It has been four magical years since Four Pillars Gin launched their first batch of Bloody Shiraz Gin and since then, the wine washed spirit has taken the gin world by storm.

This year’s batch will definitely not disappoint, with winemakers touting the 2019 season as one of the best yet thanks to generous spring rainfall followed by a dry summer.

The magical mash-up of Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes and Rare Dry Gin has been a sellout for the distillery each year since launching, with many fans signing up for the ruby bottles months ahead of release.

There’s something about the dark, peppery Yarra Shiraz steeped in Four Pillars’ delicious juniper-heavy Rare Dry Gin that has struck a chord with drinkers, who say Bloody Shiraz embodies the best of the wine and gin worlds.

This year, Four Pillars have used some grapes from other cool climate areas outside of the Yarra for their Aussie riff on the old sloe gin, including some from Victoria’s Yea Valley and Southern Bendigo. Though, sitting at 37.8 per cent, it certainly sports a higher ABV than traditional sloe gin.

But Four Pillars are still following their same winning formula of harvesting some Shiraz early and a second parcel later to maximise colour and sweetness. The result is a deep, almost purple wine-gin, featuring pine forest juniper notes, white pepper, dark berries and spice. Sweet to start with, chased by some lovely tannins at the end.

Bottles are priced at $85 and will be available to purchase from their website.