The Journey to Tan Lines Distilling: Crafting Paradise in a Glass
The Roots of Inspiration
The sun-kissed hills of Forest Grove, Oregon, cradled me during my tenure at Dogwood Distilling that was a chapter that would forever shape my destiny. The scent of juniper berries, the rhythmic hum of copper stills and the camaraderie among fellow distillers became my daily symphony. It was more than a job, it was a passion that flowed through my veins.
But life, like the wind, carries us to unexpected shores. Australia beckoned with a land of golden beaches, azure waters and vibrant sunsets. As we stepped onto this sunburnt continent, memories of Dogwood Distilling danced in my mind. The desire to recreate that magic, to distill dreams into liquid art, ignited within me.
With my wife’s unwavering support and blessings, we embarked on a daring adventure with the birth of Tan Lines Distilling. Our journey was fueled by nostalgia, a longing for the familiar burn of juniper and the promise of creating something uniquely Australian.
Tan Lines: More Than Skin Deep
Tan Lines are those ephemeral imprints of sun-soaked days that are etched into our collective memory. They evoke laughter, beach escapades and the warmth of summer. Like the best dad-jokes, everyone interprets them differently. Our distillery, nestled in the tropical heart of Australia, celebrates these lines of the tangible proof of paradise lived.
Our selling proposition? Not just spirits in bottles, but bottled memories. Each drop carries the essence of sun-drenched sands, salty breezes and the laughter of friends. Tan Lines Distilling invites you to sip your own slice of paradise with a sensory journey that transcends borders.
Crafting Alchemy: The Recipe Development Stage
The heart of our craft lies in recipe development. Here, creativity dances with science and tradition whispers to innovation. Collaborating with novices and seasoned alchemists alike, we blend botanicals, grains, and dreams. The stills hum, releasing vapors that carry stories of juniper groves, sunsets over coral reefs and the thrill of creation.
In this alchemical dance, we birth gins that sing of eucalyptus and wildflowers, rums that echo coconut palms and whiskies that age like ancient forests. Each batch is a canvas and our hands wield the brush. The recipe development stage is where magic unfurls and a new chapter with every experiment.
A Vision Beyond Horizons
Our compass points toward the stars. Tan Lines Distilling aspires to be more than a local gem, we dream of a global legacy. An Australian owned brand that graces bars from Melbourne to Manhattan. Our spirits will whisper tales of sunsets over the Great Barrier Reef of friendships forged under Southern Cross constellations.
Yerba-Mate: A Surprising Twist
Among our botanical experiments, Yerba-Mate stands out—an unexpected guest at our distillery door. Its South American roots entwined with our Australian terroir, birthing a gin that bridges continents. An Argentinian colleague, eyes alight with memories of mate-infused gatherings, inspired this creation. Yerba-Mate Gin, a fusion of cultures, a tribute to shared stories.
Sipping Sunshine: The Perfect Summer Cocktail with Tan Lines Gin
As the sun stretches its golden arms across lazy afternoons, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail to celebrate the warmth of summer. When it comes to crafting a drink that embodies the season, my heart (and taste buds) gravitate toward the delightful marriage of Tan Lines Gin and a classic American-style lemonade.
The Ingredients
- Tan Lines Gin: Distilled with care and infused with botanicals that dance on the palate, Tan Lines Gin is more than a spirit, it’s a sun-kissed adventure waiting to unfold. Its juniper forward profile mingles seamlessly with the other ingredients, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
- Lemon: The zesty hero of our concoction, fresh lemon juice brings a burst of citrusy brightness. It’s like capturing sunshine in a glass.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the tartness of the lemon. Whether you prefer simple syrup or a sprinkle of granulated sugar, it’s the secret behind a well-rounded lemonade.
- Water: The lifeblood of our drink, water ensures that every sip is quenching and revitalizing.
The Recipe
- Chill Your Glass – Begin by placing your favorite glass in the freezer. We want it frosty like the kind of cold that makes you forget the sweltering heat outside.
- Lemonade Base – Squeeze the juice from two plump lemons into a glass, Add a tablespoon of sugar (adjust to taste), Pour in cold water (about a cup) and stir until the sugar dissolves, Taste. Adjust the lemon-sugar-water ratio until it sings a sweet-tart melody.
- Tan Lines Gin Infusion – Fill a shaker with ice cubes, Pour in a generous shot of Tan Lines Gin, Shake it like a sunbeam dancing on the waves, Strain the gin into your chilled glass.
- Marriage of Flavors – Top up your gin with the lemonade you’ve crafted, Garnish with a lemon wheel or a sprig of fresh mint, Stir gently, allowing the gin and lemonade to embrace.
- The Perfect Sip – Take a moment to admire the golden hue like the color of sunsets and laughter, Lift the glass to your lips, inhaling the mingling scents, Sip. Ah, there it is, the crispness of Tan Lines Gin, the tang of lemon, and the promise of endless summer days.
A Tan Lines Summer Favorite
Tan Lines Gin adds a layer of complexity to this classic lemonade. It’s botanicals including juniper berries, coriander and a hint of citrus peel elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary. As the ice clinks against the glass, memories of beachside picnics and barefoot evenings flood my mind. It’s the taste of sun soaked adventures, captured in a single sip.
So, whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue or simply daydreaming of sandy shores, raise your Tan Lines Gin Lemonade and toast to the season. Cheers to summer, to laughter and to the magic that happens when spirits and sunshine collide.
*** Note: Always drink responsibly and if you’re lucky enough to have tan lines, wear them with pride.
So, dear reader, raise your glass. Let Tan Lines Distilling be your passport to paradise, a sip of sun, a dash of adventure and a lifetime of memories.
