Fleurieu Distillery

May has been one of those months that felt equal parts chaotic and rewarding.

There have been whisky festivals and industry gatherings, opportunities to reconnect with old friends and make new connections, long days creating and bottling new releases, and the privilege of seeing Fleurieu whiskies appear in places and events far beyond our own walls.

Along the way we found ourselves sharing drams in Brisbane, catching up with Cody and Marcus at Hains & Co, bottling The Fifth Element, supporting the South Coast Choral Group as they prepared for their Speakeasy-inspired production of *Twelfth Night*, and supplying whisky for the main bar at Tasting Australia.

Each moment was different, but together they served as a reminder that whisky is rarely just about what's in the glass. It's about people, stories, creativity, and the communities that form around them.

We're a little tired, immensely grateful, and looking forward to seeing what June brings.

From Goolwa Wharf to South Bank and back again.

From freight boxes packed in the Goods Shed to pouring drams in Brisbane, the Queensland Whisky Expo once again reminded us how far whisky can carry a story.

Thank you to Rory Wagon and the team at the Queensland Malt Whisky Society who brought great whisky and good people together at Rydges on Brisbane’s South Bank.

It was wonderful to share a snapshot of the Fleurieu story in spirit—not only across the tasting table, but also through a guided masterclass session and the many conversations that happen around events like these.

For us, opportunities like the Queensland Whisky Expo are about more than simply pouring whisky. They’re a chance to take the Fleurieu Peninsula beyond the Goods Shed—connecting with interstate visitors and introducing people to a region many are discovering for the first time.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for a dram, a chat, and a shared appreciation of Australian whisky. We’re already looking forward to next time🥃♥

One of the lovely moments from the Queensland Whisky Expo.

Collaborations like Country to Coast remind us that Australian Whisky has always been built on community, generosity and shared passion for the craft. It was a pleasure spending time with Genise from Black Gate Distillery and sharing not only our collaboration whisky, but also the individual stories and spirits that shape each distillery.

Thank you for the very kind words - and to everyone who stopped by to chat, taste and share the experience with us throughout the weekend. These are the conversations that make travelling beyond the Goods Shed so worthwhile 🥃💗

These ladies sure know their stuff 🥃 Whisky makers and co-owners Genise from @blackgatedistillery and Angela from @fleurieudistillery. Thank you for making Queensland Malt Whisky Society Expo a special event! 🥃🥃 #whisky #whiskytasting #aussiewhisky #whiskylover

Incredible journeys begin with a dream…

Celebrating the experiences our Fleurieu friends have pursued 🥃❤️

To quote… “Experiences like this stay with you far longer than things ever will.”

Wherever you dream of travelling to - keep it meaningful.

- Live a life less ordinary -

Antarctica has been a dream for so long, and standing in a place this wild and untouched was a reminder of how big and beautiful the world really is. If there’s a place calling you, go when you can. Experiences like this stay with you far longer than things ever will. Travel does not have to be extravagant, just meaningful. Keep exploring. #AntarcticaTravel #AdventureCulture #GoExplore #TravelForTheSoul #EarthFocus WildPlaces ExpeditionLife TravelInspired

Lest we forget...

Today we pause to remember those who served, sacrificed, and never returned. 🌺

Some of you will remember the Barrels of Gratitude. For others, this may be your first introduction.

Wherever you find yourself, this is the story behind these unique barrels — each one named in honour of real people who have shaped our whisky journey.

Back in 2020, we began The Barrels of Gratitude with Seb Costello — founder of Bad Frankie and one of the earliest champions of Australian spirits. Seb was the one who first welcomed Fleurieu to Melbourne, opened doors to its whisky community, and encouraged us to share our story. His belief in local producers has left a lasting mark on the industry and on us.

Fast forward to 2026 — Seb has continued to advocate tirelessly for Australian distillers, bar owners, and the pursuit of excellence in local spirits. Last year we had the real privilege to present him with his bottle in person from the Gratitude cask — a beautifully balanced whisky with a lifted nose and lengthy sweetness.

The remainder of that cask has since been married with barrels from our Matriarch series, forming the foundation for exciting releases still to come. Until then - this vatting has been tagged as “Seb and the Nonnas”

Here’s to Seb 🥃— connector, advocate, and one of the very first to believe in Fleurieu.

Over the years it has been a fabulous honour to work with Tim and Louis Duckett and their amazing creations!

Aside from geopolitical unrest, inflationary increases, logistical nightmares, high interest rates and lack of discretionary spends, what positive news do we have? Well there is certainly a lot of whisky events, distillery news and whisky releases being marketed on social media. AI is now manipulating advertising. (I'm so old and as a dairy farmer's son, I remember when AI was Artificial Insemination of cows). Back to the positive news, and we have said it before, this will be one of, if not the best whisky we have ever produced. Distilled 2015, Oloroso sherry cask, 67% called Heartwood "A Mythical Beast". Fleurieu single cask single malt @fleurieudistillery Decanted on the floor (in vats) are: Heartwood "The Auspicious PORTents of Whisky Enlightenment" Heartwood DREGs 10 Art of Darkness "Pandemonium" Heartwood "A PORT in Hobart" Plus, additional bourbon, sherry, Topaque, rum and peated casks. Yet to be named. Come and say "Hello". Wally will be energised to greet you. #tasmanianwhisky #australianwhisky