Bundy

When Bundaberg comes to mind, two iconic drinks immediately spring forth: Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Ginger Beer. While rum isn’t my cup of tea, I do savor a bottle of the famously named ginger beer every week.

Spending New Year’s Eve in Bundaberg was a delightful twist of fate. My nephew had been holidaying with family in Bundaberg, necessitating a six-hour round trip from Lismore to retrieve him.

“This definitely feels like Queensland,” one of our group mused over dinner last night. The heat, coupled with Queensland’s distinctive savannah landscape, creates an ambiance quite unlike anything back home in Northern NSW. Even the vehicles seem different up here, with a far greater prevalence of 4WDs. Despite dozing off for a fair portion of the journey, it was a refreshing change of pace.

Naturally, a visit to the factories producing these world-famous beverages is almost a rite of passage when in Bundaberg. However, when I sought travel advice from a Bundaberg local, he suggested the smaller Kalki Moon Distillery, named after the Bundaberg suburb, Kalkie.

During the hour-long guided tour, the distillery’s owner and founder shared that he had honed his craft as a Master Distiller at the much larger “bear,” the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, for over a decade. Since venturing out on his own, he has cultivated a boutique label producing vodka, gin, and rum. The distillery, he proudly informed us, has experienced remarkable growth since its inception in 2017.

His talk resonated deeply with the 30 or so people on the tour. He shared fascinating details about sourcing ingredients, the intricacies of distillation, and the creative process behind his diverse range of products – insights I was largely unaware of. It was evident that he poured his heart and soul into this “family and friends” project.

At a mere $15 (inclusive of two generous spirit tastings), the tour proved to be an exceptional and affordable way to while away a Saturday afternoon. Among the many highlights, the concept of blending locally-crafted gin with locally-produced ginger beer for a “Gin Gin Mule” truly struck a chord. “It’s not named after the nearby town of Gin Gin”, he clarified with a smile. Mental note for the future – this concoction is a winner.

Sadly, we’re heading back to Lismore this morning, so a visit to the soft drink factory won’t be possible. But all in all, it’s been a fascinating 24 hours or so here in Bundy.

Oh, and Happy New Year.