
It’s not every day you see a small Ipswich distillery standing shoulder to shoulder with Queensland’s finest inside Parliament House.
But that’s exactly where Imbibis found itself, bottles gleaming under the chandeliers, surrounded by the buzz of politicians, producers, and proud locals at A Taste of Queensland: Local Spirits Take the Spotlight at Parliament House.
It wasn’t just a showcase. It was a celebration of craft, community, and Queensland pride.
Because while our spirits have travelled far and wide, there’s something special about being recognised right here at home.
A Celebration of Queensland’s Craft Spirit Scene
Hosted by the Queensland Distillers Association in partnership with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the event celebrated the innovation and quality driving Queensland’s fast-growing distilling industry.
From the moment guests arrived, the air was alive with the aroma of botanicals, citrus peel, and oak-aged spirits. Rows of tasting tables lined the room, each one telling a unique story of craftsmanship and place.
There was gin from the coast, rum from the north, and vodka from the mountains. And there we were, Imbibis Craft Distillery, proudly representing Ipswich and pouring the spirits that embody our region’s soul.
Every pour came with a story. Every sip, a connection. You could feel the shared energy of local pride, the sense that Queensland distillers are not just competitors but collaborators in a collective movement of creativity and quality.
Imbibis on Display
Our table reflected everything we love about distilling. At its heart stood two of our signature creations: Jacaranda Gin and Heritage City Gin.
The Jacaranda Gin, as bright and bold as the purple blooms that carpet Ipswich each spring, turned heads immediately. With its delicate floral notes, citrus brightness, and silky smooth finish, it captures both beauty and balance in a single glass. A few guests even mentioned how its aroma reminded them of warm afternoons and jacaranda-lined streets.
Next to it, Heritage City Gin stood proudly as a tribute to Ipswich’s resilience and character. It offers a deeper, more complex flavour built on earthy botanicals, subtle spice, and a clean juniper backbone that feels both timeless and contemporary
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And while our gins have earned international recognition and awards, we were equally proud to see Parliament House stocking our Single Cask Brandy and our Licor de Agave. The brandy, known for its rich Shiraz sweetness and smooth oak-aged depth, sat alongside our Licor de Agave, Ipswich’s first-ever agave spirit and now an award-winning bottle in its own right.
Seeing both displayed within Parliament’s historic walls was more than an honour. It was proof that local craftsmanship from Ipswich belongs among Queensland’s best.
Crafting More Than Spirits
For us, Imbibis has always been about more than what’s inside the bottle. Every batch represents a commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and community.
We distil everything locally using fresh ingredients sourced from Queensland wherever possible. Our botanicals are hand-selected, our barrels are small, and our process is slow by design because that’s how quality is made.
Standing there among other Queensland producers, Jason and Maree reflected on how far the journey has come. From humble beginnings in Ipswich to national recognition and now a feature at Parliament House, it marked another step in a story defined by passion, patience, and pride.
Queensland Distillers Meet at Parliament
The event brought together distillers from across the state, each pouring their story one glass at a time. There was laughter, collaboration, and a shared sense of achievement as ministers, media, and guests sampled the best that Queensland has to offer.
Each distiller brought something unique to the table, from native-infused gins to sustainably produced rums and vodkas distilled with pure local rainwater. But no matter the flavour, everyone shared one thing in common: a deep respect for the craft and the land that makes it possible.
As one guest put it, “You can taste the place in every sip.”
They were right. Every bottle told a story of Queensland’s landscape, its people, and its passion for doing things differently.
Why It Matters
For small producers like Imbibis, moments like this mean everything.
When Parliament recognises local distillers, it’s not just about spirits. It’s about people. It’s about proving that world-class quality doesn’t need to come from major corporations or faraway regions. It can come from Ipswich, crafted by hand, with pride and care.
Having our brandy and Licor de Agave stocked by Parliament House is more than symbolic. It is a statement that quality, when made with integrity, resonates far beyond the distillery walls.
Experience Queensland in Every Sip
As the evening drew to a close and the last glasses were raised, there was a quiet sense of accomplishment in the room.
For us, it was a reminder that while awards and accolades are special, the true reward lies in connection. In sharing what we make with people who appreciate it. In representing Ipswich proudly among peers who share our values.
From the vibrancy of our Jacaranda Gin to the depth of our Heritage City Gin, and the craftsmanship of our Brandy and Licor de Agave, every bottle we create carries the story of our home.
We left Parliament House that night with full hearts and a renewed sense of purpose to keep distilling, keep innovating, and keep celebrating the spirit of Queensland.
Because for us, every bottle tells a story, and ours begins right here in Ipswich.