The Melbourne-based distillery is dedicated to creating sustainable modern spirits.
When Autonomy Distillers first switched on their still in early 2019, they had a goal of producing local, ethical, sustainable and extremely delicious spirits. Since then, Autonomy Distillers has developed a solid lineup of aperitifs and liqueurs – including a Native Australian Amaro and a Davo Plum Aperitivo Bitters – that are heavy on native Australian ingredients, support local businesses and reduce food waste and food miles.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Italian-style aperitifs, which are often characterised by their complex bittersweet flavour profiles, the Native Australian Amaro has a forward sweetness followed by a deep, earthy bitterness with hints of citrus and native gums.
Made by macerating native Australian botanicals such as cinnamon myrtle, Mountain Pepperberry and lemon-scented gum, and blending them back with citrus peels left over from the pressing of fresh citrus juices, the Amaro tastes just like, “the bush after the rain”.
Likewise, the Davo Plum Aperitivo Bitters is an Australian salute to the classic Italian spritz, with layers of tart Davidson Plums, spicy Mountain Pepperberries and sweet oranges. A generous pour of the Aperitivo Bitters topped with sparkling wine and a dash of soda will ensure aperitivo hour lasts long into the night.
Autonomy Distillers also produce a mighty fine orange liqueur, as well as dabbling in the gin space with a Quandong Gin and a few other limited releases on the way.
Hidden in a tiny warehouse in Spotswood, Autonomy are yet to open a tasting room or bar for drinkers to try their wares, but you can grab a bottle of their delectable products from their website.
