flavoured gins along with a range of Whisky, Rum, Vodka, flavoured liqueurs and customer favourites Rare Dry Gin, Pink Gin, and Yuzu Gin, they have established nationwide distribution.
Commenting on the sale Rowland said, “I couldn’t be happier to see d’Arenberg as custodians of Settlers Spirits and to see ownership remain within the McLaren Vale wine region”.
d’Arenberg Chief Winemaker Chester Osborn says despite the purchase there are currently no plans for significant changes to the business. “I’m a fan of the diversity and craftsmanship of Rowland’s gins and spirits. The methodical and detailed blending methods represent a philosophical alignment to what we do here at d’Arenberg”. Chester continues, “Rowland has some exciting ideas around product development, and we are excited to work together to bring those ideas to fruition, which can only be a great thing for fans of Settlers Spirits”.
Settlers’ McLaren Vale cellar door operations, famous for behind the scenes experiences – such as the gin blending masterclass – will operate independently and continue to deliver the high-level tourism experience for which they are renowned.
The sale formally settled on 1st June 2021.
About Settlers Spirits:
Settlers Spirits was founded by Rowland Short and wife Shelley in early 2018. It started with just two products – a Rare Dry Gin and an Oak Aged Gin. Since then, the range has expanded to include thirteen varieties of flavoured Gins made using many different botanicals, as well as some experimental Whisky, Rum, Vodka and Liqueurs.
The Settlers Spirits distillery door is a short five-minute drive from the d’Arenberg Cube in McLaren Vale, South Australia. The modern tasting room overlooks local vineyards, and the Willunga Hills serve as the backdrop to enjoy gin tasting and an interactive Gin Masterclass.
This range of boutique craft gins represent a modern twist on technique that produces a distinctly brighter, crisper, and more defined palate profile.
Awards:
Old Tom Trophy – 2020 Australian Distillers Awards
Australian Gin Awards – Gold – Yuzu Gin and Sloe Gin
Royal Australian Spirits Awards – Gold – Coriander Leaf Gin
Australian Distilled Spirits Awards – Silver
settlersspirits.com.au
About Oceans Spirit:
A range of premium gin mixers, including tonic and soda waters, that allow the gin to shine through and the flavours that the distiller has carefully crafted to be fully realised. Oceans Spirit believe that only the best mixers should be used with your handcrafted gins and distilled spirits.
Blended using the very best ingredients sourced locally, Oceans Spirit mixers are 100% Australian*. Cleverly created in stylish 250ml cans, chosen over glass bottles to ensure no compromise is made to the flavour of the drink inside and keeping its aromatic profile fresh and bright for longer.
Handcrafted with skill in South Australia’s McLaren Vale, well known for the making and growing of premium wines, gins and food products, the Oceans Spirit mixer range is made using an age-old and proven family recipe brought forward for this modern beverage era. Originally created by the Williams family, who made and sold sodas and mixers in South Australia in its pioneering days, the current-day version has been expertly adapted to perfectly complement the needs and tastes of growing and discerning premium spirit consumers.
The range currently offers two versatile tonic varieties, Oceans Spirit Indian Tonic Water and Oceans Spirit Mediterranean Tonic Water, and an Oceans Spirit Soda Water. It is intended to expand the range quickly to accommodate the growing and varied premium spirits market.
Born from a commitment to uncompromising quality and flavour, Oceans Spirit is a delicious combination of the best modern-day ingredients and a respect for timeless heritage.
*Except for the quinine component, which is harvested from the bark of the Cinchona tree in Africa and steeped in McLaren Vale.
oceansspirit.com.au/
d’Arenberg purchases Settlers Spirits
