Bluestill distillery
Contents
Established in 1995, the Bluestill Distillery endeavor began roughly as a collaborative trial and error process. Now, with over a decade of distilling experience Bluestill can proudly lay claim to a unique range of recognisable hand crafted Australian craft spirits. Including James Bentley Whisky, Black Widow Bourbon, Double Up Vodka, Red Kelpie Rum, Trafalgar Gin, Chiapas Tequila, Young Drop Grappa, Ouzo, Cherry Port along others. All of the Bluestill range is bottled on site, with product tasting available.
Bourbon Controversy
In 2014 Bluestill took the potentially risky step of releasing a “Bourbon” whisky. In 1964 a congressional resolution declared Bourbon to be a “distinctive product of the United States”. This lead to Bourbon being a protected term like Scotch, Pisco, Mezcal, Cognac, Champagne, etc. where trade agreements are in place. As this is a protected term this has caused some not inconsiderable controversy and threats of legal challenge from the Kentucky Distillers Association, Distilled Spirits Council and the US Trade Representative’s office.
History
Steve Norris was a fruit grower who started making grappa before branching out into wider distillation. The site was formally JD’s Jam Factory (on the hill) and is situated on the Grenfell Road. The old factory has been recreated into a space that now showcases a vast variety of local creative talent. Bluestill also offers great coffee and there is even a children’s play area.
Bluestill factsheet
| Name | Pronounced | AKA | Region | Country of Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluestill | Australia | |||
| Status | Active | Whisky Type | Website | Tours Available |
| Active | 2001 - Present | Rye, Corn | Bluestill | Not Available |
| Manager | Distiller | Blender | Owned by | Parent Group |
| Unknown |
Interesting Bluestill links:
Can I tour Bluestill?
Yes Bluestill distillery is tourable. On Trip Advisor the distillery has been rated as excellent by 7 of 16 tours to date. This gives Bluestill an overall rating of 4.0
Latest reviews
Hidden Rustic Gem
by Yvette H
Some of the smoothest and creative spirits we've ever had. A small distillery but the owner was so helpful. Happy for us to try whatever we wanted, recommended more but was never pushy. A great stop where you can spend as much or as little time as you want.
Huge Range
by AlanandjudySydney
Great variety ! Peter was very helpful but not pushy. Recommend the Honey Bourbon.. and the Cherry Liquor.. and the Cherry Port... and the ( get the picture !😀)
Worth a Visit
by Crid26
I was sent here as someone told me they had cherry bourbon - they don't - but the owner happily let me try their cherry port and cherry liqueur which were delicious. I also tried the honey bourbon but it wasn't really my cup of tea.My friend said they used to have a big shop front which is now an Indian restaurant (I will review this separately). The owner said he was starting to slow down with the distillery. There was only a small area in the side of the distillery with their produce.Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area. Expect a rustic, micro distillery.
| Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 7 |
| Very good | 4 |
| Average | 3 |
| Poor | 2 |
| Terrible | 0 |