Essences

An essence is a concentrated flavour you add to a neutral base, and it is how most people at home end up with something that tastes like the bottle they brought back from holiday. The blending work has already been done for you. Your job is the proportions and the resting time.

Two traditions sit side by side on this page. The Italian one is Curci, with Limoncello, Amaretto, Alchermes, Anisette Bordeaux, Anice, Marsala All Uovo, Maraschino Cherry, Benevento, Goccia Doro and Millefiori Acqua. These are the flavours of a nonna's sideboard, and a number of them are on clearance past their best before date, which is worth a look if you are in an experimenting mood. The other tradition is the Still Spirits side of the shelf: Top Shelf Dark Spiced Rum, Top Shelf Honey Spiced Whiskey Liqueur and Gin Botanicals for a London Dry. Samuel Willards Liqueur Express premixes in 375ml, Melon and Black Sambuca among them, are the shortcut when you want a liqueur ready the same afternoon.

The tip is patience. Almost every essence tastes sharp and a bit synthetic on day one and settles right down by the second week. Make it, seal it, put it at the back of the cupboard and taste it again before you decide it did not work.

Looking for one spirit in particular? See our whiskey and bourbon essences and rum essences, and bottle the result in our spirit bottles.

See us at Laverton North or Epping, or browse Spirits & Distillation, Botanicals, Ageing & Infusions and Bottles & Closures.

Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Curci Essences
(1)
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Still Spirits

$11.95 AUD

In stock
Samuel Willards Liqueur Express Premix Melon 375ml
Samuel Willards

$13.95 AUD

In stock
Curci Essences
$5.90 AUD$7.90 AUD
-25%
In stock
Samuel Willards Liqueur Express Premix Black Sambuca 375ml
Samuel Willards

$13.95 AUD

In stock
Still Spirits

$11.50 AUD

In stock
Still Spirits Gin Botanicals London Dry Gin
Still Spirits

$14.50 AUD

In stock
Still Spirits

$11.95 AUD

In stock
Still Spirits Top Shelf Select Tennessee Bourbon
Still Spirits

$15.90 AUD

In stock
Samuel Willards Essence Italiano Coffee 50 ml
Samuel Willards

$9.50 AUD

In stock
Still Spirits

$7.50 AUD

In stock
Still Spirits

$11.95 AUD

In stock
Still Spirits

$11.50 AUD

In stock
Samuel Willards Essence Express Premix Honey Bourbon 375ml
Samuel Willards

$13.95 AUD

In stock
Pure Distilling Essence - Kentucky Bourbon Essence
Pure Distilling

$9.90 AUD

Out of stock
Prestige Essence WhiskeyTennesse Sour Mash - 20ml
Prestige Essences

$7.90 AUD

In stock
Samuel Willards Gold Star Essence Trinidad Rum 50ml
Samuel Willards

$9.50 AUD

In stock
Samuel Willards Essence Express Premix Coconut Rum 375ml
Samuel Willards

$13.95 AUD

In stock
Prestige Essences

$6.90 AUD

Out of stock
Still Spirits Top Shelf Select Liqueur Limoncello
Still Spirits

$14.50 AUD

In stock
Prestige Black Label Scotch Whisky Ambrosia Pro 41070
Prestige Essences

$9.95 AUD

In stock
Still Spirits Essence Top Shelf - Gin Blood Orange
Still Spirits

$11.50 AUD

In stock

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Frequently asked questions

How do spirit essences work?

An essence flavours a neutral base spirit into a particular drink, such as rum, whiskey, gin or a liqueur. Each brand gives its own dosage on the label, so follow the directions for the essence you choose.

What is a liqueur base?

Some liqueur essences, such as parts of the Still Spirits Top Shelf range, are designed to be used with a liqueur base that adds sweetness and body. The essence label tells you which base, if any, it needs.

Which essence brands do you stock?

We carry Still Spirits Top Shelf and Classic essences, Samuel Willards Gold Star and Liqueur Express, Prestige and Pure Distilling essences. Each brand has its own range of flavour profiles.