Melbourne, Australia, has earned its reputation as a vibrant cultural capital, known for its eclectic mix of food, art, and drink. Among the city’s hidden treasures lies its growing distillery scene, a reflection of Australia’s increasing fascination with craft spirits.
While wine regions like the Yarra Valley have long dominated the local beverage industry, Melbourne’s distilleries have surged in popularity, producing everything from world-class gins to premium whiskies.
The city’s thriving distillery culture is a must-explore for any spirit enthusiast. In this article, we’ll explore the largest distillery in Melbourne, as well as a few others worth visiting. We’ll also delve into what makes Melbourne’s distilleries so unique and what to expect when visiting them.
What Is The Largest Distillery In Melbourne Australia?
The largest distillery in Melbourne is none other than Starward Distillery, a renowned name in the Australian craft spirits industry. Starward Distillery has rapidly risen to fame since its founding in 2007 by David Vitale, an ambitious entrepreneur with a passion for whisky.
Located in the vibrant suburb of Port Melbourne, this distillery stands out not only for its sheer size but also for its innovative approach to whisky production.
Starward’s key innovation lies in its use of Australian wine barrels, particularly from local wineries in the Barossa Valley and the Yarra Valley, to age its whiskies.
This method imparts distinct flavours, making Starward’s whiskies a true reflection of the country’s terroir. By utilizing red wine barrels to age its spirits, the distillery creates whiskies that carry fruity, bold, and complex flavours not typically found in Scotch or American whiskies.
With a production capacity that outpaces any other distillery in the city, Starward’s commitment to quality and consistency has paid off.
The distillery has won numerous international awards, including the prestigious title of “Most Awarded Distillery of the Year” at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2022. Starward Distillery is not only the largest in Melbourne but also one of the most influential, helping to cement Australia’s position on the global whisky map.
Visitors to Starward can enjoy tours that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, from grain to glass. There are also tastings available, where guests can sample the distillery’s signature range, including Starward Nova, Solera, and Two-Fold, each offering unique tasting notes that highlight the distillery’s distinct aging methods.
Other Notable Distilleries To Visit In Melbourne
While Starward is the largest, Melbourne is home to several other impressive distilleries that have garnered attention both locally and internationally. These distilleries may not match Starward in size, but they certainly do in character and innovation.
Melbourne Gin Company (MGC)
The Melbourne Gin Company, established in 2012 by winemaker Andrew Marks, has become a favourite for gin lovers. Located an hour outside Melbourne in the picturesque Yarra Valley, MGC is known for producing handcrafted gins that use a variety of botanicals sourced both locally and globally.
MGC’s flagship gin, Melbourne Dry Gin, is a classic London dry style that blends 11 botanicals, including juniper, coriander seed, and native Australian ingredients like macadamia, sandalwood, and honey lemon myrtle.
This unique mix of flavours makes MGC a standout in Australia’s gin scene. In addition to Melbourne Dry, the distillery offers Single Shot Gin and Rare Dry Gin, each offering a unique twist on the classic gin formula.
Visiting MGC offers a serene escape from the city, with tours that provide insights into both gin production and winemaking, thanks to the distillery’s close ties to the wine industry. Whether you’re a gin aficionado or a casual drinker, MGC offers an unforgettable experience with a taste of Melbourne’s craft spirit scene.
The Craft & Co Distillery
The Craft & Co Distillery, located in Collingwood, is a one-stop destination for all things artisanal. Combining a distillery, brewery, and restaurant under one roof, The Craft & Co is a hub for Melbourne’s craft food and drink culture. Established in 2015, this small-batch distillery is known for producing an array of spirits, including gin, vodka, and liqueurs.
One of their most popular products is The Craft & Co Gin, made using a blend of native Australian botanicals such as finger lime, lemon myrtle, and pepperberry. The distillery also produces seasonal and limited-edition spirits, making each visit a unique experience.
The Craft & Co stands out for its commitment to education and experimentation. It offers gin-making workshops, where visitors can create their gin blend using various botanicals. This hands-on approach has made The Craft & Co a popular destination for those who want to learn more about the distillation process while enjoying Melbourne’s vibrant food and drink scene.
Why Melbourne Is A Hub For Craft Distilleries
Melbourne’s distillery scene is growing rapidly, thanks to a perfect storm of factors that make the city an ideal location for craft spirit production. Here’s why Melbourne is becoming a hub for distilleries:
Access To High-Quality Ingredients
One of the key reasons behind Melbourne’s booming distillery scene is its proximity to high-quality local ingredients. Victoria, the state in which Melbourne is located, is home to fertile agricultural land that produces a variety of grains, fruits, and botanicals. This access to fresh, local produce allows distilleries to experiment with flavours and create unique, high-quality spirits.
For example, many of Melbourne’s distilleries use native Australian botanicals such as wattleseed, lemon myrtle, and finger lime, which are not commonly found in other parts of the world. These ingredients give Melbourne-made spirits a distinct flavour profile that sets them apart from those produced elsewhere.
A Culture Of Innovation
Melbourne has long been known for its culture of innovation, and this extends to its distillery scene. The city’s distillers are not afraid to push the boundaries of traditional spirit-making techniques, often blending global influences with local ingredients to create something entirely new.
Starward’s use of wine barrels for aging whisky is a prime example of this innovation, as is MGC’s incorporation of native Australian botanicals into their gins. Melbourne’s distilleries are constantly experimenting with new flavours, techniques, and production methods, ensuring that the city’s craft spirits remain fresh and exciting.
A Thriving Food And Drink Scene
Melbourne is often referred to as Australia’s food capital, and its thriving culinary scene has played a significant role in the success of its distilleries. The city’s bars, restaurants, and cafes are always on the lookout for unique, locally-produced spirits to serve their customers.
This demand for craft spirits has fueled the growth of distilleries, creating a symbiotic relationship between the city’s food and drink establishments and its distillers.
Moreover, Melbourne’s cocktail culture is booming, with bartenders eager to incorporate locally-made spirits into their creations. This has given Melbourne’s distilleries a platform to showcase their products, both within Australia and on the international stage.
Conclusion
Melbourne’s distillery scene is one of the most exciting and dynamic in Australia. At the heart of this growing industry is Starward Distillery, the largest and most renowned distillery in the city, producing world-class whiskies that have garnered international acclaim.
But Starward is just one part of Melbourne’s broader craft spirit landscape, with distilleries like Melbourne Gin Company and The Craft & Co also making waves.
Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur or a gin lover, Melbourne’s distilleries offer something for everyone. The city’s commitment to innovation, access to high-quality local ingredients, and thriving food and drink culture have all contributed to the rise of its craft spirits industry.
For visitors and locals alike, exploring Melbourne’s distilleries is an adventure in itself—a journey through the flavours and techniques that define the city’s unique take on spirit-making.
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