ISLAND LIFE

Brielle Mason is fascinated by Tasmanian produce — and the quirkier, the better. Which is what inspired the 26-year-old to organise today’s Pure and Obscure Festival at Sassafras, in the state’s NorthWest, presenting an afternoon of new and unconventional food and beverages in the gardens of the Tasmanian Food & Wine Conservatory.

Among the offerings will be a William McHenry butterfly gin, which has a blue hue thanks to the use of pea flowers, as well as handcrafted vegan cheese from Artisa, a strawberry balsamic dipping sauce from Wattle Hill and some wacky wine and cider blends.

Strait Brands, a Beaconsfield distillery, will be launching a top-secret hybrid fruit gin at the festival, while Seven Sheds brewery will also unveil a new product.

Mason has been running the Tasmanian Food & Wine Conservatory — a cafe/ providore showcasing some of Tasmania’s best growers & producers — with her mum Vonda since 2015.

She is constantly amazed by the new niche products being created in Tasmania and decided to bring them all together for a festival to celebrate innovative local producers who are pushing the boundaries.

“I really noticed a surge in people doing pretty unusual stuff,’’ Mason says.

“People are coming up with some really interesting things that haven’t come out on the market before. We’re aiming to push people out of their comfort zone … to try some things they aren’t familiar with — it will be a day of discovery for everybody.’’

Festivalgoers will be able to meet producers and learn how products are made. Tickets, $20, include live music and tastings. The event runs 11am-5pm. Details at facebook.com/events/776883765996035