Thymus Gin - Encounter Coast Spirits

This boutique distillery was opened in late 2015 at Hindmarsh Valley, just outside Victor Harbor. The handcrafted spirit is distilled in a copper still and infused with lavender and lemon thyme. It is delicious. Encounter Coast Spirits also makes vodka and several intriguing liqueurs, as well as a range of fruity vinegars, jams and chutneys. It is fantastic to see people with initiative producing top quality products that compete with the best in the world, such as the amazing spirits coming out of Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia. It is a pity however that their progress is impeded by an excessive excise of $40 per litre. This gobsmacking tax is a huge impediment to small businesses competing with the large commercial operators. It means that almost half the retail price of these top quality products goes in tax. When you consider that according to recent reports many major companies have made an art of tax avoidance it means the playing field is far from level. Gin lovers who would like to buy Australian but can’t afford these local boutique products should take heed and demand better. www.encountercoastspirits.com.au