The Heritage of Distilling in Australia: Then and Now

The history of distilling in Australia shows innovation and distilling craft. From the first colonial ‘stills’ to the craft-moving distilling in Australia today, it all shows ingenuity and a love for quality. 

At St. Dukes Distillery, we pride ourselves on continuing this legacy. We blend the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ to create contemporary spirits and modern innovations to craft spirits to honor the past while shaping the future. 

🥃 The Early Days: Grit and Innovation

Australia’s distilling craft began in the 1800s when the first settlers began making spirits with grains, sugar, and fruits. Then, small distilleries began to open across the Australian colonies. These ‘first’ distillers built the ‘spirit’ of craft distilling in Australia, based on ingenuity, passion, and the love for homegrown craft distilling tradition.

🚫 Dry Years: A Pause in the Pour

By the end of the 19th century and the start of the 20th century, things were tougher for the industry of distilling. There were too many restrictions on licensing, and with the new temperance movements along with imported spirits, it became difficult for local producers to flourish. For decades, Australia’s spirit scene quieted, as international brands took over the shelves.

But every good distiller knows that good things come to those who wait.

🔥 Revivals: A New Craft Distilling

We'll head to the 1990’s, the new craft revolution had begun. New Australian distillers came on the scene wanting to recapture the heritage Australia had lost. Using local ingredients and with a new bold spirit, many started creating premium vodkas, gins, and whiskies to celebrate the new era of Australian spirits.

Australian spirits continue to thrive and they moved into a golden age.

🌿 St. Dukes Distillery: Here, There and Everywhere

At St. Dukes, we continue to be these bold innovators. In Harvey, Western Australia we are proud to be pioneers in the industry. We are the first to use whey, a by-product of cheese-making, to create a spirit.

This type of attitude is uniquely Australian for so many reasons; it is creative, local, and community-centered.  While distillers of spirits maintain their traditions, we also incorporate sustainable innovations, which is one of our distinctive ways of moving forward. 

And Now: Raising a Glass to Progress

Since the 1800’s, the stills have taken many a rugged form, and in distilling Australia, great evolvement has taken place. Yet there is still the one constant: a pursuit of quality in each and every spirit. 

Here at St. Dukes Distillery, the great history of every spirit distilled and still stands tells of the great story  and the distilling appointed history perfected by passion of the great distilling and brewing pioneers of Australia. 

So here’s to the spirit of craftsmanship that will always define Australian distilling, to the future of the Australian distilling and to the present vibrance of the Australian distilling .

That’s the St. Dukes way; from grain, to glass, to heritage and to innovation.