Adelaide Hills

Retro Whiskey Distillery, Cellar Door and Brewery to open in the Hills

Union Bridge Brewery & Distillery is developing a retro 1920’s style whisky distillery in a first of its kind and will include something for everyone.

Image credit: Union Bridge

The Union Bridge revival is about to be taken to the next level, with a 1920’s-style distillery set to join the under-construction brewery and cellar door in the Adelaide Hills.

Nestled in the heart of Cudlee Creek, the Union Bridge has been undergoing construction for the past four years to revitalize the bones of the old Creek Cold Store.

While the Union Bridge has been brewing beers for the past year, owners Steve O’Connor and Gerri Milham are venturing into spirit distilling, creating their own line of whiskey.

To accompany the smoky spirit, O’Connor and Milham are designing a retro speakeasy for patrons to sip a nip of the Union Bridge whiskey. The distillery will join the cellar door and brewery at the stunning Cuddlee Creek location.

The space will be the latest Adelaide Hills hotspot to visit in the New Year, with the Union Set to offer six locally brewed beers, whiskey, tapas and pizza.  

Currently, the Union Bridge is serving stubbies of their six local brews, including an IPA, Hard Lemonade and Send It Session Ale, named after the newly re-opened Fox Creek Bike Park, on their online website. Guests and Cuddle Creek locals will be able to enjoy fresh pints of the refreshing ales and brews once opened.

The recent development to the long-awaited project comes after the Cuddle Creek location received a grant in the state’s latest round of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s Tourism Industry Development Fund.

“We’ve been working on one for quite a while. The grant will be able to bring forward a few developments quicker than anticipated,” says O’Connor.

The $278,01 grant will aid in the completion of the highly-anticipated Union Bridge revamp, with the funds used to finalize the cellar door and kitchen, as well as kick-starting the distillery project.

Premier Steven Marshall said the funding is a huge investment in the state’s regions, at a time of continued record-breaking regional tourism demand, sustaining and creating jobs.

“The grant allows us to proceed with the project immediately, bringing forward the economic and social benefits of the project to the South Australian and Adelaide Hills economies in a time where it’s much needed,” Marshall.

The renovation is expected to boost wine sales, create jobs and encourage more tourism to the region from both national and international markets.

Patrons will be able to check out the Union Bridge in the new year. You can visit Union Bridge’s website here.

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