Best Whisky in Australia by Timmo60

This quaint out of the way distillery is the epitome of “hand crafted”. Brian made his small own stills, all copper, he crafts the whisky by himself in small batches and matures it in small barrels to make pure gold. Genise his wife, not to be outdone, is the rum distiller. Well worth the 40 minute drive from Dubbo

Bush Treasure by Len C

I never thought that I would find an exceptional single malt whiskey in Australia (and I’ve tried a few good ones) but here is one on my doorstep!Brian and Genise have a real treasure here.There is nothing ostentatious about their distillery but their product is amazing and Genise is an excellent and engaging host for tastings while Brian shares his passion for fine whiskey as he conducts a personal tour of the nuts and bolts of making their products.If you’re ever near Dubbo or Mudgee do yourself a favour and visit Mendooran’s Black Gate Distillery.

Tastes Better Than It Looks by Philip L

We dropped into the Black Gate Distillery on our way home from Queensland. I had arrange the visit prior to going north and verified our timings the night before by Messenger. (Genise or Brian reply very promptly)Although the car's GPS couldn't find the address, another device did. The property is easy to find, it is about 1 Km south of town on the road to Dubbo. The entrance sign is slightly obscured but take it easy and you'll see it on the left.Genise and Brian were waiting for us and we were made very welcome. We have met them before at an other distillery's functions, making us 'old friends'.The distillery is a simple shed with the essential equipment inside. The tasting bar is big enough for a group of 20+. Genise has tasting bottles of their current releases and if you are lucky, one of their 'sold out' bottles. Their first peated whisky is an example, but hurry it won't last long.Brian gave me a tour of the distillery that was 'in production'. The mash vat was brewing a new batch and the still had more 'new make spirit' about to be distilled for the second time. The setup is traditional and they are producing plenty for future consumption.I was treated to a tasting of a future release merged malt and it should be another 'hit' in the near future. I also tasted their rums, my favourite is the overproof but the barrel aged rum is very good too.This is a developing business of two passionate distillers. Genise makes the rums and Brian, the whiskys.They have an outdoor event area that has more development coming soon but a classic Australian outdoor party venue.I highly recommend a visit to the Black Gate Distillery. I suggest that any whisky or rum drinkers try their products.