Four Pillars Gin Distillery — Attraction in Melbourne

As a man whose beverage preferences typically align with non-alcoholic, scientifically sound hydration methods (water, tea, and the occasional well-structured hot chocolate), I embarked on my visit to Four Pillars Gin Distillery not out of personal hedonistic indulgence, but rather in the spirit of intellectual curiosity. After all, the science of distillation is a fascinating chemical process involving botanical infusions, controlled evaporation, and molecular interactions that deserve thorough examination.

Much to my surprise—and I do not use that phrase lightly—Four Pillars delivered an experience so well-executed, so methodically structured, and so downright pleasant that I find myself compelled to bestow upon it the highest possible rating. This, despite the irrefutable fact that I shall neither return nor consume gin again, not due to any fault of the establishment, but simply because my occasional foray into the world of spirits has now been satisfied, much like a theoretical physicist who has conducted a single, irrefutable experiment and considers the matter closed.

Now, let us commence with the distillery itself. Aesthetically, it strikes the perfect balance between modern efficiency and artisanal craftsmanship. The ambiance suggests both innovation and tradition, creating an environment that does not merely invite visitors to drink but rather to understand the spirit they are consuming. This, in my esteemed opinion, is the hallmark of a superior establishment—not merely the provision of a product, but the dissemination of knowledge regarding its creation.

The explanatory session on the gin-making process was an absolute delight. Delivered with clarity, precision, and just the right amount of enthusiasm, it guided us through the intricacies of distillation, botanical infusion, and the delicate balance of flavors. It was an exposition so well-articulated that I briefly considered whether I should, in an alternate timeline, have become a master distiller instead of dedicating my intellectual prowess to other, equally noble pursuits.

And now, we must address the gin itself. Ah, the gin. As previously stated, my palate is untrained in the nuances of this particular spirit. And yet, even my logical, fact-driven mind could not deny the excellence of what was placed before me. The flavors were complex yet harmonious, the botanicals lending depth without overwhelming the senses. It was, if I may be so bold, astonishingly good. I do not say this lightly, as my usual response to alcohol ranges from “this tastes like antiseptic” to “why do people willingly consume this?” But this gin? This gin defied expectations, much like the discovery of the Higgs boson—long theorized but never truly felt until that moment of absolute clarity.

However, the highlight of my visit—the moment that truly solidified Four Pillars as a paragon of excellence—was the unexpected act of generosity. While my tour included a single lemonade (a most appreciated addition for someone of my drinking preferences), a staff member, in an act of unsolicited kindness, offered me a second, free of charge. This was not a necessity, nor a requirement. It was simply a gesture of good service, executed with the kind of effortless grace that suggests this is a place that understands hospitality on a molecular level.

In conclusion, while I shall not return (as previously established, my life path does not include gin-drinking as a regular activity), I can say with unwavering certainty that for those who do enjoy gin—whether seasoned aficionados or social drinkers looking to expand their horizons—Four Pillars is, without question, the optimal venue. It is a temple of distillation, a sanctuary of botanical brilliance, and a testament to what can be achieved when passion, expertise, and customer service unite in perfect synergy.

Five stars. And if there were an option for six, I would, for the first time in my life, consider...

We ordered the tasting experience. It showcases a refined selection that brings out the diverse characteristics of their craft gins. Each glass, served over ice, allows the nuances of the gin to shine through.

The first gin in the lineup, with a vibrant red hue, is the Bloody pinot Gin (was supposed to be Shiraz but they don't have it on that day), a signature offering from Four Pillars. Its deep, fruity notes are rich with berry flavors, blending seamlessly with the botanicals to create a luscious yet balanced profile. The gin has a slightly sweet finish, with hints of spice and citrus that come alive with every sip, offering a refreshing twist on the traditional gin experience.

The second gin, clear and classic, embodies the Rare Dry Gin, a staple of the distillery. Clean and crisp, it showcases the prominent juniper notes, supported by touches of citrus and exotic spices. The balance of botanicals creates a versatile gin, perfect for both sipping neat or mixing into cocktails.

Moving onto the third gin, another clear variant, this one could be the Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin. Its bold, intense flavors stand out, with a higher alcohol content delivering a powerful punch. The juniper is still at the forefront, but the addition of finger lime and other Australian botanicals adds a zesty, peppery kick. The finish is long and warm, perfect for gin enthusiasts looking for something with a bit more strength.

Each gin offers a unique sensory journey, from the fruit-forward Bloody Shiraz to the bold and zesty Navy Strength. This tasting flight at Four Pillars is a delightful way to explore their expertly crafted range, where creativity and Australian botanicals meet traditional gin-making techniques. The presentation is clean and inviting, and the variety of gins ensures there is something for every palate, whether you prefer fruity, classic, or bold flavors. Highly...

Only leaving this review as we have previously enjoyed coming to Four Pillars as we love their gin, and hospitality is usually not terrible.

We are frequent visitors to Healesville, and Four Pillars used to be no exception, a great distillery to show friends from near and far some of the great gems in the Yarra Valley. Over Christmas we had such an experience, and ended up being a group of 12 to visit. I called up the distillery ahead of time to confirm whether they could fit a number like this, and the guy on the phone confirmed that they would be able to seat 12, so I booked our spot. When we arrived, we were sat across 2 of their circle tables, and decided to move the tables not even a metre to the centre, so we could dine as the group we had booked. We were told on 2 seperate occasions quite aggressively that we should not have moved the tables. The first woman who told us off said that she didn't know anywhere in the valley that would seat a group of 12, when there is actually plenty, St Hubert's for example. We had a young child with the group, 2 yrs old, who at one point, was simply moving his chair around someone else's. Another waiter had to tell us off for this aswell, very over the top annoyed, considering it is a child, and we have brought kids there before and had no trouble.. even prams are usually fine

Not a great experience, and definitely won't be rushing back anytime soon.

Also, their drinks are horrendously overpriced when you pull the huge ice...