Feels Botanical launches Australian Eau de Vie
An Australian Eau de Vie
There’s a new trend buzzing around the bars. Vodka and super premium tequilas have had their moment in the spotlight as has the booming gin market. Now is the time of Eau de Vie. Feels Botanical are creating hype with this grape spirit called ‘the water of life’.
Co-creators, Steve Pillemar and Blake Vanderfield-Kramer of Feels Botanical saw the successful take up of the eau de vie trend in Europe and have put their own stamp on it. Eau de vie is unaged brandy made from any type of fruit, often pear, plum or apples but in Europe not grapes. In Australia there are no restrictions on grapes and an abundance of high quality fruit.
Feels Botanical ferment these grapes into wine and then distill them into a high proof Eau de Vie grape spirit that forms the base of all feels expression, a harmony of flavours and native botanicals are then perfectly matched to complement a spectrum of moods and occasions.
During COVID the botanicals were whittled down from 30 options down to 10. Then when the creators were happy with the flavours they fine-tuned this to three botanicals for each style. The botanicals are native Australian botanicals resulting from sustainable farming and production across the manufacturing and supply chain.
Utilising the abundance of high-quality Australian grapes, which are fermented into wine and then distilled into a high proof Eau de Vie grape spirit that forms the base of all feels expression, a harmony of flavours and native botanicals are then perfectly matched to complement a spectrum of moods and occasions.
The entire range is also 100% natural, gluten free, grain free, preservative free, has no added sugar, sustainably sourced and 100% Australian-made and owned.
It is very hard to choose a favourite but I’m erring on Bask – Hemp, Quandong and Kakadu Plum with elderflower tonic water and a generous squeeze of lemon. However as the name suggests it depends on your feels for the day. The best bet is to try them all and see if you can come up with a favourite.
Vivify – Turmeric, Coconut and Ginger
A vibrant yet soothing blend of mellow coconut, fiery turmeric and ginger, Vivify is the tropical island; delicate and understated with a soft sweetness that lingers long after that first sip. Enjoy in good company, over ice with ginger beer and a lime wedge, or as a twist on a classic cocktail.
Rouse – Rose, Davidson Plum and Horny Goat Weed
Rouse, to stir or conjure. True to its name, a seductive combination of Horny Goat Weed, Rose petals and native Davidson plum that delivers notes of floral Rose, musk and stewed rhubarb. The spark of sensuality, enjoy the natural rose blush of this spirit over ice in a wine glass with soda and berries, or as a twist on a classic cocktail.
Bask – Hemp, Quandong and Kakadu Plum
Bask; a moody meeting of Quandong, Kakadu Plum and Hemp. Blissfully crisp, deeply earthy, low-key spicy and delivering a silky mouth texture, this Eau De Vie drinks like a good tequila – only much smoother and made from grapes. Less filtration for a natural, cloudy outlook. Serve over ice and top with Mediterranean Tonic water and a lemon wedge, or as a twist on a classic cocktail.
Revel – Coffee, Ginseng and Illawarra Plum
Coffee and ginseng bring the energy, with a touch of Illawarra Plum used by Australia’s First Peoples for well over 60,000 years. Nostalgic and warm like a well-worn leather jacket, Revel’s all silky fruit, spice and chocolate. It’s a touch of the old guard and a ringing in of the new. Toast to the night ahead, served neat or over ice, and garnished with a slice of orange, or as a twist on a classic cocktail.
