Hunter Island Distillery

A Taste of Tasmania with an Irish Twist

In the serene landscapes of Tasmania, where the air is as pure as the water that trickles down its ancient mountains, a unique distillery crafts spirits that are a testament to innovation, heritage, and the unyielding spirit of its founders. Hunter Island Whisky, created by the visionary Damian Mackey, is not just a distillery—it's a bridge between the rich, verdant hills of Ireland and the rugged, pristine beauty of Tasmania.

Damian's voyage into the world of whisky commenced unexpectedly in 1992, in the company of Bill and Lyn Lark, pioneers who not only mentored him but also changed federal law to establish Australia’s first craft distillery. Inspired by this pioneering spirit, Damian embarked on his own distilling adventure in 2007, with Hunter Island becoming a beacon for those who dare to dream differently.

Damian stepped into the realm of craft distillation, opening his own distillery at a time when the industry was still in its nascent stages in Australia. Unlike the few existing distilleries, none of which produced triple distilled single malt, Damian was determined to chart a new course.

After more than a decade dedicated to crafting Tasmanian single malt whisky, a shift occurred. Inspired by the great tradition of Ireland—a land renowned for its pot still whisky—Damian embarked on a bold new venture. In 2019, Hunter Island claimed its place as Australia’s first distillery solely dedicated to producing pot still whisky and poitin, marking a significant milestone in the Australian craft distilling scene.

“Hunter Island Whisky and Poitin are more than just spirits; they are a celebration of place, a nod to tradition, and a testament to the art of distillation. Triple distilled and aged in oak casks, each bottle is a piece of Tasmania, infused with an Irish soul.”

— Damian Mackey

Hunter Island stands out for three distinct reasons:

1. Pot Still Whisky: Embracing a method steeped in tradition, Hunter Island’s whiskies are an ode to the Irish technique, using a mix of malted and unmalted barley and oats, distinguishing itself from the typical Tasmanian style.

2. Triple Distillation: This meticulous process ensures a smoother, purer spirit, a signature of Hunter Island that sets its products apart.

3. Poitin: Paying homage to Ireland’s traditional white spirit, Hunter Island brings a piece of Irish heritage to Australian shores, introducing poitin to its repertoire.

Those who gravitate towards Hunter Island Whisky are not just customers; they are connoisseurs of life, seekers of stories, and believers in the beauty of a well-crafted spirit. They share a connection to the land, an appreciation for the Tasmanian wilderness, and often, a lineage that traces back to Ireland. It’s this blend of heritage and curiosity that draws them to Hunter Island’s unique offerings.

The excitement of crafting whisky, the challenge of innovating, and the camaraderie found within the Tasmanian distilling community fuel the passion behind Hunter Island. Each day is a new opportunity to create, to learn, and to share – from the quiet of the early morning still runs to the buzz of evening tastings.

Damian credits Bill and Lyn Lark, the godparents of Australian whisky, as his guiding stars. Their journey—marked by bravery, humility, and unwavering support—has lit the path for Hunter Island, inspiring a legacy of resilience and community.

At Hunter Island, no two days are the same. From the break of dawn to the close of day, the team might find themselves distilling, bottling, conducting tastings, or sharing stories with visitors. It’s a life dedicated to the craft, punctuated by endless discovery and the simple joys of sharing a good dram with friends old and new.

As Hunter Island continues to explore the boundless possibilities of whisky and poitin, it invites you on a journey not just of taste, but of discovery, heritage, and connection. Here, amidst the Tasmanian wilderness, a new chapter of distilling history is being written, one batch at a time.