Ginsights: Showcasing Remarkable Writers
Note that for 2026, the Ginsights venue has changed. We are now holding the events at the Olims Bar & Bistro in Braddon.
MEHREEN ARSHI Thurs 20 August 2026 6 - 8 pm
On Thursday 20 August from 6-8pm, Olims Bar and Bistro will host Ginsights with guest author Mehreen Arshi, a Pakistani-Australian author with a background in research and scientific writing. She is deeply interested in the human condition, particularly the ways people are shaped by family, memory,
migration, love, duty, and lived experience.
At Ginsights we will be in conversation about her debut novel, “I Carry Your
Heart” that explores love, family bonds, Pakistani culture, and the courage it
takes to go against the grain in order to stand up for oneself. We will also
delve into her next manuscript currently under progress, that was highly
commended for the Varuna residential fellowship by the National Writers House.
As a writer, Mehreen is passionate about cultural representation, forgotten
histories, and stories that centre voices often pushed to the margins. Beyond
writing, her commitment to community advocacy extends through her volunteer work with VolunteeringACT, where she supports vulnerable members of the community, and through her role as a mentor with Fearless Women.
At Ginsights we will have a formal Q&A and guests will also be able to share
cocktails and informal conversations with Mehreen. We will have copies of her recently revised debut novel “I Carry Your Heart” for sale and signing on the night. The Olims Bar and Bistro will be selling a cocktail of the night featuring Big River spirits, alongside a Big River G&T, in addition to their usual
selection of drinks and dining options.
All are welcome to come along to join this informal reader/writer conversation
sponsored by Canberra Writers Festival and supported by Big River Distilling
Co, Mercure Canberra and MARION.
Tickets are $12 and bookings are required.
Past Presenters
Sam Guthrie
Natasha Lester
Siang Lu
Kaaron Warren
Lucy Treloar
Let customers speak for us
Have been buying this from the beginning. This is the best! I know leaving this review may mean the remaining stock will disappear more quickly 😩
Cheryl
Great vodka taste & super-fast shipping. Arrived within 12 hours of ordering!
Lovely traditional style gin easy drinking highly recommended
Using it chiefly to make herbal tincture. I am Giving 5 stars for it.
The gin tasting experience at Big River was so fantastic that I have bought a gift voucher for my sister to do the same. The staff were lovely, and the gin was paired perfectly with the garnishes and mixers. Highly recommend.
A great classic gin. Worked very well with tonic and in a dirty martini.
Amazing just over ice. I really enjoy this. Such an easy drink and feels special. I have given as gifts to so many people now too.
We thoroughly enjoyed this distillery tour! Clyde was full of information and enthusiasm about the gin he makes and was happy to help us understand the processes, both chemical and mechanical, that go into making gin. He also showed us the distilling equipment and explained some of the how-to's of achieving different flavour notes. Afterwards we got a flyer 6 different gins accompanied by a delicious cheese and charcuterie platter. Everyone was friendly and extremely helpful.
Brilliant event! I love the discussions and warmth at Ginsights, as well as the fabulous gin.
A great activity for any gin lover. The space is cosy and the staff were super lovely. They walked us through how their gin is made, then we got to taste all the gins! Every gin was great and so drinkable (almost too good). Would recommend.
Sam was great, the book is fantastic. The interview was excellent, got me interested to buy the book
My partner and I had a wonderful time discovering the finer points of gin distilling with the team! It was great to get some insights into how they make their gins and this was followed by a lovely series of tastings accompanied by a delicious charcuterie board. Definitely recommended!!
Loved it, fascinating to get to hear from the distiller and learn what actually goes into a bottle of gin. And then get to taste said bottle of gin! Bought home three bottles afterwards, would highly recommend.
I’ve read her latest book- very easy read. Rachel’s interview style was well thought out and interactive. I would definitely go to another of her book launches.
Very good gin. Hard to stop at one. I enjoyed it straight and then added some tonic. Will buy it again.
