QHA-Review_July_digital

A SPIRITED BUNCH
In 1871 James Costar, chose to name one of the
Sunshine Coast’s very first watering holes ‘Nil
Desperandum’, the Latin translation of ‘nothing to
despair for’ and the first iteration of Australia’s iconic
expression of easy-going optimism – ‘no worries’.
Ever since then, Sunshine & Sons has been bottling
the warmth of Queensland’s carefree subtropical
coast while being inspired by close collaborations with
the local producers, great causes and communities
that make Australia the paradise that it is.
The distillery creates and shares their range of spirits
in the Sunshine Coast hinterland rainforest,
neighbouring Queensland’s iconic Big
Pineapple. Matt said they have had
phenomenal success with Sunshine
& Sons, which has a cult following in
the community.
“We have always had a strong
and historical connection with
the locals. In our township of
Woombye, the Nil Desperandum
pub took in thirsty travellers on
their way to the Gympie gold fields
and handed them a fermented ale
or spiritous liquor.
“We really like that story – it links
us locally and connects us to
the Aussie tradition of people
stopping in to have a drink
on their travels. Our beautiful
Tasmanian artisan copper spirit
stills are named after James
Costars wife, Sarah, and his
mother, Maria,” he said.
After trying their hand at making
rum, and subsequently winning
Best Pot Still Rum at the 2022
Australian Rum awards, CAVU
Distilling realised they could make
something truly exceptional.
Filled with an expressive and fullbodied
flavour, Nil Desperandum
is authentically Australian but
comfortably compared to the
most remarkable Caribbean rums.
Matt said as their main products
are further distributed into the
market, they are hoping to add
more awards to the shelf.
QHA REVIEW | 55