Archie Rose Distilling Co. has unveiled Australian Opal Gin, a limited-edition release created in collaboration with the National Gallery of Australia to celebrate the pioneering work of Australian artists Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson.
Australian Opal Gin was crafted to support the National Gallery’s Know My Name initiative, a transformative national program of exhibitions and partnerships dedicated to increasing the visibility of women artists. By celebrating their diverse contributions to our cultural life, the project aims to achieve true gender equity across Australia’s arts sector.
The limited-edition label weaves together two of the artists’ iconic pieces: Jenny Kee’s Oz Opal Scarf and Linda Jackson’s Wildflower Tunic. Kee describes both artworks as “a love letter to the Australian environment”, and both have been featured in the Know My Name exhibition. The name “Australian Opal Gin” was chosen specifically to honour the iridescent opal motifs that have recurred in both artists’ work for years.
Kee said: “I think it’s the power of our creativity together. The scarf [Oz Opal Scarf] was created for the National Gallery opening in 1982, and it’s really a love letter to the Australian environment – all its colours and hues. Linda’s Wildflowers are also a love letter to the beautiful landscape, and when brought together they just sing. Our collaborations are rooted
in a creative powerful connection that transcends time.”
Jackson said: “Jenny’s scarf was created for the National Gallery when it opened in the early 1980s, and Wildflower was created in the mid-1970s, so it’s incredible to see both artworks like this together in 2026. Though, I think that it’s great when you really can’t tell when an artwork was created, when it is timeless in essence.”
From liquid to label, this gin offers a sophisticated nod to the Australian landscape. It is a classic dry gin elevated by the inclusion of native Dorrigo pepperleaf, which provides a warm, savoury spice, and sunrise lime for a bright, zesty citrus finish. Balanced with coriander seed, the result is a complex and bright spirit that mirrors the vibrancy of the artwork on the label.
Australian Opal Gin marks the latest addition to Archie Rose’s Creator Series, a collaboration between Archie Rose and trailblazing creative partners that highlights the work or expressions of an artist in a way completely unique to them. With a limited number of bottles produced, this one-of-a-kind release brings together art, spirit and storytelling.
Australian Opal Gin has an RRP of $99 and is available exclusively via www.archierose.com.au and at the Archie Rose
Cellar Door in Rosebery.