Derwent Distillery anno 1823

Derwent Distillery name comes from one of the first legalised distilleries in Tasmania, originally set up on the banks of the Hobart Rivulet in Gore St, South Hobart in the early 1820’s. On January 22, 1820, the Hobart Town Gazette reported, ‘The foundations of an extensive brewery were laid in the presence of a number of persons by R. W. Loane’. In December of 1823 the building was operating as the ‘Derwent Distillery’.

Unfortunately, the distillery was never given the time to shine, and in 1838, its doors shut. The closure of the distillery resulted from a change in colonial government policy. Concern over lost revenue caused by local distilling reducing imported spirits resulted in Lieutenant Governor Franklin introducing legislation to abolish the local industry in favour of brewing.

Fast-forward to modern times. Derwent Distillery is now a family-owned distillery crafting single malt whisky, gin, and liqueurs on the banks of the Derwent River in southern Tasmania.

Set up by Robbie and Emma Gilligan, on the banks of the Derwent River (Timtumili Minanya) in the small rural town of Dromedary Tasmania. Robbie hails from Glasgow, Scotland, and Emma is a homegrown Tasmanian.

Emma Gilligan: "The history of Derwent Distillery never fails to fascinate us. This newspaper advertisement from the Hobart Gazette in 1829 from the original distillery built in Gore Street, South Hobart in 1823. It’s a wonderful snap shot of the industry at the time. There’s definitely some interesting flavours here, cinnamon cordial anyone?"

Dromedary is half an hour from Hobart and only a short drive from the heritage town of New Norfolk.

Plan your visit and add Derwent Distillery to your itinerary!