FRIENDS MIX IT UP FOR NEW GIN JOINT
A LIGHT-BULB moment over a casual backyard beer has materialised into a top-shelf gin produced in a northern Gold Coast distillery.
Borders were shut and the hospitality industry was at a standstill, but that shift in pace opened up new possibilities for three Gold Coast mates.
Andrew Langton – the former CFO of Mick Fanning’s Balter Brewing, David Beaton and Ryan Goding decided to establish their own distillery in a corner of the Gold Coast where bars and dining are in high demand.
The trio set about developing White Oat Distillery with a vision of a trendy venue nestled in a Biggera Waters industrial complex and a motto that having a drink isn’t just about the taste, it’s about the full experience.
Mr Langton said the trio always wanted a location on the northern end of the Gold Coast where they could “showcase” their hard work.
He said the northern end of the Coast had grown in popularity, but the number of hospitality venues was still “very limited” in comparison to the southern end.
Mr Langton said the “stars aligned” when he met head distiller Tudor Duxbury.
“He brought decades of knowledge and a refreshing approach, like often using oats to make spirits,” he said.
“White Oat soon became a symbol for experimentation around not just taste, but bringing an interesting feel to drinking, too. We wanted a distillery where consumers can immerse themselves within the production environment while enjoying a gin and tonic or a signature gin cocktail.
“Also, the idea of a world-class distillery close to home was the icing on the cake.”
Mr Duxbury said White Oat was a “very easy drinking gin”.
White Oat Distillery, on Brisbane Rd, will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with live music and food trucks to be part of the offerings on certain days.
It is exclusive to the distillery at present, but there are plans to expand to stock White Oat products in bottle shops and bars.
A White Oat Launch Party will be held on Friday at 4pm