Plan a road-trip, designate a driver and raise your glasses. Here’s a guide to the best distilleries in Melbourne and regional Victoria that you can visit – this weekend perhaps? – according to Visit Victoria. Part two of the Victorian Distillery Guide is coming soon (stay tuned to DrinkMelbourne on instagram to find out first).
Starwood
Starwood Distillery was founded in 2007 by Melbourne born and raised David Vitale who wanted to create a whisky that Australia can take to the world with pride, and one that reflects his home city ‘from its culture to its famed ‘four seasons in a day’ temperature swings.’ Starward whisky is developed using Australian barley and barrels but integrating maturation techniques from around the world that, along with the Victorian climate and maturation process in Australian wine barrels, creates a distinctly Melbourne flavour. The distillery also conducts a range of whisky masterclasses, dinners and open days at their workshop in Port Melbourne each month. 50 Bertie Street, Port Melbourne
The Craft & Co
Taking up prime position in the bustling inner north, The Craft & Co is a one stop shop for visitors wanting a taste of Melbourne. It’s a brewery, distillery and winery as well as cellar door, eatery, cafe, bar and cheese and charcuterie monger. Spirits include their own Collingwood dry gin, limoncello, barrel aged grappa, Bloody Mary vodka and a collaborative gin (with The West Winds and Artemis); some derived from their own farm-grown produce. On site classes include the option for visitors to make their own cheese, pasta, beer and gin. 390 Smith Street, Collingwood
Four Pillars
Located in the Yarra Valley gateway of Healesville, Four Pillars’ meteoric rise to global recognition now sees the brand available in most retail stores bars and restaurants around Australia and increasingly internationally too. Four Pillars produces small-batch gin with interesting blends such as the popular Bloody Shiraz and the seasonal Christmas Pudding. Their gin is renowned for using native Australian botanicals alongside international counterparts. Each bottle is individually numbered and hand labelled. The stylish distillery door is available for tastings and masterclasses and special events. 2A Old Lilydale Road, Healesville
Alchemy
Also located in Healesville, Alchemy Distillers has recently popped up on the main street adding yet another feather in the cap of this regional town. Founders Evan Kipping and Jannick Zester are using a hybrid pot still with a 100-litre capacity to create their Moonshine (a corn-based, Bourbon-style whisky), chamomile gin and quinoa vodka plus more experimental small-batch spirits. The venue offers a rustic relaxed vibe in which to sample the many cocktails on offer, the food menu is ever-changing and there is also accommodation in the form of an adjoining apartment. The business has taken over a century-old bakery. 242 Maroondah Highway, Healesville
Kilderkin
In the historic city of Ballarat, Kilderkin Distillery (named after a type of barrel) has been around since 2016 and has a focus on producing premium quality whisky and gin. Signature gins are a London Dry gin and an Australian gin. Both are infused with juniper, coriander and a range of carefully selected botanicals. There is also a series of special edition spirits, like Cherry gin with their first whiskies available from 2019. At the cellar door, which is shared with Red Duck Brewery, visitors can choose from gin tasting flights, gin and mixer drinks, beer tasting paddles and the full range of Red Duck beers. 11A Michaels Drive, Alfredton
Reed & Co.
Husband and wife chefs from the North East, Hamish and Rachel, have turned their attention to distilling at Reed & Co. Distillery in Bright. Drawing inspiration from their natural surroundings that reflect the landscape of the Alpine Region, the first limited release gin from the pair is called Remedy Gin and is an Australian dry gin with traditional roots; a spicy gin up front with juniper and mountain pepper berry while the middle palate shows citrus notes from the lemon myrtle and finger lime, shiso, eucalyptus, apple and tea. The distillery itself is situated in the centre of Bright complete with a bar and a coffee roastery by Sixpence Coffee. ?15 Wills Street, Bright
Bass & Flinders
Founded in 2009, the Bass & Flinders Distillery is located on the Mornington Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s city centre. They produce a range spirits including limoncello, grape vodka, brandy and grappa but are widely known for their gin. The gin is produced using alcohol from grapes instead of grains and include a wide range of options, whether customers like it wild and spicy or smooth and soft. A visit to the refurbished cellar door combines modern architectural style with a notable barrel room, and the distillery conducts regular gin experience events where visitors can make their own gins using a wide range of botanicals. 232 Red Hill Road, Red Hill
Timboon Railway Shed
The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is located just 15 minutes off The Great Ocean Road and is a stone’s throw away from the iconic 12 Apostles. It has operated since the 1890s, originally as an illicit operation delivering 100 gallons every week to thirsty locals. The 600 litre copper pot still bubbles away in the corner but nowadays it’s all legit and visitors are welcome to sample the whisky, meet the distiller and learn about Timboon’s history. The distillery is also part of the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail, with local produce including smoked eel, honey, ice cream, strawberries, ales, wines, cheese and chocolates on the menu. 1 Bailey Street, Timboon
Loch
Just 90 minute’s drive from Melbourne, the old bank and former butchery in the South Gippsland town of Loch has been transformed into the Loch Brewery & Distillery by partners Craig Johnson and Melinda Davies. Their first focus was whisky but they are now also creating a local gin and vodka, storing all the botanicals in what was once the bank’s vault. Craig and Melinda also brew their own ales recently released a smoked garlic ale to align with the regional garlic festival. All spirits and beers are available at their cellar door for thirsty travelers. 44 Victoria Road, Loch
Herbal Lore
Herbal Lore specialises in healing liqueur and combining ancient traditions with the mysterious healing power of herbs. Their herbal liqueurs include remedies for promoting anything from strength and power to rejuvenation and calm. In recent years, founder Robert McLean has branched out into gin and whisky too. The cellar door is located in the old Daylesford Butter Factory and visitors can also taste liqueur chocolates, liqueur fruits, specialty ports and liqueurs while enjoying a tasting platter. Lot 2 Railway Crescent, Daylesford
Know about a distillery we’ve missed? Tell us all about it: sarah@drinkmelbourne.com.au. Part 2 &
3 coming soon…
