THE leafy suburb of Beecroft might be known for its community spirit, but that spirit now also comes in liquid form as the Rotary Club of Beecroft has partnered with Craft Foundry to create a limited-edition gin for the community.
Beecroft Spirit, a small-batch craft gin made with strawberry gum, lemon myrtle and rosella, has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the bushland and gardens of the area. Local horticulturist Graham Ross AM offered guidance on native botanicals, while Craft Foundry identified suitable commercially available ingredients and produced the gin.
The final recipe, paying tribute to Beecroft’s historic citrus orchards and aromatic gardens, offers a fresh zing followed by a floral finish.
“Beecroft Spirit is absolutely delicious for a summer cocktail or a Christmas gift for friends, family or colleagues,” said Daniel Dummer, Youth Director at Beecroft Rotary, who spearheaded the project. “Best of all, every bottle sold will directly support Beecroft Rotary to deliver both local and global projects that save lives, serve the community and protect our environment.”
Community involvement was essential for the project’s success. A tasting night in October, where the final recipe was determined, was attended by Rod Best PSM, the President of the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust, and Laura Fletcher, Secretary of the Hornsby Chamber of Commerce, as well as Mark Anderson and Andrew Best from the Rotary Foundation.
The launch event on 28 November brought over 200 locals together to sample the gin and enjoy the hospitality of Hannah’s, the new modern Australian restaurant and wine bar in Beecroft Place.
The overall motto of this project is “Why source ingredients from half a world away, when the best and oldest flavours on earth grow right here, in our backyard?”
The Beecroft Spirit project is the latest in Craft Foundry’s growing list of community beverage projects.
Beecroft Spirit is available while supplies last on the Craft Foundry website. A percentage of every bottle sold will support local and global projects by Beecroft Rotary.
