In 2015, Nick and Ally Ayres, driven by a simple question – "If you could do anything for a living, what would it be?". Inspired by a sip of whisky, Ally envisioned a life crafting spirits. For three years, they immersed themselves in the world of distillation, travelling Australia and beyond to master their craft. This dedication culminated in 2018 with the launch of Karu Distillery and their first spirit Affinity Gin, which quickly sold 300 bottles across Australia through a gin subscription.
From this humble beginning, Karu Distillery rapidly ascended onto the national and global spirits scene. Their mission: to craft traditional spirits for the modern palate, inviting spirit lovers on a journey of flavour and innovation. Ally and Nick's organic vision, "to create the spirits we enjoy, the way we enjoy them," fuelled their unparalleled commitment to quality.
In just six years, Karu Distillery has achieved remarkable milestones. They've garnered two "World's Best" trophies, an innovation award, a "Best Liqueur" trophy in Australia, and over 120 prestigious medals, including an IWSC Trophy, World's Best, Country's Best, Double golds and Platinum awards. This recognition serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication to quality, solidifying Karu as a trusted brand worldwide. Their goal is to build an authentic, modern heritage brand, a legacy of Australian quality for generations to come.
What does Karu mean? Karu Distillery embodies a commitment to high quality without pretension. The name itself, 'Karu,' meaning 'bear' in Estonian, is a heartfelt connection to the founder's heritage, a nod to the brand's history and enduring ethos. The bear, as a spirit animal, represents strength and courage, qualities that resonate deeply with Karu's approach to crafting exceptional spirits. This connection to heritage is further emphasized by the pawprint in their logo, a visual testament to the name's meaning. Karu Distillery stands as a symbol of both refined quality and genuine, unpretentious spirit."
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