Since 2010, our crew of lovable larrikins have sailed the West Winds ship through choppy waters, braving the wild seas as we’ve conquered big waves to make our mark.
Our mission: to showcase Australia’s unique botanicals on a global stage.
Where It All Began
Our Origins
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Before our official launch, it took us a whole year of tinkering and 45 distillations to craft our first gins, The Sabre and The Cutlass. But boy, did it pay off! The Cutlass was awarded a Double Gold—the first Australian spirit to do so—followed by a Gold for The Sabre just three weeks later at San Francisco's top spirit competition. Talk about making a splash.
And guess what? Staying true to course, we created a distinctive family of Aussie spirits. The world loves our unique products!
The Bluebird
Where Adventure Meets Exceptional Gin
Our crew feels a deep connection to the ocean—heck, the Indian Ocean is right on our doorstep in our hometown, Margaret River. So, after stacking up awards like a tricky second album, we set our sights on new goals for our expanding spirits offering. Like the early sailors who relied on the West Winds to reach the remote shores when charting new territory, we are inspired by the pure waters and unique flora that flavour our products today. Our pioneering spirit shines in everything we do.
We lead, and others follow. That’s why we've chosen the Bluebird—the symbol of happiness and good luck—to guide our journey.
Join us as we craft Australia’s best-flavoured, most-awarded gins. The world’s taking notice of the good ship West Winds—come aboard and celebrate with us!
Our Story
A journey of passion and excellence
The Beginning
The four founding members came together with a vision to create "Damn Fine Gins' with a unique Australian flare. This was ultimately the birth of West Winds Gin and the creation of The Sabre and The Cutlass gins, highlighting the use of uniquely Australian botanicals and use of Margaret River rainwater to cut the gins. The Sabre Gin being West Winds take on a traditional London Dry Gin utilising Australian native botanicals such as Lemon Myrtle and toasted Wattleseed. The Cutlass Gin a more bold expression, 50% alc savory gin incorporating native Bush Tomato.
Award-Winning Craftsmanship
The Sabre and Cutlass gins are entered int he 2011 San Francisco International Spirits Competition, the worlds largest and most prestigious spirit competition. The Cutlass taking Double Gold and The Sabre Gold. The prestigious 'Double Gold' for The Cutlass was a first awarded for an Australian Gin producer. The start to a very successful awards list that is the envy of any distillery.
The Broadside
The creation of a Navy Strength style gin that became The Broadside, 58% alcohol. Incorporation of the native Sea Parsley and addition of Margaret River Sea Water to give this powerful gin a slight salty edge. Another uniquely Australin native inspired gin.
Global Recognition
The Broadside Gin was awarded Double Gold at the New York World Wine and Spirits Competition.
Pugwash
Our new 600L copper pot custom built still is purchased from Hungary. Installation into the Margaret River Distillery takes place and remains our main still to this day. Affectionally know as "Pugwash" for its resemblance to Captain Pugwash and his portly stature.
The Broadside Champion Gin
The Broadside is crowned Champion Gin at the Australian Distilled Spirits Award, joining past winners The Sabre and The Cutlass as recipients of this prestigious Australin award.
Wild Plum Gin
Creation of The Wild Plum Gin. West Winds take on the English classic Sloe Gin. Utilisation of the Australian native Davidson Plum and Tasmanian Sloe berries, sweetened with Western Australin Wild Flower Honey. Another first in Australian Gin production methods.
New Distilling Leadership
Anthony Reynolds joins the West Winds Gin Team. Anthony brings a wealth of experience from previous work as a Winemaker and retail liquor store owner into the business. Anthony remains today as 'Head Distiller' leading the creation and production of all spirits in the portfolio. Driving our ethos as an industry leader in the production of uniquely Australian products , incorporating Australian Native ingredients.
Sur Lie Creation
The Wild Plum Gins wins Gold and Best Australian Flavoured Gin at the World Gin Awards. Creation of Sur Lie Gin, an industry first with incorporation and maturation of a gin base and Chardonnay Lees into a Chardonnay Oak Barrel. A truly unique example of a barrel aged gin incorporating techniques from Winemaking and Distillation. Sur Lie Gin wins Gold and the Trophy for Best Barrel Aged Gin at the Australian Gin Awards.
New Distillery Expansion
Work begins on our new Distillery in Cowaramup. A state of the art production warehouse and Cellar Door in the heart of Cowaramup. Creation of Pinque Gin. In true West Winds fashion, we create our version of a pink gin. A gin category that we truly had no interest in with the highly sweetened, fruit flavoured examples that existed. West Winds create a 'Pinque Gin' highlighting native Strawberry Gum with inspiration from a crisp Rose wine. A first in its category, a pink gin with strong Juniper and citrus backbone, which leads to a product.
West Winds Distillers
Grand Opening and birth of "West Winds Distillers" facility in Cowaramup, in the heart of the Margaret River Region. Our first true Cellar Door is open to the public for the first time for interactive tasting experiences.
West Winds Expansion
Expansion into West Winds Distillers. Whilst our roots will always be Gin, development of the brand into new areas of spirit production including Rum, Whisky, Vodka and Liqueurs.
West Winds Rebrand
Full Rebranding and reinvigoration of the West Winds Distillers brand
"Crafted by the Coast, Celebrated Worldwide"
Join us on our journey. Experience the passion, taste the tradition, and discover what makes West Winds truly exceptional.