Jervis Bay is getting into the spirit of things, with the expansion of its annual gin festival.
The new look Spirits of Jervis Bay takes over the holiday destination next month, featuring some of the South Coast's top distillery, as well as local craft and foodie delights.
Originally known as the Jervis Bay Gin Festival, this is the first year the event is branching out to include a diverse range of spirits.
"We know people are after something new and exciting. Our local gin distillers offer a tremendous product," Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival organiser Robert Bartlett says.
"The Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival is an approachable, family-friendly, one day event that showcases a wide variety of mainly local distilled drinks and local cuisine."
Held at White Sands Park, overlooking the beaches of Jervis Bay, and run by the Husky Pub, the Spirits of Jervis Bay Festival will see the local community come alive through exceptional handcrafted spirits and local cuisine.
This year, the festival features a lineup of more than 30 South Coast-based food vendors and distilleries.
Visitors are encouraged to sample a diverse range of expertly crafted spirits including whisky, vodka, rum, and gin from top distillers, each with its own unique story and flavour.
"This festival is equal parts a fun day for every family member, whilst also championing and supporting the boutique distilleries local to the South Coast," Bartlett says.
"The distillers we're showcasing are the best in the region, offering handcrafted spirits of a quality that are only stocked by boutique liquor outlets."
Highlights include Tara Distillery's Tara Single Pot Still Whiskey and Tara Single Malt Whiskey, which will be milled, mashed and fermented on site.
Canberra favourite, Underground Spirits, will also be there to showcase their Natalie Anne Caramel Espresso Martini.
"The festival will also be the first opportunity to taste Jervis Bay Distilling Co. Sailors Rum," Bartlett says.
"Not yet of age and so not released to the market, Jervis Bay Distilling Co. has been quietly fermenting, distilling, and ageing a rum that is distinctly local.
"With a history steeped in fishing, sailing, boat building and the navy it seemed fitting that Jervis Bay Distilling Co. craft a rum fit for any sailor. Aged in a mix of ex-shiraz barrels and rye whiskey barrels, the rum is light and vibrant."
Bartlett says you don't have to be a liquor connoisseur to attend. Jervis Bay Spirits Festival is for anyone who loves a tasty drink and delicious food.
"It's your chance to taste, talk with the makers themselves, take home a bottle or two, and enjoy the other amazing activities we have on offer," he says.
To go with the spirits are some of the best local food vendors including Artisan Delish Salami, Old School Ice Cream and Fatty Dumplings.
There's live music from South Coast based bands, duos and solo artists, mixology masterclasses, distillery and cocktail demonstrations including a Jervis Bay Distillery and an espresso martini class with Jervis Bay Coffee as well as lawn games like mini putt golf and jenga.
November 23 from 12pm at White Sands Park. Tickets to the festival are $20 from huskissonhotel.com.au.
