An homage to the gutsy and hardworking women of the Victorian Goldfields in the 1850s, Ballarat’s Sovereign Hill has partnered with local distillery Kilderkin (creators of Larrikin Gin), to create Sly Grog, a craft gin featuring botanicals sourced from the organic garden at Sovereign Hill.

Polly O’Shea is a mythical amalgam of the many brave women of the Goldfields. Arriving in 1852 from Ireland, widow Polly had to provide for her family – doing what she could to survive. Her coffee tent quickly became the cover for her gin still, and sly grog was born.

Why gin from one of Australia’s favourite historical destinations? Many are not aware that Sovereign Hill is a not-for-profit organisation, founded in 1970 by a group of passionate locals. And the proceeds of sales from the gins goes to supporting this living museum to continue to keep the past alive whilst creating a modern context. And there’s nothing more modern than craft gin!

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Featuring a range of botanicals including juniper, coriander seed, pepper leaf, orange peel and desert lime, along with lemon and cinnamon myrtle, banksia and rosemary hailing from the kitchen garden on site. Just like in the old days! And the rest, they say, is history!

Available for sale online at www.sovereignhill.com.au/sly-grog, Sly Grog has a RRP of $85 and is also being served at the US Hotel in the Main Street of Sovereign Hill.

Sovereign Hill is located at Bradshaw Street, Ballarat and sits on Wadawurrung Country.

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