Evolution of Distilling in Australia

Distilling in Australia has a rich history that dates back to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The First Fleet started bootlegging spirits as soon as they landed at Sydney Cove, and the Australian distilling industry was born. With coins and notes in short supply, and rum rations for both troops and convicts, trade in spirits was all but encouraged by the new colony’s authorities.

The first legal distillery in Australia was opened by Thomas Haig Midwood in 1822 in Hobart, Tasmania. By 1862, the Distillation Act of 1862 restricted the minimum quantities of spirits made per hour in the state of Victoria, which stopped many small-scale distillers from getting licenses. From this point on, only large-scale distilleries were able to afford expensive setup costs and could produce enough liquor for their licenses.

In the early 1990s, an archaic law that outlawed the use of small stills was lifted, which paved the way for craft Australian spirits to enter the market. Today, there are many craft Australian spirits available on the market, including whisky. While Australia has a history of whisky distilling dating back to 1820, the whisky industry looks very different in the 21st century to when it began.

In the early 21st century, the Australian distilling industry saw a revolution with the lifting of an archaic law that outlawed the use of small stills. This paved the way for craft Australian spirits to enter the market. Today, there are many craft Australian spirits available on the market, including whisky. While Australia has a history of whisky distilling dating back to 1820, the whisky industry looks very different in the 21st century to when it began.

Here are some of the notable distilleries in Australia:

1. Starward Distillery & Bar: Located in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Starward Distillery & Bar is known for its delicious Australian whiskies that are approachable, versatile, and bursting with flavor. They also offer guided whisky tastings and tours.
2. Bass & Flinders Distillery: Located in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula, Bass & Flinders Distillery is a family-owned and run artisanal distillery that handcrafts its own grape-based spirit used across their range of vine-to-bottle products including award-winning gins, brandies, spirits, and liqueurs. They also conduct one of the most unique gin masterclass experiences where guests have the opportunity to create their very own bespoke gin.
3. Four Pillars Gin Distillery: Located in Healesville, Victoria, Four Pillars Gin Distillery is known for its award-winning gins that have won an array of awards at home and around the globe. They offer various masterclasses and experiences.
4. Darling Distillery: Located in Clifton Hill, Melbourne, Darling Distillery is an urban gin distillery that produces award-winning gins that are a unique blend of old-school charm and progressive style.
5. Saintlier Distillery: Located in Melbourne, Saintlier Distillery is a micro distillery that produces premium craft spirits using quality botanicals and ingredients. They offer a range of small-batch gin, vodka and whisky products that are available for purchase online.