We put a call-out to the women in Australian distilling to give us an insight into who they are, and why they chose this industry, here’s some of their responses!
AMY SHAW
Owner and Distiller at Hillmartin Gin Distillery, VIC
HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN IN THE INDUSTRY?
1-3 years.
WHAT SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THE INDUSTRY?
My dad started to experiment with distilling during lockdown in 2020. I still remember when he messaged me a photo of the 30L still he had brought, I thought to myself 'he will never use that', but he did and I have him to thank for everything. As a big gin lover and like most daughters, I thought I knew best. As dad continued to develop his gins, I became more involved to fine tune the flavours and finishes. I started working nights and weekends with dad as I loved every aspect of distilling and growing our brand, the rest is history.
YOUR MOST PROUD MOMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY?
My proudest moment was when our London Dry Gin was awarded Australia’s best London Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards in 2023. As a small young distillery with big dreams that award gave us the boost of confidence to push the limits and know our possibilities are endless.
WHAT HAVE YOU FOUND TO BE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN THE INDUSTRY?
Prior to this I had never worked in the industry or hospitality for that matter. My background is corporate, the week I finished university I started working in finance and up until 2022. Most of my time in corporate I had worked in organisations with thousands of people but at HM Gin when we first started it was just dad and I. At times it has felt like I wear 10 different hats from marketing, sales, website development to production. Being a small team we need to be across so many things whilst competing with big players in the industry is challenging.
WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE THAT KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT AUSSIE CRAFT SPIRITS?
Behind everyone craft spirit made in Australia there is an incredible amount of thought, passion and love that goes into it. Most craft distillers are putting everything they have into their business simply for the love.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD WANT TO TELL YOUR YOUNGER SELF?
Always be your biggest fan.
WHAT IS YOUR SPECIAL TALENT/PARTY TRICK?
My special talent is never losing at the Basketball arcade game Hoops. I’ve never played basketball but for some reason I never miss.
WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
My dad. He probably should be retired relaxing on a beach somewhere but instead he works 7 days a week and is always looking for ways he and HM Gin can improve.