Applewood Distillery

What Applewood Distillery does

Applewood Distillery is an Australian craft spirits producer founded in 2011 by trained winemakers Brendan and Laura Carter, operating from the Old Gumeracha Cold Stores in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. The company specializes in gin and other spirits distilled from grape-based spirit and a proprietary blend of endemic Australian botanicals — Wattleseed, Strawberry Gum, Desert Lime, and other native ingredients — that it positions as rare or unknown outside Australia. Its portfolio spans a core range of four gins (Applewood/Signature, Coral, Alpine, Navy), the Økar aperitivo line, a single malt whisky aged in native Jarrah casks, and an extensive catalogue of limited edition and collaboration releases with bars, hotels, and producers (Byrdi, Royal Mail Hotel, Commune of Buttons, Maidenii).

The business operates a multi-channel go-to-market: direct-to-consumer e-commerce through its own Shopify storefront with free shipping above A$180, on-premise retail and tasting experiences at the Bottle Shock venue in Gumeracha, regional Australian distributors covering every state and territory, and a network of country-specific international distributors in 12+ markets including the US, UK, Japan, China, and Singapore. Pricing is positioned at the premium end of the craft category (A$75 per 500mL for core gins, up to A$500 for the limited Jarrah whisky), reflecting the small-batch production model and provenance-led brand story. Applewood holds B Corporation certification (the first Australian distillery to do so, since August 2019), with sustainability metrics — 100% wastewater recycling, 2.25× renewable electricity generation, 57% local sourcing within 80km — published annually. The company operates as part of the Ochre Nation family alongside sister brands Unico Zelo and Troppo, and is privately held with no disclosed external funding.

Name

Applewood Distillery

Legal name

Applewood Distillery

Website

https://applewooddistillery.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Applewood Distillery is an Australian craft gin and spirits producer founded in 2011 in the Adelaide Hills, specializing in small-batch gin distilled from endemic native botanicals and selling through DTC e-commerce, a regional distributor network across Australia, and international distributors in 12+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Craft Spirits

NAICS

Distilleries (312140), Beer, Wine, and Liquor Retailers (445320), Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Merchant Wholesalers (42482)

SIC

Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)

Keywords

• Craft gin distillery
• Small-batch spirits
• Native botanical gin
• Aperitivo liqueurs
• Australian whisky production

Headquarters

HQ city

Gumeracha

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Gin Product Sales: Direct-to-consumer sales of core range gins (Signature Gin, Coral, Alpine, Navy) and limited edition seasonal and collaboration gins through the Applewood e-commerce store. Products range from $75-$120 per 500mL bottle.
2. Aperitivo and Amaro Sales: Sales of Økar range including Bitter Aperitivo ($55) and Økar Tropic Aperitivo ($34.99).
3. Distillery Experiences: On-site experiences at Bottle Shock bar including The Applewood Journey (botanical tours, tastings) and venue visitation. Bookings available through RESOSA booking platform.
4. Wholesale Distribution: Trade accounts for bars, restaurants, and retailers in Australia and internationally through a network of regional distributors.
5. Merchandise: Branded merchandise including T-shirts ($35).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Applewood Distillery is a craft distillery based in Gumeracha, Adelaide Hills, producing small-batch gin and spirits made from endemic Australian botanicals such as Wattleseed, Strawberry Gum, and Desert Lime. Its product portfolio includes a core range of four gins (Applewood/Signature, Coral, Alpine, Navy), two Økar aperitivo liqueurs, an extensive lineup of limited-edition gins, and a Jarrah-cask-aged single malt whisky. The company sells directly to consumers via its own e-commerce store, distributes through a network of regional and international partners, and operates the Bottle Shock tasting venue at the distillery.

Product overview

Applewood Distillery is an Australian gin distillery based in Gumeracha, Adelaide Hills, specializing in spirits made from endemic native botanicals. The portfolio consists of a Core Range of four gins (Signature/Applewood Gin, Coral Gin, Alpine Gin, Navy Gin), two Økar aperitivo products, an expanding line of limited edition gins featuring native Australian ingredients, collaborations with partners like Byrdi and Commune of Buttons, whisky (Jarrah Single Malt), and merchandise. The company positions itself as terroir-driven, working to give Australian-grown endemic produce a pathway to market while maintaining B Corp certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Applewood Gin: Signature gin with 25 botanicals including Wattleseed, Strawberry Gum, and Desert Lime.
• Coral Gin
• Alpine Gin
• Navy Gin
• Økar Bitter Aperitivo
• Økar Tropic Aperitivo
• Jarrah

Products and services

• Applewood Gin (Signature Gin) Flagship gin featuring 25 botanicals led by Wattleseed, Strawberry Gum, and Desert Lime — endemic Australian ingredients so rare most of the world has yet to encounter them. Grape-based spirit at 43% ABV, distilled on Peramangk Country in the Adelaide Hills.
• Coral Gin Pink, seascape-inspired gin with a minimalist three-botanical recipe of Riberry, Strawberry Gum leaf, and Karkalla (coastal pigface), reflecting the Australian coastline. 1% of sales are donated to Great Barrier Reef restoration.
• Alpine Gin Cool-climate gin built around botanicals of Australia's mountain country, featuring Geraldton Waxflower, Finger Lime, Tasmanian Mountain Pepper, and alpine herbs.
• Navy Gin Navy-strength gin at 58% ABV featuring triple Desert Lime, double Juniper, and Yarra Valley Yuzu, built for full flavor through any tonic or ice. Double Gold medalist at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.
• Økar Bitter Aperitivo Bitter aperitivo liqueur priced at $55, part of the Økar range within the Applewood portfolio.
• Økar Tropic Aperitivo Tropical-flavoured aperitivo liqueur priced at $34.99, part of the Økar range.
• Jarrah Single Malt Whisky Single malt whisky crafted from barley grown on Ngadjuri land, distilled on Peramangk land, and matured 4 years in native Australian Jarrah casks. Limited to 100 bottles at $500 per 500mL, 51.5% ABV.
• Applewood x Commune of Buttons: Aestas Gin Collaboration gin using distillation of Commune of Buttons wine lees infused with estate botanicals and herbs (Juniper, Indian Marigold, Borage, Lemon, Bay Leaves, Wild Fennel). Limited to 400 bottles, 43% ABV, $99 per 500mL.
• Garden Gin Collaboration with Royal Mail Hotel featuring Passionfruit Marigold, Spruce Tips, and Hops from their gardens. 1000 numbered bottles at $100 per 500mL.
• Applewood x Byrdi: Flourish Gin Spring expression of the Byrdi collaboration series; perfumed pink gin macerated with riberry and featuring florals and earthy spice. Limited to 500 numbered bottles at $99 per 500mL.
• Applewood x Byrdi: Changing Seasons Four Pack Four-pack containing all seasonal Byrdi collaboration gins — Flourish (Spring), Ripple (Summer), Flicker (Autumn), and Plume (Winter). 4 x 500mL at 43% ABV.
• Green Ant Gin Gin featuring Green Tree Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) sourced near Rockhampton, Queensland. Super-limited release of 300 bottles at $120 per 500mL.
• Applewood T-Shirt Branded Applewood Distillery t-shirt merchandise, available in a range of sizes for $35.
• Bottle Shock Distillery Experiences On-site tasting and experience program at Bottle Shock (24 Victoria Street, Gumeracha SA), including The Applewood Journey botanical tours, guided tastings, and educational experiences, with bookings via the RESOSA booking platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90 Points from Wine Enthusiast for Applewood Gin
• +3 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ByrdicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Byrdi (Melbourne bar) to create seasonal gin expressions including Flourish (Spring), Ripple (Summer), Flicker (Autumn), and Plume (Winter). Limited to 500 bottles each. Byrdi co-owner Luke Whearty co-developed these expressions with Applewood, with some featuring experimental techniques like vacuum distillation and barrel aging.
• Commune of ButtonsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration to create Aestas Gin using distillation of Commune of Buttons wine lees, infused with botanicals and herbs from the estate. Limited to 400 bottles.
• Royal Mail HotelminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGarden Gin collaboration created from botanicals found wandering the Royal Mail Hotel gardens. 1000 numbered bottles from 2023 harvest featuring Passionfruit Marigold, Spruce Tips, and Hops.
• Man of Spirit (South Australia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for South Australia. Contact: Mark Reginato ([email protected]).
• Cork & Co (Queensland)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for Queensland. Contact: Chris Fullarton ([email protected]).
• Liquid Library (Western Australia)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for Western Australia. Contact: Shaun Maher ([email protected]).
• Thomas Chin (Northern Territory)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional distributor for Northern Territory. Contact: Darryl Thomas ([email protected]).
• Epicurean Wines (United States)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS distributor. Contact: Cindy Oswalt & Brian Klassen ([email protected]).
• Vino al Vino (Canada/Alberta)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCanadian/Alberta distributor. Contact: Joe Gurba ([email protected]).
• Ten Locks (United Kingdom)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK distributor. Contact via distillery.
• SR Wine (Norway)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNorwegian distributor. Contact via distillery.
• VinOZ (Luxembourg)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLuxembourg distributor. Contact via distillery.
• African + Eastern (UAE)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUAE distributor. Contact: Alex Arestides ([email protected]).
• Boom Aroma (China)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorChinese distributor. Contact: Shawn Chow ([email protected]).
• Northeast Wines & Spirits (Hong Kong)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHong Kong distributor. Contact: Betsy Haynes ([email protected]).
• KY Provisions (Japan)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorJapanese distributor. Contact via distillery.
• Raw Wines SG (Singapore)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSingapore distributor. Contact: Ian Lim ([email protected]).
• Blanc (New Zealand)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNew Zealand distributor. Contact: Angie Atkinson ([email protected]).
• Something WildminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupplier of Bush Tomatoes and other native ingredients, sourced sustainably with direct benefit to First Nations Communities.
• Ochre NationcoreOthersParent company encompassing Applewood Distillery, Unico Zelo, and Troppo. Sustainability metrics tracked across the whole family since 2014.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Never Never Distilling Co. Australian craft gin distillery based in Adelaide (McLaren Vale) also leveraging native Australian botanicals and a Southern Cross juniper focus. Most directly comparable Australian craft gin peer due to shared native-botanical philosophy and similar scale.
• Brockmans Gin: UK premium craft gin with a distinctive botanical blend and contemporary brand positioning. Comparable as a craft gin priced at a premium and distributed through independent spirits distributors globally.
• Starward Whisky: Australian single malt whisky producer (Melbourne) focused on Australian native-cask maturation. Comparable as an Australian craft distillery pushing premium whisky with a distinctive local-cask story analogous to Applewood's Jarrah whisky.
• Westward American Single Malt: American single malt whisky emphasizing grain provenance and craft distilling. Comparable as a craft distillery building a premium single malt category with a terroir narrative, analogous to Applewood's Jarrah whisky positioning.
• Sipsmith: London-based craft gin distillery built on a terroir-led, single-distillery narrative and now owned by Beam Suntory. Comparable as a craft, provenance-driven premium gin with selective global distribution and on-site visitor experiences.
• Four Pillars Gin: Australian craft gin distillery based in Healesville, Yarra Valley, similarly using native Australian botanicals and recognized for premium positioning and international awards. Most directly comparable peer due to shared Australian native-botanical gin focus and craft-distillery scale.
• Monkey 47: Premium German craft gin with a distinctive regional botanical story (Black Forest ingredients). Comparable as a terroir-driven, botanically complex premium gin commanding a price premium in global travel retail and on-premise.
• Archie Rose Distilling Co. Sydney-based Australian craft distillery producing gin, whisky, and other spirits with a transparency-led, locally sourced positioning. Comparable as an Australian craft distillery building a multi-category spirits portfolio with strong on-premise presence.
• Lark Distillery: Tasmanian whisky pioneer and flagship of Australian single malt. Comparable as an Australian craft distillery expanding internationally on the back of native provenance, premium pricing, and a cellar-door/experience venue model.

Broad incumbents

• Hendrick's Gin: Global premium gin owned by William Grant & Sons, built on an unusual botanical infusion (cucumber-rose) and apothecary-style branding. Comparable as a premium craft-positioned gin that scaled globally through distinctive botanicals and brand storytelling.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/distilleryapplewood
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/applewood-distillery

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Applewood Distillery