Gin with a Ceylon Twist: The journey of Dutch Rules Distilling Co.
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Celebrating the journey of a gin distillery that goes far beyond spirits and cocktails. The Dutch Rules Distilling Company was born from a dream of building a spirit that tells a story with every sip, one rooted in craft and celebrating the heritage of co-founder Danny Perera’s Sri Lankan origin.
Where it all began
Dutch Rules Distilling Co. was born out of friendship, passion, and a shared love for good drinks with character. Inspired by a dream of creating spirits that weren’t just enjoyable but also meaningful, Danny and the team saw gin as the perfect canvas – versatile, expressive, and deeply rooted in history, yet always evolving.
A guiding principle for the company has been breaking convention whilst respecting tradition, a balance that’s not easy to find. They wanted their drinks to have a soul, a sense of place, and connection to the people who drink them. We go beyond simply distilling spirits and botanicals, ensuring every drop is crafted with intent, taking inspiration from culture, heritage and the natural world.
A Gin Inspired by Heritage – Dutch Ceylon
“One of the standout milestones in our journey has been the creation of Dutch Ceylon, a gin which celebrates my Sri Lankan heritage”, says Danny. “From the very beginning, we knew this wasn’t going to be just another botanical mix. We wanted to honour the flavours and aromas that were an integral part of my upbringing – the warmth of Sri Lankan spice, the vibrancy of tropical fruits, and the deep traditions tied to tea and botanicals.”
At its heart, Dutch Ceylon is inspired by the idea of a fruity, citrus iced tea – refreshing, layered, and full of character. To bring that vision to life, many of the ingredients are sourced directly from Sri Lanka. The botanical blend includes:
Dilmah Ceylon Tea & Cinnamon – both iconic to Sri Lanka, offering depth, spice, and warmth
Pomelo & Orange – a nod to the tropical fruits that thrive on the island
Angelica Root & Orris Root – classic gin botanicals that provide balance and structure
Hibiscus & Jasmine – floral notes that add brightness and elegance
White Peppercorn & Toasted Coconut – subtle layers of spice and creaminess
Lime Leaf & Coriander Seed – fresh, citrus-driven botanicals that lift the palate
And of course, Juniper, the backbone of any gin, tying it all together
The result is a gin that feels familiar yet different – a spirit that carries the essence of Sri Lanka while still standing strong as a premium, contemporary gin. Dutch Ceylon is more than a drink; it’s a story in a glass, one that bridges cultures and celebrates heritage.
Tasting Notes: Dutch Ceylon
On the nose, bright citrus and floral notes shine through, with hints of pomelo, lime leaf, and jasmine creating an uplifting aroma. Undertones of earthy cinnamon and white peppercorn add intrigue, balanced by the smooth, toasty character of coconut.
The palate is refreshing and layered, much like a citrus iced tea. The Ceylon tea provides subtle depth, while hibiscus and orange give a juicy, tangy edge. A soft wave of florals rounds out the mid-palate, before the warmth of spice and juniper build towards the finish.
The aftertaste is crisp, slightly spicy, and refreshing, with lingering citrus oils and the delicate sweetness of toasted coconut. It’s a gin that feels equally at home in a G&T, a citrus-forward cocktail, or simply savoured neat over ice.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, their mission remains the same – to keep crafting spirits with character, rooted in heritage, and built on passion. Dutch Ceylon has set the tone for what Dutch Rules Distilling Co. is all about: authenticity, creativity, and a deep respect for where we come from.
“For us, gin is not just a drink – it’s a way of telling stories. And with every bottle we make, we hope to share a little of ours with you.” says Danny.
Editor’s Note: The Dutch Rules Distilling Co. is located in Mitcham, Melbourne in Australia – one to visit if you are in that part of the world!
Reflections Along the Way
Building Dutch Rules Distilling Co. hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been long nights, experiments that didn’t quite work, and the endless pursuit of balance in flavour. But these moments are also what make the journey worthwhile – every challenge pushing the team to think differently and refine their craft.
Danny reflects “some of the standout memories include our first successful run of Dutch Ceylon – that moment when the aromas from the still filled the room, and we realised we had created something truly special. Another highlight has been seeing people taste our gin for the first time, watching their reactions as they pick up the layers of spice, citrus, and floral notes. Those moments remind us why we started: to make spirits that connect with people.”
What began as a casual bartending job became a passion for hospitality for Danny Perera, later working as a chef in a Geelong brewery. He co-founded a craft brewery with a childhood friend, Two Rupees, but his love for gin and tonics each time he returned home to Sri Lanka inspired him to found the Dutch Rules Distilling Company, bringing small batch gin inspired by the flavours of home.
What began as a casual bartending job became a passion for hospitality for Danny Perera, later working as a chef in a Geelong brewery. He co-founded a craft brewery with a childhood friend, Two Rupees, but his love for gin and tonics each time he returned home to Sri Lanka inspired him to found the Dutch Rules Distilling Company, bringing small batch gin inspired by the flavours of home.