North Rocks’ The Primary Goods Company Distillery opens

A western Sydney community’s first boutique distillery is celebrating double achievements after opening and clinching an enviable trans-Tasman gong.

Joanne Vella

@Parramatta_News

2 min read

November 15, 2021 - 4:21PM

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The couple behind The Primary Goods Company Distillery at North Rocks know their gins, vodkas and rums — they recently claimed the Royal Australian Spirit Awards in Adelaide.

The gong was clinched just before Oatlands’ Dylan and Rachel Falecki opened the Richard Close distillery, where they have poured their heart and soul into opening the venue.

The Parramatta area’s first micro distillery, an appointment-only venue, is where the Faleckis share their expertise on drinks including their renegat vodka, which claimed gold and the dovetail artisan gin, which picked up a bronze in the Australia and New Zealand competition.

The intimate venue is the place to enjoy a quiet tipple produced on site and seats a maximum of 25 people.

Primary Goods Company Distillery owners Rachel and Dylan Falecki opened the distillery in early November. Picture: Monique Harmer

“People can’t just walk in off the street,’’ Mrs Falecki said.

“You don’t go there just to be seen or take photos for Instagram. There are a lot of places you can go in the area if you just want a drink.

“It’s that sort of thing where they’re not fighting for a seat, they’re not fighting for attention, it’s an experience. We always wanted to have a distillery, not a bar and there is a distinct difference.

“We are a fully functioning distillery. We are making stuff, we’re not just serving cocktails.’’

For aficionados or visitors thirsty for more knowledge on spirits, the Primary Goods Company serves it up in style with workshops.

Primary Goods Company Distillery’s award-winning gin and vodka. Picture: Monique Harmer

Mr Falecki, a former TV presenter on Better Homes and Gardens and The Living Room, came up with the idea for the distillery during Covid lockdown in 2020 when he was at a crossroads of his career as a carpenter and builder.

When his Polish father mentioned how people drank in the war, a business venture was hatched.

He said the vodka claimed gold for its smoothness, character, meticulous filtration and not overthinking the distillation process.

“Our vodka is special because it is made by a maker,’’ he said.

“I consider very different things when making a product. My mindset is different to that of the hardcore, old-school distiller.

“Our spirits stand out from the rest as our story is grounded in truth and we, at no stage, attempt to be something we are not.’’

It has no-frills interiors but the Primary Goods Company Distillery’s Richard Close site is a haven for spirit lovers. Picture: Monique Harmer

So no Insta-worthy decor, just straight forward ingredients.

“We do not have a picturesque location, we do not have a multimillion-dollar set up, nor do we have an ancient family recipe that has been handed down along a long line of family distillers,’’ Mr Falecki said.

“None of that. Our narrative is based on a foundation of sound manufacturing, good design and being real.

“We don’t hide behind coloured products or bulls***t botanicals.

“We make ingredients and encourage our customers to use these ingredients to make their own cocktails and design their own beverages.

“We want them to be makers as well — to feel the joy of making something useful, fun and mindful.’’

To visit the distillery or order goods visit theprimarygoods.com