The Intriguing Origin of Australian Whisky

The Intriguing Origin of Australian Whisky

When we hear the word “Whisky”, our minds immediately go to Irish or Scotch Whisky (whiskey if you’re Irish), and rightfully so. As time has gone on, many countries have been trying their luck at producing this classic drink, and Australia, in particular, has managed to produce some fine specimens. Now, Australia is one of the top whiskey regions in the world. 

Australia might once have been known predominantly for its Shiraz; now, it is very much recognised for its single malt. While Australian whisky’s popularity is still relatively new, most people would be surprised to learn that it actually has a very long and intriguing history. So, let’s go ahead and explore how Australian whisky got its start as we reveal its intriguing origin story. 

18th Century

Australian whisky got its start all the way back in the 18th century, with the arrival of the European colonists. Of course, among them were some Scottish and Irish settlers who brought with them the deep-rooted tradition of distilling. It started off on a rather humble scale,  initially as a way for the settlers to use the excess grain and have a small taste of home. 

Already within the first decade, Governor John Hunter began to express his distaste for the convicts and their illicitly distilling ways…clearly, the practice was popular even then. 

19th Century

In the 1800s, the development of the whisky industry in Australia experienced two different narratives as the circumstances in Tasmania and mainland Australia were quite different. 

Tasmania, Australia

Whisky production really took off on the Australian island of Tasmania, thanks to its cool climate and abundance of barley. By the 1820s, Thomas Haigh Midwood established Australia’s very first legal distillery, and the Tasmanian whisky industry soon took flight. That was until things took a turn in 1838, when John Franklin, the then Governor of Australia, banned production on account of concern of public drunkenness. All at once, Tasmanian whisky halted. 

Mainland, Australia

Meanwhile, back on the mainland, whisky distilling remained alive and well – though at a much smaller scale compared to the Tasmanian whisky industry. The demand for alcohol grew with the Victorian gold rush in the 1850s. Consequently, several distilleries were established, including the world-renowned Warrenheip Distillery. Due to the trends of international markets, the focus of distilleries during this age leaned more towards creating blended whiskies.

20th Century

At the turn of the century, Australian whisky took a few knocks. No, it wasn’t just to do with politics, but the demand for whisky slowed down as a result of the two World Wars and the Great Depression. On top of that, the improvement of international shipping saw imported whiskies become significantly more affordable and readily available. Many Australian distilleries were forced to close down due to the heavy competition, leaving Australian whisky production dwindling…until Bill Lark came around. 

Towards the end of the 1980s, a Tasmanian home brewer took it upon himself to create a proudly Australian single malt whisky using local ingredients. Did we mention this was still during the time when whisky production was illegal in Tasmania? Regardless, Lark persisted in lobbying for a change. Finally, in 1992, Lark Distillery triumphed and received the first license to produce whisky in Tasmania legally. The first since 1838. Since then, Lark has been dubbed the godfather of Australian whisky, and rightfully so. 

Since Lark’s impressive feat, both Tasmanian whisky and mainland whisky saw a surge in whisky production as many distilleries were inspired to experiment with local grains and create whiskies that are distinctly Australian. 

21st Century

Nowadays, Australian whisky is flourishing and boasts a diverse range. Australia has produced everything from traditional peaty Islay-inspired drams to light and fruity drams. Australian whiskies are unique spirits, and they are owed to the prime barley-growing conditions and the use of native botanicals for cask finishing. 

Final Thoughts

It may have had its challenges, but Australian whisky is a taste that represents perseverance and innovation. Nowadays, Australian whiskies are on shelves all over the world due to their distinct taste and the intriguing history behind how they came to be. So, next time you’re having a whisky tasting with some friends or colleagues, you have an interesting story to tell that will make people appreciate this timeless drink all the more.