For Four Pillars’ distiller Cameron, Victoria Derby Day holds a special place in his heart. Not because he’s an avid punter but because that was the day his beloved late mum Wilma would bust out the 1968 Australian Women’s Weekly and whip up a batch of her famous Christmas pudding and fill the house with the undeniable smell of Christmas – a tradition which he’s kept alive for his children. A couple of years ago, on Derby Day, Cam had the bright idea to drop some puds (made to the exact same recipe) in the botanical basket of the Four Pillars still (also lovingly referred to as Wilma) and create the label’s first signature holiday gin, which has since become a tradition in its own right. This year, the team at Four Pillars will up the ante once again with puds made by each of the three founders and their kids alongside a splash of last year’s Australian Christmas Gin to create the label’s most lovingly crafted gin to date, and folks, it’s going to be a cracker.

The holiday tipple smells like gin but tastes like Christmas with juniper-led Christmas tree notes and plum pudding character housed in a pretty bottle designed by Australian-bush artist Tim Summerton that features Illawarra Flame Trees in full bloom. Sip straight over ice, mix it with ginger ale (or beer) and fresh lime or go all high-school disco and spike the punch. When dessert rolls around, splash a little over that pud and get a little merry. Four Pillars’ 2019 Australian Christmas Gin will be released on Saturday November 2 (Victorian Derby Day) and will be available in selected retail stores, the Four Pillars Distillery Door and online.