Tasmania Whisky Distilleries Guide

Whiskey Distilleries in Hobart

Lark Distillery Waterfront, Hobart

It’s basically the furthest thing from a ‘hidden’ gem you could imagine – Lark is laden with awards, and has regularly topped Australian and global ‘best whisky’ lists – yet the phenomenal range of quality Lark malts still makes it a gem worth collecting on your Tasmanian tour. Lark is widely credited with reviving the Tasmanian whisky industry since the 1990s, and with a cellar door right on the Hobart waterfront it’s almost sacrilege to leave this stalwart off any Tasmanian whisky distillery itinerary.

Sullivans Cove  Cambridge, Hobart

Alongside Lark, no other distillery has helped to put Tasmanian whisky on the map like Sullivans Cove. Awards and accolades have come in spades – including their French Oak winning “World’s Best Single Malt” at the World Whiskies Awards in 2014, and the American Oak being the first Australian whisky to attain the coveted “Liquid Gold” status in Jim Murray’s influential Whisky Bible. Although they’ve moved from their original Hobart digs out to Cambridge, the distillery is an architectural attraction in itself, set against a lovely backdrop not far from Hobart Airport, a logical start or end point for any whisky-lover’s trip to Tassie.

Deviant Distillery Somerset

Local Tassie lad and former industrial scientist John Hyslop has developed (and hand-built) a system for controlling the processes of oxidation, esterification and evaporation that allows his Deviant spirits to be ‘aged’ in 10 weeks rather than 10 years. This allows almost limitless experimentation, while still only using the same four traditional whisky ingredients (barley, water, yeast and oak), without any chemical catalysts or additives. It may not sit well with purists, but it means less water, less waste, and unburdened potential for flavour combinations. You can get a taste at The Den, in Hobart, or Spirit Bar, in Burnie, or by contacting the distillery directly.

Corra Linn Distillery Relbia, Launceston

The setting is part of the charm at Corra Linn, which overlooks gorgeous rolling countryside and a stunning stretch of river gorge in the wine region outside Relbia. However, their line-up of quality, often pleasantly spicy or citrusy malts – aged in barrels refashioned by local Tasmanian coopers, charred to particular specifications for each Corra Linn vintage – is certainly something else to write home about. It’s a small operation, with no dedicated visitor’s centre or organised tours. But John and Karen always seem willing to put on a personal, behind-the-scenes tour for any spontaneous visitors.

Whiskey Distilleries in Launceston and North Coast

Launceston Distillery Western Junction, Launceston

Launceston Distillery is based out of historic Hangar 17 at Launceston Airport, the oldest commercial aviation building in the state. This historical connection carries over into their methods, which are meticulously faithful to traditional single-malt Scotch production, albeit with the adaptation to Tasmanian barley and local river water. Despite its adherence to tradition, the range is remarkably broad and deep, thanks largely to differing combinations of maturing casks and maturation periods. The airport location makes Launceston another handy first or last stop on any self-drive Tasmanian whisky getaway.

Hellyers Road Distillery Burnie, Northwest Tasmania

Hellyers Road Distillery is a one-stop shop for whisky lovers of all kinds visiting northwest Tasmania, whether families with kids, discerning individual connoisseurs, or large groups. Their distillery overlooking the Emu River valley has a dedicated Visitor Centre, excellent Distillery Café with outdoor area, and an in-depth Whisky Walk Distillery Tour that even gives you the chance to pour and wax-seal your own bottle. Their range is extensive, with some real beauties like the smokey-citrusy ‘Slightly Peated’ 15-year single malt a firm favourite.

Whiskey Distilleries in Midlands and East Coast

Belgrove Kempton, Southern Midlands

The unpretentious, small-farm set-up at Belgrove distillery makes few people realise what Tasmania have here: one of very few places in the world (you’d have to go to Kilchoman, on Islay, Scotland, to find a similar thing) that make a genuine farm-to-bottle whisky, in this case from ryecorn. Everything that goes into the still, the barrel, the bottle, and onto the malting floor is from this bit of land, and processed here. Visits are by prior arrangement only, but it’s well worth it to see the true definition of a single malt in practice.

Spring Bay Distillery Orford, East Coast

Something of a lone soldier here for its East Coast location, Spring Bay flips that uniqueness to its advantage by offering a range of tastes (and views) that you can’t get from other Tasmanian whisky distilleries. This is due largely to the combination of pristine East Coast rainwater – arguably “the best in the world” – and a frequent misting of sea-spray from its exposed, coastal setting near Orford. A laid-back, small-scale distillery, this is a great inclusion for any Tasmania self-drive holiday-makers heading to visit East Coast highlights such as the Bay of Fires, Wineglass Bay, Bechino, and the fabulous Freycinet Peninsula.

Whiskey Distillery at Port Arthur

McHenry Distillery  Port Arthur, Tasman Peninsula
Australia’s southernmost whisky distillery is perched on the slopes of Mount Arthur, overlooking picturesque Port Arthur and its deep harbour that opens onto the unrelenting waves of the Great Southern Ocean. Although on the upper end of the price scale, the whiskies here are as rewarding to discerning drinkers and collectors as is the spectacular setting. McHenry is about as family-run as you can get, with dogs and family members seemingly filling up the operational staff, so you may need to call ahead to book a tour. However, their cellar door is open (including for tastings) 7 days a week, so it’s possible just to pop in when you’re exploring the wonderful Tasman Peninsula and National Park on a self-drive road trip.

Whiskey Distillery at Cradle Mountain

Cradle Mountain Whisky Cradle Mountain, Central Highlands 

Looming lush above the Central Plateau, Cradle Mountain is an area of natural beauty worthy of inclusion on any Tasmania family adventure or holiday itinerary. However, it’s an especially good destination for visiting whisky-lovers. In operation since 1989 (previously under the name ‘Darwin Distillery’), Cradle Mountain Whisky have perfected their aging techniques, and it’s here that you’ll find some of the state’s best longer-aged whiskies (such as their 17-year single malt, a rare gem alongside its 16-year-old sister) as well as quality younger releases, all of which highlight the virtues of northwestern Tasmania’s volcanic soils combined with the unbeatable water quality of the Tasmanian Highlands.

Have a look at the First Light Travel page dedicated to Tasmania Self Drive Itineraries. There are plenty of options to choose from. Or, feel free to jump on the phone (or chat online) with FLT’s friendly staff and create your own customised trip.