April 2025 | Blend Etiquette Wonder Gin

March 15, 2025

April 2025 Featured Gin of the Month

Written by Kat Chrisoulis

In the ever-evolving world of craft spirits, few distilleries capture the thrill of discovery quite like Blend Etiquette. This South Australian gem first featured here at Garden Street Gin Club in October 2022 with their Yours & Mine Gin.

Now, they’re back, and this time, we’re sharing something extra special.

We are beyond excited to launch Blend Etiquette’s Wonder Gin, an exclusive brand-new creation released to Garden Street members before anyone else. Bright citrus, native botanicals, and a sherbet-like sparkle make every sip feel like an adventure – one that unfolds with unexpected twists and lingers just long enough to pull you back for more. But before we get lost in the glass, let’s take a trip to the distillery and see what’s been happening behind the scenes.

About the Distillery

Blend Etiquette is the passion project of Lindon and Geordan Lark, a duo whose relationship with spirits runs deep. The two met in high school, but it wasn’t until they both found themselves working at Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) – under Lindon’s father and stepmother, Jon and Sarah Lark – that their journey into distilling truly began.

If the name Lark rings a bell, that’s because it’s one of Australia’s most storied distilling families. Lindon’s uncle and aunt, Bill and Lyn Lark, founded Lark Distillery, widely credited with reviving the Australian whisky scene. His father and stepmother’s work at KIS, and helped cement gin’s place in Australia’s craft spirits movement.

But despite growing up around stills and spirits, Lindon didn’t initially set out to follow in his family’s footsteps. He studied architecture, but in 2016, took an unexpected detour the launch of Snake Oil Tonic Syrup; a handcrafted tonic made with real cinchona bark. A successful crowdfunding campaign helped the business gain traction, and soon after, Geordan joined him to take charge of production.

From there, it wasn’t long before they found themselves drawn to distilling. By 2018, they pivoted from tonic to spirits, taking a leap into the unknown with Gin Pangolin (now known as Yours & Mine) – a beautifully balanced, martini-worthy gin that quickly won fans. At the time, Lindon was still working as an architect, but when they fell pregnant with their first child, he knew it was time to commit fully.

He handed in his notice just weeks before the baby’s due date, assuming he’d have some time to transition. But life had other plans, and their son Charlie arrived the very next day! Just one week later, Lindon and Geordan were back in the distillery, carefully finishing a batch in time for the festive season.

Their beloved 300-litre copper pot still, “Frank[enstein’s Monster]”, sits alongside a growing collection of experimental stills. In 2023, they introduced “Osmond”, a custom Australian-made copper pot still designed for whisky production. We’re eager to see some of their very first whisky releasing this coming winter.

While they love creating their own spirits, Blend Etiquette has also built a reputation as one of South Australia’s leading contract distillers – helping others turn their dream spirits into reality. Whether it’s a one-off experiment or a full-scale product launch, Lindon and Geordan bring the same level of passion and precision to every bottle that leaves their distillery.

Now seven years in, with distillery dog Murph and two toddlers in the mix, Lindon and Geordan’s family have remained unofficial but essential members of the team, holding down the fort as self-appointed heads of HR and front-of-house operations. If you visit, don’t be surprised if you’re welcomed with boundless energy – or a pint-sized supervisor calling the shots.

About the Gin

At the heart of Blend Etiquette’s philosophy is curiosity – the kind that leads to unexpected twists, surprising details, and layers of flavour that reveal themselves sip by sip. Wonder Gin is exactly that, with the image of soft sherbet and native citrus.

Wonder Gin unfolds like a summer breeze – first, a burst of sunlit citrus: finger lime, mandarin, blood lime, lemon, and lemon verbena. The sherbet-like tang flickers on the tongue, light and effervescent, before giving way to something softer. Strawberry gum and quince bring a delicate, fruity sweetness, rounding out the sharper citrus edges. Then, native pepper leaf steps in with a gentle warmth, while Australian vanilla bean adds a smooth, creamy texture that lingers just long enough to intrigue. And just when you think you’ve uncovered it all, native mint sweeps in, cool and refreshing, leaving a trail of herbal freshness that invites you back for more.

This gin isn’t just a treat for the palate; it’s a feast for the eyes, too. The label is a striking cameo of the expansive mural painted by South Australian artist Jasmine Crisp, depicting artist and jeweller Courtney Jackson. The full mural spans the 20-meter exterior of Blend Etiquette’s distillery, bringing a bold, whimsical energy to the space – just as Wonder Gin brings creativity and exploration to every sip.

This gin is layered, complex, and full of surprises – whether poured over ice, mixed into a citrus-forward cocktail, or sipped slowly in a classic G&T.

The Tasting Room

Since we last spoke, one of Blend Etiquette’s most exciting developments has been the opening of their cellar door – a small but vibrant space designed to reflect their values of community, connection, and craftsmanship.

Based in Darlington, 20 minutes south of Adelaide, the tasting room sits in a modest industrial estate, a hidden gem for those in the know. Inside, the space is warm, unpretentious, and intimate, offering visitors the chance to sip at their leisure, chat with the distillers, and get a glimpse of Frank and Osmond in action.

Step outside, and the atmosphere is just as inviting. The lawn space beckons for a laid-back afternoon – set up with the kids, pets, and a picnic blanket, or challenge your friends to a leisurely game of cornhole. Overlooking it all is the mural that wraps the distillery’s exterior, an eye-catching burst of colour and creativity that perfectly reflects Blend Etiquette’s bold yet curious approach to distilling.

The tasting room is also a space where guests can peruse the full scope of their work – not just their own range, but some of the spirits they’ve helped craft through their contract distilling program.

Lindon and Geordan also host private events, weddings, and special gatherings. Whether it’s an intimate get-together or a lively party, their space is designed to create an unforgettable experience, pairing their exceptional spirits with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.

Other Products in the Range

While Wonder Gin takes centre stage this month, Blend Etiquette’s lineup is filled with spirits that invite you to explore different flavour landscapes. Their flagship release, Yours & Mine Gin, remains a staple – a subtly coastal-inspired London Dry that balances bright juniper with crisp, native botanicals.

Their core range also includes Floral As Hell Gin; a heady, floral-forward gin bursting with lavender, rose, and hibiscus, balanced with fresh citrus and a touch of spice. It’s bold, fragrant, and just a little wild – the kind of gin that demands your full attention. For those who prefer something unexpected, Strangely Savoury Gin takes you into uncharted territory, blending umami-rich wakame, roasted wattleseed, and saltbush for a complex, deeply satisfying profile.

Beyond their core gins, Blend Etiquette is known for some cracking limited releases – small-batch seasonal creations that capture fleeting moments in flavour. Madame Hanoi Citrus Gin blends lemongrass, szechuan pepper, blood orange and blood lime. Little Bitter Plum brings a unique twist on a sloe gin, blending sweet, tart plums with bitter botanicals to create a beautifully balanced aperitif-style spirit. It’s also made a sell-out debut in RTD form as a convenient pre-mix with tonic.

So, what’s next? With a reputation for pushing boundaries, Blend Etiquette continues to evolve. Their first whisky release is set for launch this winter, promising the same meticulous craftsmanship that defines their gins. Meanwhile, their bespoke spirits program continues to thrive, bringing more unique, small-batch spirits to life.

Whatever comes next, one thing is certain – Blend Etiquette is just getting started. We can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon, but for now, pour yourself a glass of Wonder Gin and tonic, add a sprinkle of Tea Tonic Gold Sugar, and let a little sparkle guide your next adventure. Cheers to that!

Blend Etiquette Wonder Gin Tasting Notes

Gin type – Contemporary Gin

Appearance – Bright, clear, water-white, colourless

Botanicals – Juniper, coriander, finger lime, mandarin, blood lime, lemon, lemon verbena, strawberry gum, pepper leaf, native mint, Australian vanilla bean, and quince

Aroma – Zesty mandarin and native citrus, supported by juniper and subtle, soft, floral notes of quince and strawberry gum

Palate – Soft and sherbet-like on the palate, this vibrant yet balanced combination delivers a fresh, citrus-forward flavour, supported by an elegant vanilla sweetness. A lingering warmth from pepper leaf leaves a crisp finish of strawberry gum and native mint

FEATURED IN THE GIN CLUB

Blend Etiquette's Wonder Gin is featured in April 2025's Gin Subscription box!

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