Nestled in the green caldera of Tumbulgum NSW, sits Husk Distillers. One of a few paddock to bottle distilleries in the world and specifically in Australia. Husk Distiller’s philosophy is a sustainable approach to Rum and Gin making. This love and passion is vividly seen in not only the quality of their products but the food served, the space itself and the people that work there.
How Husk Distillers Started
After a trip to the Caribbean and falling in love with sugar cane based Rum, Peter and Mandy Messenger started Husk Distillers on their family cattle and cane farm in 2012. As Australia’s first paddock to bottle cane juice rum distillery, the Messenger’s experimented with fresh cane juice over molasses. In 2015, Ink Gin was created and is now Australia’s best-selling independently owned gin.
Farm to Bottle Process
As a farm to bottle distillery, this means Husk Distillers grows and bottles everything on site. Due to this the harvesting of the cane is done and crushed immediately in their own mill. Allowing them to capture the fresh cane character unlike molasses rum which uses a by-product shipped in and stored
The fermentation begins immediately, allowing the cane to express its true identity. From there, small-batch distillation brings depth, texture and balance to each spirit. Finally the rum rests on site, where the warm Tweed Valley climate shapes its final expression.
What We Tasted
The farm to bottle philosophy extends to the kitchen with Chef Suchada working alongside Husk’s very own horticulturist, Lou, to craft seasonal, produce driven menus. Needless to say this sees the harvesting and sourcing of fresh ingredients coming directly from Husk Distillers Farm Gardens. As well as locally sourced and sustainably farmed produce from their suppliers.
We were lucky to experience the Farm Feast Set Menu. A 7 dish menu focusing on the very best of ingredients. You can tell through the tastes and experience of eating this menu that the ingredients are incredibly fresh.
Starting with smoked olives, you then move to fresh bread with sardella accompanied with summer tomatoes, Byron Bay Stracciatella, Chilli, oil and mint. A perfect way to begin the meal with pops of delicious tomatoes paired with the creamy Byron Bay Stracciatella.
To cleanse the palate, kingfish tartare arrived with Ink Bitter Orange Gin, lemon myrtle and silky avocado cream in a cos cup. Next, the braised beef arrived with ginger caramel, chilli oil, crispy shallots and fresh herbs. Alongside it sat smashed cucumber with roasted sesame, house ginger and black vinegar, plus country spuds finished with Husk’s signature seasoning.
We of course had to order cocktails. The Coconut and Pineapple Mojito set the tone with Husk Coconut Rum, fresh pineapple syrup, mint and Lime. Warwick chose the Cane Fields, blending Husk Pure Cane Rum with mango, roasted macadamia, recycled lemon syrup and lime.
The Tasting Experience
Next, we joined the Tasting Trail Tour, the best-value way to experience Husk from farm to glass.
First, a full Ink Gin flight set the tone and sharpened the senses. Then, the guided walk led us behind the scenes of the working distillery. Here, fresh cane juice transforms into rum, step by step.
Finally, the experience ended with a Husk Rum tasting. The Classic Husk Rum Flight followed, starting with Pure Cane. Next came Rare Blend and then Bam Bam. To finish, the basque cheesecake delivered rich indulgence, garnished with walnut candy and a Husk Bam Bam mixed berry compote.
A Space Designed for Slow Moments
Husk Distillers draws you in with warm timber, layered textures and earthy tones that instantly calm the senses. Inside, soft lighting, vintage details and curated artwork create a space that feels intimate yet effortless.
The Barrel House seems to ground everything together adding a sense of history, craftsmanship and a quiet sense of purpose.
Outside the wide lawns, long tables and string lights encourage lingering lunches and golden-hour drinks. Overall, Husk feels thoughtful, welcoming and unhurried – a place made for slow sipping and good company.
The Husk Distillers Range
Visit Husk Distillers website to learn more and book your tasting and tour experience!
Whether you are purchasing yourself a bottle after enjoying Husk Distillers range or purchasing a gift, the on site shop is stocked with both Husk Rum and Ink Gin.
Disclaimer: I was invited to Husk Distillers to experience the tasting, tour and food in exchange for a video. However, I loved our time there so much and appreciated the quality of their food and drinks that I had to take photos and create a blog post on our experience to share with you all.