Melbourne City, Victoria, offers a vibrant scene for spirit enthusiasts with a growing number of distilleries producing a variety of small-batch spirits, including gin, whisky, vodka, and even quinoa liqueur. These establishments provide visitors with immersive experiences through tours, tastings, and masterclasses, allowing them to discover unique creations and learn about the craftsmanship behind each bottle. One of the prominent distilleries in Melbourne is Starward Distillery, which specializes in single malt whisky and has gained popularity among bartenders since its founding in 2007. The unique climate in Melbourne allows for rapid maturation of whisky, resulting in smooth, easy-drinking flavors despite the young age of many of its expressions.
Little Lon Distilling Co. is another must-visit, nestled in a historic city laneway, offering a selection of gins infused with locally sourced ingredients. Further down the Great Ocean Road, Timboon Railway Shed Distillery invites visitors to sample whiskies while learning about the area's rich distilling heritage. Healesville's Four Pillars showcases small-batch gins, while Ballarat's Kilderkin Distillery presents a range of gins and liqueurs steeped in tradition. For those seeking innovative flavors, Alchemy Distillers and Terra Australis Distillery in Daylesford offer vodkas and healing liqueurs, respectively.
These distilleries contribute significantly to Victoria's economy, with the value of beverage exports increasing by 36% to $137 million in 2021/22, driven largely by the growth of spirits exports, which surged by more than 60% to $34 million during the same period. As of 2023, there were approximately 120 distilleries in Victoria, directly employing over 1,000 workers, demonstrating the industry's significant impact on the state's job market and economic development.