1 Hour Distillery Tour & Tasting in Turner Stillhouse

Launceston’s Turner Stillhouse offers a 1-hour distillery tour and tasting that combines education, flavor, and a touch of local craftsmanship. For just over $20, you’ll meet knowledgeable staff in a welcoming setting, get a behind-the-scenes look at how their award-winning spirits are made, and enjoy a guided tasting of gin, vodka, and soon-to-be-launched whiskies.

What we love about this experience is the engaging storytelling from the guides — Alison, Judith, and others — who bring a genuine enthusiasm to explaining the process and ingredients. Plus, the stunning views and well-organized signage at the location make arriving easy and stress-free. On the flip side, a possible consideration for some travelers is the absence of whisky tasting during the actual tour, as the whiskies are still aging and won’t be available until mid-2024.

This tour suits anyone curious about spirits, from casual sip enthusiasts to serious fans wanting to understand what makes Turner Stillhouse’s creations special. It also works well for small groups looking for an authentic, local experience in Launceston’s burgeoning craft distilling scene.

Key Points

• Authentic behind-the-scenes look at distillation process
• Knowledgeable guides make the experience engaging and informative
• Affordable price offers good value for a comprehensive tour and tasting
• Relaxed, small group setting enhances the personal touch
• Opportunity to stay and enjoy cocktails and cheese after the tour
• Upcoming whisky releases add anticipation for future visits

A Practical Guide to the Turner Stillhouse Tour

When it comes to discovering Tasmania’s spirits scene, Turner Stillhouse in Launceston offers a wonderfully intimate experience. For a modest price of approximately $20.36 per person, you get a full hour of behind-the-scenes insights into the art of distilling award-winning spirits. It’s beginner-friendly but also offers enough detail to satisfy those already familiar with craft spirits.

The tour begins at the Turner Stillhouse’s Cellar Door in Rosevears, where a friendly guide will greet you and lead you through their operation. You’ll walk over the distillery floor, where the magic happens, and see firsthand how they craft their multi-award-winning Three Cuts Gin and Vodka. Although their whiskies are still aging, you’ll learn about the process and upcoming releases scheduled for mid-2024 — a nice touch for whisky lovers who can’t wait to try their future favorites.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Two aspects immediately catch our attention. First, the guides’ expertise and presentation. Alison, Judith, and their colleagues are praised for their knowledgeable, professional approach, making complex distillation topics accessible and interesting. Judith’s comment that the vodka and gin were “fantastic,” coupled with her remark on the “knowledgeable presentation,” underscores how well the staff communicates their passion and craft.

Secondly, the presentation of the stillhouse itself. It’s well signposted and easy to find, which is not always the case with small distilleries. The ambiance is relaxed, and the fact that you’re encouraged to stay afterward for cocktails and cheese elevates the experience from a quick tour to a leisurely taste-test session.

What You Can Expect During the Tour

The itinerary is straightforward but thoughtfully curated. After being greeted at the Cellar Door, your guide will take you through the distillery, explaining each step in the process—from milling to distillation—highlighting what makes their spirits unique. Expect to get up close to the stills — a chance to see firsthand where the spirits are made and to ask questions about the process.

Following the tour, a guided tasting kicks off. This is where the real fun begins. You’ll sample the core spirits, including the gin and vodka that have garnered awards. Although they don’t have whisky to taste yet, the staff’s enthusiasm about upcoming releases adds something to look forward to. The tasting isn’t just about drinking; it’s about understanding what goes into each spirit and how different ingredients and methods influence flavor.

The Tasting Experience

One of the highlights, according to reviews, is the informative and friendly tasting. Alison describes it as “a real treat,” and Judith appreciates the “great use of an hour” to explore their spirits. You’ll learn about the ingredients, distillation techniques, and suggested ways to enjoy each spirit, making this a practical experience you can replicate at home.

Post-tour, you might choose to stay and order one of their signature cocktails—a nice way to unwind and put your newfound knowledge into practice. Pairing drinks with cheese boxes adds a gourmet touch to the experience, making it suitable for a relaxed afternoon or early evening outing.

The Practicalities and What to Keep in Mind

The tour is designed to be accessible; most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, accommodating those with special needs. It runs for about an hour, which strikes a good balance for visitors wanting a quick but substantial insight into Tasmanian spirits.

Booking is advised, with most people reserving their spot about 11 days in advance, indicating a healthy interest. The activity is limited to 25 travelers, ensuring an intimate environment where questions are welcomed, and personal interaction is possible.

The cost of around $20.36 is quite reasonable considering the depth of information and the quality of spirits tasted. Plus, the option to stay and enjoy cocktails and cheese after the tour adds value for those looking for a leisurely, social experience.

A Few Considerations

The main consideration might be the absence of whisky tasting during the tour, which could disappoint whisky fans. However, knowing that their whiskies are aging and will be released by mid-2024 makes this understandable. Also, the tour’s popularity suggests that booking in advance is essential if you want to secure a spot during peak times.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect for spirits enthusiasts eager to see how their favorite gin and vodka are made. It’s also well-suited for small groups or couples looking for a relaxed, educational outing in Launceston. If you’re curious about the craft behind Tasmanian spirits or want a local, authentic experience, this tour hits the mark.

Travelers with a sense of humor and an appreciation for good stories will especially enjoy the guides’ engaging style. If you enjoy pairing spirits with cheese or cocktails afterward, this tour provides a lovely, unhurried environment to do so.

The Sum Up

The Turner Stillhouse distillery tour offers an authentic and well-organized look at Tasmania’s burgeoning craft spirits scene. For just over twenty dollars, you receive a comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour, learn about the distillation process, and taste award-winning spirits in a friendly setting. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the opportunity to enjoy cocktails afterward, make this a valuable experience for those interested in spirits, local craftsmanship, or simply looking for a memorable activity in Launceston.

While whisky tasting is not available during the tour itself, the anticipation of future releases keeps the experience lively and forward-looking. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the effortlessness of the location makes it accessible for most travelers.

Overall, we believe this tour is ideal for curious travelers and spirit aficionados who appreciate a genuine, educational experience. It’s a perfect add-on to a day exploring Tasmania’s natural beauty or a relaxed way to get to know Launceston’s local artisans.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are permitted, making it accessible for a broad range of visitors.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1 hour, providing a concise yet detailed experience.

What spirits are tasted during the tour?
You’ll sample the gin and vodka, which are ready for tasting. The whiskies are still aging and will be available in mid-2024.

Can I stay after the tour?
Yes, you’re welcome to stay and try one of their signature cocktails and cheese boxes.

Is the tour appropriate for whisky lovers?
While the whiskies aren’t available during the tour, the guides discuss upcoming releases, and the spirits tasted are highly regarded.

How far in advance should I book?
Most bookings are made about 11 days ahead, but early reservations are recommended during busy periods.

What is the price per person?
The experience costs about $20.36, offering good value considering the quality and depth of the experience.

Is transportation provided?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to and from the Cellar Door at Rosevears.

Are refunds available if I cancel?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this distillery tour unique?
The combination of a detailed behind-the-scenes look, engaging guides, award-winning spirits, and post-tour cocktails makes it stand out.

In short, the Turner Stillhouse tour offers a genuine taste of Tasmania’s craftsmanship, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone seeking a fun, educational, and flavorful experience in Launceston.