North Richmond spirits producer Ironbark Distillery granted cellar door licence

The North Richmond distillery is run by local couple Reg and Greta Papps, who make six products on the premises – two dry gins (one with a twist from native Australian wattleseed), two moonshines, a vodka and a chai spirit. The duo use as much local produce as they can, and bottle their spirits by hand.

Mrs Papps said the licence allows them to provide product tastings ($20 per head) and sell bottles of all six of their spirits from the premises.

“It’s also an opportunity to taste Reg’s product and sit with him. You can find out what goes into making it, how to drink it, and learn what cocktails to put it with,” she said.

Mr Papps worked in distilling for a multinational company for almost 30 years before the duo launched the Ironbark brand in 2014.

The spirits are filtered through a carbon filter system built by Mr Papps, and are made in a specially-designed still. They have won a host of awards – both in Australia and further afield – with the signature creation, 313 Dry Gin, being named best traditional gin in Australia last year.

Mrs Papps said the dry gin is great in a Tom Collins - with tonic and lemon - and said she loves to drink the wattleseed gin with tonic, elderflower syrup, and a slice of cucumber.

“We also sell a variety of high-end tonics – including Fentimans tonic – that the industry uses. They’re softer and more subtle than supermarket varieties – they really complement the gin and allow you to taste it, rather than just tasting the tonic,” she said.

Ironbark Distillery is open for cellar door seven days-a-week from 10am until 5pm, and later on Thursdays through to Saturdays. Punters should call to book an appointment, to ensure Mr and Mrs Papps aren’t away at an event or hosting a private function.

The distillery is located at Unit 4, 37 William Street, North Richmond, and bookings can be made by calling 0424 345 102 or 0415 606 044.