Four Pillars to launch “evening's answer to a flat white” – BeanScene

Victorian craft distillery Four Pillars is launching a new gin infused with coffee as part of its City Series.

Melbourne Laneway Gin features beans from local roaster Proud Mary Coffee alongside vanilla, clarified butter, roasted wattleseed, and cacao nibs. It’s described by the Four Pillars distillers as “the evening’s answer to a flat white”, with tasting notes of espresso, jaffa cakes, and marmalade-filled croissants.

The limited-edition spirit features two types of coffee beans: Proud Mary’s Humbler Blend, as well as green beans from the Melbourne roaster to act as a fixative to “help trap the essential oils in the alcohol”.

“Like every good morning, this gin starts with coffee. Rather than go with tropical cold brew notes, [Head Distiller] Sarah stayed true to her daily coffee order when selecting the beans from the experts at Proud Mary’s,” says Four Pillars.

“Their Humbler Roast delivers rich caramel and chocolate notes, perfect for milk-forward coffees and, as it turns out, gin too. So, rich creamy coffee-base sorted, it was time to get making.”

Melbourne Laneway Gin is the first release in the distillery’s new City Series, which celebrates the flavours of some of Australia’s largest cities. It will be launched on 18 August.

The distillers suggest enjoying it with a dash of soda and wedge of orange, or as part of a café-inspired cocktail. Top picks include the Mont Blanc Cocktail topped with whipped cream, and a Coffee Negroni.