About
Tim and a dream
How it all started
Tim has spent much of his adult life engaged in high-level economic analysis with one foot usually in the door of Parliament House.
But his heart belongs in a distillery, boiling, flocking, experimenting and tasting the myriad possibilities of spirits.
You will taste a little bit of his passion with each bottle produced by his boutique distillery – usually the result of months of careful work and with a focus on a range of magnificent gins to match every season and occasion.
The quote is applicable in more ways than one.
The first alcohol from the still is called the heads. It’s undrinkable. The higher boiling temperature alcohols are called the tails. These have a bitter taste.
Hidden in the middle of these lesser alcohols are the "hearts". These hearts are the sweet alcohols.
The Canberra Distillery only uses the heart from each distillate to create its range of award-winning spirits. You’ll appreciate this heart from the very first sip.
Here we are
At a glance—if you want to find more about us, keep scrolling.
Tim Reardon
Owner and Founder
Paul Turner
General Manager
Leonore Salancon
Production Manager
India Brown
Events, Retail and Customer Engagement Manager
Jason Hall
Distiller
Emma Bickley
Social Media Manager
TIM REARDON
What’s your favourite cocktail made with TCD products?
Constantly evolving. But at present: The Espresso Old Fashioned. Bourbon Cask Whisky and Espresso in equal measures, with 10% Butterscotch Schnapps and 10% Cacao Liqueur and a touch of orange bitters.
If you were a flavour, what would you be and why?
Vanilla. It’s all class and style. Just right for every occasion. Sometimes the star of the show. Sometimes just quiet in the background.
What's a hidden talent or hobby of yours that people might not expect?
I taught myself using the internet to pick locks. Came in handy one day at the distillery.
Paul Turner
What’s your favourite cocktail made with TCD products?
My Favourite was the hot buttered rum cocktail I made for Forage last winter. Rum, mixed with hot water, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and all spice.
If you were a flavour, what would you be and why?
Iced VoVo – I find them irresistible, I can keep a packet in the pantry unopened for weeks. Once they get opened the packet is gone in under an hour.
What's a hidden talent or hobby of yours that people might not expect?
I used to have an extremely large collection of Lego models, most of this has since been sold off and I have kept a few special sets that I am keeping.
Leonore Salancon
What’s your favourite cocktail made with TCD products?
Winter Gin with mulled raspberry shaken with ice, poured over ice and topped with a dash of Mediterranean tonic.
If you were a flavour, what would you be and why?
I would be a red wine made with Touriga grapes. In a cool climate, it shows delicate berry flavours with a hint of violet, revealing my sensitive side. In a warm climate, Touriga shows heavy tannins and complex aromas, revealing my tough side (mostly used in production).
What's a hidden talent or hobby of yours that people might not expect?
I love making wooden furniture. I find it extremely therapeutic and stimulating. It makes me feel accomplished to build something from scratch.
India Brown
What’s your favourite cocktail made with TCD products?
A Charlie Chaplin. It’s a classic cocktail made with Sloe Gin, Apricot Brandy and lime juice. Checks off my two boxes – sour and a little bit sweet.
If you were a flavour, what would you be and why?
Honey! It’s such a versatile flavour and pairs with the most unexpected of things. My favourite honey combos include thyme and brie with honey drizzled in top and honey chai. Honey and gin is an excellent combo too – our classic Gin with honey and lemon is delicious.
What's a hidden talent or hobby of yours that people might not expect?
I am a cheerleader. I coach ANU’s competitive team, and train twice a week myself. I love passing on my passion for the sport and showing people how lifting other people is super fun and empowering!
Jason Hall
What’s your favourite cocktail made with TCD products?
Truffle Martini – a dirty martini with our Truffle Gin.
If you were a flavour, what would you be and why?
Steak, because you don’t make friends with salad.
What's a hidden talent or hobby of yours that people might not expect?
My hidden talent is that I can never reveal my hidden talent, as the aliens wiped that part of my memory.
Emma Bickley
What’s your favourite cocktail made with TCD products?
I’m a massive fan of the Winter Gin. It’s so underrated. Fresh and vibrant, pairs perfectly with a slice of mandarin or the Fever Tree Clementine tonic. Second choice would be the Canberra Fog. I drink mine with Coke. You can’t change my mind.
If you were a flavour, what would you be and why?
Singapore Chilli Crab. It’s wildly messy, flamboyant and just a little bit spicy.
What's a hidden talent or hobby of yours that people might not expect?
I’m exceptionally good at finding things on the classifieds when I need them. I just think of something and find it in my neighbourhood in perfect condition at a great price with nice people who will deliver for free. I also record ASMR videos on the side.