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.

How sweet it is for Tasmanian dessert wine

Tasmania is known as a producer of world-class sparkling wines. Its top pinot noirs are much sought-after and its white table wines much acclaimed.

When it comes to dessert wines, Tasmania is less well-known. In fact, the island state only makes a handful of sweet wines.

Alain Rousseau, the French winemaker at Frogmore Creek in the Coal River Valley, has long believed the Apple Isle can make standout dessert wines.

His point was proved when the results of the 23rd annual Canberra International Riesling Challenge were announced last night.

The award for Best Wine of the 2024 Challenge was won by the Frogmore Creek 2023 Iced Riesling, which was also named Best Sweet Riesling and Best Australian Riesling. It retails for around $28 for 375mls.

Nearly 330 Rieslings from 140 wineries across five countries - Australia, New Zealand, the US, Germany and France - were judged at this year’s Challenge. 

Regular readers will know GoTR is not a great fan of wine shows generally, but this was an outstanding result.

Chairman of Judges Cameron Douglas MS, a man with a very good palate, says: “Great riesling can be a beguiling experience with aromas, flavours and textures that resonate seamlessly with the palate. From its bone-dry steely mineral expressions to lusciously sweet and rich, there is a riesling for all occasions and palates.

"Generally lighter in alcohol, refreshingly high in fruit and natural acidity, fine riesling can echo a sense of a place and time through a captivating aroma package."

Shelley Bickerstaff, national brand manager for Frogmore Creek, was delighted.

We are really excited about this award," she says. "Alain loved the 23 Iced Riesling and is even more excited about the 2024 vintage, so this is very well received news."

Enjoy Tasmania from the air and on the ground

One of the best ways to explore Tasmania has to be from the air. 

Tasmanian Air Tours' latest offering gives guests the chance to explore some of the Hobart region’s top tasting experiences via scenic helicopter flights. 

Visitors can sample artisan cheeses, unique tipples and excellent wines, before heading to a vineyard for a fine feast. 

After a flight over Hobart, enjoy a tasting experience at Grandvewe and Hartshorn Distillery at Birchs Bay, the home of award-winning sheep's whey vodka and cheeses.

Next up, sample Mewstone Wines' excellent drops under the Mewstone and Hughes & Hughes labels at their recently established cellar door at Flowerpot.

Then finish with a flight across the River Derwent to the Coal River Valley, where a lunchtime feast at Frogmore Creek winery is on offer.

The cost is $1299 per person with a two-person minimum. 

See www.tasmanianairtours.com.au/delicious-tasting-flight-tasmanian-cheese-tipples-and-wine