In the heart of New South Wales’ Devil’s Wilderness, where the air is crisp and the landscape untamed, lies a distillery as bold and adventurous as its surroundings. Karu Distillery, launched in 2018 by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Nick and Ally, isn’t just crafting spirits—they’re bottling the essence of creativity, science, and a touch of wild magic.
From the outset, Karu’s mission has been clear: to create spirits that celebrate both the artistry and the meticulous science of distillation. Their portfolio is a testament to this vision, featuring a range of boundary-pushing spirits—from contemporary gins to smoky chipotle vodkas and golden rums—that have cemented their place in Australia’s distilling scene.
Award-Winning Spirits with a Wild Streak
Karu isn’t just playing the game—they’re redefining it. In 2021, their Lightning Navy Strength Gin electrified the competition, claiming the Trophy for Best Contemporary Gin at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition. With a powerful yet balanced profile, Lightning delivers a bold juniper punch, underpinned by zesty citrus and warm spice, finishing with an invigorating peppery heat. It’s a gin designed for those who appreciate intensity without compromise.
But Karu’s ambitions don’t stop at accolades. Their latest creation, Wilding: Jubatus, is more than a spirit—it’s a mission. As part of their Origin Series, this limited-edition gin pays tribute to Africa, the homeland of the cheetah, and directly supports the Wild Cat Conservation Centre (WCCC) in Wilberforce, NSW.
A percentage of every bottle sold goes toward vital conservation efforts, including a groundbreaking breeding program that successfully reintroduces captive-bred cheetahs into the wild.
And then there’s the gin itself. Wilding: Jubatus is a complex yet refined expression, leading with classic juniper before unfurling into bright citrus, earthy pelargonium root, and herbaceous diosma, all grounded by the warming embrace of cassia bark. The interplay of these botanicals creates a layered, evocative drinking experience—one that lingers like the golden hues of an African sunset.
From Tequila Barrels to Coffee Beans: Karu’s Flavor Adventures
If Wilding: Jubatus is the wild heart of Karu’s lineup, then Rested Morita Vodka is its smoky soul. This small-batch chipotle-infused vodka takes inspiration from Mexico’s rich agave traditions, aging gracefully in ex-Tequila barrels. The result is a spirit with gentle smoky and citrus aromas, evolving into savory mineral notes and finishing on a subtly dry, peppery linger.
Whether it’s forming the backbone of a fiery Margarita or adding a smoky edge to an Oaxaca Old Fashioned, Rested Morita is an unexpected delight for both mixologists and agave enthusiasts alike.
Then comes Orsa Coffee Gin Liqueur, a bold new player that fuses Karu’s distilling expertise with the deep, roasted complexity of coffee.
Created in collaboration with The Little Coffee Co., Orsa marries Karu’s flagship Affinity Ginwith a bitter cold-brew coffee, yielding a 25% ABV liqueur that walks the line between botanical vibrancy and dark, caramelized depth. With notes of cocoa, orange zest, and nutty espresso, Orsa is equally at home in a velvety Espresso Martini or sipped neat as a post-dinner indulgence.
A Distillery with a Wild Heart
What truly sets Karu Distillery apart isn’t just their award-winning spirits or inventive flavor combinations—it’s their commitment to storytelling, sustainability, and conservation. Each bottle captures a narrative, whether it’s the perilous journey of a cheetah reclaiming its place in the wild or the smoky allure of a Mexican agave field. This dedication to meaningful, experience-driven distillation is what transforms Karu from a mere producer of spirits into a curator of liquid art.
In its essence, Nick and Ally have crafted more than just exceptional spirits; they’ve built a sanctuary where science, adventure, and nature converge with every bottle holding a story.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Karu Distillery.