If you're a fan of Australian whisky, and especially Tasmanian whisky, you'll be excited to learn that Tasmanian Whisky Week is only a few weeks away. Taking place from August 4–10, the event offers a range of exciting experiences spread across the state, including blind tastings, a whisky cruise, farmers markets and more.
If you can't make it down to the apple isle in time for the event, however, you can still learn about and sample the best of Tasmanian whisky from the comfort of your own home. Below, we hear from two Tasmanian whisky producers – Furneaux Distillery and Launceston Distillery – about what makes Tasmanian whisky so distinct, and why you need to get on board the rapidly growing hype-train. Plus, each puts forward a signature whisky for you to try – that may just be your new favourite dram.
Furneaux Distillery
Furneaux Distillery is one of the most unique distilleries in the world. Located on a coastal farm on Tasmania's Flinders Island, Furneaux produces award-winning single malt whisky and gin using local botanicals, coastal peat and rainwater. A fertile ground for whisky, the farm also grows malt barley, meaning that from 2024, everything Furneaux brews and distils will come from island-grown crops.
This is no mean feat on an island in the middle of Bass Strait, but the team at Furneaux would have it no other way – one day, they are battered by wild westerly winds, the next, they team is diving off the granite rocks to hunt for crayfish and abalone.
Of all the Furneaux spirits tasted by Halliday, their Flinders Island Peated Single Malt Whisky – made with 100% Tasmanian barley – has garnered the highest score. This 96-point single malt whisky is smoked on-island with peat from coastal lagoons – adding a soft smokey complexity to the spirit. The current 'Double Oak' batch was matured in ex-Seppeltsfield Apera and ex-Maker’s Mark Bourbon casks, resulting in a wonderfully rounded whisky with notes of maple syrup sweetness and orange zest.
Whisky to try: Furneaux Distillery Flinders Island Peated Double Oak Whisky
Made with Tasmanian barley smoked post-malting with Flinders Island peat, the nose on this whisky is fascinating – almost like smoked chocolate – and like nothing I've ever smelled in a whisky before. Grassy and earthy aromas like freshly cut green capsicum are almost reminiscent of mezcal but without the underripe or volatile notes of a whisky bottled too young. There's enough oak and smoke here to round it out, along with lovely notes of maple syrup sweetness and orange zest, and the integration of oak and spirit is impressive... – Fred Siggins, 96 points, Halliday Spirits.
Find out more: furneauxdistillery.com.au | RRP $220 | Shop this whisky
Launceston Distillery
Inside Launceston’s historic Hangar 17, the oldest aviation building in Tasmania, you’ll find a working distillery producing small-batch Tasmanian single malt whisky. Launceston Distillery was founded with a simple goal: to create whisky of character and quality, using traditional methods and local ingredients. And it does a fine job at realising this aspiration.
From grain to bottle, everything happens under one roof. The whisky is produced in small batches using Tasmanian malted barley and pure river water. Locally made copper pot stills produce a refined spirit that is matured in carefully selected casks. This all combines to create award-winning drams worthy of your at-home bar.
In recent months, the distillery has gained recognition both locally and internationally. Last week, it was awarded two gold and two silver medals at the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards (for its various Peated, Apera and Bourbon Cask expressions). In June, the Tawny Cask single malt also won top prize at The Spirit of Craft Awards in Singapore for the second consecutive year. While the signature range showcase diversity in cask influence, special releases offer something unique for those looking to explore limited-edition bottlings.
Whisky to try: Launceston Distillery Tawny Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky
This robust whisky was matured in French oak tawny casks and non-chill filtered to create its unique taste and depth of character. A smooth, rich mouthfeel is coupled with robust tawny influenced flavours of Christmas pudding, dried fruit, cinnamon and clove. A sweet pleasant nose, with dark chocolate, berries, raisins and toffee. The finish is long and warming, with sweet tawny notes dominating.
Find out more: launcestondistillery.com.au | RRP $156 | Shop this whisky
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