Distillery Botanica — Local services in Erina

This probably would have been better if we were just nipping in on the way passed and only planned on a quick look in.  The fact that I'd hoped it would be like other Distilleries/wine cellar doors and there would be more to it... was probably my fault for not checking it out before bringing friends.

I was so looking forward to this visit and really don't enjoy leaving low ratings. But this was the most disappointing trip I've had since moving to the central coast. And it left me looking foolish with my mates. I had read the previous ratings and called up to find out if this was a place we could spend time.  So I ordered a maxi taxi (Cos none of us wanted to be designated driver) for 5 of my friends who were visiting the Peninsula for the first time.   It cost $80 to drive there... which would have been fine as we all expected to be there for a while,  be educated,  see where the botanicals were grown... etc  We were there 30.mins and half of that was waiting for our tasting. We needn't have worried about anyone being designated driver as the tastings were so tiny it hardly would have registered!

The day was saved by six strings brewery being 15min walk away through lovely farm land with horses etc. And upstairs wines in Ettalong being 5 min walk from my house.

4 stars for Mr Goaty gelato. Delicious and 2 lovely ladies that served us and chatted to us. 1 star for "gardens" that we were asked to walk around while we waited for a tasting. They were tiny and poorly tended. Lots looked dead,  possibly due to the rains and there was no signage to tell us what was growing in each patch.  No way to tell if they were the botanicals that were part of the gin process. 2 stars for the setting. The place is dilapidated and there is literally NOTHING to do there apart from 15 mins tasting and a coffee/gelato..it seems like they really want you out and done. 2 stars for the "tasting" - I can see they are building a new section,  but now the tastings take part in a marquee with pebble flooring. Ladies.  Watch the heels!. I'd brought with me a gin aficionado who has purchased gin from around the world on her travels. This trip was for her as she had never been to Distillery Botanica... but had been to the place BEFORE It changed hands and so was excited to go back.  I told the guys doing the tastings this. And they described their gin in a way that made them seems like they were patronising my friends knowledge Or they were not very knowledgable themselves. I'm personally not a gin fan and walked away with a Mr Blacks coffee liquor that I could have bought from BWS.  We also saw their gin for sale at Upstairs Wines.

So until they fix up the gardens,  build the new building, arrange tours and hold other activities that make it worth hanging around for longer than 10.mins...I don't think I'll be back. Hopefully one day I'll be able to...

Distillery Botanica is set up on the perfect site for a Gin distillery. This Central Coast Distillery is located in Erina on a 3 hectare site, which was once known as the Fragrant Gardens. The head distiller Philip Moore started out as a herbalist, initially taking over the gardens 10 years ago. Passion breeds success, for Philip has immersed himself in his passion for nature and his beautiful garden, utilising his knowledge to produce some highly regarded spirits.

Philip has already achieved great success globally, producing award winning gins and coffee liqueurs. We aren't going to give too much away, but keep an eye on this distillery they have some exciting projects on the horizon. Moore's love for botanicals are on display in the gin offered by the distillery, many of the ingredients coming from the incredible garden on site at the distillery. Botanica Distillery is well worth visiting to enjoy the surrounds, to have a chat with Philip and to enjoy a tasting at the cellar door, which is open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm. We sincerely appreciated the time Philip took to explain the history of his life, products, brand and distillery. Try the Dry Gin, a traditional style of gin that has taken a Gold medal at the London International Wine and Spirit Competition. It is certainly worth its accolades. There is also the Distillers Cut to be enjoyed with a tonic. The Roots and Leaves Dry Gin is a contemporary gin showcasing flavours inspired by Philip's Distillery garden. It's not all gin though. There are a variety of Liquers to enjoy, including the famous Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liquer, another award winner and a very popular spirit, for it it's sold internationally and at plenty of bars we know. The site also hosts 'Bar Botanica', just a stones throw from the cellar door, serving some fantastic gelato utilising flavours from the garden. This is operated by the Mr Goaty Gelato team. They also have food and coffees and the Garden is beautiful to sit in and enjoy your food. This was one of many highlights on our recent visit to the Central Coast. Not far from Sydney, plan a trip, book some accommodation and add Distillery Botanica to...

We ordered from this place after one of my friends spoke so highly of their gin. My brothers 30th was approaching and he loves gin. This was back in February. We put the wrong address when we ordered... a glitch on the webpage left out my unit number... so after several weeks and the gin not showing up we called. They were ridiculously hard to get a hold of to start... but the mistake was ours so we didn't blame them. My brothers birthday came and went. The gin would be returned to the winery as it was undeliverable without a unit number. They kindly said they would resend it and confirmed our address in the phone. They sent it to the same address... even after confirmation. Now the tracking says it has been delivered which can't happen without a unit number. After TWO MONTHS of back and forth conversations via email because they are impossible to get in contact with on the phone there has been no resolution... we have asked for a refund and been ignored... they have stated that it is an issue for us to take up with Australia post. Which is simply not true... We ordered in Feb it is now the end of May... Poor customer service on an order over $100... do not...