Tasmania is a gourmand’s paradise, and is now considered a world food and beverage dream destination. And, whilst Tassie has always been famed for its seafood and fresh produce, it has recently become the centrepoint in Australian whisky production, with the large majority of our 26 national distilleries hailing from The Apple Isle!
With modern legends like Lark and Sullivan’s Cove offering wondrous whisky experiences, there is no better time of year to warm your spirits than with a few drops of the pure in this breathtaking state’s first class distilleries.
Here are a few reasons why it makes the perfect winter trip:
1. You get to experience the Aussie product in person
Whilst going to the best whisky shop is one of the ultimate ways to pick up a quality bottle of the pure, there is such excitement in making a winter trip out of heading to Tassie to experience their distilleries first hand. What’s more, you can always expect to be welcomed with some of the fine Tasmanian hospitality and love for their product, with the state’s famed distilleries offering wonderful tasting experiences and tours to learn more about their product.
The legendary Lark Distillery even offers ghost tours on site, so if you were already terrified by the Port Arthur experience and think you might need something to harden you up for the next one then a drop at Lark before the spooky session is the perfect experience!
2. You get to learn about Australia’s fascinating production history
Whisky production has a most fascinating history in Tasmania, dating way back to the early 1800s. What’s more, it was only since the early 1990s that production was open to smaller, boutique producers, having previously been accessible solely to large producers.
If you fancy yourself a bit of a connoisseur you will love touring these fantastic distilleries and learning the awesome history of the spirit in the state. You will learn the awesome tales, trials and tribulations that are attributed to being a Tasmanian distillery, as it wasn’t easy for them to get to where they are today – a fully-fledged and deservedly-rewarded part of the global whisky trade!
3. It’s a stunning winter trip
Tasmania is beautiful in the winter, truly reminiscent of some of the rolling hills and gorgeous green hues from where this beautiful beverage originated. If you get the full experience, and feel like you were sipping straight in a Highlands inn, then winter is a wonderful time to go.
From charming bed and breakfasts to gorgeous walks and, of course, the tasting of divine spirits, Tasmania is a charming winter getaway that is truly topped off with a tour of a pure distillery!
4. Tasmania is just awesome in general
You never hear anyone from the mainland speak ill of Tasmania, and for good reason – the place is simply superb! Alongside its fabulous distilleries there are endless places to indulge your inner bon vivant, with gourmet producers making and picking everything from gorgeous honey to world class fruit and veg, truffles and the famous scallop pie.
Salamanca Market is a must for nursing any drink-induced hangovers, as you can find an array of hangover-curing delights there and bring yourself back to life in what is sure to be one of the most sense-inspiring sojourns you’re likely to have in Australia!
So, are you ready to get your tasting tour on? The Apple Isle awaits…
Clare Louise 
Paul Petersen