History

Adelaide Hills is home to a diverse network of small distilleries contributing to a notable growth in the region's spirits scene. According to the site, the Hills' distilleries are part of an intoxicating patchwork of hills and valleys and give access to some of the country's best small-batch spirits, characterized by clean air and plenty of botanicals. The focus moves around between small distilleries such as Ambleside Distillers in Hahndorf, Lot 100 in Hay Valley (78 Degrees Distillery), Route 9 Distillery in Balhannah, Tin Shed Distilling Co. in Nairne, Union Bridge Brewery & Distillery in Cudlee Creek, Robbers Dog Distillery in Mount Pleasant, and Sensory House in Hahndorf (Full Circle Spirits). What history these places share is a common focus on craftsmanship, locally sourced ingredients, and regional collaboration to promote small-batch spirits.

Production/Manufacturing

Productions in the Adelaide Hills place emphasis on small-batch processes and botanicals from the surrounding area. Ambleside Distillers markets itself as a gin-mecca with behind-the-scenes distillery tours and masterclasses, where you can create your own gin blend. 78 Degrees Distillery offers a range that includes gin (12 botanicals), The Gunnery-spiced white rum, whiskey, vodka and vermouth, as well as apple spirit. Route 9 Distillery offers whisky and exclusive 'Out of the Barrel' tastings, giving the opportunity to sample spirits directly from the cask, including current and upcoming expressions from Adelaide Hills Whisky Co. Tin Shed Distilling Co. is described as a place that combines handmade whiskies, gins and rums with a warm atmosphere and possibilities for tastings, tours and bar visits. Union Bridge Distillery offers its own gin, vodka and whisky. Robbers Dog Distillery is highlighted as a smaller producer of quality spirits with locally sourced ingredients and a historic setting in an old bank. Sensory House (Full Circle Spirits) in Hahndorf is described as a calm, curated space where you can taste gins, whiskies and wines.

Products/Whisky Series

• Adelaide Hills Whisky Co.: According to the page content, current and upcoming expressions from Adelaide Hills Whisky Co. can be found under 'Out of the Barrel' tastings.
• 78 Degrees Distillery: The range includes whiskey (as well as gin, vermouth, The Gunnery-spiced white rum, vodka) and a broad selection of spirits.
• Route 9 Distillery: Offers whisky and special 'Out of the Barrel' tastings with current and upcoming expressions from Adelaide Hills Whisky Co.
• Tin Shed Distilling Co.: Described as home to handcrafted whiskies as well as gins and rums, with tastings and tours as possible experiences.
• Union Bridge Distillery: Offers in-house whisky as part of their lineup.
• Robbers Dog Distillery: Produces whisky among their gin and vodka range.
• Sensory House (Full Circle Spirits): Offers whiskies as part of their range alongside gins and wines.

Note: The text mentions the category whisky but does not specify details such as malt/grain or other whisky types for each, beyond that whiskies appear in several of the products.

Visits/Experiences

Distilleries offer a variety of experiences: behind-the-scenes distillery tours, tasting bars, and masterclasses (Ambleside Distillers); tastings and tours at Tin Shed Distilling Co.; special whisky tastings such as 'Out of the Barrel' at Route 9 Distillery and Adelaide Hills Whisky Co.; and general tastings and visits at other distilleries as part of the experience. Several places also offer combined offerings such as whisky and chocolate/food-pairings or events at their bars and tasting rooms, often connected to their interpretations of gin, whiskey and other spirits.

Philosophy

The overarching approach of the Adelaide Hills distilleries highlights small-batch production and local botanicals as the core of their products. The region markets itself as an area where clean air and a rich array of local ingredients provide a foundation for artisanal spirit production. There is an emphasis on giving guests authentic experiences through tours, tastings and masterclasses, and some places highlight a relaxed, friendly vibe that makes it easy to sit back and enjoy special pairings such as gin and chocolate or whisky tastings in a calm atmosphere.