From Whisky and Walking to Building a Distillery of Our Own
The dream of building our own distillery was born from many whisky and walking holidays in Tasmania. We spent our days exploring the island’s renowned whisky distilleries, tasting incredible spirits, and covering endless kilometres on foot. I was often responsible for choosing the walking route, which meant that what started as a pleasant three-hour stroll frequently turned into an eight-hour endurance trek. But hey, all those extra kilometres just meant we earned the right to sip more whisky. Calories burned, whisky justified! Glyn, on the other hand, never really knew what each day would bring, though he did know he’d be carrying the snacks.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Glyn is the whisky collector but doesn’t actually drink, while I am the dedicated whisky sipper, an arrangement that meant I always had a designated driver, and he had a growing collection of bottles that were opened exclusively for “tasting purposes.” A match made in heaven, really.
With every distillery visit, every chat with a passionate whisky maker, and every sip of beautifully crafted spirit, the idea of creating something of our own started to take root. Of course, Glyn needed a fair bit of pushing and prodding, but I wasted no time, I enrolled in a distilling course faster than you could say "single malt" and threw myself into research. If you know me, you know that once I decide on a project, there’s no stopping me. Glyn, on the other hand, clung onto his wallet for dear life as I enthusiastically forged ahead into our new venture.
We spent countless hours at the most unique little distilleries, many of which were no more than a small shed beside a family home. The hospitality was second to none, we’d often leave with homemade jams, hand-picked fruit, and more than a few tips from the experts. The island’s commitment to quality, small-batch craftsmanship, and the genuine warmth of its distilling community resonated deeply with us. The more we immersed ourselves in this world, the clearer it became, we wanted in.
When we finally set out to build our own distillery, our goal was simple: to create something that felt truly ours. I wanted a creative space where I could experiment and innovate, while Glyn meticulously planned every aspect of the operation, down to the last electrical socket. It was as much about crafting a spirit as it was about crafting a space where we could thrive (and where I could keep coming up with grand ideas that Glyn would somehow have to make practical).
Every element of our distillery has been shaped by our passion and dedication. From perfecting our gin recipes to designing the bottles, labels, and branding, every decision has been made with care and intention. We wanted every aspect to reflect our journey, the long walks, the unexpected detours, the meaningful conversations, and the inspiration we found in Tasmania’s landscapes and people.
More than just a business, this distillery is a reflection of who we are. It’s the culmination of years of dreaming, learning, and creating. It stands as a testament to our shared love for fine spirits, adventure, and the pursuit of excellence (and maybe a bit of my relentless determination). Every bottle we produce carries a piece of our story, and we can’t wait to share it with those who appreciate the craft as much as we do.
