Tin Shed Distilling’s Ian Schmidt makes some of the finest whisky in the country, but doesn’t distil his words.
“Stills in the Hills 2026 will be the best fun you can have with your pants on and your feet dry,” he says. “The local producers will make sure of it.”
The event, held at his Adelaide Hills distillery on 25 July, celebrates some of South Australia’s best brown spirits, including whisky, rum and brandy.
Ian believes South Australia produces some of the best quality craft distilling in the nation and wants to show us, one dram at a time.
“Last year it was an absolute hoot,” he says. “You get more than 100 people in an establishment with 80 or 100 different brown spirits to choose from, that’s a lot of fun.”
He pauses.
“Not that anyone actually drank that much, it was more about the stories, the camaraderie, and the convivial interactions between the customer and the local distillers.”
This is the second year in a row the event has occurred, and Ian can’t wait for round two.
“We’re showcasing South Australian brown spirits,” he says. “Because one of their biggest problems here is that we’re not in Tasmania. If you say to someone, ‘I’m a distiller, and I make whiskey in Australia, they say, ‘Are you Tasmanian?’”
Stills in the Hills features more than a dozen local craft distillers, some of whom will pour new releases for the first time.
“This year, we’ll see the launch of at least three new whiskies from Kangaroo Island Spirits, which I can tell you are very good.”
The festival vibes will also be heightened by prizes.
“We’re giving away money can’t buy type experiences,” Ian says. “Things like barrel room tours, tasting from the barrels, or blending classes with individual producers.”
Tickets include a complimentary festival tasting glass to take home. Designated drivers will not miss out.
“We have a designated drivers pack, which is basically little bottles you can pour tastings into so you can take them home and finish them there.”
An optional add-on also includes a return bus ride from the Stag Hotel on East Terrace to Nairne. “For people who can’t be bothered driving.” There will, of course, be food. Think smoked brisket and chicken wings made in Tin Shed Distillery’s kitchen. “Platters, charcuterie and our soon-to-be extremely famous slow and slow barbecue.”
Ian is genuinely thrilled to see more women drinking brown spirits these days. “Thirty per cent of our Tin Shed Distilling mailing list is female, and more than half the people who walk through our cellar door are women.”
Ian hopes the one-day event will continue to grow.
“We envisaged that over time it might grow to be something like Fèis Ìle, the 10-day Islay Festival of Whisky in Scotland.”
For now, Stills in the Hills 2026 is set to give brown spirits the love they deserve, from neat to cocktails, and beyond.
“There are too many shows for gin people,” Ian says. “We’re selling a far more sophisticated, more expensive product. Customers are genuinely interested and visit us to learn, not just stick their glass out for a tasting to get drunk.” It’s also a chance to try before you buy.
“This is a cheap way to try it and make a note of what you do and don’t like. Trying before you buy is worthwhile, especially when times are tough, and you don’t want to waste your money.”
Stills in the Hills 2026
When: Saturday, July 25th, 1pm to 4pm
Where: 121 Old Princes Hwy, Nairne SA, Australia
Price: $85
For more information, click here.
