Experience Republic of Fremantle

The iconic Melbourne CBD venue is welcoming multi award winning Western Australian distillery Republic of Fremantle for an exclusive bar takeover, as the brand wins a major international award and prepares to make their handcrafted grape-to-glass spirits available on the East Coast.

The exclusive Republic of Fremantle activation runs until 25 June, and promises to immerse guests in the world of grape-to-glass spirits, an innovative distillation technique that Republic of Fremantle is one of the few distilleries in the world to harness.

Already cemented as one of WA’s leading spirits producers and Western Australia Good Food Guide’s 2022 Bar of the Year, Republic of Fremantle has taken out three awards at the 2023 ADI International Spirits Competition for their Signature Vodka. The awards include the coveted Best of Class – Distilled Spirit – International Vodka as well as Best of Category – Distilled Spirit – International Vodka – Residual Base Character and a Gold Medal.

Beneath Driver Lane has been transformed into a haven for those seeking a truly unique drinking experience inspired by the distinctive flavour of Verdelho grapes harvested from 100-year-old vines in the Swan Valley of Western Australia, which serve as the foundation for all Republic of Fremantle products.

Venue manager Kealan Brady has developed a limited-release cocktail menu showcasing the distillery’s Signature Vodka, Aromatic Gin and Full-Bodied Gin.

“Their Aromatic Gin is paired with grape-based products Lillet and Marsala wine in our Sicilian Martini, with other cocktail pairings working to highlight the textures and flavours of each spirit. We can’t wait for Melbourne gin and vodka lovers to experience what are some of Australia’s only crafted grape-based spirits,” says Kealan.

Republic of Fremantle is one of only a few white spirits distilleries in the country to produce their own base spirit from wine. Head Distiller Tom Hutchings works closely with Swan Valley winemakers throughout vintage, and to monitor the fermentation process to ensure the terroir character is carried through from grape to glass.

Driven by the rich complexities of Verdelho grapes and a considered selection of botanicals, guests can expect a multisensory journey as they indulge in the aromatic and full-bodied flavors of Republic of Fremantle gin.

Dive into playful riffs on classics such as the Sicilian Martini as well as one-of-a-kind offerings like Free Bird. For those who appreciate the subtleties of vodka, Republic of Fremantle's signature expression is available in a silky textured West End Sour.

Republic of Fremantle’s Melbourne representative Alessandro Nardini organised the special preview for Melbourne gin and vodka lovers.

“Being a former Beneath Driver Lane bartender myself, I couldn’t be happier to celebrate the launch of Republic of Fremantle in a venue that played a key role in the development of my career. Driver Lane has always been a great hub for the industry supporting craft, local products, and R&D. There is something magical about the venue and its atmosphere, martinis will be stirred, and cocktails will be shaken to the notes of live blues,” says Alessandro.

Beneath Driver Lane is well known for their live blues band program every Thursday-Saturday, which will continue throughout the Republic of Fremantle takeover.

Combining the brands’ shared commitment to spirit education and the bar’s intimate, underground setting, this event is a chance to indulge in the world of grape-to-glass spirits while expanding your knowledge of this rare technique.

Guests will have the opportunity to learn more about Republic of Fremantle, from trained bartenders who will be on-hand to share insights about the distillery's history and unique production methods.

Don't miss out on this limited opportunity to explore a carefully developed cocktail menu that captures the essence of Western Australia's most innovative distillery, until 25 June.