KILDERKIN DISTILLERY

Welcome to Kilderkin Distillery

Uncover a new chapter in Ballarat’s long established distilling history at Kilderkin Distillery.

Home of Larrikin Gin and Liqueurs and the recently released Goldfields Single Malt Whisky, this small distillery prides itself on producing hand-crafted spirits of distinction to suit any occasion. Kilderkin Distillery possesses a fun flair and a genuine commitment to the production of high-quality, locally produced spirits. Our award-winning range of artisan gins are vapour-infused with an intriguing variety of botanicals from Australia and around the world. This production technique allows the unique botanical flavours to be slowly integrated into the gin, producing smooth, clean, well-balanced spirits to please the most discerning palate.

Kilderkin Distillery recently launched their first release single malt whisky which was aged in a Kilderkin barrel for 5 years. Their second release is due out in early 2024.

We look forward to welcoming you to enjoy gin and whisky tasting flights, gin and tonics (or other mixers), gin liqueurs, select cocktails and mocktails, or local beer, cider or soft drinks. Light food options including cheese platters, pretzels, nuts, olives and the much loved Tim’s Toasties are available to complement your tipple of choice.

We also run tours, masterclasses and special events, as well as direct bottle and merchandise sales at our cellar door. Experience the joy of creating your own signature gin at our Gin Schools, or try our unique Gin-Inspired Candle Workshops, including candle making class, distillery tour and a guided gin tasting to ignite your senses. For our latest offerings, please visit our website or contact our friendly team on the details below.

We believe that every great moment starts with a larrikin – so get yours now at Kilderkin Distillery!

The Distillery Bar

Our warm and welcoming Distillery Bar beckons you to sit back and enjoy a few good-hearted laughs as you discover the story behind the creation of our fine spirits.

Housed within a historical warehouse in Mount Pleasant - Ballarat’s oldest residential suburb, Kilderkin Distillery exudes colourful character and a hint of endearing cheeky charm. As you step inside, you will likely sense the jovial vibe and be greeted by the cheerful sound of animated conversation and clinking glasses. The main bar area is characterised by rustic industrial architecture with polished concrete floors and exposed brick walls on all sides. Several light fixtures hang from high ceilings with exposed wooden beams, creating a sense of space. The bar is quite spacious, with a choice of standard tables and high bar-style seating spread throughout the room. The bar area has a counter and shelves stocked with bottles and glassware. Behind the bar, rows of barrels adorn the wall, adding a visual authenticity to the distillery bar experience.

Our distillery bar is a great place to sample our range of handcrafted spirits and enjoy a few laughs with loved ones. It’s also an ideal venue for your next special event, or a top spot to catch up with your mates for a relaxed afternoon of fun paired with top notch tipples.

We believe that there is a touch of larrikin in everyone, and we welcome all good-hearted souls from all walks of life who enjoy a laugh, drink responsibly and are good company to enjoy a Larrikin gin, gin liqueur, or Kilderkin whisky at the Kilderkin Distillery Bar!

Handcrafted Spirits of Distinction

From the warmth of exotic spices to the sweetness of begonia petals, you’re sure to be surprised and delighted by the exciting new flavours you’ll discover during your visit.

Savour the fresh scent of juniper as you sample our signature Original Larrikin gin, with its lemon myrtle highlights and hints of warmth and spice. Or perhaps a nip of Scoundrel is more your style? This classic dry gin features carefully selected international spices and accents of fresh citrus to awaken your senses. For those with bold ambitions, check out our award-winning navy strength gin, the Buccaneer. Whether you prefer your gin neat, with your favourite mixer or in a cocktail, Kilderkin Distillery has everyone’s tastes covered.

For a truly unique taste of the Aussie spirit, be sure to try our signature Sunburnt Country Gin. Featuring the flavours of Australia’s best bush tucker, this very special gin bursts with native botanicals. Hints of dried plum, zesty lime and a unique roasted character accompanied by strawberry and lemon notes create an intriguing symphony of flavours. Bottled at 50.7% (reflecting Australia’s highest temperature on record) this tantalising tipple sure packs a punch!

Our gins are proudly distilled, hand bottled and labelled onsite, delivering exceptional flavours that capture the essence of our creativity and homegrown hospitality.

Our Spirited Story

Many Aussie tales begin with a larrikin – a good-hearted, fun-loving soul with an apparent disregard for convention, with a cheeky nature that dares to be different. Here at Kilderkin Distillery, we aim to honour this cheeky Australian spirit, while producing seriously good high-quality gin for you to enjoy. Having fun is part of our identity and we love to share the true-blue Australian larrikin spirit far and wide. But while we love a laugh, we do take our gin and spirits seriously!

For us it started over 15 years ago following a lifelong interest in distilling. After a few years of dreams and a few more careful planning, we fulfilled our ambition by establishing Kilderkin Distillery in 2016 and launching our first gins in 2017.

The city of Ballarat itself has a long history of distilling, both illicit and licit, with the first legal distillery in the colony of Victoria producing gin and whisky in Ballarat from the 1860s until it closed in the mid-1930s. We are proud to be carrying on this tradition, adding another chapter to this spirited story of success.

Our business was named after the small oak barrel or cask in which we distil our small batch spirits – known as a kilderkin. Each holding 18 imperial gallons (or 81.8 metric litres) we believe these small barrels produce small batch spirits of exceptional character.

While treasuring the past we also embrace the future, with a range of strategies aimed at promoting sustainability of our operations. We actively strive to source local products where possible, reduce water usage and increase energy efficiency across our operations. We are also employing some innovative strategies with the aim of becoming a zero-waste distillery by repurposing and recycling wherever possible.

Accessibility

Kilderkin Distillery is a family-owned business that values and respects diversity. We are committed to providing a welcoming, accessible and inclusive space for visitors.

Our Distillery Bar is open Thursday to Sunday from 12 noon. Please check our website or give us a call to confirm current opening hours. We are located at 14A Hill Street, Mount Pleasant in the beautiful city of Ballarat. The nearest public transport bus stop is approximately 700 metres away and is serviced by local bus routes 22 and 24 from Ballarat Central. For journey planning and ticketing information please visit ptv.vic.gov.au. Taxis and ride share services are also available. For those opting to arrive by car, there is plenty of convenient on-street parking. On-site parking is also available for patrons with accessibility needs. For larger vehicles an open car park is just across the road.

There is level access through the main entrance into the Distillery Bar, to the accessible toilet and to the Manufacturing section for taking part in distillery tours. Tables are laid out with sufficient space to provide easy access for wheelchair users. Toilets are identified as being for all genders.

Assistance animals are welcome in the venue. The nearest grassy space suitable for toileting assistance animals is located just across the road in a large grassed green space. Glass doors and full-height windows have contrast markings to make them easier to see. Lighting varies throughout the venue, with some areas featuring low lighting. Our menu is printed and we can provide larger printed options if requested, otherwise staff are happy to read and discuss the distillery offerings to our guests.

Our key staff have undergone accessibility awareness training and will endeavour to deliver an inclusive experience and assist with your access needs wherever possible. We are continuing to work on features to make our venue more accessible to a wider range of patrons. Please feel free to contact our friendly team with any enquiries on O424 791 790 or info@kilderkindistillery.com.au.