Signature Whisky Tour – Hobart & SE Tasmania

Imagine spending a day exploring Tasmania’s world-renowned whisky scene, sipping on exquisite spirits, and soaking in some of the region’s charming sights—all in an intimate, well-organized setting. For $231 per person, this 6.5-hour tour offers a curated journey through some of Tasmania’s best distilleries, including Sullivans Cove, Lark, and Old Kempton. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll enjoy private transportation, tastings of diverse whiskies, and a glimpse into the craft of distilling that makes Tasmania a true spirits hotspot.

Two things we particularly like about this experience are its small group size (limited to just six guests), ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, and the fact that each venue has been carefully sampled and chosen—guaranteeing quality and authenticity. The tour also includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 5 km of Hobart CBD, making it a seamless, stress-free experience.

A potential consideration is that lunch is not included in the tour price, so you’ll want to plan to grab a meal before or after the tour. Also, since the itinerary depends on availability and weather, the exact order of visits may vary, which could impact your planning if you’re on a tight schedule.

This tour is best suited for adults who appreciate fine spirits, enjoy small-group experiences, and want a behind-the-scenes look at Tasmania’s whisky craftsmanship. It’s perfect for those who value quality over quantity, and who are eager to learn about distilling in a relaxed setting.

Key Points

• Limited Group Size: Just six guests, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Expert-led Visits: Knowledgeable guides who share insights into whisky making.
• Premium Tastings: Includes tastings at three hand-picked distilleries.
• Comfort & Convenience: Private vehicle, hotel pickup/drop-off, and bottled water included.
• Authentic Experiences: Visits to renowned distilleries like Sullivans Cove, Lark, and Old Kempton.
• Flexible Itinerary: Visits may vary based on availability and weather.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Review of the Signature Whisky Tour

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Tasmania’s reputation as a whisky-producing region has grown rapidly in recent years, thanks to a combination of pristine water, innovative distillers, and a commitment to quality. This tour captures that spirit—pun intended—by taking you to some of the most respected distilleries in the region. What sets this experience apart is its small group size and hand-picked venues. With only six guests, there’s plenty of room for conversation, questions, and personalized attention, making it ideal for both whisky connoisseurs and curious novices alike.

The Itinerary in Detail

The day begins with hotel pickup within 5 kilometers of Hobart CBD, around 10 am, depending on your accommodation. This small-group approach means a relaxed start and an opportunity for your guide to tailor the experience to your interests.

The first stop is Sullivans Cove Distillery in Cambridge, renowned for its award-winning whisky. Here, you’ll enjoy tastings in their beautiful tasting room while learning about their production process. This venue is often highlighted for its stunning setting and high-quality spirits, giving you a taste of the craftsmanship Tasmania is known for.

Next, the journey takes you to Old Kempton Distillery. Not only will you tour the distillery and learn how whisky is made, but you’ll also visit a Bond Store, where aging and storage happen in barrels. A tasting follows, providing insight into the different flavor profiles that develop over time. A relaxing lunch (not included) is recommended here, giving you a chance to digest your tasting and enjoy the rustic atmosphere.

After lunch, the tour continues with a visit to Richmond, where you’ll get a quick peek at Australia’s oldest bridge and the charming village of Richmond. A cheese tasting at The Wicked Cheese Company offers a delightful contrast to whisky, allowing your palate to refresh before the next distillery.

Your third stop is Lark Distillery at Pontville. Known for its innovative approaches and historic building, Lark provides another layer of Tasmanian craftsmanship. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasting and stroll around the picturesque site.

The day wraps up with a drop-off back at your accommodation, usually around 4:30 pm, completing a curated exploration of Tasmania’s whisky world.

Transport & Comfort

Transportation is by private, air-conditioned vehicle, driven by a knowledgeable guide. This ensures comfort and the ability to relax without worrying about navigating or parking. The vehicle and driver are part of the value—an essential aspect considering the multiple tastings involved.

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The Value of the Experience

At $231, this tour offers a fair price for the quality and intimacy of the experience. The cost includes all tastings and distillery tours—a significant saving compared to doing it independently, where tasting fees can add up quickly. Plus, bottled water helps keep everyone hydrated, especially important when sampling spirits.

What Visitors Say

Reviews consistently praise Ross, the guide, for his knowledge and personable style. Belinda from Australia mentions, “Ross was wonderful and so informative!! Easy to chat to and we had the most amazing day.” Yeo Choon from Singapore notes, “Well organised and we got plenty of knowledge on whisky.” These testimonials emphasize that the tour is both educational and engaging, with a relaxed atmosphere.

Practical Aspects

Since the tour operates rain or shine, it’s wise to dress in comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and potentially outdoor parts of the distilleries. The tour is catered for adults only, making it ideal for those seeking a mature, focused experience. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and children under 18 are not suited to this activity, primarily due to alcohol tasting and the tour structure.

Flexibility & Considerations

The itinerary may change depending on availability and weather, which is common with small-batch distillery visits. This flexibility helps ensure a smooth experience but may mean some venues are swapped or visited in a different order. It’s worth planning for this variability if you have specific sights or times in mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This whisky tour is perfect for adults with an interest in spirits, craft beverages, and regional culture. It suits those looking for a small, personalized experience rather than a large bus tour. If you appreciate knowledgeable guides who can share insights into the distilling process, you’ll feel right at home.

It also appeals to travelers who enjoy combining tasting with local sightseeing, like a walk through Richmond or sampling cheese alongside whisky. If you want a relaxed, educational day with plenty of tastings and an authentic feel, this tour ticks a lot of boxes.

Final Thoughts

This Signature Whisky Tour offers a thoughtfully curated introduction to Tasmania’s outstanding whisky scene. The combination of private transportation, intimate group size, and expertly chosen distilleries makes for a memorable, educational day. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast eager to taste some of the best spirits Tasmania has to offer or a curious traveler wanting to learn more about the craft, this tour delivers.

The value is clear: all tastings, tours, and transportation are included, and the personal touches by the guide enrich the experience. The chance to visit renowned distilleries like Sullivans Cove and Lark, coupled with scenic stops and local treats, make this an enjoyable—and delicious—way to spend a day in Tasmania.

In summary: If you appreciate quality, authentic experiences, and small-group intimacy, this whisky tour is well worth the investment. It’s a relaxed, informative way to deepen your appreciation for Tasmania’s spirits while enjoying some of the region’s lovely sights.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes private transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off within 5 km of Hobart CBD, visits to three distilleries, all tastings at each venue, and bottled water.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6.5 hours, starting around 10 am and returning by about 4:30 pm, depending on pickup location and the day’s schedule.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included in the tour fee. You might find it best to have breakfast before or plan to purchase lunch during the day, especially at Old Kempton Distillery.

Can I participate if I don’t drink alcohol?
This tour is catered for adults who wish to taste whisky. Non-drinkers or those with restrictions should consider other options, as tastings are a key part of the experience.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 or pregnant women due to the alcohol tastings and adult-oriented environment.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended, as some parts of the tour involve walking or standing, and the weather can be variable.

Can the itinerary change?
Yes, depending on availability, weather, and other factors, the order of visits or specific venues may vary slightly.

This Signature Whisky Tour offers an authentic, engaging day exploring Tasmania’s whisky craftsmanship with exceptional guides, making it a highlight for spirits lovers and curious travelers alike.

You can check availability for your dates here: