International Women in Gin Distilling

When we set out to map the woman-owned distilleries, we had no intention of stopping at the border. Our Women in Distilling map represents woman-run businesses around the globe. That’s why we’re excited to see so many pins on our map all around the world.

We found seven distilleries in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and a couple in Europe crafting fine gin. Can’t wait until we can jump on a plane and visit each and every one of them.

Sharing our international gin itinerary below.

Ox Gins

Based in the birthplace of gin, Ox Gins came about from Jenny Clark’s love and passion for gin. Having spent a lot of time trying gin, the former accountant realized that she had tried so many, she was having a hard time finding new ones to try. So she designed her own and, in the process, learned that she had a talent for it. She teamed up with brewer and winemaker Bob Clark to bring Ox Gins to life.

It all started with Oxford Dry Gin. The team adds juniper and coriander along with other botanicals. Through this process, Ox Gins has crafted Ox 1 through Ox 4 – all different and interesting variations – and up to Ox 20, a floral navy strength gin.

Get a taste of these incredible UK-based gins when you’re in England. Check the website for the latest locations stocking each gin.

Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

OTENBA

Inspired by her perfumer grandfather, Monique ten Kortenaar founded and developed OTENBA. She spent 27 years in the food and beverage industry working a variety of jobs, from chemical Analyst and Product Developer Beverages to Sensory Panel Leader and Quality Manager. During her career, it became clear that she had her grandfather’s nose so she used it to propel her career forward as a head distiller for Wynand Fockink. Eventually, she wanted to make her own spirit and that’s when she launched OTENBA in Amsterdam.

It’s neither a gin nor a genever – it’s both. OTENBA combines the malted characteristics of a genever alongside the juniper bitterness of a gin. In many ways, it’s a celebration of Monique’s home in the Netherlands and it’s unlike any gin you’ve ever had.

When you find yourself in the Netherlands, look for OTENBA at the bar. Find a list of locations on the distillery’s website.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Brass Lion Distillery

In 2012, Jamie Koh began working toward the goal of crafting a Singaporean spirit. At the time, no other spirits were being made in Singapore and Jamie wanted to change that. She spent six years learning to distill from experts and masters in places like Portland, Oregon and South Carolina before returning and founding Brass Lion Distillery. Jamie is not only making spirits, she’s also teaching new prospective distillers how to make gin.

After six years of learning, Jamie came up with the distillery’s flagship gin: Singapore Dry Gin. It represents everything the country has to offer with its unique combination of herbs and species. She’s also designed other gins, including a Pearl Jasmine Gin and a Butterfly Pea Gin.

If you’ve got a trip to Singapore planned, make sure you stop by the Tasting Room Tuesday through Friday, 5 to 11:30pm; Saturday, 2 to 11:30pm; Sunday 1 to 7pm.

40 Alexandra Terrace, Singapore 119933

Conrad Distillery

Fires tore through much of Australia at the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020. The devastation spread into the wine industry, forcing winemakers to toss out grapes ruined by smoke. But that’s about the time that Conrad Distillery came about, triple distilling those grapes, keeping them out of landfills and practicing other sustainability efforts while crafting fine gin. Debra Spence leads the process, patiently developing spirits from her location in Queensland Wine Country.

Debra incorporates seven botanicals into her Conrad Gin and also produces a Black Rose Gin (made with blackberry, raspberry and butterfly pea flower) and a Pink Gin (also known as Strawberry and Lime Gin, made with fresh strawberry juice).

Discover everything Conrad Distillery has to offer. Purchase a Sip and Discover package when you visit and taste a variety of spirits.

25355 New England Highland, The Summit, Queensland, 4377

Summerleas Distillery

Named for its location in Tasmania, Summerleas Distillery operates in a very unique climate that hosts both cool air and sea breezes coming in off of Storm Bay. That’s where Sarah Gunn, a seventh-generation Tasmanian, set up shop to craft her spirits. Having learned how to distill in Scotland, Sarah discovered a passion for gin when she visited Amsterdam. Then she brought both expertise and passion back home.

Summerleas’ three gins each tell a story. The Navy Gin, Blackberry Gin and Dry Gin celebrate stories from the local area, including a botanist who sent a Tasmanian tiger to Queen Victoria and the people behind the spirits themselves.

Taste the whole lineup when you visit Tasmania – find a retailer stocking the spirits.

Tasmania, Australia

Lawrenny Estate Distilling

A long history precedes the current Lawrenny Estate Distilling. Stretching back to the 1800s, the property acted as a ranch for cattle and sheep while also grew wheat, hops and barley. When Ross and Mary Mace took over in 1991, it seemed logical to open a distillery on the grounds. And now it’s producing a wide range of spirits thanks to the hard work of the distillers on hand, including Chloe Oppitz.

The lineup from the estate includes four gins, including Lawrenny Van Diemen’s Gin which features both traditional and modern botanicals and ingredients for a flavor that fully represents the local area. The menu also includes 1818 Settlers Gin, Highlands Gin and Meadowbank Pink Gin.

While you’re on your trip to Tasmania, make sure you visit the estate’s Cellar Door open every day from 10am to 5pm.

6485 Lyell Highway, Ouse, Tasmania 7140

Lighthouse Gin

Who was the first female head distiller in New Zealand? That’s Rachel Hall. After ten years of working closely with Lighthouse’s founder and original master distiller Neil Catherall, she took the job in 2014 and has been leading the way for the distillery ever since. She takes charge by sourcing spring water herself and getting hands-on with ingredients she plans to use – even hand-zesting yen-ben lemons to achieve the best gin distillation experience.

Those aforementioned yen-ben lemons join with a blend of citrusy botanicals to make the distillery’s Lighthouse Gin. That zesty lemon and orange flavor comes through in the aroma as well as the flavor.

Discover the gin for yourself when you’re traveling through New Zealand. Visit the website for more on where to find a bottle.

Martinborough, New Zealand

Women Distilling Gin Around the Globe