On Country Craft Distillery creates world’s first gin using Mimosa blossoms

Breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes, a First Nations woman is blazing a path for others to follow with her distillery. Read about her world-first spirit.

Clair Ryder with her Mimosa Blossom Gin. Picture: Shae Beplate.

A trailblazing First Nation’s businesswoman has claimed a world first by including a unique bush tucker as botanical in a newly released gin blend she developed in her suburban distillery.

On Country Craft Distillery Owner Claire Ryder has unveiled two high-anticipated additions to the growing collection of spirits she has produced since December from her parents home at Nobel St, Wulguru.

Gorgeous Finch is a bold concoction marrying the robust fruitiness of Illawarra plum, zesty kick of native limes and the warmth of Tasmanian pepperberry, while the Joyful Cockatiel is the first gin to feature the citrusy elegance of native Mimosa (Silver Wattle) blossoms and delicate grevillea flowers.

In her former career as a social worker, the proud Wiradjuri woman spent many years working with industries trying to “encourage people to change the done way”, give a voice to the voiceless, and the “courage to speak up and act”.

She was disappointed to discover that there were no distilleries 100 per cent owned and managed by First Nations women, and began looking into why.

Gin varieties produced by On Country Craft Distillery in Townsville. Picture: Supplied.

“The more I looked into it, the more I saw the barriers … because the industry is quite sexist, and quite racist, there are barriers in place,” Ms Ryder said

“A lot of people say you can’t trust black people with alcohol (so) I thought, bugger it, let’s make the path easier for other women who want to do this. We took on those challenges.”

Mimosa (Silver Wattle) blossoms. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Over a 12 month period, she embarked on a distilling course through the University of Adelaide, while undertaking the renovation of her father’s music room to meet safety and security standards, and the time-consuming process of obtaining the necessary government approvals.

Living and working on Bindal country, she approached the elders for permission and developed a relationship, where they have been “beyond amazing”.

“I’m really passionate about introducing botanicals that have not been used commercially before (and) also about promoting our local bush tucker,” she said.

“I wanted to show that we actually should be producing alcohol, so that we can showcase our native botanicals. We can show that alcohol can be a force of good.

Clair Ryder with her Mimosa Blossom Gin. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“A portion of all of the profits from the gin that we make goes back to different local community groups to work on women’s empowerment projects, and sustainability.”

Local businesses, like Osk Bar, have begun stocking the gin, laying the groundwork for Ms Ryder’s future goal of expanding into a larger commercial facility with a cellar door and kitchen serving bush tucker.

For more information, visit: www.oncountrycraftdistillery.com

Originally published as On Country Craft Distillery creates world’s first gin using Mimosa blossoms