Tasmania is renowned for its incredibly fertile soil, dedication to everything organic and its passionate folks who incessantly strive for new, cutting-edge methods to blow away our taste buds. So it’s not all that surprising to learn that among the world-class cheeses, wines and seafood, you’ll find a small but impressive cache of boutique distilleries and breweries as well.
Über -famous Cascade and Boags hail from these shores but if you want to delve a little deeper, you’ll discover some truly wicked craft establishments that offer a much more intimate and personalised tasting experience. So grab your travel buddy, pick a designated driver for the day, find a sweet place to stay and head on out to explore Tasmania – one boutique brewery and distillery at a time.
* At the time of writing, activities and places mentioned in this guide are at varying stages of recovery from COVID-19. Please check government and business websites for specific details on opening times and any restrictions before you travel.
Hartshorn Distillery
Hartshorn caught our attention last year when we spotted their stand at Hobart’s Salamander Markets. One taste of their whey-distilled vodka and we were hooked. Whey-distilled vodka, you ask? YEEES! One of the most unique boutique distilleries in Tasmania, and the only one of its kind in the world, Hartshorn is literally a by-product of the Grandvewe Cheesery in Birchs Bay, Australia’s only organic sheep cheese farm.
The grand idea to use their farm’s leftover whey to make vodka and gin must have seemed out-there-crazy when it was first concocted and the way it has spectacularly succeeded is still a cause for celebration with the Hartshorn crew. Despite it being early days for this distillery, the family behind the brand has already taken home a handful of prestigious industry awards and their insistence on making small quantities of vodka and gin every year, concentrating solely on quality, is simply adding to the sensational reputation.
Head there with plenty of time and an appetite: the stunning outdoor terraced restaurant and tasting sessions will no-doubt kidnap you for hours, like it did us. Check out their facebook page for opening hours, upcoming events and cool pics of their super trendy bottles.
Iron House Brewery, Distillery & Restaurant
If you love your drink with a side-serve of WOW then this boutique beer making is for you. And visiting its headquarters on the northwest coast at Four Mile Creek is really worth your while, considering the beer tasting and restaurants are absolutely to die for. Jaw-dropping views, generous $8 beer-sampler paddles, stunning culinary delights (don’t miss the salt and pepper squid salad!) and even a tipple of craft gin and brandy to cap off your visit.
Oh, and you can add a historical side to your visit as this gorgeous brewery and distillery is named after the first iron-clad house on Tassie’s east coast. Before you go, check out the Iron House website to see all the goodies you can bring home. Iron House makes for a fantastic stop-over to or from the Bay of Fires.
