Hearts Distillery – Nick Wiliams
Hearts Distillery – Meet the Maker
Hearts Distillery – Gold Coast – Queensland – Australia
When it comes to starting a distilling business, choosing a name can be a pivotal moment. For Nick, the process of obtaining a Manufacturer’s Licence required more than just a catchy name. It needed to be a bona fide business with a solid name, trademark, web presence, and logo. Nick and his team put a lot of thought into the name and finally settled on “Heart’s Distillery” The name may seem simple, but it carries significant meaning in the distilling process. The hearts, or the middle cut of the distillate, are the most prized portion and the only part that makes it into the final product.
The name Heart’s Distillery reflects Nick’s commitment to quality over quantity, and the focus on collecting only the best part of the distillate. Interestingly, when Nick approached the graphic designer for the logo, he specifically requested not to include a heart in the design. However, the designer delivered a design that Nick and his team are thrilled with, and the Heart’s Distillery logo has become an emblem of the quality and dedication that goes into every bottle.
Nick Williams, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in real estate, construction, retail, and various other industries, never imagined he would one day become a distiller. Yet, his passion for project-driven work and his love of learning led him down a new path and opened up a whole new world of possibilities.
It all started when Nick stumbled upon a YouTube channel called “Barley and Hops Brewing” hosted by George, which piqued his interest in distilling. As he continued to explore the world of distilling, he discovered a lack of information available on how to obtain a distilling license in Australia. Determined to fill this gap, Nick began documenting his journey to obtain a manufacturer’s license, which he shared on his own YouTube channel called “Distilling in Australia“
Despite having no experience in distilling or obtaining licenses, Nick tackled the challenge head-on, applying his decades of experience dealing with bureaucrats to navigate the process. With determination and persistence, Nick successfully obtained both an ATO license and a Queensland liquor license to operate out of his garage.
However, obtaining licenses was just the beginning. Nick had to learn the craft of distilling and create a product that people would enjoy. Through trial and error, and by carefully mastering the art of making “cuts,” Nick began producing his signature Pink Gin and Pink Vodka, which he now sells at markets.
Throughout his journey, Nick’s wife has been his biggest supporter and has even sacrificed her garage space for his distilling equipment. Nick jokes that he is doing a “Colonel Sanders” by starting a new venture later in life, but his story is a reminder that age should never hold us back from pursuing new passions and opportunities.
Moving forward, Nick plans to continue expanding his distilling equipment while maintaining a focus on his main goal – providing himself with a fulfilling retirement project. Whether or not he passes his business onto his three sons is yet to be determined. For Nick, reaching a productio
