LOCAL LIFE
Hills Distilling Co . : Spirit of The Hills
by Maryann Callaghan
A band of Hills brothers has joined with Momento Hospitality Group in crafting a tradition in local spirit production .
Hills Distillery Inc , a small-batch micro-distillery and bar , has just opened in Rouse Hill .
Rooted in a legacy of hospitality that traces back to a humble Baulkham Hills bottle shop in 1976 , Momento Hospitality brings its wealth of experience and a deep-seated commitment to quality , to manage the Hills ’ first locally-owned distillery .
Mirza Baig , general manager beverage Momento Hospitality , told the Independent this premier venue was all about ‘ keeping it local ’.
“ Giving back to the community , using local products and talented staff … celebrating what we have here . You don ’ t need to go to Sydney for this experience ,”
Mirza Baig said the distillery is all about keeping it local . Picture : Steven Woodburn .
Mr Baig said .
“ For us , Hills Distilling Co . is more than just a business venture ; it ’ s a labour of love .”
Each bottle , filled , polished , and packed onsite , carries not just the spirit of the Hills but also the mark of its maker . Ready-to-serve garnishes and salts have also been created by the team .
Visitors can learn how to make gin , vodka , mix cocktails , take a masterclass and purchase locally made and crafted products .
The venue exudes an industrial charm . It was designed by architectural firm Archebiosis with a brief to make it functional and industrial . The design features colours of its botanicals used - wattle green , berry blue , and cascara red .
A mezzanine level features blending tanks and ageing barrels . The ground floor is both a bar and cellar door , with retail space and an open-plan area with tasting tables for groups .
A gin lover and maker himself , Mirza can often be found at the bar displaying his mixology talents .
“ We believe in the power of craftsmanship . Every detail , from the selection of botanicals to the distillation process ,” he said .
“ We ’ re about offering people a whole package experience . From the moment you step through our doors , you become part of our story .
“ Learn how to make the spirit , mix cocktails , how to garnish and add syrup and get that true explosion of different
Raising the bar : Hills Distillery Co has just opened in Rouse Hill . Picture : Steven Woodburn .
botanicals and flavour .”
The distillery has partnered with its neighbour The Australian Brewery to make its own Australian white malt – a double-pot distilled Amber ale recipe .
“ At this early stage we ’ ve just released three products , one batch of gin , one batch of vodka and a white malt . We will be releasing more batches in the coming months , as well as garnishes and premixed cocktails .”
Mirza said once the venue is in full swing , he expects to employ a team of 10 people , from the distillery , to bartenders and tour guides to cellar door staff .
Gin tastings are held every Friday from 3-6pm , with a menu of handmade dancing dumplings by chef Sebastian Tan from Jinja . Thursdays offer a glimpse into the art of gin production , with guided tours and masterclasses led by passionate distillers . Savour Italian delicacies in cheese and charcuterie by one hatted executive chef Alex Keene , who hails from Sarinos Restaurant and grew up in Kellyville .
Sunday
21 April
THE HILLS INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 106 // APRIL 2024 9