Maidenii Roselle Bitter is a distinctly Australian aperitivo-style bitter — built around Roselle (Hibiscus Sabdariffa), whose vivid red calyx delivers both colour and flavour, alongside 23 other botanicals including Australian natives: strawberry gum, Tasmanian pepperberry, and saltbush. Residual sugar from grapes only gives it an aperitivo character, though it is equally well suited as a bitter. The creation of bartender Shaun Byrne and winemaker Gilles Lapalus — a partnership born from two passionate people who found in each other the perfect collaborators — Maidenii takes its name from Joseph Maiden, a stalwart champion of the eucalypt and the acacia who delved deeply into the oft-neglected wealth of Australian botanical novelty, finding value and beauty where others saw none. A bitter that does the same.
Tasting Notes
Appearance
Vivid, deep ruby-red — the striking, distinctive colour of Roselle’s bright red calyx, with the depth and intensity that 24 carefully selected botanicals and grape-only residual sugar deliver.
Aroma
Complex and botanical — hibiscus, native strawberry gum, Tasmanian pepperberry, and saltbush, with the layered, distinctly Australian aromatic character of a bitter crafted by a bartender and a winemaker who know exactly what they’re doing.
Palate
Aperitivo in style, bitter in character — the bright, vivid flavour of Roselle balanced by the complexity of 23 supporting botanicals, with grape-only residual sugar providing sweetness and the Australian natives adding a distinctive, characterful edge that sets Maidenii apart.
Pairs With
Perfect as an aperitivo served over ice with soda and a slice of orange, or as a key ingredient in a Spritz, Negroni, or any cocktail that calls for a bitter of genuine Australian character. A natural partner for charcuterie, olives, and antipasto.
Finish
Long, complex, and pleasantly bitter — hibiscus, pepperberry, and native botanicals lingering together in a clean, refreshing close that makes every glass a genuinely Australian aperitivo experience.
