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What is an Eau de Vie?

On the auspicious occasion of the release of our Eau De Bee Honey Spirit, a question has arisen from a few corners: what is an Eau de Vie?

One of the few things commonly known about Eau de Vie is that it translates to “water of life”, which is similar to Russia’s vodka “little water”, or the Scottish Gaelic’s version of whisky: Uisge Beatha, again meaning “water of life”. Even old Latin used ‘aqua vitae’ for distilled spirits. Essentially, as countries around the world took to distillation, the one thing they all agreed on is that this weird, spicy water was fundamental to a good life.

An Eau de Vie is traditionally an unaged, fruit-based spirit. If it is grape-based and spends a couple of years in oak, it comes out as a fully-fledged, permitted-to-vote brandy, Cognac being the most famous example. Some common unaged grape-based spirits around the world that you may have encountered are Pisco, Grappa, and even a few vodkas!

Within the non-grape fruit world, there are many different varieties. Because the historical roots are deep and wide, there is a complex nomenclature in this category of spirits. For example, throughout Alsace and Germany, Morello cherries produce Kirsch Vieux or Kirschwasser (cherry water). The Europeans are particularly proud of fruit-specific eau de vie regions, boasting spirits such as Poire Williams (made from pears), Calvados (apples), Framboise d’Alsace from raspberries - the list is extensive. For centuries people have been delighting in their local fruit abundance and preserving their flavours via distillation. Many of these are then often converted into liqueurs via the addition of sugar and the lowering of ABV. There is even a style of Eau de Vie de biere or Bierbrand, made from beer.

When Dave, our Master Distiller, first suggested Eau De Bee we hadn’t yet coined the name - he was literally describing a honey eau de vie. A fermented honey distilled spirit. The name came thanks to our brilliant Victorian Brand Ambassador, Paul Slater. And once the pun had been uttered it was impossible to get it back in the bottle. It did the job of describing the spirit perfectly. This isn’t a sweet honeyed gin, as some of our regulars might first assume, this is a bright and assertive spirit distilled from a single origin raw ingredient. Truly a water of life. A very appropriately titled, Eau de Bee.

SHOP EAU DE BEE HONEY SPIRIT

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Rosebery NSW 2018

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Location

85 Dunning Ave
Rosebery NSW 2018

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Distillery

Book a tour:

Wednesday - Sunday
Subject to availability

Book Tour

Bar

Come in for a drink:

Archie Rose Bar Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Monday 2 October (Public Holiday): 12pm-9pm
Tuesday: Closed
Tuesday (From 10 October): 4pm-10pm
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Cellar Door Spirit Sales:
Monday: Closed
Monday 2 October (Public Holiday): 12pm-9pm
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Tuesday (From 10 October): 10am-10pm
Wednesday - Sunday: 10am-10pm
Monday: Closed

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To experience this site you must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence. Please enjoy Archie Rose responsibly in countries where the consumption of alcohol is lawful, for persons who are lawfully permitted to consume alcohol. By entering this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Find out more at www.drinkwise.org.au. Archie Rose Distilling Co. Pty Limited Rights Reserved. Archie Rose Distilling Co. supports the Responsible Service of Alcohol. NSW Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. Liquor Producer Wholesaler Licence: LIQW880014624 | Liquor Hotel Licence: LIQH440018958

To experience this site you must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence. Please enjoy Archie Rose responsibly in countries where the consumption of alcohol is lawful, for persons who are lawfully permitted to consume alcohol. By entering this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Find out more at www.drinkwise.org.au. Archie Rose Distilling Co. Pty Limited Rights Reserved. Archie Rose Distilling Co. supports the Responsible Service of Alcohol. NSW Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. Liquor Producer Wholesaler Licence: LIQW880014624 | Liquor Hotel Licence: LIQH440018958