That Spirited Lot Distillers began as a wild idea between brothers Jon-Paul (JP) and Chris Willigenburg in 2016. It was a lifelong dream of theirs to work together on a project that captured their love for tastes and flavours and distilling offered a perfect new adventure. Along the way, sisters Sarah and Kate Barton also joined the boys on their crazy ride. The idea rapidly gained momentum and on Christmas Eve of 2018 a 200L copper still named Doris (after the brothers’ late grandmother) arrived in their little warehouse in Seaford.
The team are proud to have won many medals locally and internationally for their gins and vodkas. They don’t take any shortcuts in their production – they are hands on with every aspect of their production and are constantly tasting their spirit to ensure their final products are of a high standard.
A core focus in their method is maintaining an environmentally sustainable production and waste management. Their building is supported by a large solar grid which powers their still and their waste organics are regularly picked up by local farmers and gardeners. They also produce a range of mixer syrups (Peninsula BLVD) and tonic syrups (Tonic X Distillers) using leftover fruit and botanic material from producing their spirits so even the most clueless home mixologist can bust out a delicious cocktail.
