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Essences

(296 products)

Essences turn a clean neutral spirit into whisky, rum, bourbon, gin, brandy, vodka or a liqueur in minutes, with no barrel or botanicals needed. Add the essence to filtered spirit, stir, and it is ready to drink. This collection has the Still Spirits Top Shelf and Top Shelf Select ranges plus our most popular flavours. For every brand we stock, browse all essences.

Compare essence ranges

Range	Size	Makes	Best for
Top Shelf	50mL	2.25L	The everyday favourite, made to match well known commercial spirits
Top Shelf Select	2 x 1.125L sachets	2.25L	Still Spirits' flagship range, made to closely match commercial spirit styles
Pure Distilling	50mL	2.25L	Australian made, consistent flavour across every style
Heritage	125mL	2L	Room for extra smoothing and flavour ingredients
Prestige	20mL	750mL	Trying a new flavour one bottle at a time
Top Ups	Liqueur base	1.125L liqueur from 750mL spirit	Cream and fruit liqueurs with no sugar syrup needed
Original	50mL	Mix into vodka or neutral spirit	Entry level, no base pack required

Shop essences by spirit

Whisky essences · Bourbon essences · Rum essences · Gin essences and botanicals · Vodka essences · Liqueur essences

Can't find your favourite bottle? Our brand match guide pairs popular commercial spirits with the essence that tastes closest.

Essences FAQ

How do you use a spirit essence?
Filter your neutral spirit with carbon, dilute it to around 40%, then add the essence at the rate on the label and stir. It is ready to drink straight away, though most flavours smooth out after a few days.

Where does the neutral spirit come from?
Most people make it themselves from a sugar wash in a reflux still or an Air Still. Every starter pack includes essences for the first batches.

Which essence range is best?
Top Shelf is the most popular and the easiest place to start. Top Shelf Select is Still Spirits' flagship range for the closest match to commercial spirits. Pure Distilling is a strong Australian made alternative.

Can I make liqueurs with essences?
Yes. Liqueur flavours need a base for body and sweetness, or use Top Ups, which need no sugar syrup. See liqueur essences.

Do I need oak as well?
Not with an essence. For a more barrel-aged character in whisky, bourbon or dark rum, add oak chips or spirals.

Compare: Top Shelf vs Pure Distilling vs Gold Medal essences · Best spirit essences for beginners

1KG Still Spirits Bourbon Staves Deeply Charred 100% American Oak

Regular price $87

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Top Shelf Absinthe Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Amaretto Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Select Bourbon American Bourbon Essence (2 x 1.125L Sachets)

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Brandy Apple Brandy Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Schnapps Apple Schnapps Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Brandy Apricot Brandy Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Rum Aussie Gold Rum Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Rum Aussie Red Rum Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Schnapps Banana Schnapps Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Black Sambuca Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Schnapps Blackberry Schnapps Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Blue Curacao Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Bourbon Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Butterscotch Cream Essence

Regular priceFrom $15

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Top Shelf Liqueur Butterscotch Schnapps Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Select Butterscotch Schnapps Essence

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Liqueur Cafelua Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Select Liqueur Essence Cafelua

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Select Rum Calypso Dark Rum Essence (2 x 1.125L Sachets)

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Liqueur Candy Shots Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Vodka Caramel Vodka Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Bourbon Cherry Bourbon Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Brandy Cherry Brandy Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Chocolate Cream Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Chocolate Mint Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Vodka Citrus Vodka Essence

Regular price $17

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Still Spirits Top Shelf Select Classic Brandy Essence (2 x 1.125L)

Regular price $21

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Still Spirits Top Shelf Select Classic Gin Spirit Flavouring

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Select VSOP Essence (2 x 1.125L)

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Select Whiskey Essence (2 x 1.125L Sachets)

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Liqueur Coconut Rum Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Select Liqueur Essence Coconut Rum

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Liqueur Coffee Maria Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Creme de Cacao Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Creme de Menthe Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Rum Dark Rum Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Gin Dry Gin Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Dry Vermouth Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Schnapps Feijoa Schnapps

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Select Whisky Finest Reserve Whiskey Essence (2 x 1.125L Sachets)

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Brandy French Brandy Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Hazelnut Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Herbal Liqueur Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Bourbon Honey Bourbon Essence

Regular price $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Hot Cinnamon Schnapps Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Irish Cream Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Liqueur Irish Mint Cream Essence

Regular priceFrom $17

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Top Shelf Select Whiskey Shamrock Whisky Essence (2 x 1.125L Sachets)

Regular price $21

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Top Shelf Whisky Shamrock Whiskey Essence

Regular price $17

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