Have you decorated
your house with Christmas yet?
From the earthy aroma of their gins, to the smooth, silky texture of their spiced rum, every sip is a journey of discovery that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
So join us as we take a sensory journey of flavour and sophistication, where passion and innovation come together to create something truly exceptional.
Have you decorated
your house with Christmas yet?
What was the inspiration behind establishing The Grove Distillery and in what ways has the distillery developed and changed throughout its history?
Beginning with a plot of land in 1995 and after years of hard work and good spirits, The Grove Distillery has had time on its side. With 30 acres under vine, The Grove began life as a boutique winery producing Chardonnays, Semillons and a range of sparkling wines. Due to the growing competition in the 90’s and an explosion of cellar door openings, Steve Hughes (founder) who has never been satisfied with ‘normal’, recognised the need to diversify and have a point of difference. He began producing small-batch liqueurs from traditional recipes including limoncello, nocino and nocello. Steve then acquired a traditional copper still from Germany in 2008 to establish The Grove as the first Distillery in the Margaret River Region.
Since then it’s been courage and refinement with James Reed, as the talented Head Distiller. Together they source the best botanicals nearby or from around the world and distill and mature them in barrels that once housed wines, ports or other drops from this region. The liqueur range has also expanded and is wildly popular with visitors to the region looking for a different tasting experience.
As one of the few Australian small-batch craft distilleries to make dark spirits from inception, The Grove now has an envious collection of barrels aging away in their Still House including whiskys, rums and bourbons.
Have you decorated
your house with Christmas yet?
Tell us more about The Grove's unique spirits and what sets them apart from other spirits in the competitive spirits market.
Our triple-distilled hand-crafted vodka-based liqueurs are amongst our most popular products. Visitors to The Grove can experience a unique liqueur tasting experience where our knowledgeable bar staff will serve up your choice of 3 liqueurs neat, with a mixer and in a sample cocktail. The Turkish Delight Liqueur blends beautiful extracts of French rose water and chocolate to get that uniquely divine Turkish Delight flavour and is a cult favourite.
When it comes to barrel-aged spirits, James recommends you visit us for our rums.
Made with love right here in Wilyabrup, the Grove’s premium spiced rum is a huge favourite with those in the know. Steve knew he’d stumbled upon someone special when James strolled through the distillery door 15 years ago. Born in Alaska, James learned the art of distilling from a very young age (too young to mention!) and has traveled the world refining his craft.
After a year living in the Caribbean absorbing local knowledge and expertise, James refined his secret Spiced Rum recipe, which is now lovingly distilled and aged for two-plus years in The Grove’s own ex-bourbon barrels and hand bottled on-site.
This closely guarded recipe won James and The Grove Distillery a coveted Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (widely regarded as the most prestigious spirits competition in the world!) A hand-crafted, smooth blend of over 10 natural spices, including real vanilla beans. The rich, deep flavour and natural colour come from the Grove Caribbean Style Dark Rum used in creating the base. The aromas of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, a mix of other spices and fruits are blended to take this rum to a whole new level.
Have you decorated
your house with Christmas yet?
How does The Grove Distillery incorporate sustainability into their production process and utilise locally sourced ingredients?
Our delicious strawberry gin, strawberry liqueur, limoncello and brand-new hard lemonade are all crafted from locally sourced fruits that we procure from local farmer's markets. We have close relationships with our suppliers and can make orders based on the fruits in season. We are small and can be nimble and respond to external market challenges quickly. For example, when the strawberry industry was dealing with the unfortunate needle sabotaging problems back in 2018, we purchased 300kgs of strawberries from the local Bunbury Farmers Market that would otherwise have gone to waste. We carefully hand-cut all of the strawberries and turned them into our liqueur and gin.
We have recently tested water from Margaret River Water Company which is sourced from the local springs to use in our single malt whisky. Initial testing is looking positive so we are hoping that a partnership will be developed.
Our neighbours down the road, Southern Forest Honey, supply the honey we use to make one of our best-selling whiskeys – Honey Infused Corn Mash Whiskey.
Working closely with local suppliers in the region protects supply chains and increases prosperity for the region. We believe the provenance of the world-class Margaret River Region is a great attraction for visitors and customers, so we are always looking for ways to amplify this in the making and marketing of our products.
Have you decorated
your house with Christmas yet?
What kind of experience can visitors anticipate when visiting the distillery?
If you’re looking to find out how James, our Master Distiller, creates some of Australia's finest premium spirits, a Talk & Taste Tour will offer the full Grove experience. He will guide you through the distillation process firsthand and you can sample some of our most recent drops.
James has dedicated his life to craft spirits, he began distilling in Alaska. From there he’s traveled the world and now based in Margaret River, Western Australia - at the region's first distillery. Tasting Absinthe in Prague or Bourbon in Kentucky, James’s experiences have influenced his approach to distilling.
Explore the Still House and barrel room where we make and age our finest whisky, bourbon and rum. And of course, you’ll get to taste the good stuff! If you’re visiting the Distillery Door for a tasting you’re in for a treat. Our distillery door is the perfect place to taste our range of award-winning spirits and liqueurs. This tasting includes a choice of 3 of our award-winning liqueurs or spirits. First tasted neat and then with a mixer or another liqueur for a seasonal cocktail.
The Grove is a very unique tasting experience - you can make a day of it with the newly reopened café, serving home-made pizzas, platters and daily specials. Chef Jono shines when creating delicious bar-snacks for you to enjoy with your favourite Grove drinks. Breakfast is also served from 8:30-10:30 Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
Spiced Honey
Old Fashioned
1/2 cup honey
2 sprigs fresh rosemary, plus more for serving
2 cinnamon sticks
1 tablespoon cardamom pods
1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
Zest of 1 orange
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
OLD FASHIONED
1/4 cup whiskey
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons orange juice
2-4 tablespoons honey
INSTRUCTIONS
To make the spiced honey syrup:
In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup water, the honey, rosemary, cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to a boil over high heat. Boil 2-3 minutes, then remove from the heat. Stir in the orange zest and vanilla. Let cool.
This syrup makes enough for about 6 drinks.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 tablespoons honey syrup, whiskey and orange juice.
Add ice and shake. Strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange slice and rosemary.
Use GROVEXHUMIDITY10 at checkout.
Keep an eye on our socials for our giveaway with The Grove.
