Top 10: There are more distilleries in Australia than Scotland
Great news! There are now more distilleries in Australia than in Scotland. Here are 10 of the best in Victoria’s regions.
Discerning spirit drinkers now have more tipples of choice in Australia than in Scotland as the number of distilleries here has overtaken those in the whisky capital of the world.
Figures from the Australian Distillers Association reveal there are now 444 licensed distilleries in Australia compared to 130 in Scotland, although Australia’s volume produced is no match for the sheer scale of the Scottish distilleries.
The significant rise in numbers in Australia equates to an almost 16-fold increase in the past eight years, up from 28 distilleries listed in Australia in 2014.
The booming new trend follows increasing demand from local and overseas markets and is a win for rural and regional economies where two thirds of distilleries are located, boosting employment and tourism opportunities.
Timboon Railway Shed Distillery has the biggest collection of Aussie craft spirits in the country with 185 spirits from 92 distilleries.
Owner Josh Walker said there was a growing demographic trend to drink less but drink better.
“People are a bit more discerning in what spirits they are drinking. Similar to the beer and wine guys before us, supporting your local and the guys having a crack down the road is at the forefront of consumers and Covid has enhanced that,” he said.
“As an industry we are trying to get consumers to change their habits a bit. Only 2 per cent of the spirits consumed in Australia are Australian made. We are trying to get that to 10 to 15 per cent,” he said.
A champion of the industry, Josh said Aussie distillers were “bloody good at it” and consumers needed to know and experience their products.
“We are frequently asked why we are promoting and selling our competitors’ products,” he said.
“The answer is that our real competitors are imported spirits, not like-minded Aussie distillers who put passion into every bottle.”
Of the 444 distilleries across the nation, dozens with cellar doors and retail shop fronts are tucked away in country Victoria, offering even more great reasons to explore the state’s charming regions.
Here are 10 to visit.
TIMBOON RAILWAY SHED DISTILLERY, TIMBOON
With the largest collection of Aussie craft spirits in the nation, owners Josh and Caitlin Walker have committed themselves to servicing the ever-growing Aussie spirits scene out of Timboon.
APOLLO BAY DISTILLERY, APOLLO BAY
Enjoy gin tastings and masterclasses with knowledgeable staff, who can explain everything about the gin-making process, different types of botanicals, the history of the coastal town and the stories of the SS Casino anchor located on-site. Plus, enjoy Italian style wood-fired pizzas with a selection of handcrafted exotic gins.
KILDERKIN DISTILLERY, BALLARAT
Larrikin gins and liqueurs are produced by this small distillery located in the historic city of Ballarat. Open Thursdays to Sundays, Kilderkin’s cellar door offers gin tastings, gin and tonics (and other mixers), gin liqueurs, cocktails, beer, wine and cheese platters.
REED AND CO., BRIGHT
Founded in 2016 by a team of chef-turned-distillers, Reed and Co is dedicated to creating quality Australian spirits and experiences to represent the Alpine region. Join the team for tastings, cocktails, food or to buy a bottle of gin, liqueurs or shochu.
PENNI AVE DISTILLERY, RYE
About an hour from Melbourne on the Mornington Peninsula, this is one of the few vodka distilleries in Victoria. A copper still (named Walter) transforms fermented wheat and barley into smooth spirit, using sustainably sourced native botanicals.
ECHUCA DISTILLERY, ECHUCA
Crafted and bottled in the river port town of Echuca-Moama, these craft spirits are worth a drive. The shop front for the distillery, Bar Lee is a thriving restaurant and tasting room providing spirit tastings, a full menu, beer, wine and cocktails.
COROWA DISTILLING, COROWA
Open seven days, this renovated 1920s flour mill offers the perfect day trip or weekend away on the magical Murray River. Tour the whisky distillery, witness the makings of high quality Australian whisky and then sample organic chocolate and licorice made by sister company Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory.
BARKING OWL DISTILLING CO., WOORAGEE
Located in a 1950s shearing shed in Wooragee, nestled between Beechworth and Yackandandah, Barking Owl produces small-batch gin, vodka, liqueurs and brandy with a distinctly local bent. The spirits are a true example of a grain-to-glass business with products created from local raw grains, fruit and botanicals. Tastings, tours, bottle sales and bar service are available.
BELLARINE DISTILLERY AND THE WHISKERY, DRYSDALE
With five award-winning gins and whiskies from across the globe, including its own single malt release, Bellarine Distillery is the perfect place for an adult getaway. Cocktails, wines, beers and ciders are also served at the distillery door, with pizzas and cheese platters on offer, with seating inside and outdoors. Dogs on leash are welcome in the outdoor areas, but no children are allowed.
BACKWOODS DISTILLING CO., YACKANDANDAH
Established in 2017 by Bree and Leigh Attwood in a shed on their Yackandandah property, the couple moved the operation to open a distillery door and tasting room at the Yack Station Precinct in February last year. The distillery door offers tasting paddles to visitors, while they sit beside the beautiful copper stills that make the spirits.
Renowned Wimmera farm hits the market for $17 million-plus
A historic 1000ha property in western Victoria is set to change hands for just the fourth time in its 180-year history.
‘Not going down without a fight’: Farmers prepare for VNI West battle
Victorian farmers are assessing their next steps against compulsorily land access and acquisitions, with the VNI West’s route set to be released in the coming weeks.