South Australia’s distillery scene is filled with vibrant and creative spirits, featuring award-winning gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, liqueurs and brandy. The state’s spirits industry is booming and has seen a dramatic rise in recent years, now with over 100 distillers.
With an export value of $26.6 million as of May 2023, South Australian spirits make up 12% of Australia’s spirit exports. The future is looking even brighter, with projections of 2,300 direct jobs, and sales expected to soar to between $120 million and $180 million by 2031.
With the help of Brand South Australia’s Buy SA. For SA campaign, we’ve listed six South Australian craft spirits producers to try, to help you embark on a spirited adventure around the state. You can visit most distilleries and make a day of it, but some sell their products exclusively online, through stockists and can also be found at markets and events across Adelaide.
Whether you’re looking to go on a distillery-hopping journey or are an online shopping connoisseur, the SA Distillery Trail, curated by Distillers SA, is a great way to explore the state’s finest distilleries. Mention the trail during your visits or check out the discount codes for online distilleries to take advantage of exclusive discounts, unique experiences and personalised insights.
Prohibition Liquor Co
Prohibition Liquor Co.’s journey to global recognition began in 2015 when two friends turned a backyard garage in Adelaide into a gin distillery. Combining their expertise in food and beverage with a passion for brand creation quickly turned the venture into a beloved local favourite. Now an Adelaide icon, the company has expanded its operations to include a city distillery, Bootleg Coffee Co, and the Next Door cocktail bar. Recently, their sub-brand Bootleg Craft Spirits won “World’s Best Coffee Liqueur” at the prestigious World Drink Awards in London.
22 Gilbert Street, Adelaide 5000
For more information, click here.
BAROSSA DISTILLING CO
Based in the Barossa Valley, Barossa Distilling Co. is award-winning South Australian distillery that crafts exceptional spirits driven by bold flavours and a spirit of exploration. Originally known for their craft gin, they have expanded their offerings to include vodka, liqueurs, whisky, brandy, and a range of cocktails. One of their latest innovations is the Barrel Aged Shiraz Gin, a unique creation with rich jammy flavours, stewed fruits, sultana, and Christmas spices, limited to just 130 bottles. Recently, they earned acclaim as the World’s Best Flavoured Gin at the prestigious World Gin Awards in London, surpassing 900 entries from 47 countries.
Visit: 18-28 Tanunda Rd, Nuriootpa SA 5355
For more information, click here.
Little Juniper
Founded in 2020 and based in Adelaide’s leafy foothills, Little Juniper Distilling is driven by curiosity, creativity, and a passion for flavour. They use locally grown, foraged, and the finest organic botanicals from around the world to craft their spirits. Their debut gin, Little Juniper Signature, is packed with flavour, with 21 organic botanicals, creating a modern London Dry style with a rich mix of juniper, herbs, florals, and fruits.
Little Juniper is not open to the public, but their products are available for purchase online and via stockists.
For more information, click here.
Kangaroo Island Spirits
Kangaroo Island Spirits, South Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery, was established in 2006 and is known for continually pushing the boundaries of innovation and exploration. The founders planted juniper bushes at their Cygnet River distillery, leading to the creation of the world’s first gin made exclusively from 100% Australian-grown juniper in 2023. Their Wild Gin recently won Best Australian Gin at the 2024 Dan Murphy’s Decoded Spirits Awards, adding yet another feather to their cap.
Visit: 856 Playford Hwy, Cygnet River SA 5223
For more information, click here.
Heaps Good Gin
Heaps Good Gin is a vibrant addition to South Australia’s craft spirits scene. Referred to as ‘SA in a bottle’, the gin features juniper, Riverland Orange, Mypolonga Finger Lime, Lake Eyre Saltbush, and Pink Pepper for a balanced and distinctly local flavour. Dedicated to South Australian spirit (hence the name ‘Heaps Good’), Heaps Good Gin incorporates local botanicals and supports SA businesses in its production. It truly is… heaps good.
Heaps Good Gin is not open to the public, but their products are available online and via stockists.
For more information, click here.
Mad Monkey
Mad Monkey Distillery, Adelaide’s first dedicated rum distillery, launched in March 2020 with a Caribbean, Tiki Surf themed fit-out (see above). They ferment and distill everything on site, using specialty yeasts, open fermentations, and a touch of magic to craft unique spirits. Their aim is to introduce guests to the world of Mad Monkey while enhancing transparency about their rum’s ingredients and journey from distillery to glass.
Visit: 6 La Salle St, Dudley Park SA 5008
For more information, click here.
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Brand SA Advisory Board Member and President of Distillers SA, George Georgiadis, says that South Australia is fast taking on the mantle as the ‘spirits state’ of Australia.
“Our craft spirits sector is growing at an incredible rate and winning a raft of international awards along the way. We’re now integral to jobs growth in this state and are contributing exciting new experience destinations,” George Georgiadis says.
South Australians are encouraged to explore the vibrant spirits industry that is booming across the state. When you choose SA brands, you’re not only getting amazing quality products, you’re also supporting local people and contributing to the growth of SA’s economy.
The SA Distillery Trail offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy exclusive discounts, unique experiences, and personalised insights. Otherwise, for distilleries you can’t visit in person, consider making an online purchase to have the spirits delivered directly to your door.
For information on Distillers South Australia, click here.
For information on Buy SA. For SA, click here.
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