Clean + Conscious Awards 2024. Best Spirit / Wine. Celebrating products in Australia & NZ which are Non-Toxic, Ethical, Sustainable and Socially Responsible.

Derwent Distillery – Last Sanctuary Organic Gin

GOLD + EDITOR'S CHOICE

Best Spirits / Wine 2024

$95.00

This Australian dry gin is made with sustainably sourced bull kelp and foraged botanicals, supporting the Handfish Conservation Project. Packaged in zero plastics, using compostable and recycled materials.

Clean Ingredients / Materials

Made from excellent, clean ingredients.

Ethical Practices

Derwent Distillery prioritises supporting local small businesses by sourcing ingredients, supplies and consumables from local producers in Tasmania. All products are created and bottled onsite using appropriate safety practices to ensure the well-being of their staff. Examples of locally-sourced ingredients include hazelnuts from Hazelbrae Farm, rhubarb from Rhuby Delights and Elderflowers from Ashbolts. The distillery also collaborates with various hospitality venues around Hobart to further support the local community.

Sustainable Practices

Derwent Distillery prioritises sustainability by utilising a 5Kw solar power system for energy, a recycled water system and compostable packaging materials for their spirits. They also use local ingredients, source sustainable merchandise and implement a bottle return policy to promote reusability. Additionally, their tasting room and packaging materials are eco-friendly, with a focus on zero waste practices. The distillery's commitment to sustainability is further demonstrated through the use of repurposed items in their tasting room, aligning with their belief in repurposing over recycling.

Social Impact

Last Sanctuary Organic Gin from Derwent Distillery supports the research of critically endangered Red Handfish through The Handfish Conservation Project (THCP). The Derwent River is the last sanctuary for these creatures, with only 200 Red Handfish remaining in the wild. The gin bottle features an image of a Handfish on the front label, while the back label provides more information about THCP. Derwent Distillery also collaborates with THCP to promote sustainable practices and conservation efforts within the tourism industry. Additionally, the distillery is a founding member of Friends of Bonorong, which raises funds for a local wildlife rescue center.

Expert Reviews

Veronica Milsom

It was SO deliciously zesty! I included the sprig you sent with it and it was awesome. Lovely to know how ethically this product is made and how much there is no compromise on taste Your commitment to sourcing local produce and supporting local farmers is amazing. Tassie through and through. But your dedication to ensuring every aspect of your production is ethical/sustainable is awesome – such attention to detail – especially the bottle returns policy and the tasting room made of recycled materials.

Amy Maree

I loved the artwork on the label it was so striking and I learnt it was by artist Melski MeVee – it was a gorgeous first impression, then the gin itself was smooth to drink and refreshing! It was easy to drink neat or with a soda water was also lovely. I was most impressed when reading about Last Sanctuary social responsibility, donating a portion of their sales to supporting research of critically endangered Red Handfish via The Handfish Conservation Project. The Derwent River is the last sanctuary of these critters and there are only 200 Red Handfish left in the wild so they feel it’s their duty to look after these little guys, I spent some time googling and researching this species I had never heard of before and they are so so beautiful, so I think this is a wonderful initiative!

Alena Turley

The taste is uniquely botanical and well-balanced. Definitely enjoyed adding a citrus edge, even using a natural ‘sours’ syrup was delicious. The product itself looks gorgeous and drinks beautifully. Foraged botanicals in an Aussie-made Gin, what’s not to love? The donation thoughtfully directed to a conservation project with zero plastic is very appealing.