Private Tassie Distillery Tour – Tastings, Lunch and Morning Tea

Introduction

Tasmania is quickly earning a reputation as a premium spirits producer, particularly for gin, whisky, and other craft liquors. This private Tassie Distillery Tour offers an insider’s look into the island’s best-kept secrets—visiting three exclusive distilleries that aren’t open to the public. It’s perfect for lovers of fine spirits who want to see how they’re made, taste rare barrels, and enjoy authentic Tasmanian hospitality.

What makes this tour stand out? First, it includes access to distilleries that are normally closed to visitors, giving you a behind-the-scenes peek. Second, the opportunity to sample up to 30 different spirits, many from unreleased barrels, adds a real thrill for enthusiasts. Third, the tour combines expert guidance with local food, creating a well-rounded, memorable experience.

The only caveat? At roughly $615 per person, it’s an investment—so it’s best suited for those who truly appreciate spirits and want a curated, intimate tour. Whether you’re a spirits aficionado or simply passionate about authentic Tasmanian flavors, this experience promises a meaningful and engaging day.

Key Points

• Exclusive Access: Visit distilleries not open to the public, including a behind-the-scenes look at production.
• Unmatched Tastings: Sample up to 30 spirits, including rare and unreleased barrels.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable industry insiders lead the way, sharing insights and stories.
• Authentic Food & Drink: Enjoy local cheese, biscuits, chocolates, and a catered lunch.
• Hands-On Experience: Get involved—bottle your own whisky and taste ‘new make’ spirits directly from the still.
• Stunning Locations: Beautiful distillery settings, including a historic old egg factory and scenic Tasmanian countryside.

The Itinerary in Detail

Spring Bay Distillery: The Starting Point

Your day begins with a visit to Spring Bay Distillery in Cambridge, just outside Hobart. This is where Tasmania’s distilling scene has a new home, and it sets the tone for the day. Here, Susanne and Cam, the passionate owners, share their journey—offering a heartfelt intro into their craft. Expect to see their newly built Solera system, where you can bottle your own 200ml of cask-strength whisky, adding a personal touch to your experience.

Spring Bay’s signature gins and vodkas are a highlight, but the real treat is the chance to sample unreleased casks—some from barrels they haven’t yet shared with the world. You’ll learn about the distillation process, including a peek at the wort—the raw liquid from the mash—giving you insight into how whisky develops from grain to glass.

Hobart Whisky: The Hidden Gem

Next, the tour ventures into Hobart Whisky, a distillery that isn’t open to the public, making this visit particularly special. Led by John, Ben, or Trevor, you’ll step into the old Egg Factory—an atmospheric space filled with hundreds of barrels aging away. The exclusivity here is remarkable; you’ll get to draw samples directly from the barrels using a whisky thief—something most enthusiasts only dream of doing.

This stop is a true insider’s experience, with the opportunity to marry your own whisky by blending from five different single malt casks. The guides are passionate and happy to share their extensive knowledge, making this a highlight for those eager to understand the nuances of whisky maturation and blending.

Killara Distillery: The Newcomer with Heritage

Your final stop is Killara Distillery, one of Tasmania’s newer players but with a strong family history. Kristy Lark and her team warmly welcome you with a lavender gin or other specialty drinks, reflecting Tasmania’s diverse botanical heritage. The highlight? The “Infinity Barrel”, an evolving whisky cask that contains part of every batch produced—a fascinating window into how Killara’s whisky matures over time.

This distillery offers a glimpse into local innovation and craftsmanship, with a personal touch from Kristy herself. It’s a perfect way to wrap up the day, leaving you with a sense of connection to Tasmania’s emerging spirits scene.

What to Expect from Each Stop

Spring Bay Distillery provides a balance of production insight and tasting, with opportunities to sample Gins, Vodkas, and Whiskies. The chance to bottle your own whisky adds a memorable element that sets this apart.

Hobart Whisky offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look at barrel aging and blending. The sampling from barrels using a thief is a highlight, along with the chance to create your own blend—a true tasting adventure.

Killara Distillery emphasizes local botanical influences with its unique gins, and the Infinity Barrel offers a visual and aromatic journey through whisky evolution. The warm, personal interaction with Kristy and her team makes this stop particularly engaging.

Food and Drink

Throughout the day, you’ll be treated to cheese, biscuits, chocolates, and fresh fruit during the morning tea break—perfect for cleansing the palate between tastings. Lunch is locally catered, with various options to suit individual preferences, served in a charming distillery loft setting. This relaxed dining experience allows for plenty of conversation and reflection on the morning’s activities.

All alcohol tastings at each distillery are included, covering spirits like gin, vodka, whisky, rum, and liqueurs. While the price doesn’t include bottle purchases, the experience itself is packed with tasting opportunities that give you a clear sense of each distillery’s style.

Why This Tour Delivers Great Value

While at $614.99 per person the tour is certainly an investment, it’s worth noting that you’ll be getting exclusive access, expert guidance, and a wide variety of tastings—many from barrels that aren’t available anywhere else. The tour’s focus on personalized experiences, such as bottle-your-own whisky and blending your own, adds to its value for spirits enthusiasts.

The intimate group setting (private activity for your group) ensures you receive plenty of attention from passionate guides, making the day both educational and immersive. Plus, the inclusion of local food and a beautiful scenic drive makes the whole package feel well-rounded and genuinely special.

Practical Details

• Duration: About 6 hours, making it a full but comfortable day.
• Start Time: 10:00 am, with pickup offered—perfect for a relaxed morning.
• Transport: Comfortable, private transportation is typically included, ensuring hassle-free travel between distilleries.
• Group size: Private tour, so everything is tailored to your group, enhancing the personal experience.
• Price: $614.99 per person—consider this an investment in a curated, exclusive journey into Tasmania’s spirits scene.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for spirits lovers, especially those interested in whisky and gin. It’s ideal for travelers seeking exclusive access and behind-the-scenes knowledge. Enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on activities—like blending or bottling—will find it particularly rewarding. It also appeals to those who appreciate local food and scenic drives as part of their tasting journey.

If you’re after a relaxed, educational, and premium experience with a dash of adventure, this tour hits all those marks. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or even a special celebration.

The Sum Up

This private Tasmanian distillery tour offers an exceptional way to explore Tasmania’s thriving craft spirits scene. With visits to exclusive, non-public distilleries, tastings from unreleased barrels, and opportunities to blend and bottle your own whisky, it’s a dream for spirits aficionados. The guides’ passion and extensive knowledge make every stop engaging, while the scenic drives and authentic local food round out the experience.

Though it’s a higher price point, the depth of access and personalized touches make it worth considering. It’s best for those who truly appreciate craft spirits, hands-on experiences, and a touch of Tasmania’s rustic charm. Whether you’re a whisky novice or a seasoned connoisseur, this tour promises a genuine, memorable journey into Tasmania’s spirits legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a private tour? Yes, this is a private activity, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a tailored experience.

What is included in the price? The tour covers all tastings of gin, whisky, vodka, rum, and liqueurs, plus morning tea with cheese, biscuits, chocolates, and fresh fruit. Lunch is also included, with local catering.

Are there opportunities to buy bottles? Bottle purchases are not included in the tour price, but you may find options available at the distilleries if you choose to buy.

How long does the tour last? The experience lasts approximately six hours, offering enough time to enjoy each distillery fully without feeling rushed.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol? While tastings are included, non-drinkers can still enjoy the food, learn about distillation, and participate in activities like blending.

Is pickup provided? Yes, pickup is offered, making logistics seamless for travelers staying in Hobart or nearby.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing are recommended.

Are children allowed? This tour is designed for adults; alcohol consumption limits participation for minors.

Is there a recommended age? Given the focus on spirits and tastings, participants should be at least 18 years old.

This private Tassie distillery tour delivers an authentic, engaging, and delicious taste of Tasmania’s spirits craft. Perfect for those eager to see the process, sample rare barrels, and enjoy local hospitality in a scenic setting.