Hartshorn Distillery

Hartshorn Distillery shares land with Grandvewe Cheeses. We’re the same family doing different things with the same goal — reduce waste, look after each other, look after the planet. So when it comes to our products, if there’s a swill, there’s some whey.

Whey’s often thrown out in the cheesemaking process and we wanted to find a way to repurpose the excess. So, armed with a welding rod, an old beer keg and a lot of internet research, we began trying to convert it into palatable alcohol.

It started with vodka. Double-distilled and unfiltered. Most distilleries take just under half their yield but we like minimal impurities and maximum quality, so we only use the best 10 percent of each distillate. It’s a long production process for 150 bottles a batch, but it’s what carries the whey through to the finished spirit and gives it the complex character, beautiful creaminess and sweet finish that sets it apart from anything else around.

The vodka didn’t do too badly so we turned our attention to gin. Again, sheep’s whey, but also a homage to the land we’re lucky enough to live and work on. We use an array of native botanicals — lemon myrtle, anise myrtle, wattleseed, juniper berries, Tasmanian pepper leaf — alongside two others that haven’t been used by any other gin-makers before. We also dabble in whey-based liqueur and a very special whey-sky — the Hartshorn spin on whiskey(ish) distilling and another world-first under our boozy belt.

Upon arrival leisurely take in the stunning surroundings, and be met by a knowledgeable Tasting House team member who will assist with questions you may have about the sheep, farm, cheese, spirits, Ewe Care the newly launched sheep milk skin care range and the experiences you can enjoy during your visit.

You can choose from three visitor experience including: Tasting Teaser, Spirited Alchemist Experience and the Old World Butter Experience.

Stay a little longer and enjoy a beverage or food on our deck overlooking the spectacular D’Entrecasteaux Channel.

Open from 11 - 5 each day.