From tradition and innovation to a deep commitment to sustainability, Reef Distillers is bringing the spirit of the Southern Great Barrier Reef to Queensland Parliament.
Born from a shared love of the ocean, nature, and exceptional spirits, Reef Distillers is the vision of the Rumble and Smith families. Their handcrafted, award-winning spirits now feature at Lucinda Bar and Strangers’ Restaurant as part of Queensland Parliament Dining’s commitment to showcasing local producers.
From the Southern Great Barrier Reef to the centre of Queensland’s democracy, every Reef Distillers serve is a quiet celebration of our state’s coastline, communities, and care for Country.
A family vision shaped by the sea
At the heart of Reef Distillers are two families united by water.
The Rumble family bring decades of experience managing Great Barrier Reef Island resorts, including Pumpkin Island and Elysian Retreat. Their deep connection to the sea and commitment to sustainability have long shaped the way they work, host, and care for their environment.
That passion is now fused with the expertise of Shane and Zona Smith, founders of the internationally awarded West Coast Distillers in South Africa. Their mastery of distilling brings innovation, technical excellence, and a global perspective to the partnership.
Together, the Rumble and Smith families create spirits that capture the essence of the Southern Great Barrier Reef: fresh, vibrant, and unmistakably coastal.
Crafted with place, purpose, and care
Reef Distillers collection is internationally award-winning, recognised for authenticity, craftsmanship, and exceptional flavour. But the story doesn’t stop at the still.
Their Fingerlime Botanical Vodka is crafted in collaboration with Salty Lime, a certified sustainable tourism finger lime farm from a nearby farm in the region. This vibrant spirit captures Australia’s unique native flavour, refreshing, zesty and award-winning, delivering a true taste of the coast.
Across the wider Reef Distillers range, a deep connection to place guides every decision:
- Collaborating with local farms to source botanicals and ingredients
- Prioritising freshness, traceability and authenticity
- Embedding sustainability at every stage of production.
From recycled glass bottles to zero-waste practices and partnerships supporting reef restoration and marine conservation, sustainability isn’t an afterthought, it’s the foundation.
Where the magic happens: Mr Bean and Martina
At the heart of Reef Distillers are two copper stills, each with a story to tell – just as you’d expect from any great distillery.
Mr Bean: A 500L copper still named in honour of Shaun “Bean” Bebington of Pocketful of Stones Distillery in the UK, whose influence helped inspire Shane Smith’s path into distilling.
Martina: A 200L spirit still named in tribute to Martina Craggs, who continues to inspire the spirits crafted today.
Both stills are handcrafted from copper, a material prized for its ability to remove impurities and produce a smoother, more refined spirit. Every drop is then filtered through activated charcoal, resulting in remarkable purity, clarity and depth of flavour, qualities that truly shine in the glass.
Reef Distillers at Lucinda Bar and Strangers’ Restaurant
As part of our Queensland-focused spirit list, Reef Distillers now features across Queensland Parliament Dining venues. Guests can enjoy Reef Distillers spirits in our carefully crafted Lucinda cocktail, made with Reef Distillers Fingerlime Vodka, lemon myrtle and soda. Reef Distillers can also be included in bespoke beverage packages for events and functions across the precinct.
Queensland Spirits in Every Pour
There is something special about enjoying a carefully made drink just steps from where Queensland’s big decisions are made. Now, the spirits in those glasses tell a distinctly Queensland story.
Through a collaboration with the Queensland Distillers Association, and with the support of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Mr Pat Weir MP, Lucinda Bar and Strangers’ Restaurant have reshaped their spirit offering to highlight locally made products.
This initiative reflects Queensland Parliament’s commitment to supporting local industry and showcasing the best our state has to offer. From the coast to the country, each distiller brings its own story, craftsmanship and flavour to our precinct.
Every time you choose a Reef Distillers serve at Parliament, you’re supporting local families, coastal communities, and ongoing efforts to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
With Reef Distillers, we’re not just serving spirits – we’re sharing a taste of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, one carefully crafted pour at a time.
Learn more about Reef Distillers at www.reefdistillers.com
