The Rise of Australian Craft Spirits: Why You Should Try Local in Busselton
Discover the best Aussie-made gin, rum, and vodka available in Busselton—from award-winning distillers to hidden local gems stocked at Brew Plus.
Why Australian Craft Spirits Are Booming in 2025
There’s been a quiet distilling revolution brewing across Australia, and Western Australia, in particular, is starting to shine. From gin bars in Perth to hidden boutique distilleries in the South West, craft spirits are stepping into the spotlight, and for good reason.
In Busselton today, that shift is becoming especially noticeable. Drinkers are seeking more than big labels, they want local provenance, unique flavour, and the story behind their bottle. Whether it's WA-made gin, small-batch rum, or artisanal vodkas, the craft movement is bringing depth, personality, and innovation to liquor shelves.
In this guide, you’ll discover:
What truly defines a “craft” spirit in the Australian context
Standout local and national brands you should try (many of which are already stocked in our shelves at Brew Plus)
How these spirits are pushing flavour boundaries with native botanicals, unusual cask finishes, and local ingredients
Where to find and buy them in Busselton, and why Brew Plus is your local source
Let’s raise a glass to tasting local, because the stories behind your spirit are often what make the sip unforgettable.
What Makes a Spirit ‘Craft’ in Australia
The term “craft” gets thrown around a lot these days, but when it comes to spirits, there are real markers that separate a true small-batch distiller from a mass-market producer. At its core, craft distilling is about care, creativity, and connection to place, and that’s exactly what defines so many of Australia’s rising stars in the spirits world.
Craft vs Commercial: What’s the Difference?
Here’s how craft and commercial spirits compare at a glance:
| Feature | Craft Spirits | Commercial Spirits |
|---|---|---|
| Batch Size | Small-batch, limited runs | Mass-produced |
| Production | Hands-on, often using traditional methods | Automated, high-output systems |
| Ingredients | Locally sourced botanicals, grains, and water | Often generic or imported ingredients |
| Flavour | Unique, experimental, terroir-driven | Consistent but less characterful |
| Brand Ethos | Focus on story, transparency, sustainability | Focus on scale and distribution |
Craft spirits often come from independent distillers who focus on quality over quantity, using time-intensive methods that bring out nuanced flavour profiles. For example, many WA gin producers hand-infuse botanicals using native ingredients like lemon myrtle or wattleseed. That kind of process simply doesn’t happen in industrial-scale operations.
Why Aussies Are Shifting to Small-Batch Liquor
Australian drinkers are savvier than ever, and many are now actively choosing to:
Support local producers rather than global conglomerates
Explore new and exciting flavour profiles that reflect Australia’s natural landscape
Choose sustainable and ethical products, with transparency about sourcing
Discover spirits with stories, whether it’s a distillery run by a family in regional WA or a gin that uses ingredients grown in the bushland outside Margaret River
At Brew Plus, we’ve seen this demand firsthand. More and more locals and visitors are asking for premium Australian spirits made right here in WA. And we’re proud to stock a growing range that reflects that movement.
Australian Gin You Need to Try
If there’s one craft spirit that has truly flourished in Australia, it’s gin. Driven by bold experimentation, native botanicals, and a commitment to small-batch quality, Australian gin has earned global respect, and some of the most exciting bottles are made right here in Western Australia.
Top Local Gins Available at Brew Plus
Looking for local gin in Busselton? At Brew Plus, we stock a carefully curated range of premium and small-batch WA gins, perfect for a summer G&T, a sophisticated martini, or a standout gift. Here are a few local standouts you’ll want to try:
Margaret River Spirits Classic Botanical Gin
A true taste of the South West, this elegant gin showcases native botanicals with a clean, balanced finish. Superb in a classic gin and tonic or citrusy spritz.
Souwester Finger Lime Gin
Distilled in the Margaret River region, this small-batch gin blends fresh local finger limes with a traditional botanical base. Zesty, aromatic, and made for WA afternoons.
Wise Signature Gin
From Eagle Bay to your glass, this vibrant gin balances juniper and citrus with a subtle floral lift. A versatile pick that works beautifully neat or with a premium tonic.
Want to explore more? Our team is always happy to recommend the right gin for your taste or occasion. Ask us in-store.
Aussie Botanicals That Set These Gins Apart
What makes Australian gin special? It’s not just where it’s made, it’s what it’s made with. Local distillers often use native botanicals that you won’t find in traditional London dry gins, such as:
Lemon myrtle – bright and citrusy
Wattleseed – nutty, earthy and rich
Tasmanian pepperberry – adds spice and complexity
Saltbush or river mint – brings a fresh, savoury edge
These ingredients give Aussie gins their distinctively vibrant, layered flavour, often with more herbal and citrus-driven notes than their European counterparts.
How to Serve: Best Mixers and Cocktails for Aussie Gin
Here’s how to get the best out of your Australian gin:
| Style | Best Pairings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| G&T (Gin & Tonic) | Serve with Fever-Tree or StrangeLove tonic, fresh citrus and herbs | Let the botanicals shine |
| Negroni | Mix with Aussie vermouth and Campari | Look for gins with spice or citrus |
| Gin Spritz | Add soda water, elderflower, or sparkling wine | Refreshing and great for summer entertaining |
For a true local twist, garnish with native herbs like lemon thyme or a sprig of rosemary.
WA-Made Craft Rum: Bold Flavour, Local Craft
While gin may have led the charge in Australia’s craft spirit boom, rum is quietly stealing the spotlight—especially here in Western Australia. With a climate ideal for ageing and a new generation of distillers breaking the rules, WA rum is bold, rich, and increasingly in demand.
Brands to Watch: Canefire, Illegal Tender
Brew Plus stocks a growing collection of locally made rums that showcase the depth and diversity of Australian craft. Here are three worth discovering:
Backburn Rum – Kimberley Rum Company (Kununurra, WA)
This iconic WA brand redefines Australian rum, made from sugarcane syrup instead of molasses. Smooth and full-bodied with tropical fruit notes—delicious over ice or in a cocktail.Illegal Tender Rum Co – Dongara, WA
A trailblazer in WA’s rum scene, Illegal Tender’s Spiced and Distiller’s Cut rums are bold, complex, and completely sugar-free. Expect flavours of vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and oak.
Ask in-store about what’s in stock and what’s trending, our team can recommend the perfect match based on your taste.
Why WA Rum Is Turning Heads Globally
Western Australia’s warm, dry climate helps rums age faster and develop deeper flavours in a shorter time, giving local distillers a real edge.
Other reasons WA-made rum is gaining traction:
Distinct base materials: Like Canefire’s use of syrup instead of molasses
Zero additives or colourings: Especially with small-batch brands
Unique barrel-ageing styles: Including port, wine, and whisky casks
These craft processes deliver rums that are smooth, complex, and uniquely Aussie, whether you’re drinking them neat or mixing into cocktails.
Classic Cocktails Featuring Local Rum
Here are three easy ways to enjoy WA craft rum:
| Cocktail | Ingredients | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Dark & Stormy | Spiced rum + ginger beer + lime | Showcases warming spice and citrus |
| Rum Old Fashioned | Dark rum + bitters + sugar cube | A richer twist on the classic |
| Mojito | White rum + mint + lime + soda | Perfect for younger rums like Canefire’s |
Whether you're throwing a BBQ or relaxing on the deck, these cocktails are a great way to enjoy the bold, tropical character of local rum.
Where to Buy Craft Spirits in Busselton
Finding quality Australian spirits shouldn’t be a challenge, and if you're in Busselton, you're in luck. At Brew Plus, we’ve made it our mission to bring the best of local and national distillers right to your doorstep.
Why Brew Plus is the Local Choice
Whether you’re chasing small-batch gin, WA rum, or premium Aussie vodka, Brew Plus is your go-to liquor store in Busselton. Here's why locals trust us:
Curated range of Australian-made spirits – we champion craft labels over mass-market imports
Locally owned and operated – we support WA distillers and producers
Helpful, knowledgeable staff – we taste what we sell, so we can give honest, expert recommendations
Convenience and variety – shop for spirits, wine, beer, and mixers all in one place
Visit us in-store or call ahead if you're after something specific, if we don’t have it, we’ll try to get it in.
Our Criteria for Selecting Craft Spirits
We don’t stock everything, we stock the right things. Our selection process focuses on:
Artisan production methods
Australian ownership and origin
Sustainability or ethical sourcing
Flavour quality and consistency
Award wins and industry recognition
If a bottle makes our shelf, it’s been chosen with care, and often, it’s something you won’t find in mainstream stores.
Seasonal Releases and What’s Popular Right Now
Craft spirits move fast, and limited-batch releases are part of the fun. Our current customer favourites include:
Souwester Finger Lime Gin (Margaret River) – Zesty, vibrant, and made with native botanicals, this small-batch gin is perfect for refreshing spring G&Ts.
Canefire’s Backburn Rum – Big flavour and great value
Archie Rose Double Malt Whisky – A standout Aussie whisky for sipping or gifting
We also stock seasonal bundles and gift packs, ideal for holidays, birthdays or event hosting. Pop in and ask what’s new, we’re always updating our shelves with the latest craft releases.
Why Supporting Local Distillers Matters
Buying craft spirits isn’t just about flavour, it’s about backing local talent, supporting small businesses, and contributing to a more sustainable industry. When you choose Australian-made spirits from distillers across WA and beyond, you’re investing in more than just a great bottle.
The Impact of Choosing Local
Here’s what your purchase supports:
Jobs and skills in regional WA – especially in places like Margaret River, Albany, and Perth
Sustainable production practices – many small distillers prioritise ethical sourcing and carbon-neutral processes
Authentic Australian flavour – local botanicals, native grains, and unique climate ageing mean you’re tasting something truly regional
Community investment – local distilleries often reinvest profits into their communities, events, and local suppliers
It’s a win for your palate and the local economy.
Brew Plus Events, Tastings and Distiller Collaborations
At Brew Plus, we’re proud to support local producers through:
In-store tasting events with WA distillers
Exclusive small-batch releases not available elsewhere in Busselton
Collaborative promotions with brands like Giniversity, Canefire, and more
These events are a chance to learn, taste, and talk directly with the people behind your favourite spirits. It’s also a great way to discover new favourites—often before they hit bigger markets.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow us on socials or visit in-store and ask about our upcoming tasting calendar.
Conclusion: Explore Local, Taste Local, Support Local
The rise of Australian craft spirits is more than a trend—it’s a movement rooted in quality, creativity, and community. From botanical-rich gins and WA-made rums to ultra-smooth vodkas distilled with care, the options for drinking local have never been better.
By choosing Australian craft spirits, you’re not only getting a more flavourful and distinctive drink, you’re supporting real people, passionate distillers, and homegrown innovation.
At Brew Plus, we’re proud to stock a curated range of premium local spirits that represent the very best of WA and beyond. Whether you’re a gin enthusiast, a budding rum collector, or simply looking to upgrade your cocktail game with something Australian-made, our team is here to help.
Visit us in-store in Busselton for personalised advice
Ask about new arrivals, seasonal specials, and event tastings
Explore our local favourites and create your own craft spirit experience
Let your next bottle tell a local story.
Planning an event? Ask us about craft spirits for weddings, parties or corporate gifts. We’ll help you build the perfect drinks list.
