Gaven distillery Artisans Secret wins Spirit of Craft Awards

Orange jaffa gin with ice cream and spray free botanicals, this homegrown Gaven distillery has won big in the international world of gin.

A local passion project that started out with homegrown dragonfruit has just shot to international acclaim with its award-winning gins.

Gaven distillery Artisans Secret took out four major wins at the Spirit of Craft Awards in Singapore this month, winning three awards for their orange chocolate jaffa, chilli plum and dry gins as well as a sustainability award.

Ray and Sarah Lewis in their distillery with their chook Doris. Picture: Annette Dew

At just four years into their distilling journey, founders Ray and Sarah Lewis said their jaws dropped at the news.

“We thought we’d enter them to get some good feedback off the judges,” Mrs Lewis said.

“From our little place on the Gold Coast, this was beyond where we could expect to be at this stage in our distilling journey.

“We are over the moon.”

Fuelled by homegrown spray free botanicals the boutique distillery has grown into a thriving business, with the duo busy sourcing more botanicals and local supplies as online orders soar.

“What we can’t grow, we try and source locally from local markets to support local business too,” Mrs Lewis said.

Ray and Sarah Lewis in their distillery. Picture: Annette Dew

“Our commitment (is) to produce a range of spirits that reflect the growing sentiments throughout our society for food and drinks that are locally produced by those who care.”

Producing up to 400 litres a month, the husband and wife said for those up for a surprising twist, their jaffa gin pairs well with ice cream.

Originally published as Gaven distillery Artisans Secret wins Spirit of Craft Awards