While most of us associate the fourth of July with American independence, Four Pillars fans have a different cause for celebration: the release of the 2020 Bloody Shiraz gin. In the five years since it was first produced, the plum-coloured spirit has garnered a loyal following, to the point where it sells out every year. But head over to the Yarra Valley distillery this weekend, and you'll be among the first to sip the much-anticipated 2020 vintage.
Throughout the weekend, the distillery will welcome groups into its private event space for a 40-minute guided tasting. You'll get a cocktail on arrival and learn all about how the drink is made (it involves steeping whole Shiraz grapes in gin for two months) and what this year's vintage holds. Then you'll taste two different vintages alongside the Bloody Shiraz base spirit, Four Pillars' flagship Rare Dry Gin.
Sessions are available every hour from 12.30pm through to 4.30pm, and cost $30 per person.