Central Coast gin-ius distiller inducted into Gin Hall of Fame

Philip Moore, the celebrated mixologist and distillery owner of Distillery Botanica on Australia's NSW Central Coast was granted the highest accolade that Gin Magazine bestows, with induction into the Gin Hall of Fame. 

Drawn for his enduring passions for plants, the flavours and aromas of food and drinks that make award-winning Australian foodie venue Distillery Botanica, and the internationally cherished and enjoyed Moore’s Dry Gin.

Moore is the first and only Australian to have ever been inducted into the Gin Hall of Fame, and is one of only five Master Distillers in the world to hold the honour amongst twelve inductees drawn from distillers, company owners and writers, all with a lasting mark on the gin industry.

Moore was presented with the honour on 25 February at the annual Gin Magazine World Gin Awards 2022, held virtually. He is one of six Australian gin distillers to pick up an award while being the only Australian inducted into the legendary Hall of Fame.

2022 Gin Magazine Hall of Fame Inductees

• Philip Moore, Founder and Distiller, Distillery Botanica – the only Australian in the list
• Carolus Nolet Sr, Chairman and Owner, Nolet Distillery
• Nicholas Cook, Director General, The Gin Guild
• Joanne Moore, Master Distiller, G&J Distillers

He created Australia’s first large-scale wholesale herb nursery, with a network of growers in Australia and New Zealand, before his love of deconstructing flavours in food and drink eventually led him to distilling. He founded Distillery Botanica, one of Australia’s first craft gin distilleries, in New South Wales in 2007, and taught himself to distil. With this new skillset, he began to transform his favourite herbs and plants into spirits and liqueurs, including the award-winning Moore’s Dry Gin. In a nod to Philip’s first career, the distillery is surrounded by a three-acre garden, from where he sources ingredients for distillation.

2022 Gin Magazine Major Trophies & Hall of Fame Accolade 

• Brand Innovator of the Year, Distiller of the Year: Four Pillars
• Master Distiller of the Year: Tim Boast, Never Never Distilling Co.
• World’s Best London Dry Gin: Never Never Distilling Co. – Triple Juniper Gin Export Strength
• World’s Best Navy Gin: Devil’s Thumb Distillery – Navy Strength Gin
• Hall Of Fame Inductee: Philip Moore, Distillery Botanica
• Highly Commended Sustainable Distillery of the Year: Cape Byron Distillery
• Highly Commended Master Distiller of the Year: Dave Withers, Archie Rose Distilling

Bethany Whymark, editor of Gin Magazine, said “It may have been a difficult couple of years for the Gin industry, but looking at the remarkable output from distillers, and the ingenuity shown by bars, you would never guess the pressures they have faced.

“This indomitable spirit is one of the most exciting things about the world of gin today. Producers are continuing to push the boundaries of what gin can be, treating us all to some incredible liquids.

“To be recognised in this way is amazing,” a spokesperson for Distillery Botanica said regarding Philip Moore’s induction. “We are a tiny distillery tucked away on the Central Coast of NSW, Australia. Philip has been creating incredible liquids while flying under the radar for over 15 years. For him being recognised among such global industry heavyweights confirms everything we have been saying to visitors to the Distillery Door - Philip Moore creates world class spirits and liqueurs in this 3-acre garden!”

Moore started making his mark in the gin world back in 2017 when he became the first Australian distiller to win a gold medal at the IWSC competition for Moore’s Dry Gin.

“Australia has been punching well above its weight with the quality of our gins and the innovation of our distillers,” the spokesperson for Distillery Botanica explained regarding Australia’s triumphs at the 2022 World Gin Awards.

“Point proven with everyone's friends Four Pillars being recognised as a global distiller with their Brand Innovator of the Year award. Tim, George and Sean from Never Never beat the British at their own game with World’s Best London Dry Gin, and Tim winning Master Distiller of the Year. Not forgetting the newest kid on the block Devil’s Thumb Distillery awarded the World’s Best Navy Gin.

“Distillery Botanica would like to thank all the restaurants, bars and retailers for their support in advocating and supporting Australian spirits to their customers for the past 10 years.

"We really love visitors, so come take a stroll through our lovely gardens and drop into the cellar door to taste Philip's award winning delectable range. Philip delights in guiding visitors through tastings and enjoys their often rapturous response to his drops."

Distillery Botanica's cellardoor is open Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm. There is also a European-style gelato, gin and coffee bar set in the lush garden grounds. At Bar Botanica you can find a spot in the leafy courtyard, enjoy freshly-roasted coffee, refreshing gin cocktails, and award-winning Mr Goaty Gelato. 

Voted 'Top Five Places for Brunch, Regional NSW' - Good Weekend 2019 and 'Best Gelato in NSW' - Gourmet Traveller 2020.

There is even a Gin Yoga experience on offer held every second Sunday of the month in the Fragrant Garden.