5 best Tasmanian whisky distilleries
Tasmania is one of the best places for distilling whisky thanks to the sheer amounts of peat and barley, so it’s no surprise that the community jumped on the chance to revolutionise the whisky market once and for all. The best way to experience Tasmanian whisky is through a distillery tour, and Tasmania has plenty to choose from. By visiting a distillery you’ll be able to see where the most popular Tasmanian whiskies have been made, along with sampling them and even some rare drams that no one else has had the pleasure of tasting!
Keep reading for our list of five Tasmanian whisky distilleries, which we think you won’t want to miss.
1. Lark Distillery
Lark Distillery is owned by Bill Lark, otherwise known as the godfather of Australian whisky, who pretty much kickstarted the rise in popularity of Aussie whiskies. Bill Lark was one of the frontrunners who challenged the ban on hard liquor, and he was one of the first people to begin distilling after the ban was lifted.
Many people choose to come to Lark Distillery to learn more about the history of Australian whisky and how it came to be, and you can also taste some of their legendary single malts while you’re at it.
Address: 14 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000
Phone number: (03) 6231 9088
Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday: 12 to 7 pm, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 12 to 8 pm
2. Sullivans Cove Distillery
When talking to any Aussie whisky lover, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who won’t mention Sullivans Cove. Along with Lark Distillery, this is one that definitely put Australian whisky on the map and helped it solidify its place as one of the all-time greats.
Their American Oak Single Cask is one of the best around, being called ‘liquid gold’ by almost anyone who tries it. Don’t stop by without trying the French Oak Single Cask either, as this is the official ‘World’s Best Single Malt’ of the 2014 World Whiskies Awards! Sullivans Cove is all about award-winning drams, and a trip to their distillery won’t disappoint.
Address: 1/10 Lamb Pl, Cambridge TAS 7170
Phone number: (03) 6248 5399
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
3. Overeem Whisky
The Overeem whisky distillery is named after Casey Overeem, the founder who got his start when distilling his first batch of Aussie whisky in the house of a relative in 1980. Of course, once his craft took off, he needed somewhere larger to create his whisky, which is where the Overeem distillery comes from.
Over four decades have since been dedicated to the craft of Aussie whisky, and you’ll really be able to taste the hard work and dedication that goes into every bottle produced. That, and the French or American oak that the whiskies are matured in for a minimum of five years!
Address: 4/30 Patriarch Dr, Huntingfield TAS 7055
Phone number: 0418 399 077
4. Spring Bay Distillery
Spring Bay prides itself on a number of factors that all go into making its Tasmanian whisky so special, including premium barley, expert distillation methods, cask selection, and the purest water found in all the world. This is another small-batch operation that uses literal rainwater to make its single malts, offering incredible clarity and an amazingly unique flavour.
When you’re in the area, we highly recommend checking out the Spring Bay Distillery. There’s nothing better than seeing your favourite whisky come to life in front of your very eyes, and the distillery is surrounded by incredible surroundings to remind you of the joys in life.
Address: 6 Hoods Rd, Spring Beach TAS 7190
Phone number: 0418 270 054
Opening hours: Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11 am to 3 pm
5. Waubs Harbour Distillery
Waubs Harbour Distillery is run by brothers Tim and Rob Polmear, the latter of whom used to work for Lark Distillery as the Head of Production, and Overeem Distillery as Head Distiller! Doesn’t that sound like a person you can trust with your new favourite Tasmanian whisky production?!
Waubs Harbour Distillery can be found in an old oyster shed on Bicheno’s coast, so you can make a full day of your visit. The problem with this distillery is that most bottles are sold as a limited edition special release, so you’ll need to be quick in stocking up!
Address: 42 Waubs Esplanade, Bicheno TAS 7215
Final thoughts
There you have it - five amazing Tasmanian distilleries to visit and marvel at the wonders of this special dram. The next time you’re in Tasmania, make sure you check out at least one of these distilleries to see what we have to offer! And of course, you have the rest of Australia to tour with their own unique whisky samples afterwards… Enjoy!
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