Imbue Distillery: Research gin manufacturer makes drinks with a twist

The owners of a northern suburbs gin distillery are drawing on childhood memories to create a nostalgic mix of bizarre flavour combinations — including one inspired by a popular illness remedy.

Imbue Distillery owners Melanie and Michael Sheard say they are not afraid to experiment with bold and different flavours.

Honey and lemon is often the go-to when you’re feeling under-the-weather, but a Research couple has found a way to throw alcohol into that mix.

And it’s just one example of the unconventional flavour combinations happening at Nillumbik’s sole distillery.

Melanie and Michael Sheard launched Imbue Distillery in Research last September.

They said combining their favourite flavours and childhood experiences into spirits showed “us in a bottle”.

“The honey and lemon idea with gin for example came from when Mick and I are feeling unwell,” Ms Sheard said.

“I’ll be on the couch sipping honey and lemon tea, while Mick likes to have an alcoholic beverage when he’s sick.

“So we thought, why not combine the two together and it surprisingly works.”

Imbue Distillery owners Melanie and Michael Sheard with their products.

Mr Sheard said his days foraging wild fennel and blackberries from his childhood backyard in Husrtbridge in the 1980s inspired their signature Suburban gin.

“Our drinks mean something to us,” he said.

“It’s not just a drink — it’s feelings of nostalgia combined with beautiful and exciting flavours.

“We like playing with ingredients and pushing the boundaries and it fits in well with our personality types too.”

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Imbue Distillery in Research was launched last September.

Ms Sheard said their business idea was born after the spontaneous purchase of a five-litre still.

“One night we were using it with friends and experimenting different sorts of drinks — we realised we were actually quite good at it and our friends really thought so too,” she said.

“Mick also has this uncanny ability to look at a project or an idea and give it a try and make it work and here we are.”

Ms Sheard said they were also looking for a way to take advantage of their combined 30 years of experience in the food industry.

“We share so much experience in Melbourne’s food industry from retail to wholesale, bakeries, catering and hatted restaurants,” she said.

“It’s taught us so much and we’re really excited at seeing where our little empire takes us.”

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