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 |