Australians have long been known to appreciate a drink, so it's entirely plausible to think that the first free European settlers began distilling alcohol as soon as they arrived here in the late 18th century. Read on to learn about the fascinating history of whisky making in Tasmania.
THE FIRST END TO PROHIBITIONBack then, Tasmania was called Van Diemen's Land in honour of the governor general of the Dutch East Indies. The first non-natives settled on the eastern shore of the River Derwent at Risdon Cove in 1803. A year later, Lieutenant Governor David Collins moved the town across the river and the city of Hobart, Tasmania was born.RIVER DERWENT 1800'SBeer brewing was encouraged in colonial Tasmania, but the distillation of spirits was not. In fact, distilling was illegal until 1822, when then-governor Lachlan Macquarie acquiesced to the notion that people were going to distil spirits no matter what the law said. Macquarie also realised that legalising whisky would stimulate grain production and bring in a healthy amount of tax money, and small batch distilling was declared lawful.
In 1822, Thomas Haigh Midwood opened Australia's first legal distillery. Located in Hobart, Sorell Distillery started making whisky in Tasmania a full two years before Scotland's Glenlivet distillery. Once lawful, more than a dozen new distilleries followed in Midwood's footsteps. Thomas Haigh Midwood's personal success was short-lived, however, because he died in September 1823.
DISTILLING BECOMES ILLEGAL AGAIN, BUT ONLY IN TASMANIA
Unlike Scotland, where distilleries have been operating non-stop since the 19th century, the legal whisky business in Tasmania lasted but a few short years. In 1839, the Distillation Prohibition Act officially outlawed all distillation in colonial Tasmania, explains Monocle magazine. Lady Jane Franklin, the teetotal wife of then-governor, John Franklin, famously promoted passage of the Act when she proclaimed:
"I would prefer barley be fed to pigs than it be used to turn men into swine."
Oddly, the ban on small batch distilling did not extend to mainland Australia but lasted more than a century in Tasmania. In the meantime, Van Diemen's Land changed its name to Tasmania in honour of the first European to get a glimpse of the island we know and love today.
JOHN FRANKLINENTER THE GODFATHER OF TASMANIAN WHISKY
Prohibition in Tasmania endured until 1992, when a pioneering whisky maker by the name of Bill Lark successfully challenged the unfair and outdated law. Bill Lark was determined to distil first class whisky, but he wanted to do it legally.
While researching how to go about getting a distiller's license in Tasmania, he became aware of Australia's utterly antiquated liquor laws that pertained only to the island. In addition to the Distillation Prohibition Act of 1839, there was another perplexing law, the 1901 Distillation Act, which only permitted massive stills that were beyond the scope of small craft whiskey makers. Lark spoke to Tasmanian MP Duncan Kerr about the discriminatory laws. Kerr relayed Lark's concerns to Federal MP Barry Jones. Ultimately, both laws were amended, and Lark Distillery was established as the first legal Tasmanian distillery since 1882.
Many locals already wanted to make whisky in Tasmania, and lawmakers didn't put up a fight. In fact, the local customs office may have been as thrilled about the end of prohibition than the local whisky makers. As Bill told Scottish Field magazine:
"A lot of people ask me how much of a fight I had to go through, but there was no fight at all. I was pushing at an open door."
BILL LARK
IT TAKES TIME TO MAKE A GREAT WHISKY
Locally sourced barley, pristine water, Tasmanian Highland peat, and hand-selected oak casks are not the only things Lark used to produce the first above-board Tasmanian whisky in a century and a half. It also took time. In 1998, Lark Distillery released their first commercial --and legal-- distilled single malt whisky to exuberant public acclaim. In 2015, Bill Lark became the first distiller from the Southern Hemisphere to be inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame and he is known as the Godfather of Tasmanian Whisky.
MODERN TASMANIAN WHISKY
The modern Tasmanian whisky industry that we know today started in the early 1990’s with Lark Distillery founded in 1992 and the Tasmania Distillery which founded in 1994 in Sullivans Cove. Tasmania Distillery changed hands in 1999 and renamed itself Sullivans Cove. The new owners prevailed upon Bill Lark to craft a high-quality single malt whisky. Lark's friend Patrick Maguire ultimately purchased the distillery from the second owners and moved operations to Cambridge. In 2014 Sullivans Cove won the prestigious World Whisky Awards, World's Best Single Malt and really put Tasmanian whisky on the map.
Tasmanian Whisky is spelt without the “e” pointing to its Scottish heritage whereas American and Irish Whiskey is spelt with the “e”. The caveat here is another story with Bill Lark at the start of the tale. In the 1990’s a land surveyor, Damian Mackey went to do some work for Bill Lark and Damian observed, and became fascinated by, those early years of the modern Tasmanian Whisky industry. In the early 2000’s Damian began making whisky but he honoured his own Irish heritage by making triple-distilled whisky (technically speaking: whiskey).
DAMIAN MACKEY
In 2007 Damian and Madeleine Mackey started Mackey’s Distillery in New Town. Eight years later, they and the Kernke family established Shene Distillery, where John Ibrahim later joined as a shareholder. John Ibrahim, whose friendship with the 'Godfather of Tasmanian Whisky,' Bill Lark, led the pair to travel to Scotland where they got a true 'behind the scenes’ look at European whisky making. John knew from that time his future and his legacy were tied to whisky making. John was already a partner with Bill Lark at Old Kempton Distillery before joining the Shene Distillery team.
In 2021 John Ibrahim was instrumental in the sale of Shene Distillery to Lark Distillery in a major win, win for the Tasmanian Whisky industry, providing Lark with a much-needed base and expanded distilling operation, and allowing John the time to focus on Callington Mill Distillery.JOHN IBRAHIMCallington Mill Distillery is a dream come true for John. When establishing the distillery, there were no existing turnkey distillery options available in Tasmania. Thanks to an exciting collaboration with Kolmark’s Mark Kolodziej, and a trip to Cardona Distillery in New Zealand, new equipment was developed specifically for Callington Mill Distillery. The latest Tasmanian technology has been utilised to bring about a new era in Tasmanian Whisky and create a distillery on a scale not previously seen in Tasmania.
‘We have built the Rolls Royce of Whisky Distilleries’ - John Ibrahim
CALLINGTON MILL DISTILLERYToday, there are more than 80 whisky distilleries located throughout Tasmania. Far from being rivals, Tasmanian distillers enjoy a collegiate brotherhood and inspire one another to create award-winning whiskies that are enjoyed around the world.
The fascinating history of whisky making in Tasmania is only just beginning. Callington Mill’s vision is to become a “world-wide recognisable brand” helping to take Tasmanian Whisky to the next level on the global stage.
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Few towns in Australia meld past and present as seamlessly as Oatlands, Tasmania. Thanks to its location between Launceston and Hobart, Oatlands was the natural choice for a colonial military base which housed the convicts who were responsible for constructing most of the town's historic buildings, bridges, and roads. Today, the Southern Midlands Council works in concert with the Centre for Heritage to preserve these historical assets while ensuring their continued re-use and conservation. Read on to learn more about the fascinating history of Oatlands, Tasmania.
The town of which we're so proud was established in 1821 (but of course the area has been inhabited by aboriginal tribes for tens of thousands of years.) By 1837 the town featured a post office, a railway, 50 miles of well laid out streets, and a flour mill built by Cornwall native, John Vincent. Oatlands continued to thrive into the 1900s, but by the end of the 20th century, the railway had closed, and the once prosperous town was struggling.
One reason that Oatlands found itself falling on harder times was the 'improvement' of the major thoroughfare that connected Hobart and Launceston. After the Midland Highway was widened and realigned between the 1960s and '80s, it bypassed Oatlands completely. In the 21st century, however, Oatlands is witnessing a resurgence of visitors and the town is poised to become an important tourist destination, explains Tasmanian Times.
Although Oatlands is home to fewer than 600 full time residents, our charming Tasmanian town boasts a remarkable number of fascinating attractions. From the only functioning Lincolnshire-style windmill in the southern hemisphere to Australia's largest assortment of quarried sandstone houses, Oatlands offers visitors and locals a splendid selection of things to see and do along with world-class food and drink.
HIGH STREET WALKING TOWN
Oatlands is well known for its amazing assortment of convict-constructed sandstone structures, including the oldest supreme court house in rural Australia. History buffs and students of architecture are sure to enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the High Street where dozens of sandstone stables, cottages, and public buildings await exploration. Many Oatlands businesses offer free maps and brochures that explain the history of individual buildings. Oatlands visitor guides can also be found and printed online.
If you don't have time to visit all 40 or so Georgian sandstone buildings on High Street, Aussie Towns recommends focusing on Oatlands Wood Cottage at the corner of High Street and Stanley Street and Holyrood House which is a former grammar school that sits at 40 High Street. At 79 High Street, you'll find the Commissariat Store and Guard House which is the oldest standing structure in the Military Precinct of Oatlands. Elm Cottage at 82 High Street and the Lake Frederick Inn at 99 High Street are other must-see sandstone buildings that make Oatlands such a special place.
MILL LANE DISTRICT
When John Vincent built our wonderful Callington Mill in the mid-1830s, the windmill that operated two pairs of French burr stones was state-of-the-art technology. Powered by shuttered sails that could be opened and closed by pulling outside chains, the mill produced flour solely by wind power before Vincent added a steam-driven mill in 1846. Unfortunately, larger mills captured the majority of the bakers market, and in 1910, an errant spark ignited a fire that immolated everything but the stone tower. Eventually, the tower was lined with concrete and served for many years as a water tank.
Over the sixty or so years that Callington Mill served as a mill, Vincent utilized local grains to produce then-illegal whisky that he served at the pubs and hotels he also owned. In 2021, Callington Mill and the other buildings in the mill precinct have been painstakingly restored to their former glory and the whisky we produce at Callington Mill Distillery today is not only delicious – it's also totally legal.
The town of which we're so proud was established in 1821 (but of course the area has been inhabited by aboriginal tribes for tens of thousands of years.) By 1837 the town featured a post office, a railway, 50 miles of well laid out streets, and a flour mill built by Cornwall native, John Vincent. Oatlands continued to thrive into the 1900s, but by the end of the 20th century, the railway had closed, and the once prosperous town was struggling.
One reason that Oatlands found itself falling on harder times was the 'improvement' of the major thoroughfare that connected Hobart and Launceston. After the Midland Highway was widened and realigned between the 1960s and '80s, it bypassed Oatlands completely. In the 21st century, however, Oatlands is witnessing a resurgence of visitors and the town is poised to become an important tourist destination, explains Tasmanian Times.
Although Oatlands is home to fewer than 600 full time residents, our charming Tasmanian town boasts a remarkable number of fascinating attractions. From the only functioning Lincolnshire-style windmill in the southern hemisphere to Australia's largest assortment of quarried sandstone houses, Oatlands offers visitors and locals a splendid selection of things to see and do along with world-class food and drink.
HIGH STREET WALKING TOWN
Oatlands is well known for its amazing assortment of convict-constructed sandstone structures, including the oldest supreme court house in rural Australia. History buffs and students of architecture are sure to enjoy a self-guided walking tour of the High Street where dozens of sandstone stables, cottages, and public buildings await exploration. Many Oatlands businesses offer free maps and brochures that explain the history of individual buildings. Oatlands visitor guides can also be found and printed online.
If you don't have time to visit all 40 or so Georgian sandstone buildings on High Street, Aussie Towns recommends focusing on Oatlands Wood Cottage at the corner of High Street and Stanley Street and Holyrood House which is a former grammar school that sits at 40 High Street. At 79 High Street, you'll find the Commissariat Store and Guard House which is the oldest standing structure in the Military Precinct of Oatlands. Elm Cottage at 82 High Street and the Lake Frederick Inn at 99 High Street are other must-see sandstone buildings that make Oatlands such a special place.
MILL LANE DISTRICT
When John Vincent built our wonderful Callington Mill in the mid-1830s, the windmill that operated two pairs of French burr stones was state-of-the-art technology. Powered by shuttered sails that could be opened and closed by pulling outside chains, the mill produced flour solely by wind power before Vincent added a steam-driven mill in 1846. Unfortunately, larger mills captured the majority of the bakers market, and in 1910, an errant spark ignited a fire that immolated everything but the stone tower. Eventually, the tower was lined with concrete and served for many years as a water tank.
Over the sixty or so years that Callington Mill served as a mill, Vincent utilized local grains to produce then-illegal whisky that he served at the pubs and hotels he also owned. In 2021, Callington Mill and the other buildings in the mill precinct have been painstakingly restored to their former glory and the whisky we produce at Callington Mill Distillery today is not only delicious – it's also totally legal.
Anyone planning a trip to Tasmania should come and see us at Callington Mill Distillery. Here visitors can observe the inner workings of Tasmania's largest distillery from a viewing platform before or after touring the distillery itself and learning all about our single malt whisky. On-site dining at the Cellar Door will be available from 2022, making the Callington Mill Distillery a truly remarkable attraction for tourists and locals alike.
LUKE DULVERTON
The sandstone that comprises the historic structures of Oatlands was quarried from nearby Lake Dulverton. A major drought that began in the last decade of the 20th century left the lake bed almost dry until welcomed rains refilled the shallow lake in 2010. Today, Lake Dulverton offers well maintained walking paths from which visitors can enjoy an abundance of wildlife including beautiful black swans, says Trip Advisor.
DINNER, DRINKS, AND A BED
If exploring the historic sandstone structures of Oatlands or wandering the shores of Lake Dulverton leaves you with an appetite, The Kentish Tasmania has you covered. Built in the 1830s and recently restored, this popular country pub offers delicious dining that features the finest local proteins and produce as well as an in-house bakery that turns out tasty pies, pastries, and cakes. The Kentish Tasmania also offers comfortable accommodations that make it an ideal home base for your next trip to Tas.
Fans of wine, cheese, and local spirits find a lot to love at The Imbibers Located at 74 High Street in Oatlands, this friendly venue offers a range of Tasmanian ciders, wines, and handcrafted whiskies that match anything Scotland has to offer. Let your server pair wines and cheeses, or purchase a bottle to take back to your room. The Imbibers boasts three 19th century cottages where visitors can get a good night's sleep.
After learning about the fascinating history of Oatlands, Tasmania, it's now is a great time to start planning your visit. If you have any questions about Oatlands or our wonderful handcrafted whiskies, contact Callington Mill Distillery.
LUKE DULVERTON
The sandstone that comprises the historic structures of Oatlands was quarried from nearby Lake Dulverton. A major drought that began in the last decade of the 20th century left the lake bed almost dry until welcomed rains refilled the shallow lake in 2010. Today, Lake Dulverton offers well maintained walking paths from which visitors can enjoy an abundance of wildlife including beautiful black swans, says Trip Advisor.
DINNER, DRINKS, AND A BED
If exploring the historic sandstone structures of Oatlands or wandering the shores of Lake Dulverton leaves you with an appetite, The Kentish Tasmania has you covered. Built in the 1830s and recently restored, this popular country pub offers delicious dining that features the finest local proteins and produce as well as an in-house bakery that turns out tasty pies, pastries, and cakes. The Kentish Tasmania also offers comfortable accommodations that make it an ideal home base for your next trip to Tas.
Fans of wine, cheese, and local spirits find a lot to love at The Imbibers Located at 74 High Street in Oatlands, this friendly venue offers a range of Tasmanian ciders, wines, and handcrafted whiskies that match anything Scotland has to offer. Let your server pair wines and cheeses, or purchase a bottle to take back to your room. The Imbibers boasts three 19th century cottages where visitors can get a good night's sleep.
After learning about the fascinating history of Oatlands, Tasmania, it's now is a great time to start planning your visit. If you have any questions about Oatlands or our wonderful handcrafted whiskies, contact Callington Mill Distillery.