Nano-distillery puts twist on a classic

A HUSBAND-and-wife team from Harcourt are putting a twist on a classic spirit with their range of infused vodkas.

Nathan and Jessica Clarke-Hong turned their passion for farming into a distilling business after getting caught up in the craft brewing movement more than a decade ago.

“I think it was around 2011,” he said. “Craft brewing piqued my interest and that’s where we got into home brewing.

“Small-scale farming was also quite important to us and I enjoy farming, so it just organically occurred. I’d like to say there was a lot more foresight.

“I guess one of the big things we wanted to see was if we could profit from small-scale farming or the farm-to-glass model. Making vodka seemed to appease that.”

The pair got started on their 20-acre property and before long found controlling the process themselves meant they could make a drop different to the mainstream brands.

“When we went to distillation, we were finding you could have a healthier, cleaner sort of aspect to making it,” he said.

“By fermenting your own stuff, you have a bit more control. It was just a positive journey and it all sort of came together.”

The Clarke-Hong’s grow all their own potatoes, rutabaga, sugar beets and botanicals on their property that they use in their vodka.

Their business, Twisted Snake, is so-called for their “twisted brews” said Mr Clarke-Hong, where they infuse their vodkas with several different flavours, generally in pairs.

“It’s just modern-day alchemy regarding the infusion,” he said. “The ideas come from everything from late-night brain bombs to even looking back at old recipes my grandmother used to make.

“The lemon lavender, for example, comes from a lemon lavender slice she used to make.”

There are several different variations with changes coming seasonally, and Mr Clarke-Hong said he has a couple of favourites.

“The two that probably stick out for me are the lemon lavender and the blueberry ginger, for its nice smooth ginger feel,” he said.

“Another we are proud of which is very unique, and polarising is the balsamic mixed berry and the only way I can describe it is dried berries.

“It’s out there. But it’s a cool, easy autumn, and winter drinking drink.”

For more information visit twistedsnake.com.au and the Bendigo-based cellar door on Centreway Arcade is open Thursday to Saturday afternoon.