Get in the spirit at Victoria’s distilleries

Four Pillars Gin founders tasting session

Distilleries in Victoria have been part of Victoria’s history for generations and a new slew of entrants are helping put our gins, whiskies and other heart starters on the map. Here is a selection of the finest drops the state has to offer:

The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is located just 15 minutes from The Great Ocean Road and a stone’s throw from the iconic 12 Apostles. It has operated since the 1890s, originally an illicit operation delivering 100 gallons every week to thirsty locals. The 600 litre copper pot still bubbles away in the corner but nowadays it’s all legit and visitors are welcome to sample the whisky, meet the distiller and learn about Timboon’s history. The distillery is also part of the 12 Apostles Gourmet Trail, with local produce including smoked eel, honey, ice cream, strawberries, ales, wines, cheese and chocolates on the menu. Visit at The Railway Yard, Bailey Street, Timboon, Ph  +613 5598 3555

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne, the old bank and former butchery in the South Gippsland town of Loch have been transformed into the Loch Brewery & Distillery by partners Craig Johnson and Melinda Davies. Their first focus was whisky but they are now also creating a local gin, storing all the botanicals in what was once the bank’s vault. Craig and Melinda also brew their own ales, all available with their spirits at their cellar door for thirsty travellers. 44 Victoria Road, Loch +61 414 590 474

Another relative newcomer,  Four Pillars Gin, is set to open a new distillery at Healesville, an hour from Melbourne, that will welcome visitors for cellar door tastings and special events. Four Pillars Gin was founded by three local friends, Stuart Gregor, Matt Jones and Cameron McKenzie, who wanted to elevate the craft of distilling in Australia and celebrate the art of cocktail making. They now have several international awards and new gin creations to their credit, including Rare Dry Gin, Barrel Aged Gin and Navy Strength Gin. Doors to the new distillery are set to open in June/July 2015. For media enquirers, call Stuart Gregor, +61 419 526 015

Those looking for a sweeter option can head to the Mornington Peninsula and visit Bass & Flinders Distillery which specialises in grape-based spirits such as limoncello, crema di limoncello and grappa, as well as their own gin and vodka. The cellar door has recently been refurbished and the owners, Wayne Klintworth and Bob Laing, offer various events such as gin masterclasses. 232 Red Hill Road, Red Hill, ph: +61 419 548 430.

Visitors to Herbal Lore Liqueurs, housed in a former butter factory in Daylesford, can enjoy a range of herb-based drinks. Combining ancient traditions with the mysterious healing power of herbs, Roger McLean, the founder of Herbal Lore, has the reputation among connoisseurs of fine ports and liqueurs as one of the country’s finest blenders. The flavour from Australian, organically grown, hand-picked herbs, is gently extracted using traditional methods, then aged in a specially coopered vats made from selected oak staves. Liquers are distilled with different qualities, from Gentle Uplifter and Calming, to Booster and Power Lifter.  Railway Crescent, Daylesford, ph: +613 5348 192