The Sun Is Shining – Sunshine and Sons
In this challenging climate, it is wonderful to brighten our lives with a little Sunshine, Tony Cox relays a good news story of local growth.
The team at Sunshine & Sons distillery, based at The Big Pineapple at Woombye, are going from strength to strength. Founded by four mates who are set out to bottle what makes the region great, their vodka and gin range is distilled with bespoke Woombye Water, filtered through volcanic rocks harvested from local headlands and guaranteed to impress.
Their signature spirit, Original Dry Gin, is virtually everywhere you go in South East Queensland where you can purchase it in Dan Murphy’s (all stores on the Sunshine Coast and Noosa range it), some BWS stores, First Choice, Vintage Cellars and Liquorland outlets.
Co-founder Matt Hobson is loving working with the passionate people across the various liquor outlets that support his gin and is humbled by how well they advocate for his product.
The next step on the upward trajectory is potentially seeing the range sold nationally, which would be an exponential boost to the operation.
Whilst acknowledging it would be amazing for the brand, Matt would prefer to be able to pitch in person to further cement the relationships. In addition, the number of products being accepted by Endeavour (Woolworths Liquor) is increasing to five with Pineapple Parfait Gin; Mr Barista, a coffee and macadamia-infused molasses spirit; and Original Vodka among those being added.
It isn’t all about growth in a Dr Evil-type quest for world domination (all you Austin Powers fans would appreciate the reference), Sunshine & Sons realise the importance of being intrinsically linked to the community which has embraced their concept and allowed their vision to reach fruition.
They have had successful charity collaborations with Bloomhill Cancer Care (in conjunction with Raelene Boyle) and Paul Kelly to support western Queensland, among other community-focused partnerships.
On the trade front, The Peregian Beach Hotel continues to be a fantastic supporter both at the hotel itself and at the retail outlets they operate. Matt is also proud that Sunshine & Sons Original Gin is ‘the most widely-ranged local gin on Hastings Street’ and is always grateful to acknowledge the ongoing support and brand exposure these hospitality outlets continue to provide.
Should you wish to enjoy a more immersive experience the Distillery Door is open seven days at Woombye, where you can experience the range and maybe even soak up some knowledge from head distiller, Adam Chapman, who has in excess of 35 years’ experience across winemaking and distilling.
A truly wonderful and exciting addition to the Sunshine Coast, not just spirit community, but also a small business success story, if you come across one of their products do yourself a favour and spread a little Sunshine in your day.
