Reviving Ballarat’s Whiskey Heritage: A Bold New Legacy Begins
Ballarat is stepping back into the spotlight as the birthplace of Victorian whiskey, with the Whiskey Barrel Experience on offer from Itinerant Spirits. This locally owned distillery is rekindling a proud tradition that began over 160 years ago when John Dunn opened Victoria’s first large-scale whiskey distillery in Warrenheip.
Itinerant Spirits is a celebration of Ballarat’s resilience, innovation, and community spirit. With its unique on-grains distillation method, locally sourced grains from Western Victoria, and volcanic spring water, the distillery is crafting bold, flavourful whiskey that reflects the richness of the region.
“Ballarat has a rich history of whiskey-making, and we’re proud to bring this tradition back to life,” said James Fairlie, Itinerant Spirits’ head distiller. “From sourcing ingredients to showcasing our whiskey on a global stage, every step of our journey is firmly rooted in Ballarat.”
Itinerant Spirits is inviting locals to be part of its story through the Barrel Keeper Experience. This exclusive opportunity allows ownership of one of the remaining 5 barrels of the first barrels of whiskey crafted at the distillery. Each 100L barrel will be housed in the distillery with names etched into the barrel, with each barrel having its own distinct flavour profile as it matures over a three-year period and every six months, giving the barrel owners the opportunity to taste and experience the evolution of their whiskey.
“This isn’t just whiskey—it’s your whiskey,” Fairlie added. “The Barrel Keeper Experience is a way for locals to create their own legacy and be part of Ballarat’s whiskey revival.” Housed in the heritage-listed Goods Shed, which dates back to 1863, Itinerant Spirits combines the historic with the modern. The distillery’s process embraces sustainability, from partnering with local farmers to repurpose waste as animal feed, to using re-coopered ex-bourbon barrels from Timboon.
“Our focus is on creating world-class whiskey while honouring the planet and the community that makes it possible,” said Fairlie. “This is a great opportunity for lovers of whiskey to share in a unique Ballarat experience.”
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Media Contact:
Brad Wilson
Co-founder Itinerant Spirits
M :0434 796 873
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1 个月That sounds like a truly unique experience, having a whiskey with personal significance! How do you think the local ingredients influence its flavor profile? ?? On another note, I’d love to connect!