Ester Spirits Distillery

Ester Spirits Distillery is the inner west’s ode to obsession, founded by husband and wife team Corinna and Felix. What began as a backyard still in their Newtown digs, grew into a decade-long pursuit of the perfect Negroni and, ultimately, a label launched in 2020 with serious pedigree. The tipping point came swiftly: Ester Strong Gin took Best in Show at the Australian Gin Awards in its first month, then clinched World’s Best Navy Gin at the World Gin Awards in 2021. Big ambition, bigger flavour.

At the bar, the philosophy is crystalline - clarity, balance and botanicals that sing. A dry gin and tonic shows Ester Dry Gin’s razor-clean lift against Midnight Mixer Extra Dry, while their Negroni deepens the plot with Ester Dry Gin, Ester Alternativo Aperitivo and Regal Rogue Bold Red vermouth, threaded with a whisper of vanilla. Expect bitter orange and spice on the nose, a taut spine on the palate, and a finish that lingers like a good story.

Snacks are smart, spirited companions rather than a centrepiece: manzanilla and lemon stuffed olives for briny brightness; sliced bread with butter for crunch and comfort; smoked cheddar and goat cheese for creamy sway; duck and cherry pate and prosciutto to bring the savoury chorus. It is a spirits-led experience with easygoing inner west charm, built for lingering, tasting and talking.

Settle in for a flight or a flawless Negroni, and let the good spirits lift yours. Book a spot, sip with intent, and follow the juniper-laced joy.