Sullivans Cove Distillery receives $3.3m federal government grant for new distillery development

One of Tasmania’s most iconic whisky brands will soon begin building a new distillery and visitor experience development, with a federal government grant giving the project a boost. FULL STORY >>

AN iconic Tasmanian whisky brand is soon to return to where its story began almost three decades ago, and now a federal government grant has given the project a shot in the arm.

Sullivans Cove Distillery is the recipient of $3.3m in funding to help build its new production facility on the Hobart waterfront.

The business, which is currently based at Cambridge, will also develop a new visitor experience at the Huon Quays site within the Sullivans Cove precinct.

Sullivans Cove Distillery managing director Adam Sable said a development application had been lodged with council, with hopes that construction would start by mid-next year.

Mr Sable said the $20m project would be divided into two components and would harness the rich heritage of the area.

“When we are building this new production facility, our obsession with quality in terms of our process will not only be maintained but even further enhanced,’’ he said.

“We’re not necessarily building the most efficient distillery, but we’re building one which we think will produce the best whisky.

“It will be a world-class distillery and visitor experience, and one that is consistent with where our product sits in the world whisky space.”

Managing director of Sullivans Cove Whisky, Adam Sable. Picture: Zak Simmonds

In 2014, the distillery won the world’s best single malt, which Mr Sable said had helped to put Tasmanian whisky on the map.

“Tasmania continues to become a well-known and well-respected category in terms of world whisky, and I think our 2014 world’s best award was a watershed moment,’’ he said.

Tasmanian Senator and Assistant Minister for Industry Development, Jonathon Duniam, said the investment proved food and beverage innovation was alive and well in the state.

“The Sullivans Cove facility is expected to increase the workforce by approximately 40 per cent as well as provide opportunities to upskill at least 15 existing employees,’’ he said.

“With help from the Australian Government, this project will deliver employment opportunities for local people right here in Tasmania, as well as an estimated 24 indirect jobs throughout the supply chain.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the $33m in total funding was part of the latest round of the $1.3b Modern Manufacturing Initiative.

Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, Angus Taylor, said the grants would bolster the food and beverage sector and unlock further investment.

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