More Than Just Dairy

Ask anyone around Harvey, Western Australia, what the town’s best known for, and most will say dairy, think cheese, milk, and butter. It’s been part of local life for donkey’s years. 

But there’s a bit of a twist to the story now. Alongside vast dairy farms sits an exciting new craft: spirits made from whey. Instead of chucking this by-product away, smart locals at places like St Duke’s Distillery are turning it into smooth, clean Aussie vodka and gin. 

It might sound a bit surprising at first, but once you get how it works, it makes perfect sense as a natural next step for Harvey’s proud food scene.

Dairy: The Starting Point

Harvey’s dairy farms crank out plenty of whey, the leftover stuff after cheese-making. With so much on hand, local distillers saw an opportunity. Rather than waste this valuable ingredient, they’ve turned it into something special. 

St Duke’s uses whey straight from Harvey Cheese, connecting the paddocks to your glass in a way that’s true to the region. It’s a cracker example of how two local industries can team up, creating something fresh while keeping the heart of Harvey intact.

Whey Means a Softer Spirit

One of the great things about whey-based spirits is how smooth they come out. Compared to grain or potato vodkas, whey ferments differently, which means fewer harsh flavours. 

That makes it perfect for Aussies, who love their vodka clean and easy to drink. St Duke’s A1 Vodka, made from Harvey whey, is known for its gentle, soft palate ideal for simple mixers and chilled-out cocktails when you just want something that goes down easy on a warm arvo.

Doing Our Bit for Sustainability

Using whey in spirits is also a smart way to cut down waste. Australia wastes millions of tonnes of food each year, and whey used to be part of that problem. 

Now, distillers in Harvey are flipping that on its head turning a by-product into a premium product that’s better for the environment. It’s a local solution to a big issue: cleaner production, less waste, and making the most of what we’ve already got.

Perfect for Aussie Gatherings

Whey-based spirits aren’t just neat stories they fit right into Aussie social life. Whether it’s a weekend BBQ, a long lunch, or a casual backyard catch-up, a crisp gin or vodka usually hits the spot better than beer or wine after a feed. 

With over 70% of Aussies preferring lighter drinks in summer, these spirits pair brilliantly with seafood, lamb chops, grilled veggies, or even just a simple salad. Picture this: a sunny Perth backyard, lamb sizzling on the barbie, and a refreshing St Duke’s vodka lime soda in your hand. It just feels right.

Local Innovation with Global Appeal

St Duke’s and other Harvey distillers are showing the world just how far Aussie craft spirit makers can go. The craft spirits scene is booming at home growing by over 20% annually and overseas drinkers are keen for something unique, high-quality, and with a genuine story behind it. 

At tastings in Margaret River, Harvey’s whey vodkas and gins have gone head-to-head with imported brands winning praise for their clean finish and smoothness, proving local innovation can stand tall on the global stage.

Building Harvey’s Identity

Every bottle made from Harvey whey supports more than just a distillery; it backs farmers, cheesemakers, transport workers, and the whole community. 

The dairy industry employs thousands in towns like Harvey, and linking it with distilling keeps those jobs strong while creating new opportunities.

 Visitors can tour Harvey Cheese and then head over to St Duke’s to see how whey becomes liquid gold. It’s a full-circle story that builds pride and connection across the region.

From Cheese to Cheers

At first, the idea that your vodka or gin started off as cheese leftovers might raise a few eyebrows. 

But once you understand it, it’s a bonza local story. Whey, once an afterthought, now makes smooth, sustainable spirits that fit the Aussie way of drinking fresh, simple, and made for sharing with mates.

 So next time you crack open a bottle from St Duke’s Distillery, you’re not just enjoying a great drink, you're raising a glass to Harvey’s legacy and clever local innovation.