Tasmania’s moderate environment and quantity of barley and peat have resulted in a thriving whisky sector during the last few decades. Tasmanian distilleries continue to sprout up, producing some of the best Australian whisky. All of this adds up to a truly exciting and gratifying industry, which is why an increasing number of people walk the Tasmanian Whisky Trail each year.
As you might expect, the best way to taste whisky in Tasmania is to take a distillery tour. Not only will you have the opportunity to try the occasional rare dram, but you will also learn how this amazing liquid is created in the first place. However, you don’t need a tour to appreciate the rich flavour that awaits you inside each bottle of wonderful Tasmanian Scotch whisky; all you need to do is decide which bottle to buy. For that purpose, enter our list of the 7 greatest Tasmania’s whisky distilleries.
Lark
Take your bourbon drinking game to the next level and choose Tasmania whisky distillery that makes some of the best world-class whisky. This distillery was not only a frequent award winner, but it also pioneered the entire industry. That’s because founder Bill Lark, also known as the “godfather of Tasmania whiskey” was among the first to challenge a local ban on hard liquor, which dates back to 1839. In 1992, Lark and his family made their first batch after borrowing barley from Cascade Brewery, and history was formed.
To this day, Lark Distillery’s single malts are legendary, which explains the loyal following and widespread recognition. Your search for the world’s best Tasmanian Scotch might begin and end here. Did we mention that they have opened a deluxe sampling experience on Argyle Street in Hobart?
Fannys Bay
Fannys Bay Distillery, located on Tasmania’s northern shore, began producing small-batch whisky in 2014. Each expression has a slight, salty undertone as if it were captured in a bottle of local sea breeze. This Tasmania whisky distillery is also highly creative when it comes to ageing, using a variety of barrel types to achieve a rich and flavourful result. Several releases come in at cask strength, without holding back. The honour of sampling these outstanding Tasmanian whiskies is not inexpensive, but it is well worth it.
Hobart Whisky
Devil’s Distillery, a family-owned two-man company, produces the aptly called Hobart Whisky. This well-known firm defies convention by releasing things when they are ideal, rather than when they are ready. This implies that each Tasmanian whisky issued is unique, handmade distilled, and hand-cut, with decisions based only on fragrance and flavour.
Every bottle is uniquely numbered and branded and sold until the distillery runs out of stock. That means that no specific release from Hobart Whisky will ever exist again; however, they are always manufacturing and prepping products for release. In other words, they could have something similar maturing or in the works at any point.
Cradle Mountain Whiskey
The first batch of Cradle Mountain Whisky was made in 1989, under the name Darwin Distillery. Name changes and revamps would follow, but the commercial operation’s quality and craftsmanship remained. Meanwhile, that significant head start has allowed the company to preserve its whisky in the barrel for an extended period.
For proof, check out Cradle Mountain Single Malt Whisky “Aged 17 Years,” which is part of the Tasmanian Australian Heritage Collection. That collection, by the way, is thought to be the island’s oldest commercially produced Tasmanian single malt.
Old Kempton Distillery
The former Redlands Estate is now Old Kempton Distillery, around 50 kilometres north of Hobart. Old Kempton makes some of Tasmania’s most delectable, distilled spirits and liqueurs. Keep a watch out for their bright new distillery, which will be opened next door to their Dysart House property and will see the brand return to “paddock to bottle” distilling.
The distillery also makes a London Dry-style gin, an apple liqueur, and infused spirits such as barley vodka. They’re also well-known for their Lavender Malt, a liqueur made from their new spirit.
Sullivans Cove Distillery
No discussion of the best Tasmanian whisky is complete until you arrive at Sullivans Cove. From its inception in Hobart to its recent relocation to Cambridge, this landmark whiskey distillery in Tasmania helped establish and maintain Australian whisky’s global presence.
One of their best-selling batches is the American Oak Single Cask, the first Australian whisky to be described as “Liquid Gold” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible. Or, the French Oak Single Cask Tasmanian Whisky that won “World’s Best Single Malt” at the 2014 World Whiskies Awards.
Overeem Whisky
This acclaimed distillery, based in Hobart, is named for its creator Casey Overeem, who distilled his first batch in a relative’s house in 1980. Over the years that followed, Overeem honed his art to stunning effect. Every malt is made in small batches using the best ingredients and aged for at least five years in 100-litre French or American oak casks. When buying their batches, look for the hand-scrawled number on each bottle to determine the single barrel it originated from. These Tasmanian whiskies are highly sought after, and for good reason.
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