Never Never Distilling Co. and Gimlet at Cavendish House have collaborated on a gin cocktail that aims to be the driest Martini possible.
Never Never’s Head Distiller and Co-founder Tim Boast embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, working closely with Gimlet’s team to deliver a martini that truly pushes boundaries.
“The brief was relatively simple – to make a martini that mimics the traditional version but without vermouth, no exceptions … pretty easy,” he said.
“We love creating new interpretations of classics and exploring the relationship between texture and flavour.”
Drawing inspiration from winemaking techniques, the distillers experimented with various ingredients to achieve mouth-puckering dryness. Oak tannin extract proved to be the key.
“It was a lightbulb moment – suddenly we were achieving the dryness we had been chasing,” Boast said.
To balance the tannins, milk from the Fleurieu Peninsula was clarified, leaving only the whey. This process added complexity, adjusted the pH of the final product, and contributed to a luscious viscosity. Chamomile and orris root distillates were also incorporated, bringing floral notes to the Triple Juniper Gin base.
“Triple Juniper Gin was essential to creating a flavoursome and well-rounded martini,” Boast said. “It’s our signature gin for a reason – it underpins incredible classic cocktails.”
At Gimlet, the Triple Dry Martini is theatrically poured tableside from a crystal decanter into a frosted cocktail glass, finished with zested citrus and a seasonal tincture.
“When it pours from the bottle, it’s thick, viscous, and mouth-coating, drying out almost immediately thanks to the added tannin and whey,” Boast said. “This bone-dry, Churchillian martini uses innovative ingredients to amplify texture and dryness. It’s unlike anything I’ve tasted before – dangerously moreish and exceptionally delicious.”
Gimlet’s Bar Manager Lachlan Bentley said: “We’ve never seen something so innovative in martinis. It contains ingredients you wouldn’t normally find in a dry gin martini but with impeccable balance and drinkability.”
The Triple Dry Martini is now available at Gimlet at Cavendish House. Limited bottles can also be purchased at Melbourne’s Meatsmith and Morning Market, as well as online via the Never Never website here.