Fossey’s is Open for Lunch

Open for Lunch THIS WEEKEND
 
In celebration of World Gin Day, Fossey’s Distillery will open this Saturday & Sunday from 11.30am.
 
Enjoy a scrumptious lunch menu accompanied by one of our suggested Gin pairings and relax the weekend away at Fossey’s. 
 
Due to Covid our World Gin Day laneway celebration had to be rescheduled. We will advise when the date has been set. 
 
For bookings call 50228290 

7 Things You Didn’t Know About Gin

7 things you didn't know about gin

7 things you didn't know about gin

7 things you didn't know about gin
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A must read for every gin enthusiast
7 Things You Didn’t Know About Gin

In case you didn’t know, it’s World Gin Day this Saturday! And even though in Victoria, we really can’t celebrate at the fabulous Fossey’s Distillery, it certainly warrants a few tipples…well then again, as if we needed an excuse! 

There’s really nothing much better than kicking back with a few friends, laughing & conversing over a few G&T’s. This Saturday, I know I won’t be holding back & just may put away a number of Broken Heel Gin’s with Fever Tree Tonic! (If you have not tasted Broken Heel, you really are missing out) I daresay I may have a sore head on Sunday to show for my celebratory drinks but nothing that can’t be fixed with a hearty breakfast and possibly a couple of Panadols or even another gin. But shh…better not to think of that at this point. Focus on the Fossey’s fun to be had first and foremost!

Y’all know I hadn’t given much thought to gin before I started working for Fossey’s but since landing my dream job (I am not even joking) I have come to learn quite a bit about our fabulous elixir and I reckon these are 7 things you didn’t know about gin! See how many of this list you already knew.

1. What is “Dutch Courage”?

You have most likely heard the term “Dutch Courage”? But do you know where it originated? Well, gin is actually well-known for its calming effects. During the Thirty Years War the Dutch army was apparently aware of this side-effect, because they were known to ration portions to their soldiers prior to battle to calm their nerves. It is said that the English army caught wind of this habit, and was amused to see the difference in the Dutch after having their rations! Contrary to popular opinion, it was the Dutch, not the English, who first made gin!

Nowadays, everybody knows the British are its biggest fans but the juniper-led spirit originated from Holland and was brought to England in the early 1600’s by British soldiers after the aforementioned war!

2. Gin can be and was, used for medicinal purposes!

As far back as 1269, was the first major mention of juniper-based health-related tonics when they appeared in a Dutch publication. Ever since, gin has had a history of being used “for medicinal purposes.” The Royal Navy mixed gin with lime cordial to stop scurvy, and angostura settled the stomach at sea. Tonic water with quinine was anti-malarial, giving them a great excuse to drink more gin and tonics. And can you believe, In India, Gin was used to make tonic water and cinchona mixture, a more palatable taste to combat malaria? Then in the 17th century, it was prescribed by doctors & readily available in European chemists. It was used to treat everything from kidney infections to stomach issues! You won’t believe that gin even became so popular it was found on every street corner in England! (Source)

3. Junipers are loaded with antioxidants

Although Juniper is a seed, it is nearly identical to a blueberry. And just like blueberries, junipers are loaded with antioxidants. The bitter seed is effective in fighting infection, aiding digestion, and relieving bloating. You see? Now it makes sense that gin is considered medicinal! (Source)

4. Which movie is the line “Shaken, not stirred” from? 

You guessed it! Thanks goes to the James Bond movie franchise, the martini became the most sought-after cocktail, made from a mixture of gin and dry vermouth. Thank you, 007!

5. Fire-water? Ah..literally?

Does the term “Navy strength” ring a bell? It is definitely the clear favourite of Fossey’s head distiller, Steve Timmis and gin-credibly talented distiller, Tash. But besides loving a great tipple, legend has it the Navy used gunpowder to ensure the gin they were receiving was high quality. The gin would be poured onto gunpowder, and the strength confirmed by seeing how well it lit. Talk about being super serious about the strength of your gin!

6. Gin is to thank for Dr. Suess! 

Did you know that gin is responsible for the pen name of beloved children’s “Cat in the Hat” author Dr. Suess? He was actually born, Theodor Suess Geisel & as a young man he was editor of a campus newspaper during his years at Dartmouth University. Tragically, or as it turned out, not so tragically, he was fired from his role after being caught smuggling GIN into his dorm room in 1925 (peak prohibition days). Determined to continue writing, he submitted all of his articles using just the name “Suess,” and later added “Dr.” to the beginning. (Source)

7. And my favourite one…Gin is not a depressant but aids weight loss.

Yep you read right! A Latvian study by researchers from the Sigulda University (sounds legit) found G&T boosts our body’s ability to burn calories for one hour after drinking it. Another gin-teresting fact is antioxidant-rich juniper speed up your metabolism. Doesn’t that gin-formation just make you want you to stock up and drink up – all in the name of good health & fitting into your jeans?

There you have it, folks. 7 things you didn’t know about gin. Now you know these fun facts about gin, I am sure you will feel a lot better about getting stuck into 1 or 2…or 7. Whatever…who’s counting, right? After all, it is World Gin Day!

Bottoms up & chin chin, gin lovers!

Until next time,

Fossey’s Ginspired Blogger Girl

Narelle

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What is World Gin Day?

What is World Gin Day

What is world Gin Day?

What is World Gin Day
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World Gin Day is fast approaching. Saturday 13th of June is the ultimate day of celebrating all things gin!  

You may recall the Fossey’s Festivities of World Gin Day 2019! Where we took over the lane way next to our building and celebrated like no one else with gin-mazing drag queens performing, magicians, dancers, acrobats, fire throwers, live music, fabulous food, loads of fun and of course, everything GIN!

It certainly was a day/night to be remembered!

From the moment the doors opened last year, it was glamour, glitz and Fossey’s unique quirkiness. We love throwing a good party and before all of the isolation restrictions were put in place, we had plans to run something even BIGGER and BETTER this year! But, alas, it will have to wait until 2021 for us to kick our heels up to celebrate the wonder that is gin! 

What is it?

Now, you could possibly be asking “what is World Gin Day?” Before starting at Fossey’s I had no idea such a day even existed. So, when I heard of this very magical and somewhat mysterious day, I went looking to find out the origins & how others celebrate it around the world.

I learned that “the concept is simple…get people enjoying gin together all over the world” and that this day even is special enough to have it’s on website

According to Emma Stokes aka Gin Monkey on worldginday.com World Gin Day is “A day for everyone and anyone (over drinking age of course…!) to celebrate and enjoy gin! Whether you’re already a fan of the juniper spirit, or looking for an intro, World Gin Day is the perfect opportunity to get involved.

When is it?

It is always the second Saturday in June. This means the date moves around a little year on year, but to make the most of the day we like to give you the Sunday to recover….”

Who started World Gin Day?

“World Gin Day itself was actually founded by Neil Houston in 2009, a very bright idea to bring his friends together to drink gin in Birmingham!” Clearly it has grown a lot from its very humble beginnings and simple concept of just getting a few friends together to enjoy a gin or two!

Sadly, due to the pandemic in London, the day has gone online this year. 

I, for one, am praying restrictions are lifted really soon. I don’t know about you, but I cannot wait to get back to the Distillery to have a few cheeky gins on a Friday night!

Until next time! Chin chin & bottoms up gin lovers!

Gin-spired Blogger Girl

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Fossey’s are super excited to be part of the Sipafrolic event debuting March 3rd-5th 2023 at North Melbourne’s iconic Meat Market venue! TICKETS NOW