It’s the small things that make all the difference, that can sipping a G&T, everyday to next level, so it’s no wonder it feels like a luxury when you get to drink your gin only meters from the still that made it, and that’s exactly what you get at Little Lon Distillery, Melbourne CBD’s only craft gin distillery and bar, tucked away at 17 Casselden Place, the last remaining single story house in Melbourne CBD.
Strolling down the laneway, we were instantly awestruck by the cozy cottage and verandah style seating just outside the distillery door, quickly settling in, with a Little Lon Proudfoot Gin & Tonic, ready for an afternoon of gin tasting. Being our first visit, we were excited to talk to staff about the history side of things too. Inside the heritage-listed cottage, the cozy single room bar holds a maximum of 20 people and has a speakeasy vibe and genuine sense of history that works perfectly with the presence of the copper and steel of the distillery.
Little Lon acknowledges its rich history with a range of gins that commemorate the deviates that were once living amongst these lanes as a way of keeping the history and spirit that once was Little Lon. Once settled and ready for our next round, a gin tasting was in order. On the tasting board was the Ginger Mick, a contemporary gin with fresh ginger and mixed citrus, palatable on its own, however we suggest adding the orange slice and tonic water to really enhance the citrus flavours of this particular gin. Next was Proudfoot, a London dry-style gin with garden fresh rosemary. This was the gin we enjoyed on arrival, and kept going back to for more! We highly suggest enjoying this one as is on the tasting board, to experience the full flavour of the juniper and the finishing notes of lavender. Lastly on the board was Miss Yoko, a taste of the Orient Gin with fresh seasonal lychees. This gin was created in honour of Little Miss Yoko, Oriental Oomphess and seductress of Victorian-era Little Lon, and has undeniable flavours of lychee on the taste buds to round out the finish.
Whilst enjoying the flavours of Little Lon, including a range of their cocktails, we were also treated to a mouth-watering charcuterie board of meats, cheese and more! And if that doesn’t satisfy your hunger, the team at Little Lon have a range of must-try toasties, the perfect addition to your taste buds with the added bonus of keeping you warm during the cooler evenings.
If you find yourself wandering the laneways and happen across Little Lon as we suspect your will, we highly recommend a gin tasting, however if you can secure yourself a spot in one of their masterclasses, it is a must! Not only do you get to taste all their flavours, you also get the rich history and understanding of why Little Lon is such an amazing and special place in the heart of Melbourne. Make sure to talk to the bartenders and staff during your visit, they are full of knowledge and passion for what they are creating and are always up for giving you a history lesson full of really interesting details about the venue that was once the slums and red light district of Melbourne.
