This winter, Waitpinga welcomed a new gem to the world of handcrafted spirits with the opening of Moo’s Distillery a few months ago. Located on Waitpinga Road, just outside of Victor Harbor, this new distillery has quickly made a name for itself with a focus on gin and vodka.
The story of Moo’s Distillery began in the lush, green fields of Waitpinga, where Jaymes, a country boy raised on his family’s property (also known as the Breakaway Farm Stay bed and breakfast) developed a keen interest in craft spirits. Growing up surrounded by farm life, Jaymes dreamt of one day transforming an old dairy building on the farm into a successful distillery. His family owned the property for about 15 years, and while Jaymes eventually moved into town, he never gave up on his dream of breathing new life into the old dairy building.
The transformation of the old dairy (hence the name ‘Moo’s Distillery’) into a distillery has been nothing short of awesome. What was once a small, aged storage shed, has now been completely renovated into a space that is rustic, with modern distillation techniques, from polished wood bench tops to fortified cast iron walls.
“There was always the building there that was kind of just a useless building, just an old storage shed really. It’s always been there, maybe for 30 to 40 years. It’s quite nice to see, even to just what it looks like now,” Jaymes says.
Despite being new to the spirits industry, Jaymes and his team are quickly making a name for themselves. With Jaymes leading the charge, his sister Tristen is handling the marketing side of things, while their dad takes care of maintenance and construction, and Jaymes’ other sister manages the cellar door’s bar and daily operations.
Moo’s Distillery has become known for its craft spirits that capture the essence of Waitpinga. Each batch reflects local flora and traditions, using techniques that combine old-world craftsmanship with contemporary creativity.
Among their offerings, Jaymes says the Navy Strength Gin with hibiscus and spearmint is his personal favourite. At 58% alcohol, it’s quite a “strong beverage”, with a floral and refreshing profile, perfect for cocktails.
The cellar door not only offers a taste of the distillery’s spirits, but also features a little kitchen serving pizzas, hot chips, and platters. While it’s currently a family affair, the team plans to expand and bring in staff as they approach the busy summer season, with heaps of fun events coming up.
Moo’s Distillery is set to become a must-visit destination for craft spirit lovers, as the business really starts to take off. By summer, it’s sure to be a popular spot in town for anyone keen to try Waitpinga’s gin and vodka offerings.
What: Moo’s Distillery
Where: 790 Waitpinga Rd, Waitpinga SA 5211
Facebook: Moo’s Distillery
For more information, click here.
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