Photo: HAINS & CO
Last updated: December 2023
Whisky is becoming more and more popular with distilleries popping up all over the state, so we’ve compiled a list of the must-try whisky bars and distilleries in Adelaide.
Whether you’re a whisky newbie wanting to dip their toes in or an avid whisky drinker already, here’s a list of some of the best places & SA whiskies for you to try.
DISTILLERIES WITH CELLAR DOORS
Blend Etiquette
A new cellar door has opened that is sure to delight spirit enthusiasts: Blend Etiquette, offering a comfortable place to enjoy a gin tasting or drink with a bite to eat in Sturt.
Blend Etiquette is owned by husband and wife duo Lindon and Geordan Lark and the brand traces its origins back to 2016.
Visit Blend Etiquette at 1510 Main South Rd, Sturt SA, 5047.
Tria Prima
Tria Prima distillery is located in the picturesque Adelaide Hills approximately 4 km from Mount Barker Summit. At Tria Prima they foster creativity but respect tradition. They do their own mashing and fermentation using Australian barley. This is followed by a long and slow distillation in their Australian-made 2200 litre copper pot still.
Tria Primia is located at 31 Oborn Road, Mount Barker
For more information, head here
78 Degrees Distillery
Situated at the idyllic Lot 100 in the Adelaide Hills, 78 Degrees Distillery is a small batch distiller showcasing unique Australian characteristics.
78 Degrees now have 5 whiskies in their range including Australian Whisky, Muscat Finish Whisky, Ginger Ale Cask Whisky, 2022 Native Grain Whisky, and Melbourne FC 2021 Premiership Whisky.
Visit 78 Degrees Distillery at Lot.100, 68 Chambers Rd Hay Valley SA
For more information, head here
Twenty Third Street Distillery
Twenty Third Street Distillery get the name from their location, situated on the corner of Twenty Third Street & Renmark Avenue in Renmark, South Australia. The distillery creates a range of award-winning products including brandy, gin, rum, vodka and of course, whisky. Twenty Third Street offer up two different whiskeys – the Hybrid Whisk(e)y and their Single Malt Whisky.
Twenty Third Street Distillery is located at Corner of Renmark Avenue and Twenty Third Street, Renmark.
For more information, head here
Fleurieu Distillery
The Fleurieu Distillery is located in the centre of the historic Goolwa Wharf Precinct, and is known for distilling its award-winning Single Malt Whisky. On the waters edge of the river port of Goolwa, the whisky develops expressive maple and vanilla oak overtones mixed with spicy sea-air aromas.
The distillery and brewery are open for tasting and sales Wednesday to Sunday, from 11.30am to 4.30pm.
The Fleurieu Distillery is located at 1 Cutting Road, Goolwa.
For more information, head here
Ambra Spirits
Ambra Spirits is ringing in its 25th anniversary in style with the unveiling of its newly renovated distillery in Thebarton. Known for its authentic Italian recipes passed down through generations, the brand’s milestone is marked by a significant transformation of its distillery, which is now open to the public.
The extensive renovations boast a modern kitchen ready to serve a new tapas-style menu, two welcoming outdoor spaces, and a vibrant overhaul of the interior design. The updated décor beautifully intertwines modern aesthetics with touches that celebrate the brand’s deep Italian roots.
Ambra Spirits is located at 43 Phillips Street, Thebarton
Sunny Hill Distillery
Sunny Hill Distillery sits atop one of the highest points on the Yorke Peninsula 5km North of the township of Arthurton. The tasting room and deck have amazing rural views to the North and West overlooking some of the best cereal cropping land in the state. Built on our family founded and owned farm since 1872, their modern distillation journey has now begun.
Sunny Hill is located at 8658 Upper Yorke Road, Arthurton SA
For more information, head here
Prohibition Liquor Co.
Prohibition Liquor Co. officially released the first edition of its highly anticipated Single Malt Whisky this year. It’s crafted with the highest quality local malted barley, and has undergone a meticulous process of double distillation in a small batch copper pot still.
It’s the only fully functioning distillery located in the heart of Adelaide – and offers a unique opportunity for guests to see the process and meet the makers in a genuinely interactive environment.
22 Gilbert Street, Adelaide 5000
For more information, head here
WHISKY BARS
Hains & Co
One of SA’s most awarded small bars, this nautically themed gin & rum bar has a strong penchant for whisky and cigars. Their spirit range is extensive, with an expert knowledge to match. The bar itself is situated in the west-end, surrounded by heritage buildings right in the heart of the CBD. As you enjoy the taste of your drink, you can choose from the delicious bar menu on offer; including burgers, fried chicken, and fries.
Hains & Co is located 23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide.
Malt & Juniper
Malt & Juniper is another small bar located on Adelaide’s iconic Peel St laneway. The bar’s aesthetic and décor references classic bars of times gone by; moody, slightly modernist, and a bit botanical. The whisky available is sourced from almost every region with prices ranging from affordable to not-so-affordable. There is something for everyone’s tastes and budgets.
Malt & Juniper is located at 18 Peel St, Adelaide.
Memphis Slim’s House of Blues
Memphis Slim’s House of Blues, the bluesy basement haven on Gilbert Place, is owned by Michael Keogh who himself was named in the top 100 bartenders in the country. This trendy cocktail den, like the name suggests, is Adelaide’s home of blues with the venue boasting a long list of live music acts.
It’s whisky drink archive includes delicious concoctions like the Luke Joint (with Monkey Shoulder whisky, watermelon, vermouth, and rose water), and an Irish Coffee (with Jameson Irish whisky, black coffee syrup, Guinness reduction, vanilla, whipped cream and all served hot).
22 Gilbert Place, Adelaide
For more information, head here.
Tucked away in the east end, Baddog is fitted out with timber, leather booths, exposed lighting and raw concrete floors and has become a local favourite for those wanting something with a little more edge. It can be a little difficult to find, but this bar really is the definition of a hidden treasure and is well worth the effort. With over 120 bottles of booze on the wall, you can select from Baddog’s impressive whiskey and gin collections.
Baddog Bar is located at 63 Hyde Street, Adelaide.
The Bibliotheca Bar and Book Exchange
The Bibliotecha Bar and Book Exchange is a European style bar focusing on spirits from around the world, classic cocktails… and some books because why not? There are more than 100 whisky’s to choose from in this small bar, drawn from Scotland, Japan, France, India and more. If you’re after a bar with a fun twist, check out Bibliotecha this World Whisky Day.
The Bibliotecha Bar and Book Exchange is located at 1/27 Gresham St, Adelaide.
NOLA is a New Orleans inspired bar and eatery, with a whisky collection of over 350 that is forever changing and evolving. The space occupies the former horse stables which were attached to the Stag Hotel, and the remaining sandstone adds to the rustic charm of the American-influenced bar. The wooden stools and booths make this the perfect place to try some whisky with friends.
NOLA is located on 28 Vardon Avenue, Adelaide.
Deli Cellar is possibly Adelaide’s smallest boutique bar, licensed for just 35 people. With an emphasis on cocktails, wine, gin and whisky, this hidden gem is the perfect place for office knock-offs or for an event.
Deli Cellar is located 12 Waymouth Street, Adelaide.
Ralph Louis Frederick
Ralph Louis Frederick is the city’s latest indulgence, an exclusive, invite-only whisky bar where luxury and privacy are the orders of the evening. This is a venue that doesn’t just serve drinks but curates experiences for the discerning few.
23 Gilbert Place, Adelaide SA 5000 (Access through Hains & Co. gated stairway)
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