We already know that there is a trove of liquid treasures waiting to be discovered Down Under. Rum, whisky, liqueurs, and gin—favoured by a climate and a botanical heritage unique in the world—are expressions unmatched anywhere else.”
Australian spirits are not commonly found in Italian cocktail bars, but now there is a new product that is drawing a lot of attention to the sector—and it involves an international celebrity. In May 2023, Australian actress and international star Margot Robbie launched her brand, Papa Salt Coastal Gin, which is already found in Italy’s most glamorous cocktail bars on the Amalfi Coast.
Looking at gin produced in Australia over the last 10 years, we see distillates characterised by really interesting ingredients andvery exciting aromatic profiles. But before you think, “Another celebrity whim?” know that this is not just another image stunt by a star who is lending their name to a spirit.
The Papa Coastal project involves other people, friends in equal part: Margot Robbie’s husband, film producer Tom Ackerley, film producers Josey McNamara and Regan Riskas Maas, and her husband, Charlie Maas, a veteran of the spirit industry and the group’s key link to the world of spirits. Charlie Maas is the man behind the success of the creamy Rum Chata, by the way, with 50 million bottles sold in the USA alone.
We met up with Margot Robbie and her friends in Naples during the presentation of Papa Salt Coastal Gin in Italy. The event was spectacularly organised by Spiritual SrL, with communication managed by beverage agency Liquid-Hub.com. What was striking was the unity, the sense of teamwork behind a project that these five friends have in common.
Charlie Maas spoke about the time when the story of Papa Salt started. “Regan worked with Margot and then we met Tom and Josey. We all became friends. It was 2018 when they called me and said: hey, we like films and quality drinks, so what do we think about making a gin? So we started discussing the project.”
Maas’ experience in the sector was a precious asset, but it wasn’t the turning point for the quintet in creating the brand. “It helped”, says Margot Robbie, “but the fact that we are all friends first and foremost and that there is a certain familiarity between us played a part in allowing us to complete the project”.
The idea for the project was born in 2018, but the market launch took place in 2023. “Had there not been a solid friendship keeping us together, Papa Salt would probably never become a reality, affirmed Margot Robbie, who added, “Undertaking a new project that was far from the movie world was easy because in the end we were just five friends who loved drinking gin together. No one asked us to make a gin, it was our idea and we didn’t have to answer to anyone other than ourselves.”
It may seem difficult to get five minds to agree on everything but fortunately, the whole group was clear on what they wanted. “As a start, Charlie bought all the market-leading gins, explained Tom Ackerley, “and we did blind tastings. We wanted to see if we were all looking for the same thing. Otherwise, we would never have reached a result.”
Through this process, the group focused on tasting certain gin expressions that they all loved, all with similar aromatic profiles. “We wanted a contemporary gin, with a new style and that was versatile, something to drink in the sun with friends, that fit in well with our lifestyle,” explained Maas.
Once they had figured out what they wanted, they began studying the botanicals, an aspect that took quite some time. It took themfive years and tests with 300 botanicals and 59 distilled recipes before they got to the final one. This was followed by production at Byron Bay at the Lord Byron distillery, known for its high levels of sustainability and completely powered by 100% renewable energy. Margot Robbie added: “Papa Salt is a coastal gin, and what better place is there to produce it than Byron Bay? The colour of the bottle resembles the water of that place, literally a colour that matches the ocean.”
Papa Salt (42.8% ABV) is made using the single-shot method and among its botanicals, in addition to juniper, we find hibiscus, wattleseeds, finger lime, pink peppercorn, other indigenous botanicals and a subtle savoury note provided by the oyster shell. Single-shot distillation preserves the aromatic integrity of the botanicals, ensuring a more authentic and balanced flavour profile.
The result is a gin of extraordinary quality, with a fresh and citrusy personality that captures the wild and simple charm of the Australian coast in every sip. A flavour that won over the judges in international spirit competitions. Papa Salt set itself apart as an exemplary product, over and above the famous names of its creators, winning gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024 and the Best in Show award at the Los Angeles Spirits Awards in 2022. “Our aim was always to create a gin that worked well on its own, was well received, had a wonderful flavour and that we would be proud to share with the world,” explained Margot Robbie.
If Papa Salt is about its terroir, the packaging also tells a story: the compact bottle, made from 60% recycled glass, features a design that is inspired by sea glass found on the shore. Intentionally simple, the bottle is beautiful. The blue frosted glass and the smooth shape make it pleasant to touch. It only has essential information on the bottle, offering a simplicity that makes it even more captivating.
Its name was inspired by a chance encounter in Sri Lanka, in a bar on the beach with a man known as Papa Salt. “We really wanted to highlight the bottle, the brand and our story”, addsMaas. “We are five friends who love gin, and one of them is a very famous person. We have tried to highlight the gin and our love for it: we want people to know that we are here because of theproduct and that we have created it.”
Nevertheless, he does recognise that Robbie’s involvement gives the brand a loyal audience. “We know that we can attract attention as a brand, but what we really want to do, once we have got people’s attention, is let them know about the quality of the product and the care that we have put into creating it.” Fever-Tree has started partnering with Papa Salt for a few RTDs. “We were thrilled when Fever-Tree said yes, let’s do it,” said Margot Robbie.
The Italian visit by the five friends was concluded with a masterclass reserved for selected bartenders during which Papa Salt was presented.
Producing spirits in Australia is extremely expensive, with some of the highest taxes in the world, but Papa Salt was born to be first and foremost an Australian brand, and the link to the country is clear. Margot Robbie herself was born and raised in Queensland.
But it is more than a product – it is a spirit that wants to represent a lifestyle: carefree, sunny and of course, cool.
Papa Salt is an elegant yet informal distillate, sustainable, sophisticated and original, great in mixing, created for those who appreciate details and quality without excess. After Spain and the United Kingdom, Papa Salt Gin arrived in Italy to be introduced to many bartender friends.
FABIO BACCHI