Daylesford’s Rise as a Whisky Destination

Daylesford Spirit, founded in 2022, has made a remarkable entrance into the Australian whisky scene with its inaugural single malt triple cask whisky, an achievement that has already drawn the attention of the nation’s top whisky experts.

The distillery’s debut whisky release, limited to just 600 bottles, recently received a rare and prestigious endorsement from Bill Lark, widely regarded as the godfather of Australian whisky. Lark, who revived the Australian whisky industry in the early 1990s and was the first Southern Hemisphere distiller inducted into the global Whisky Hall of Fame, described Daylesford Spirit’s first edition as “outstanding” and praised its “delightfully complex array of fruit and pantry spice notes.”

Lark, along with fellow industry veteran Mark Nicholson, highlighted the whisky’s sweet, spicy, and complex nose, creamy palate, and the unique character imparted by the distillery’s innovative triple cask maturation process. Their endorsement is a significant milestone for the young distillery, positioning it alongside Australia’s most respected whisky producers.

Daylesford Spirit’s whisky showcases the unique terroir of the region, using local ingredients and pristine water sources. The distillery’s approach blends traditional methods with local innovation, resulting in a spirit that stands out in Australia’s increasingly competitive premium whisky market. Daylesford Spirit’s whisky is available online now.

Daylesford Spirit aren’t the only local distillery turning to the art of whisky making.

Hepburn Distillery crafts small-batch whiskies that capture the essence of cool-climate character, handmade with care and full of depth. Choose from their Whiskey Batch #7 – a Japanese style blend that is light, elegant and effortlessly smooth. Or opt for Whiskey Batch #8 – a silky smooth spirit with a caramel sweetness that is balanced by oak in the mid palate. Finished for a couple of months in a sherry cask, this is a great option for those you prefer a drier finish.

You can explore their full whisky range and enjoy a tasting flight at their cellar door in the heart of Daylesford, open Thursday to Sunday. Walk-ins are welcome, or book ahead for a guided experience.

Then there is Terra Australis Distillery. They have several tawny spirits to choose from. Carefully selected eight-year-old tawny is aged in spirit barrels creating maximum flavour. With no added sugar, they are light and easy to drink, offering unique characteristics and experiences with every sip. There is a choice of Tawny Malt Whisky, American Bourbon, Double Pot Still Whisky and Smoked Malt Whisky Tawny.

Try out these Tawny’s, plus many more liqueurs and spirits by popping into the Terra Australis cellar door. This warm and welcoming space is located on the edge of Daylesford within the old butter factory. Open seven days a week.