Developers and investors have issued a vote of confidence in a proposed $3 million gin academy and SA-first gin retreat on Kangaroo Island. If approved, the academy will be an industry-led destination that will attract both international and domestic travellers interested in distilling.
The proposed gin academy would be operated by Mighty Craft, which owns Kangaroo Island Distillery, and be built on the former health retreat site on Bates Road at Emu Bay.
The unique venue, which also proposes to have nine on-site individual tourism units, would have 5L pot still for gin distilling demonstrations and offer distilling certification courses.
Mighty Craft’s Co-Founder and Director Stuart Morton is excited by the opportunities that this unique training facility on Kangaroo Island presents.
“The Spirits Academy at Emu Bay is set to become a centre of learning, innovation, and excellence for Australian and international distilling talent,” says Stuart.
“As an industry-leading resource, it will be headed by some of the finest distillers in Australia and used to train overseas students and new distilling staff. It will also be available for anyone in the distilling industry who wants to enhance their technical distilling expertise.
“As Kangaroo Island rebounds from the devastating 2020 bushfires, the Academy will be a great addition to the island’s recovering tourism scene and a hub for creating new and innovative gins and spirits for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.”
Mighty Craft is a mighty giant in the Australian liquor world, also owning Seven Seasons, 78 Degrees Gin, Mismatch Brewing, Better Beer, Hills Cider, and more.
Kangaroo Island Council Mayor Michael Pengilly says he will “certainly be encouraging” the project, believing the proposed destination would support the booming local tourism industry on the island.
Alongside the proposed gin academy and retreat, 1834 Hotels CEO Andrew Bullock submitted an $800,000 proposal to build eight luxury chalets next to the Mercure Kangaroo Island Lodge.
Submitted by Openhouse architect Wing Hing Chong, the chalets would overlook the picturesque Mutton Fish Beach and cater to the “rising demand for tourist accommodation in Kangaroo Island”.
To learn more about Mighty Craft and its brands, click here.
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