New whisky release is a tribute to times past

So you like your whisky on the bold side?

Tasmania's Callington Mill Distillery is this week releasing its latest cask strength dram, Town Hall, which is bottled exactly as it comes from the barrel at a whopping 66.1% ABV.

The new release is promoted as "whisky in its most authentic form - uncut, undiluted and unapologetically full in flavour". 

For purists, it is said to be the closest experience to sampling straight from the cask itself.

Released as the fourth instalment in the distillery’s Heritage Series, Town Hall is drawn from a single Portuguese port cask. 

It is distilled in the historic Midlands township of Oatlands, where the many sandstone buildings tell stories of a bygone era. 

Made in a very small batch, it will retail for RRP $195 and will be available online from Monday as well as at distillery cellar doors in Oatlands and Hobart. 

I asked to try it but no luck. But they did send me a bottle of the award-winning Callington Mill Invicta, which I look forward to trying. 

“Our Heritage Series is a tribute to Callington Mill’s birthplace, Oatlands, Tasmania, a town that seems to have stood still in time," says Callington Mill Distillery founder John Ibrahim. 

Built by architect William Henry Lord in 1882, the picturesque sandstone Town Hall has long been the heart of community life, hosting council meetings, dances, and early film screenings. 

It was one of the first rural venues in Australia to show feature films, making it a pioneer of cinema in regional Tasmania. 

“Driving down the main road of Oatlands, you get a real sense that it’s a place that truly values its history," Ibrahim says. "You can’t come here without being amazed at the effort put into keeping that village feel. It’s like stepping back in time.”

See www.callingtonmilldistillery.com

Meet the first Australian whisky to be matured in amphorae

Wines have been matured in clay amphorae for thousands of years - and now whisky is being made the same way. 

Callington Mill is set to unveil a limited-release batch of Australia’s first Amphora Single Malt Whisky, available only via ballot. 

This 4,000-year-old technique is being revived for whisky production at Callington Mill in Tasmania. 

Crafted at the Oatlands distillery, the Amphora Single Malt Whisky has been rested in 350-litre amphorae for two years in the distillery’s ‘Serendipity Room’. 

The natural properties and shape of the amphorae work to gently refine the whisky, the catalyst for what the distillery says is "an unmatched smoothness and purity".

“We made sure when we started this amphora process two years ago that we picked a liquid worth the wait," says Callington Mill distiller Blair Whitehead. 

"It’s about letting the spirit speak for itself and seeing what character starts to shine through when you treat it with this kind of care. 

”The idea for our Amphora Single Malt came about naturally, really. We’re always exploring ways to honour tradition while pushing things forward. Amphorae have been used for thousands of years to soften and mature wines and spirits, so we thought 'why not apply that same thinking to our already expressive whiskies?' ”

This mature single malt whisky begins its journey in a blend of sherry, tokay, and brandy casks before being transferred into one of the three amphorae.

 

The Callington Mill Amphora Single Malt Whisky ballot is open at www.callingtonmilldistillery.com. 

Ballot winners will be drawn between 11-13.  Fewer than 1,000 bottles will be released at $199.

Hobart gets a new destination for whisky lovers

It's all change on the Hobart waterfront with award-winning Callington Mill Distillery setting up shop in the Macq01 building. 

The new lunch, dinner, and late-night-drinks destination seats 190 across two indoor spaces and a harbourside deck.

Callington Mill's Macq01 venue will be Monday-Sunday, offering whisky experiences all week long and into the night!

The Oatlands-based distillery has taken over the space that was formerly the Frogmore Creek Lounge and as of June 26 will offer Tasmanian whiskies, personalised bottles, and dining experiences to the heart of Hobart.

Guests can expect a line-up of Callington Mill whiskies and the drinks list will also feature wines from Frogmore Creek, beers, and a diverse range of cocktails, thoughtfully inspired by Callington Mill’s award-winning whisky and gin range (Poltergeist Gin).

 “I met Frogmore Creek’s CEO James [Skabo] over a dinner where he mentioned that they were looking for someone to take over their decade-long lease," says Callington Mill founder John Ibrahim. 

"We have a similar vision and ambition to put Tasmania on the map for wine and whisky lovers alike, so our goals aligned and we got to chatting about a heartfelt handover of Frogmore's iconic lounge.”

Whisky-curious drinkers can book the ‘Serendipity Experience’ - named after the subterranean room at the Oatlands distillery - where they can l taste, learn, create, and depart with a personalised signature bottle.

Callington Mill’s new Macq01 venue will continue the distillery’s commitment to Tasmanian produce and community, with all ingredients sourced from local growers and makers. 

The move aligns with the brand’s broader focus on sustainability and eco-agriculture, which has underpinned operations at its Oatlands home.

The Macq01 venue is located at 18 Hunter Street, Tasmania. Bookings can be made at callingtonmilldistillery.com, or by calling 0482 509 019 for venue bookings.

From wine to whisky: all change on the Hobart waterfront

All change on the Hobart waterfront.

Callington Mill Distillery today announced it will take over the lease of the waterfront venue on the ground floor of the Macq01 hotel in Hobart.

The venue, previously operated by Frogmore Creek Wines, will serve as the distillery’s new city location from May.

It will "offer a space to showcase their world-class Tasmanian whisky and be a gateway for visitors to explore their home base in Oatlands".

Frogmore Creek, which designed and opened the Macq01 location in 2017, has enjoyed success using the venue to promote their premium Tasmanian wines and drive visitors to its cellar door and restaurant in Cambridge.

The revamped venue will see whisky and wine showcased together.

John Ibraham, owner of Callington Mill Distillery, said: “We’re excited to extend our brand’s reach to Hobart and offer our visitors a chance to experience Callington Mill Distillery before they make the journey to our Oatlands distillery.

Callington Mill Distillery built its distillery in the historic town of Oatlands, an hour north of Hobart but off the tourism track.

Frogmore Creek, under the leadership CEO James Skabo, is in the midst of a 60-hectare vineyard expansion, responding to the increasing market demand for premium cool-climate Tasmanian wines.

It will continue to operate its restaurant, cellar door, and function centre Cambridge.

“We are excited about the coming years and opportunities, including expanding our working relationship with John and the team at Callington Mill, as we both strive to build iconic Tasmanian brands," Skabo said.

"In the coming months, we look forward to enjoying a whisky on the waterfront and embracing this exciting new chapter in Hobart’s hospitality scene.”

Further details regarding the new offerings and experiences at the venue will be announced closer to the opening.