Distillery greets coming summer with gin launch party

Here’s Looking at You, Kid gin distillery in North Melbourne is gearing up for its summer launch party, inviting the local community to “drop in for a gin” at their Errol St cellar door on November 16.

The event, running from 6pm to 8pm, will feature two-for-one gin specials and an exclusive opportunity to sample the distillery’s two latest releases; Errol Street Blues, and Love You Mads.

In a show of support for mental health, proceeds from Love You Mads gin will be donated to the Black Dog Institute.

“We’re really trying to reengage with the community and have more presence here, because we opened in North Melbourne in the middle of COVID,” Here’s Looking at You, Kid owner Liz Beech told North West City News.

Originally based in Mordialloc, the Here’s Looking at You, Kid brand has been in operation for around a decade.

Four years ago, the move to Errol St was made, where the family-owned distillery continues to craft all of its spirits in-house, and where the distillery’s beloved gin still, Eliza Jane, proudly takes centrestage in the front window.

“I got her second-hand from Louisville in Kentucky. It takes about 10 hours to produce 300 bottles,” Liz said.

“Our gin is what we call ‘new age’,” she said. “It’s more floral and has a lot of different flavours in there.”

Alongside their core gin range, Here’s Looking at You, Kid also distills unique spirits like Fireball Spice Gin, Mixed Berry & Cream Gin, and even a Triple Distilled Barrel Aged Vodka.

One of the distillery’s standout experiences is its popular gin masterclasses, where participants can craft their own gin, using a selection of botanicals, to take home.

Locals are also invited to stop by the cellar door over the coming warm months to enjoy a tasting paddle, a G&T, or a refreshing spritz.

“We’ll also be launching our new summer hours, with the cellar door open Thursday to Sunday from 3pm till 8pm,” Liz said.

“We hope the community can come out and enjoy some drink specials and celebrate with us.” •