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.
JP Pomare - Wednesday 25 March 2026 6-8 pm
On Wednesday 25 March 2026, from 6-8 pm, Olims Bar and Bistro will host Ginsights in the Carlton Lounge with bestselling author JP Pomare in conversation about his new release novel The Gambler. JP is a proud Māori (Ngāpuhi) who grew up in
Aotearoa but currently resides with his family in Melbourne. He has published 7 novels and is your favourite crime author’s favourite crime author, with praise for his books from the likes of Dervla McTiernan, Ian Rankin, Michael Robotham and Benjamin Stevenson.
The Gambler follows PI Vince Reid, who is offered a case he can’t refuse: Why did a respected local woman open fire at a political rally, killing a promising young university graduate? It's easy money, he's told. A sure thing. But as Reid delves further into the case, the stakes are higher than he imagined, there are invisible players pulling the
strings. Will he walk away a winner or pay for the ultimate gamble with his life?
This is the start of JP’s first ever series and is as sharply brilliant as his last book 17
Years Later. JP has his finger on the pulse on how AI and technology are used by the criminal underworld to scam and radicalise. In The Gambler, he shows just how easily the average person can be drawn in and have their life destroyed.
Many readers will be familiar with JP’s work, but if you are more of a viewer, you can enjoy
his second TV adaptation, Watching You, just released on Stan (you can
watch the trailer here).
At Ginsights we will have a formal Q&A and guests will also be able to share cocktails and
informal conversations with JP. Our bookseller event partner Paperchain
bookstore will have copies of his books 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 co-sponsored by Big River Distilling Co, Canberra Writers Festival and MARION.
Past Presenters
Sam Guthrie
Natasha Lester
Siang Lu
Kaaron Warren
Lucy Treloar
Let customers speak for us
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.
Delightful event at a lovely venue. Great atmosphere, delicious gin, friendly people. Really enjoyed, will probably go back just for the gin!
Absolutely love the Syrah, perfect summer drink mixes with bitter lemon as suggested by the distiller.