It’s an undisputed fact that Adelaide is most well known for its wineries, but the spirit industry is slowly emerging as a leader in quality right up there with the wines. Adelaide’s distilleries can be found right in the heart of the CBD, and hidden within the wine regions as undiscovered gems.
Within the CBD itself, the most well-known distillery is probably Prohibition Liquor Co. Their prime location adds to their popularity, but it’s their globally awarded spirits that keep lovers of a stiff drink coming back through their doors. Their gins are crafted by hand, distilled with native Australian botanicals, but if you’re not a gin fan, their venue has expanded to include a coffee shop inside, and a cocktail bar next door, called Next Door. Prohibition is the only fully functioning distillery in the CBD proper, so this is your best option if you’re not looking to venture too far from the city.
In Adelaide’s inner suburbs, a few more great distilleries reveal themselves. Thebarton in Adelaide’s inner west has a couple to choose from if you’re trying to make a day of it. Imperial Measures is highly awarded, not just for their signature gin, but for their liqueurs and whiskeys. We’re big fans of the Mandeux Liqueur, made from mandarins picked only 800 metres from the distillery. Once you’ve tried that, head to Happenstance Distillery. They offer an excellent gin tasting board, and their label is adorable. Ambra in Thebarton is another awesome spot, and though you’ll find their spirits in liquor stores, trying it right from the source is well worth it. Their refreshing limoncello is their signature, and the key component of their sustainability efforts. Each lemon is locally sourced, and the leftovers are used in their kitchen, and the kitchens of local restaurants.
Only 15 minutes from Adelaide you’ll find the Adelaide Hills Wine Region, where the distilleries are top notch. For the gin lover, Ambleside Distillers is a standout. Their Hahndorf site is gorgeous, with their tasting bar or deck the best spot to try their signature gin flight. A masterclass is available, too, if you’re wanting to try your hand at distilling. 78 Degrees Distillery is highly awarded and home to a wide variety of spirits, like white spiced rum and dessert gins. They’re located in Lot 100, and share this space with a first-class brewery, a cidery, a winery and restaurant.