Distil on the Hill

Distil on the Hill in Yorkeys Knob, Cairns, is centred on a clear passion for craft spirits and gin. Its signature spirit is a contemporary London Dry-style gin, made with botanicals, fresh local citrus, organic Macedonian juniper and fire-roasted pepper, combined with an ultra-premium base spirit made from 100% Australian-grown Barossa Valley grapes.

The distillery was founded by Neddy and Christian, who met while working in a beachside restaurant in Far North Queensland. With one bringing chef experience and the other a bartender’s perspective, they developed a shared interest in fine flavours and set out to create a gin with subtle sweetness and spice. Their work is supported by a family heritage in award-winning distilling.

The production method is an important part of the story. Distil on the Hill uses a copper pot still for one-shot, small-batch vapour distillation, carefully measuring the botanicals to draw out their flavours and fine oils. The result is presented as a spirit made with attention to precision and consistency rather than mass production.

For a simple serve, the house Signature G&T pairs 45ml of Distil on the Hill Gin with Mediterranean Fever-Tree tonic, dehydrated mandarin, long pepper and thyme. The site also shares a rosemary gimlet made with the gin, citrus and rosemary syrup. It should appeal to visitors who enjoy exploring gin, thoughtful serves and the people and process behind a local spirit brand.