June 28, 2024 7:08 pm
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As the popularity of gin grows, so does the number of bars and distilleries specialising in this spirit. In Tasmania in particular, there are some great gin bars and distilleries that are worth checking out. So if you’re looking for a night out on the town with some delicious gin drinks, or are after a day touring the island to visit some of the most picturesque distilleries this country has to offer, look no further than these gin hot spots!
Why Tasmania?
The Tasmanian gin scene is booming, with more than 130 different Tasmanian gins on offer. What makes Tasmanian gin so special? It could have something to do with the island’s diverse fauna, which makes way for premium and bespoke gins crafted with unique flavours and botanicals, such as native Tasmanian lemon myrtle, anise myrtle, wattle seed and pepper berry. Tasmania also has some of the purest water in the world, which makes it perfect for the distilling process.
And if you’re looking for a great gin bar, Tasmania is the place to be. In fact, the island has some of the best gin bars in the country, each with its own unique vibe and selection of gins. Staffed by knowledgeable, passionate and friendly staff, many bars offer tasting experiences and masterclasses to help you up your gin game.
Not only is the selection of gins unbeatable, but touring Tasmania’s gin hot spots is also the perfect way to explore Tasmania’s diverse culture and landscape.
The best spot in Tasmania for gin lovers
If you’re a fan of gin, then Tasmania is definitely the place for you. With so many great bars and distilleries that specialise in this spirit, you’re sure to find something to your taste. Here are some of the best spots in Hobart for gin lovers:
Gin(bar) by Forted Spotted
In the heart of Hobart, you’ll find Gin(bar), a new bar by Forty Spotted Gin, purveyors of premium Tasmanian gin. The bar stocks the Forty Spotted Gin range, as well as many hard-to-find Tasmanian gins, and is staffed by knowledgeable staff who can help you find the perfect one for your palate.
The bar specialises in premium gins and cocktails and holds gin workshops throughout the day. For a special gin experience, enrol in the Gin(bar)’s Forty Spotted Gin-stitute – a 2-hour blending masterclass where you can explore the process of crafting your own premium gin. Learn about botanicals, drink some delicious gins, and blend your own special take-home bottle. The bar also offers a cocktail-making class.
Where: Level 1, 30 Argyle Street, Hobart
The Callington Mill Restaurant and Cellar Door
The Callington Mill Restaurant and Cellar Door is home to some of Tasmania’s best whiskeys. But the distillery also produces the highly celebrated Poltergeist Gin, which won gold at the World Gin Awards in 2017, and double gold at the 2017 San Francisco International Spirits Competition.
Located in the historic Callington Mill precinct, the site features the lovingly restored Callington Windmill and heritage village. Touring the village is free, and the perfect way to walk off a gin or two. Callington also offer guided distillery tours and tastings, with an on-site restaurant featuring fresh Tasmanian produce from head chef Jason Parridge.
Where: Callington Mill Historic Site, 6 Mill Lane, Oatlands
McHenry Distillery
Resting on the side of Mount Arthur on the Tasman Peninsula, this Port Arthur distillery is Australia’s southernmost distillery. Family-run, the McHenry Distillery has its own source of pure spring water and the perfect conditions for distilling. The cellar door is open for tastings 7 days a week, with tours running Monday to Friday. All tours include a tasting paddle of some of their finest gins, whiskeys and vodkas.
Where: 229 Radnor Rd, Port Arthur
Turner Stillhouse
Turner Stillhouse is a small-batch distiller located 15 minutes’ drive from Launceston in the scenic Tamar Valley. The Newly renovated distillery offers daily tours and tastings, with the tasting room offering unparalleled views of the Tamar River, as well as the distillery’s 3,000 little copper stills.
Turner Stillhouse has won a plethora of awards for their Three Cuts Gin range, including Best International Contemporary Gin at the 2021 American Distilling Institute Awards, Best Contemporary Gin at the 2021 Australian Gin Awards and Best in Show Gin at the 2021 Australian Gin Awards. Well worth a visit to sip on premium bespoke gins while looking over the Tamar River.
Where: 1A Waldhorn Dr, Grindelwald
Institut Polaire
Institut Polaire is a small bar in Hobart dedicated to “coldhearted liquor”, a.k.a. cold climate wines and a seasonal menu that celebrates local growers, fishers & farmers and embraces Tasmania’s status as the gateway to Antarctica. The bar features a stunning white marble bar and plush grey leather, perfect for sipping one of their signature Süd Polaire Antarctic dry martinis or Süd Polaire G&T flights.
The bar also offers several cold hearted tasting experiencing, including a Süd Polaire gin experience. For $45, you can discover the “transcendent flavour” of the Süd Polaire’s Antarctic dry gin. Or sign up for a martini masterclass, where for $150, a top mixologist will show you how to make the perfect gin martini.
Where: 1/7 Murray St, Hobart
Ready to tour Tasmania’s best gin locations?
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, why not visit one of Tasmania’s many gin bars and distilleries? With award-winning gins being produced all over the state, there’s something for everyone. And what could be better than enjoying a delicious gin cocktail while taking in the stunning Tasmanian landscape?
In the meantime, don’t forget to check out our range of Tasmanian gins through our Digital Distillery for our range of Tassie gins, or check out our popular Taste of Tassie sampler back for a little taster of what Tasamania has in store.