Experience the Charm of Tasmania Through the Old Kempton Distillery Tour
Tasmania is well-known for its natural beauty, excellent wines, and now, its craft spirits. The Kempton: Whisky Distillery Tour with Tastings and Lunch offers a relaxed yet fascinating glimpse into Tasmania’s burgeoning distilling scene, set within the historic Dysart House. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, detailed reviews and the carefully curated itinerary paint a picture of an experience that balances education, flavor, and a touch of local history.
What we love about this experience is how it combines several appealing elements: the chance to explore a working small craft distillery, enjoy premium spirits tastings, and indulge in local Tasmanian produce while relaxing in an atmospheric setting. Plus, the tour’s intimate size, limited to just 10 participants, promises a personalized touch that big tours often lack. The only potential downside? This is a two-hour experience, so those wanting a more exhaustive tour might find it a bit brief.
This experience is perfect for those with an interest in craft distilling, lovers of good food and wine, or anyone looking for a high-quality, authentic taste of Tasmania’s local produce and heritage. It offers a well-rounded, value-for-money introduction to Tasmania’s spirits scene that appeals both to casual travelers and enthusiasts alike.
Key Points
- Intimate Small-Group Format: Limited to 10 people, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Rich Heritage: Learn about Dysart House and the distillery’s history, adding context to the spirits you taste.
- Premium Tastings: Sample four carefully selected spirits, including whisky, gin, and liqueurs, all made with Tasmanian ingredients.
- Delectable Local Cuisine: Enjoy an antipasto platter featuring Tasmanian produce, complemented by a bottle of local wine.
- Beautiful Setting: Explore the grounds of Dysart House and see the bond store filled with barrels—some with ghost stories.
- Comfort & Convenience: End with tea or coffee in the stylish Cask Lounge, making for a cozy finish to your visit.
A Deep Dive into the Kempton Spirit Experience
Exploring Dysart House and Its Grounds
The journey begins with a brief introduction to Dysart House, a building that exudes character and history. Guided by knowledgeable staff, you’ll learn about the house’s background and its transformation into the Old Kempton Distillery since 2015. The house’s architecture and grounds are worth paying attention to, as they set a charming, authentic tone for the tour.
Guests have noted that the guides are quite personable and well-informed—Lynne from Australia mentioned the guide’s “great personality and knowledge,” which makes the experience more engaging. The grounds themselves are lovely, providing a peaceful backdrop that enhances the overall ambience.
Behind the Scenes at the Distillery and Bond Store
This part of the tour is where the real magic happens. You’ll get to see the working distillery, where spirits are produced onsite using 100% Tasmanian ingredients. Visiting the bond store gives you a peek at barrels in various stages of maturation, creating a visual feast of wood, spirit, and age.
The bond store and distillery showcase the craftsmanship behind each bottle, and the guide will likely share stories about the spirits’ creation, including how each flavor profile is developed. It’s a chance to appreciate the effort and artistry involved in small-batch distilling. Visitors have loved this behind-the-scenes access, with one reviewer noting, “It was amazing to see how a distillery runs daily, and the barrels tell their own stories.”
Tasting Four Premium Spirits
The highlight for many is undoubtedly the tasting segment. The tour includes a guided tasting of four spirits, which may include single malt whisky, gin, or liqueurs, all produced with Tasmanian ingredients. This isn’t just a cursory sip; guides explain the nuances of each dram, helping you understand what makes them unique.
Reviewers like Jake from Australia praise how “the Kempton whiskey crew are just really lovely,” and the guided tasting provides a relaxed, friendly environment where questions are encouraged. As you sample, you’ll learn about the flavor profiles, the distillation process, and how aging in barrels influences the final product.
More Great Tours NearbySavoring Tasmanian Produce with an Antipasto Lunch
After the spirits tasting, your palate will be ready for a treat: an antipasto platter featuring local Tasmanian produce. This is more than just cheese and crackers; it’s a thoughtfully curated selection that highlights regional flavors. Fresh ingredients and artisan products elevate the lunch experience, making it a true reflection of Tasmania’s culinary scene.
To complement your meal, you can choose from a range of Tasmanian wines—a great way to enhance the flavors of both the food and spirits. Reviewers have appreciated the lunch’s quality, with one noting that the local produce was fresh and varied, making it a satisfying break from the tasting.
Relaxing in the Cask Lounge and Shopping
The experience winds down in the Cask Lounge, a cozy and stylish space located within the historic Old Kempton Cellar Door. Here, you can enjoy a freshly brewed tea or coffee, and perhaps chat more with guides or fellow travelers. It’s also an excellent chance to browse the cellar door shop, which stocks the distillery’s full range of spirits, plus locally made souvenirs.
Guests have remarked that this lounge adds a warm, inviting end to the tour, and many take the time to purchase bottles or gifts to remember their visit.
Practical Details and Value
Tour Duration and Group Size
At just two hours, this tour offers a compact yet comprehensive experience. The small group size (limited to 10) ensures personalized attention, making it easier to ask questions and connect with the guides. The tour typically runs in the morning, fitting well into a day of exploring Tasmania.
Price and What’s Included
At $125 per person, this experience offers good value considering the inclusions: a full distillery tour, four spirit tastings, antipasto lunch, a shared bottle of Tasmanian wine, and tea or coffee. The small-group setting, plus the behind-the-scenes access, means you get more than just a standard tasting—it’s an immersive, educational experience.
Accessibility and Practical Tips
The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs. Participants should bring driver’s licenses, weather-appropriate clothing, and closed-toe shoes—a must for safety in the distillery environment. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in at the Cellar Door.
Considerations for Travelers
One thing to note is that transport to Kempton is not included, so plan how you’ll get there—whether by rental or arranging a transfer. Since children under 18 are welcome but cannot sample spirits, this tour is suitable for families with kids but with the understanding that the focus is on the adult tasting experience.
Authenticity & Unique Aspects
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of history, craftsmanship, and regional flavors. The connection to Dysart House provides a tangible link to Tasmania’s past, while the spirits reflect the island’s dedication to quality ingredients.
Guests often mention how personalized and approachable the guides are, making the experience not just educational but genuinely enjoyable. The inclusion of local produce and wine ensures you get a true taste of Tasmania’s culinary offerings alongside the spirits.
The Sum Up
This Kempton Whisky Distillery Tour offers a well-rounded introduction to Tasmania’s craft spirit scene, perfect for lovers of fine drinks, history buffs, or those simply curious about the local flavors. The small-group setting, guided tastings, and beautiful setting at Dysart House make for a memorable outing that balances education with relaxation.
While it’s a relatively short experience, the quality of the content—especially the behind-the-scenes access and local produce—means you’ll leave feeling both satisfied and informed. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy tasting local spirits, appreciate good food, and value authentic, less commercialized experiences.
For those planning a day around Tasmania’s culinary and heritage attractions, this tour offers a delightful and accessible way to deepen your appreciation of the island’s artisanal spirit industry.
FAQ
Is transportation to Kempton provided?
No, transportation is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own transfer or drive to the distillery.
How long is the tour and what does it include?
The tour lasts about two hours, including a distillery walk, spirit tastings, and lunch.
Can children participate?
Children under 18 can attend free of charge but cannot sample spirits. They are welcome to enjoy the tour and lunch.
What spirits are included in the tasting?
You will sample four premium spirits, which might include whisky, gin, and liqueurs, all made with Tasmanian ingredients.
Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.
What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, weather-appropriate clothing, and closed-toe shoes for safety.
Can I buy the spirits after the tour?
Yes, the Cellar Door shop stocks the full range of Old Kempton Distillery products, plus local souvenirs.
What is the price and what does it cover?
At $125 per person, it covers the guided tour, four spirit tastings, antipasto lunch, one bottle of Tasmanian wine, and tea or coffee.
When should I arrive?
Arrive at least 10-15 minutes early to check in at the Cellar Door.
In short, this tour is a tasty, insightful, and beautifully presented way to explore Tasmania’s spirit-making heritage—ideal for curious travelers seeking authentic local experiences.
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