In the heart of Melbourne’s laneways, a heritage-listed red brick cottage quietly hums with stories. Little Lon Distilling Co. is nestled within this rare single-story building, the last of its kind in the CBD, and was once a part of Melbourne’s notorious red-light district. This small-batch gin distillery is home to crafted spirits that are infused with the city’s vibrant history and eclectic characters.
A Heritage Steeped in Storytelling
As you walk the cobblestone streets, maybe dodging puddles in the rain, it doesn’t take long to feel the pulse of Little Lon’s past beating beneath your feet. This building wasn’t always about gin; in fact, it started off as a sly grog shop, served as a speakeasy, and at one point was a brothel, all of which are a part of the city’s memory. The ghosts of bohemians, quick-witted policemen, and roguish figures linger in each corner, leaving their mark on the spirit of the place.
The distillery’s founder, Brad Wilson, sees Little Lon as a “caretaker of the cottage,” preserving its legacy. In more recent years, he has been joined by Lynden Barnes, whose lively, detail-oriented approach has played a pivotal role in shaping Little Lon’s visitor experience. From ensuring guests understand the depth of storytelling to guiding them through each tasting with patience and enthusiasm, Lynden has become the face of hospitality at the distillery. His passion is palpable – the kind of host who’ll happily raid the back shelf for the last precious milliliters of a sold-out gin, just to make sure you taste what Little Lon is truly about.
And every bottle made here carries those tales forward. Collaborating with premium Australian malted barley and crystal-clear local water, the Little Lon team spins the city’s scrappy, creative, and resilient past into handcrafted spirits. Little Lon goes beyond being a Melbourne gin distillery and stands as a tribute to the city’s many stories in every sip. It’s a place where history isn’t just told, but tasted, making for a truly unique experience.
Signature Gins That Speak of Melbourne
Each gin offers a taste of place and past, with every bottle’s name paying tribute to a historical figure or character associated with the area. This unique approach transforms a simple drink into a narrative, inviting you to engage with Melbourne’s rich history.
- Miss Yoko is named after Tok Moy Yune, a Chinese woman who rose from humble beginnings as a sex worker to become a prosperous property mogul in the very building that now houses the distillery. This lychee-infused contemporary gin balances delicacy and strength, paying tribute to her remarkable legacy.
- Proudfoot honors Constable Bill Proudfoot, a no-nonsense plainclothes officer known for patrolling these same streets and for captaining premiership football teams on weekends. Its classic London dry profile, enriched with fresh rosemary, reflects his straightforward character.
- Dutchy Thomas, inspired by a fictional larrikin from CJ Dennis’s poetry, is a maltier, Dutch-style botanical gin that channels the roguish spirit and diverse communities of Melbourne’s laneways.
A highlight is the exceptional Yarra Strength, a limited-edition, now sold-out gin crafted with filtered Yarra River water and native botanicals like strawberry gum and saltbush. This rare spirit elegantly embodies Melbourne’s essence with every sip. A portion of proceeds supports the Yarra Riverkeeper Association, deepening its community connection and reinforcing the distillery’s commitment to the city’s culture and environment.
Crafting Spirit: Where Heritage Meets Creativity
Little Lon stands out because it combines deep respect for history with a bold spirit of innovation. The distillery is housed within a rare 1877 red brick cottage, the last single-story heritage building in Melbourne’s CBD, giving visitors a true sense of place and time. This unique setting is where the magic happens.
At the center of it all is ‘Yokohama,’ a custom 200-liter copper still where every spirit is born. The team starts from scratch, distilling their own base spirit using premium Australian malted barley and Melbourne’s pure water. It’s craftsmanship you can taste, a process that sets Little Lon apart in a crowded market.
Brad Wilson, a creative director turned distiller whose journey from global advertising to the heart of Melbourne’s craft gin scene has shaped every aspect of the distillery. His passion for art, design, and storytelling informs the brand’s deep connection to Melbourne’s history and character.
With Brad’s creative vision and Lynden’s energy in bringing it to life for guests, Little Lon is as much about people as it is about spirits. Together, they embody the idea that distilling a creative process that transcends the mere science and technical procedures. The distillers constantly experiment, blending traditional recipes with native Australian botanicals to create flavors that feel uniquely Melbourne.
The Masterclass: Where Craft and History Shake Hands
A Little Lon gin masterclass feels almost like joining a spirited laneway gathering. Right away, you’re pulled into the hands-on action, feeling, smelling, and blending native botanicals while swapping stories with fellow participants and the makers themselves. It’s interactive, relaxed, and peppered with cheeky humor. The whole point of this gin experience is to experiment, discover flavors you never saw coming, and enjoy the process (with a gin or two in hand).
By the end, you’ll know so much more about both distilling and Melbourne’s layered past, whether your blend is a masterpiece or a glorious mess. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the craft and the stories that inspired it, along with a bottle of your own unique creation. This immersive experience is a testament to the distillery’s belief that a good drink should always be accompanied by a good story.
A Living Tribute to Craft and Culture
Little Lon’s blend of past and present transforms every tasting into an experience that connects visitors to Melbourne’s history, its people, and its craft. Though small, the distillery captures the dynamic spirit of the city in every drop. Preserving the historic cottage adds meaning beyond the craft. This distillery carries the tales of brothels, bohemians, and colorful characters, bottled in artfully designed spirits that are as innovative as they are delicious. Each bottle holds a piece of that vibrant past alongside the promise of an inventive future. For anyone wanting to taste craft, culture, and a bit of the city’s myth in one glass, this is the place.
To stay in the loop on upcoming events and releases, follow Little Lon on Instagram at @littlelondistillingco.
