One of the most important figures of Australia’s brewing and distilling industries forms the inspirational basis for Brisbane’s newest small-batch spirit maker. Bavay Distillery, named after famed Belgium-born brewer, industrial chemist and bacteriologist August de Bavay, opened at Morningside’s Rivermakers Estate in in early 2022. The operation, which has taken shape in the stillhouse of the heritage-listed Commonwealth Acetate of Lime Factory (part of the Heritage Quarter lifestyle and entertainment precinct alongside Low and Slow Meat Co. and Revel Rivermakers Restaurant) will honour the craft of spirit making via the use of traditional and exotic methods. Monica, Bavay Distillery’s 500-litre copper-pot still, concocts small batches gin, vodka, rum and whisky, each imbued with a quintessential Queensland spirit. The distillery’s 120-capacity bar space has been given a glamorous Great Gatsby-inspired glow-up, with a new copper-top bar, drop lighting and ample greenery juxtaposed against the structure’s industrial brick interior (an all-weather alfresco space will also form part of Bavay Distillery’s footprint). Guests can expect an extensive cocktail menu and a range of light, tapas-style bites, while hobbyist distillers can sign up for hands-on blending masterclasses, in which they can craft and age their unique blends in custom coopered miniature barrels.