Melbourne: Whisky Bars & Gin Joints

Melbourne: Whisky Bars & Gin Joints – A Practical Dive into Victoria’s Spirit Scene

Starting at $118 per person for a three-hour journey, this guided tour offers a spirited look at Melbourne’s booming whisky and gin bars. Led by an engaging guide, you’ll visit three of the city’s coolest watering holes, including Melbourne’s oldest dedicated whisky bar and the only distillery located right in the CBD. The tour runs in the afternoon, making it a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how it balances learning and tasting—you’re not just sipping spirits but also hearing stories of shipwrecks, sly grog, and local legends. Plus, the small group size (limited to 10) ensures a relaxed, personable atmosphere where questions are encouraged.

A potential consideration is that the tour does not include dinner, so if you’re hungry afterward, you’ll want to plan for a meal nearby. It’s best suited for those interested in spirits, history, and a relaxed social setting. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or just curious about the local scene, this tour offers a rich taste of Melbourne’s craft spirit heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Focused on Victoria’s craft spirit heritage with stories of shipwrecks and local legends.
Visits three iconic Melbourne bars, including the oldest dedicated whisky bar.
Tastings of local whiskies and gins provide genuine insight into Victoria’s spirit industry.
Small group size enhances personal interaction with the guide.
Educational element about the history of spirits in Victoria, including amusing anecdotes.
No dinner included, so plan accordingly after the tour.

For more beverage-focused experiences, here's what we've covered in Melbourne

A Detailed Look at the Melbourne Whisky & Gin Tour

What Makes This Tour Special?

This tour packs more than just tastings; it offers a window into Melbourne’s spirit culture. For just over three hours, you get a chance to explore three distinctly different bars, each with its own character and history. The guide, whose enthusiasm we found infectious, is a treasure trove of knowledge, sharing stories that go beyond the usual “tasting notes,” such as tales of the man dubbed the “Ned Kelly of Victorian whisky,” and how Victorian distilleries once outshined Tasmania in production.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Meeting Point and First Impressions

You’ll meet your guide, identifiable by their black polo shirt/jacket, on the steps of State Parliament facing Bourke Street. It’s a straightforward, central meeting spot, perfect for those already familiar with Melbourne’s CBD.

The First Stop: Melbourne’s Oldest Whisky Bar

This is a highlight for history buffs and spirits lovers alike. The bar itself exudes an authentic vintage vibe, and as the oldest dedicated whisky bar in Melbourne, it’s a living testament to the city’s long-standing whisky appreciation. Here, you’ll sample some local whiskies and learn about their origins, including Victoria’s leadership in whisky production during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The guide sheds light on how Victoria’s whisky scene was shaped by local entrepreneurs and global influences.

The Second Stop: The City CBD Distillery

This is the only distillery within Melbourne’s CBD, making it a unique visit. You’ll see where the magic happens, understanding the process of craft distilling up-close. Tasting here provides insights into how Victorian distillers balance tradition and innovation, with some spirits so good that overseas owners demanded they lower quality to stay competitive.

The Third Stop: Melbournes Trendy Gin & Whisky Bars

The final venue is known for its lively ambiance and innovative spirits. Expect to taste a selection of local gins and whiskies, each with distinctive regional characteristics. The guide shares compelling anecdotes, such as tales of sly grog and the role of spirits in Melbourne’s social history.

More Great Tours Nearby

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the tour, you’ll hear about Victoria’s spirited history—from shipwrecks and smuggling to the hotel of some of Australia’s most famous distilleries. For example, you’ll learn about the man dubbed the Ned Kelly of Victorian whisky, and how local producers thrived despite overseas competition, to the point where overseas owners urged them to lower quality.

While you're exploring Melbourne, here are other experiences we've looked into

The Tasting Experience

Expect a curated selection of spirits, with tastings at each bar. The guide will explain the differences in flavor profiles, regional influences, and maturation processes. As one reviewer noted, “We loved the way our guide explained the history and the spirits, making it engaging and informative.” Another pointed out that it’s “a great way to taste local spirits you might never encounter otherwise.”

The Practicalities

Price: Considering the tastings and the guided experience, this is excellent value, especially given the small size and personalized attention.
Duration: 3 hours, enough time to enjoy without feeling rushed.
Group size: Limited to 10 people, perfect for intimate conversations and questions.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and your driver’s license—most tastings are alcohol-focused, and ID checks may be in place.
Not Suitable For: Pregnant women and under-18s, due to alcohol consumption.

The Guide’s Role in Enhancing the Experience

The real strength of this tour is the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guide. They are able to weave stories that bring Melbourne’s whisky and gin history alive, making the experience more memorable and informative. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide, Sarah, was so passionate, she made us appreciate each sip even more.”

How It Compares to Other Experiences

While many Melbourne tours focus on sightseeing or cultural sites, this one zeroes in on a niche but fascinating aspect of local life. If you’ve already seen the city’s major attractions, this tour offers a different perspective—a taste of Melbourne’s hidden spirit heritage.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for spirits enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travelers who appreciate a relaxed, small-group setting. It’s particularly appealing if you want an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at Melbourne’s craft spirit scene, away from touristy bars.

However, if you’re after a full dinner experience or family-friendly activities, you might want to explore other options, since food isn’t included, and the tour is limited to participants over 18.

The Sum Up

The Melbourne Whisky Bars & Gin Joints tour offers a well-rounded, engaging exploration of Victoria’s spirit history. With visits to iconic bars and tastings of local spirits, you gain both knowledge and flavor in a casual, approachable setting. The small group size and passionate guides make it a personalized experience, perfect for those who love a good story as much as a good drink.

If you’re interested in learning about Melbourne’s craft distilling heritage while sampling some of the best local spirits, this tour provides excellent value. It’s especially suitable for travelers who enjoy informative walks with a sense of fun and discovery—a memorable way to end or start an evening in Melbourne.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
It’s designed for those who want to taste and learn about spirits, so if you prefer not to drink alcohol, this might not be the best fit.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately three hours, covering three bars with tastings at each.

Where do we meet the guide?
On the steps of State Parliament facing Bourke Street in East Melbourne.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women.

What’s included in the price?
Whisky and gin tastings, a guide, photos, and a Melbourne bar map.

Is dinner included?
No, dinner isn’t part of the experience; plan to eat before or after the tour.

Is the tour walkable or does it involve transport?
It involves walking between venues; Melbourne’s CBD bars are close together.

What is the group size?
Limited to 10 participants, creating an intimate environment.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license and comfortable shoes. No large bags or open-toed shoes allowed.

This Melbourne whisky and gin tour stands out as a fun, informative, and authentic way to experience the city’s spirit scene. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or just curious, it offers a taste of Melbourne’s craft heritage with stories worth remembering.