The Makers

Amanda and Rob, the makers of BB Gin

Our passionMeet the makers

BB Gin is the labour of love of Amanda Furlong and Rob Mitchell, the same passionate duo behind Sassy Sister Liqueur. We make it at Bilyara Springs, our sustainable farm and craft distillery, nestled in the foothills of Victoria’s pristine Strathbogie Ranges, using our own organically grown blueberries and real whole botanicals.

BB Gin grew from a simple idea: to show our farm’s fruit in a whole new light. Pairing the tart, vibrant depth of our blueberries with piney juniper, warming spices and bright Australian citrus gave us two very different gins. One is made for slow sipping by the fire, the other for a bold, classic serve.

The makers at the bar

Our Philosophy

To create delicious and unique products, whilst remaining true to our sustainable farming philosophy and honouring the indigenous custodians of the land.

Our Technique

Every batch starts with fruit we grow ourselves. Our blueberries thrive in the region’s bitterly cold winters and warm spring rains, and at the peak of summer we handpick the ripe, juicy berries to ensure supreme flavour and quality.

For BB Sipping Gin we marry those blueberries with raw local honey and warming whole-quill cinnamon, for a naturally golden spirit with a gentle spiced warmth and a bright berry finish. For BB Gin, sun-ripened Australian blood orange, classic juniper and cracked green cardamom sit alongside the blueberries for a crisp, ruby-hued botanical gin.

Both gins are made in small batches and bottled on site at Bilyara Springs. No artificial essences, no shortcuts.

Our Sustainability

Bilyara Springs is committed to basing its practices around sound environmental principles. We engage with Landcare Victoria, Land for Wildlife Foundation and other areas of the Victorian Government’s Environment Ministry. We use minimal commercial chemicals in our operations, reducing our impact on the natural environment and water system. Bilyara Springs has established a Trust For Nature covenant over a substantial portion of the land and is committed to a Government Bush Returns initiative.

In the BeginningOur Story

From the first blueberry bushes planted in 2008 to two gins in 2026, every step has happened here at Bilyara Springs: the weeding, the mulching, the picking and the long, patient wait for each batch.

Blueberry seeds planted at Bilyara Springs
2008
First Blueberries PlantedAfter extensive research into a crop that would grow in harmony with the environment, and our sustainable farming philosophy, the first blueberry seeds were sown in the Autumn of 2008.
Spirit ageing in barrels at Bilyara Springs
2010
The IdeaThe decision to produce a high quality blueberry liqueur came in 2010, after looking around at the various wines and liqueurs that were on the market.
Sassy Sister Liqueur, the first release from Bilyara Springs
2018
Sassy SisterThe first batch of Sassy Sister Blueberry Liqueur was released in 2018, the start of the Bilyara Springs family of spirits.
Awards year for Sassy Sister Liqueur
2019
RecognitionA big year for Sassy Sister, with three awards including two silver medals at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards and the Melbourne International Spirits Competition.
BB Sipping Gin and BB Blood Orange Gin bottles on a barrel head in the barrel room
2026
BB GinTwo new expressions join the family: BB Sipping Gin with honey, cinnamon and blueberry, and BB Gin with blood orange, juniper, cardamom and blueberry.