Ambleside No. 8 Botanical Gin
Ambleside No. 8 Botanical Gin is a citrus-forward Australian gin that tastes bright, smooth, and very friendly in simple cocktails. It celebrates South Australian organic oranges and fresh lime, with gentle warmth from star anise and cassia, making each sip feel clean and refreshing.
Where it’s from
This gin is made by Ambleside Distillers, a family-owned craft distillery in Hahndorf, in the Adelaide Hills of South Australia. The area is known for fresh produce and cool-climate quality, which matches the gin’s clean and lively style.
What it’s like
No. 8 is a contemporary botanical gin with a strong citrus emphasis. It sits at 40% ABV, which helps the flavours feel smooth and balanced rather than sharp. It’s unaged and crystal clear, like most classic gins, and it’s part of the distillery’s core range, so it is made regularly and not a limited release.
The key botanicals
The heart of this gin is organic Riverland oranges and fresh lime. These bring sweet, sunny orange notes and a zesty lift. Star anise adds a soft, sweet spice, while cassia bark gives gentle warmth. Coriander seed adds a light herbal touch. Juniper is the classic base of all gin, and it supports the citrus beautifully without taking over.
How it smells and tastes
On the nose, there is bright orange zest, a lift of lime, delicate anise spice, and soft cassia warmth. On the palate, the mid-section is smooth and citrusy, with hints of floral orange and a subtle note of coriander seed. The finish is gentle, with a calm blend of anise and cassia that lingers softly.
How to drink it
This gin is made for simple, refreshing serves that let the citrus shine.
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Gimlet: Mix with fresh lime juice and a little sugar syrup for a tangy, bright drink.
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G&T: Pair with a light tonic so the orange and lime stay in focus; add an orange wheel or lime wedge.
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Highball: Pour over ice with soda water and a citrus slice for a clean, bubbly sipper.
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Martini (citrus twist): Stir with dry vermouth and finish with an orange twist for a zesty, elegant take.
Craft and process
Ambleside Distillers makes No. 8 in small batches to focus on consistency and freshness. The exact still type isn’t publicly shared, but the careful distillation keeps the citrus clear and the spices gentle. It is not cask-aged, so the colour stays clear and the flavours remain bright and crisp.
Recognition and quality
No. 8 Botanical Gin has earned a Silver at the London Spirits Competition, praised for expressive citrus and balanced herbal complexity. This shows it isn’t just tasty—it’s also respected by judges who look for quality, character, and value.
Bottle and availability
No. 8 is usually available in a 700 ml bottle, which is a common size for premium gin in many markets. It’s an ongoing core expression, so it is generally available rather than seasonal.
Why it stands out
This gin stands out because it feels natural and cheerful, like sunshine in a glass. The use of South Australian organic oranges and fresh lime gives it a real sense of place, while star anise and cassia add just enough warmth to keep it interesting. It’s easy to mix, easy to enjoy, and perfect for anyone who likes clean, citrus-led flavour. If a drink should taste fresh, bright, and simple—in the best way—Ambleside No. 8 Botanical Gin is a great pick.