The High Country in Victoria, Australia features a range of distilleries that highlight the region's natural resources and talent for producing exceptional spirits. These establishments offer diverse experiences, such as tasting flights and tours, providing insights into the intricate craft of spirit-making.
Reed & Co. Distillery in Bright stands out for its Remedy Gin and G&T flights, offering a unique setting in a converted mechanics workshop where visitors can enjoy inventive gin combinations like juniper, eucalyptus, shiso, and green tea. Bright Brewery is another notable stop, known for its award-winning Mountain Crafted lagers and welcoming open beer garden ideal for socializing with friends.
For a more immersive experience, Hurdle Creek Still in the King Valley allows guests to observe the distillation process firsthand in a converted farm shed. Owners Simon Brooke-Taylor and Wendy Williams create distinctive gins like Yardarm and Powder Monkey using local grains and botanicals. Further north, Kinglake Distillery focuses on small-batch single malt whisky, aging the spirit in various barrels, including bourbon, port, sherry, and native timbers.
Backwoods Distilling Co. in Yackandandah offers whisky and gin tastings and tours at their distillery, with their red gum-aged rye and single malt whiskies being popular choices among enthusiasts. The recent addition of a cellar door at the Yack Station Arts Hub has further enriched the visitor experience. These distilleries not only enrich Victoria's High Country food and drink culture but also allow tourists to interact directly with the passionate individuals creating these exceptional spirits.