It’s not enough for CAVU Distilling to produce beautifully crafted, award-winning spirits through the Sunshine & Sons label at Woombye.
The Nambour Connection Road company founded by four great mates – Matt Hobson, Michael Conrad, Daniel Vinson and head distiller Adam Chapman – has added the title of Australia’s third-largest rum maker to its accolades.
“Scale-wise, we are the third-largest distiller of rum in Australia currently and increasing production quickly,” said Matt, who calls himself “chief imagineer” in a nod to the friends’ classic Aussie humour.
“That rum is being released on February 22, 2022, at 2.22pm – a little bit of a nod to the law within Australia that defines rum as being aged for a minimum of two years.
“Since we started distilling on Australia Day 2020, there’s already over 110,000 litres of spirit that is ageing in barrel.”
Matt said interest was growing in what Sunshine & Sons had already achieved in its mission to become known across the nation and internationally as a premium Australian spirits brand.
“Adam Chapman … is regarded by many as the finest distiller in Australia,” he said.
“He’s certainly the most qualified. He’s doing some amazing things in white spirits.
“But certainly our aim is to make Australia’s finest rum. You’ll see our company slogan: ‘CAVU Distilling: not the makers of Australia’s finest rum yet’ as a nod and a wink to our ambition.
“We’re the first commercially distilled product in the rum category that will be certified organic. So, that’s obviously of interest to lots of consumers.
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“Our mission is for consumers to drink better, not necessarily more.
“Our business is one among many that is encouraging people to support local, buy local and drink better, because there’s no doubt our lovingly made spirits in many respects are indeed considered by consumers as significantly better than the mass-produced products that dominate the market.”
The Sunshine & Sons Original Vodka is already renowned as Australia’s only volcanic rock-filtered vodka.
And for The Big Pineapple’s 50th anniversary celebrations on August 15 this year, the company served the latest addition to its line-up: Pineapple Parfait Gin.
The Pineapple Parfait Gin features pineapple, strawberry, mango and passionfruit, coconut and vanilla, inspired by The Big Pineapple parfait desserts back in its heyday in the ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s.
This flavour is the star of a world-first pineapple parfait gin sorbet in collaboration with Maleny Food Co., and the extremely decadent Pineapple Parfait Martini served with fresh tropical fruit and vanilla ice cream in the glass.
“The Big Pineapple in its heyday was famous for its visitor experience which included showcasing some lovely tropical fruit grown on this site and local dairy products, particularly ice cream,” Matt said.
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“And the inspiration for that gin is absolutely from that history – something we’re very proud of.
“We love the (Big Pineapple) history and so do the visitors to CAVU Distilling.”
On distilling days, visitors can’t help but notice the hum of cooling towers in the background for copper pot stills named Maria and Sarah – 6000 and 2500 litre Tasmanian artisan pot stills, respectively, hand-made from the fine German copper.
Adam tells us that drinkers are definitely changing their tastes – especially in the gin department.
“People can easily get a little bit bored with traditional gins like Gilbeys and have always had to rely on a garnish to make more flavour,” he said.
“So now, when they taste our gin – a craft gin – you don’t need a garnish at all because of the beautiful botanicals in it.’’
Despite the consumption of alcohol in Australia continuing to drop during Covid, Sunshine & Sons is still on its upward trajectory.
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“Obviously Covid is very challenging,” Matt said.
“Our first Original Dry Gin and our Original Vodka release entered the retail market in March 2020. Absolutely the worst time ever to have everything Michael, myself and our wives own mortgaged and suddenly to be confronted with Covid.
“Notwithstanding, reflecting the sheer power of the love for our products and the ‘love local’ sentiment that exists in the community and continues to grow, our range is widely sold throughout Australia by independents and the majors.
“Coles and Woolworths which dominate the liquor industry across Australia are massive fans of what we were doing. Reflecting our rapid rise by June of 2020, they were already our biggest customers and certainly remain so today.”
Sunshine & Sons is open to the public seven days a week from 10am until sunset for tastings, tours, drinks and sales at 104 Nambour Connection Road, Woombye. Go to the website
COCKTAILS, ANYONE?
Pineapple Parfait Martini
Mix 30ml Sunshine & Sons Pineapple Parfait Gin and the juice from locally grown pineapples, shaken over ice and cascaded over scoops of sorbet and fresh local pineapple, strawberry and passionfruit.
A Near North
In a shaker, muddle three 1/8 segments of lime, add a generous handful of ice and 30ml of Sunshine & Sons Original Cane.
Shake to impress your friends and empty into a short glass
Original G&T
Mix 30ml of Sunshine & Sons Original Dry Gin, tonic water and ice, and garnish with pomegranate seeds to add a slightly pink hue.
