Western Tiers Distillery
An Afternoon at Western Tiers Distillery
Nestled in the historic village of Westbury at the foot of the Great Western Tiers, Western Tiers Distillery blends craftsmanship and passion to create spirits that reflect the stunning Tasmanian landscape. At the heart of Western Tiers Distillery are stunning copper pot stills, designed by Stillsmiths Tasmania and handcrafted by Kolmark using premium European copper. Opened in 2021 in the historic village of Westbury, the distillery combines state-of-the-art technology with a passion for crafting spirits of unrivaled smoothness and flavor. A must-visit destination for whisky and gin enthusiasts, Western Tiers offers an experience that celebrates Tasmania’s rich heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
What Stood Out:
This distillery offers a truly unique experience. Unlike many others, Western Tiers isn’t focused on bold experimentation or pushing boundaries with new flavour profiles. Instead, their goal is to craft whisky that highlights the artistry of their copper pot stills and the precision of their distillation process.
I had the privilege of touring the distillery with Tim Freeman, Director of Kolmark—a sister company that designs and fabricates premium stills and sets up distilleries. Tim shared the fascinating history of the distillery, guided me through a tasting of their exceptional whiskies, and introduced me to their monthly whisky club. The visit also included a behind-the-scenes look at Kolmark's fabrication work, offering insight into the craftsmanship that defines both the distillery and their stills.
The distillery’s Highland Lakes Single Malt Whisky (Bourbon Cask) caught my attention with its rich layers of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak, perfectly enhanced by bourbon casks and was the smoothest dram that closely resembles their new make spirit. The Western Lakes Single Malt Whisky (Port) offered an indulgent profile of dark chocolate, Turkish Delight, and dried cherries, while the Thousand Lakes Single Malt Whisky (Sherry Cask) delivered a sherry-cask complexity with flavours of mossy highlands and caramel elegance. Each whisky is a tribute to the Tasmanian wilderness, embodying its rich character and natural beauty.
Tasting Highlights:
Devil’s Gullet (Irish Moonshine) - This is their new make spirit, which is easy to drink by itself. The barley really comes out and the flavour is something that draws you back in. Sweet with notes of almonds and toffee.
Highland Lakes (Bourbon): Sweet malted barley with notes of vanilla, honey, and toasted oak.
Western Lakes (Port): Dark chocolate, Turkish Delight, and a creamy mouthfeel.
Thousand Lakes (Sherry): Sherry cask richness with a deep, mossy complexity.
Every sip showcased the care and precision of distiller John Scott, mentored by Tasmania’s renowned Master Distiller, Damian Mackey. The balance of traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques, like their state-of-the-art copper pot stills, made this tasting an unforgettable experience.
Plan Your Visit:
Location: Westbury, Tasmania
Tours: Book a guided distillery tour to explore the spirit of the still firsthand.
Hours: Check their website for the latest opening times.
Western Tiers Distillery is more than just a distillery—it’s a journey into Tasmania’s history, landscapes, and the art of whisky making.
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