Pechey distillery opens its doors, releases new spirit

HOT off the heels of its Homestead Gin released last month, Pechey Distilling Company has another tipple ready to go.

HOT off the heels of its Homestead Gin released last month, Pechey Distilling Company has another tipple ready to go.

Released for sale yesterday, chief distiller Ben Pechey said the 1868 Vodka was a clean, smooth spirit.

The sugar-sorghum spirit is fermented for four weeks, before being distilled three times.

The vodka takes its name from the original shed on the Pechey family property, which was built in 1868.

Mr Pechey said the shed predated his family's homestead, which was established by his great grandfather 100 years ago.

Over the decades, the family has sawmilled, run cattle and pigs, and grown crops on the property.

Now, they're turning their hands to distilling.

For those wanting to get a bit more hands-on with their alcohol, the distillery is opening to the public for the first time today and tomorrow, from 10am to 4pm.

From this weekend, it will be open every fortnight.

Mr Pechey said the family was excited about being able to open the doors.

"There's things we've got to do that we didn't anticipate in terms of making sure we're COVID safe," Mr Pechey said.

"But we're looking forward to it."

He also said the family had been "overwhelmed" by the support from the Toowoomba and high country region after releasing their first batch of Homestead Gin last month.

For more information about the distillery and opening times, head to www.pecheydistilling.com.