Adams Distillery

About the distillery

Adams Distillery is located at Glen Ireh Estate in Perth, just south of Launceston in Tasmania. It’s a small, craft-focused distillery that makes single malt whisky and gin, combining local ingredients with its own methods such as the distinctive slosh process. The story is shaped by both adversity and rebuilding, and that gives the place a distinct identity in the Tasmanian whisky world.

History

Adams Distillery started in 2016, when Adam Pinkard and Adam Saunders joined forces at Glen Ireh Estate in Perth to turn a whisky dream into a working single malt distillery. They built on the knowledge that existed in Tasmania’s craft whisky scene, where other producers shared experience and advice. Later, Professor Bernie joined the team, and the range was expanded with dry gin and navy strength turbo gin. In February 2021, a fire hit the distillery and destroyed the facilities, but the maturing whisky stocks survived. At the same time, Adams Peated Port Slosh cask was highlighted as a category winner and Best Australian Single Cask Malt at the World Whiskies Awards 2021. That recognition, along with new investors, became a turning point. The distillery rose again and entered a new phase with a broader offering of whisky, gin, and other spirits.

Raw materials and production

Adams works with locally grown barley for the house’s single malt whisky and describes its ingredient selection as part of its style. Over the years, they’ve used several different malt bills, including pilsner malt, classic Tasmanian barley, roasted/crystal malt, heavily roasted barley, and smoked barley with beachwood. The distillery has also grown its own estate barley, which was set for its first release in December 2022. Production begins with mashing in a Tasmanian custom-made mash tun, where the crushed malt is added to warm water, before the wort is cooled and fermented for 4 to 7 days. The spirit is then distilled in handcrafted copper pot stills, where the first run produces low wines, which are sent on to the spirit still. The usual cuts between heads, heart, and tails are made here, with the aim of a clean, high-quality spirit. Water is added to the hearts to reach new make at 63.4% ABV before filling into casks. The entire process is shaped by a clear will to combine tradition and innovation.

Maturation and cask types

Maturation is based on Tasmanian spirit and casks that impart character, which are meant to support and develop the distillate over time. Ex-bourbon forms the foundation of the Signature Series, while ex-pinot noir, sherry, port, maple syrup, and Tipo Jerez are used to add extra layers of sweetness, fruit, and spice on top. In Bourbon (Prosecco Seasoned) 47%, ex-Jack Daniel’s barrels were first seasoned with Prosecco before the spirit was matured in them. Sloe Gin and Barrel Aged Gin also use ex-pinot noir as an important part of their character. The distillery’s own sloshing process has become a fixed part of the work and is described as a way of creating more color, aroma, and a cleaner, smoother sensation on the palate.

Whiskies

The whisky range spans from the Signature Series at 42% and 59% to more distinctive expressions such as Bourbon (Prosecco Seasoned) 47% and the luxurious Temptation Edition. The core expression is Adams’ single malt with an approach that leans toward accessibility, but with clear cask layers of bourbon, port, sherry, and pinot noir. The 42% version appears more rounded and easy to drink, while 59% provides more power and intensity. The special editions show that the distillery consciously works with contrasts between classic single malt and more experimental cask choices.

Whisky styles and tasting profile

The consistent expression centers on sweet fruits, vanilla, and warm spices. Signature Series 42% offers notes of sweet fruits, vanilla bean, honey, gingerbread, and creamy caramel. 59% cranks up the red and dark fruits, burnt orange, and a long, sweet Christmas spice trail. Bourbon (Prosecco Seasoned) 47% moves in a lighter direction with caramelised sugar, floral Prosecco, peach, and honey. Together, they depict a style where fruit, sweetness, and spice run as a common thread through the house’s whiskies.

Visiting the distillery

Adams Distillery can be visited at Glen Ireh Estate in Perth, and the venue is about 15 minutes from Launceston. There is a physical cellar door/shop on the premises, and visitors can also shop from the broad range online. Gift cards can be purchased in person at the cellar door and redeemed online or at the Adams Distillery Bar. The provided text does not describe fixed opening hours or booked tours, but it makes it clear that you can drop by and shop on site.

Philosophy and craftsmanship

Adams places emphasis on curiosity, craftsmanship, and experimentation. Their own wording ties premium Tasmanian ingredients together with both traditional and innovative distillation and maturation methods. This is clearly seen in the sloshing process, in the use of local ingredients, and in the willingness to work with unconventional cask combinations and grain bills. The philosophy isn’t about repeating a fixed recipe, but about developing the spirit through concrete choices in ingredients, process, and maturation.

Awards and recognition

• Best Australian Single Cask Malt (2021, Category winner, Adams Peated Port Slosh cask)

• Gold Medal (2021, Design Gold Awards, The Temptation Edition)

• Double Gold (2022, Winner, Tasmanian Coffee Whisky Liqueur)

• Gold Medal (2021, Winner, Tasmanian Dry Gin)

• Gold Medal (2025, Winner, Tasmanian Sloe Gin)