Black Gate Distillery Mendooran

History of Black Gate Distillery Mendooran

Black Gate Distillery, nestled in Mendooran, New South Wales, boasts a story of passion and pioneering spirit. Established in 2009, it stands as the brainchild of Brian and Genise Hollingworth, a husband-and-wife team with a shared love for quality spirits.

A Passion Ignited

Brian, a long-time enthusiast of distilling, noticed a growing demand for Australian whisky that often outpaced supply. Fueled by this observation and his own passion for the craft, he decided to take the leap and establish Black Gate Distillery. Their journey wasn’t without its initial hurdles. Operating in a hot climate presented unique challenges, and their first stills were powered by LPG due to limitations on electricity.

Small-Batch, Big Flavor

Black Gate Distillery champions the philosophy of small-batch production. They meticulously craft their spirits in two direct-fired copper pot stills, ensuring exceptional quality and control over the final product. Their dedication to traditional methods extends to their use of high-quality ingredients. Initially, they employed pale malt peated post-malting with a smoker they built themselves. Today, they utilize a combination of mainland and heavily peated malt sourced from the UK, all married with Australian ale yeast and local water from the Castlereagh River.

Beyond Whisky: A Diverse Portfolio

While renowned for their peated single malt whisky, Black Gate Distillery isn’t a one-trick pony. Genise, Brian’s wife, is the mastermind behind their acclaimed dark rum. This spirit, aged in charred American oak ex-bourbon barrels, offers a rich and complex flavor profile. Additionally, Black Gate produces a unique Quandong liqueur, a delightful expression of a native Australian fruit.

A Touch of Mendooran Magic

Black Gate Distillery’s commitment to quality extends beyond the meticulous production process. They prioritize sourcing local ingredients whenever possible, fostering a strong connection to the Mendooran community. Their dedication to their craft and their region has garnered them a loyal following and a reputation for producing exceptional Australian spirits.

Awards Won by Black Gate Distillery Mendooran

Australian Whisky Awards:

• Recognized for their single cask whisky production.
• Celebrated for the quality and craftsmanship of their limited release whiskies.

World Rum Awards:

• Awarded for their Overproof Dark Rum.
• Highlighted for producing world-class rum.

Oz Whisky Review:

• Frequently reviewed and praised as one of Australia’s top small-scale distilleries.
• Noted for their traditional methods and high-quality spirits.

Black Gate Distillery Mendooran Tour Information and Experience

Black Gate Distillery, located in Mendooran, NSW, offers a unique and intimate tour experience that showcases the art of small-batch distilling. Known for producing high-quality single malt whisky and dark rum, Black Gate Distillery provides visitors with an in-depth look at their production process, emphasizing their commitment to craftsmanship and traditional methods.

Tour Highlights

1. Guided Distillery Tour:

   • Duration: Approximately 60-90 minutes.
   • Overview: The tour begins with a guided walk through the distillery where visitors can see the copper pot stills in action and learn about the distillation process. The tour guide explains the nuances of whisky and rum production, including the selection of raw materials, fermentation, distillation, and aging processes.
   • Interactive Experience: Visitors have the opportunity to engage with the distillers, ask questions, and gain insights into the unique aspects of Black Gate’s production methods​.

2. Tasting Session:

   • Overview: The tour includes a tasting session where guests can sample a variety of Black Gate’s single malt whiskies and dark rums. The tasting is usually held in a cozy setting, providing a perfect atmosphere to appreciate the complex flavors and aromas of the spirits.
   • Selections: The tasting typically includes limited release and award-winning spirits, allowing visitors to experience some of the finest products crafted by Black Gate Distillery​.

3. Booking and Availability:

   • By Appointment Only: Tours are available by appointment, ensuring a personalized experience for each group. This setup allows the distillery to maintain an intimate and educational environment for all visitors.
   • How to Book: To schedule a tour, visitors can contact the distillery directly via phone or email. It is recommended to book in advance, especially for larger groups​.

Visitor Tips

• Arrival: Plan to arrive a few minutes early to ensure you have time to settle in before the tour begins.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and standing during the tour.
• Purchase: Consider purchasing a bottle of your favorite spirit from the tasting session as a memento of your visit.

Flask & Barrel Review of Black Gate Distillery Mendooran

As a bit of a whiskey aficionado who’s done the distillery tour circuit a few times, I gotta say Black Gate Mendooran was a pleasant surprise. It’s a smaller operation, but that translates to serious hands-on care in their process.

The peated single malt was the real star for me. It had that smoky punch I love, but balanced with some unexpected notes – kind of a toasty sweetness. You could definitely tell they weren’t messing around with quality ingredients. Overall, a solid 4.7 out of 5. For anyone looking for a unique Australian whisky experience, Black Gate definitely delivers.

What To Do Nearby Black Gate Distillery Mendooran

Mendooran Heritage Walk: Explore the history of Mendooran with a self-guided heritage walk, featuring plaques and information about the town’s historical sites. It is located just 1 mile from the distillery.

Warrumbungle National Park: Enjoy hiking and stargazing at Warrumbungle National Park, known for its rugged landscape and clear night skies. A perfect spot for nature enthusiasts, it is 30 miles from the distillery.

Dubbo Western Plains Zoo: Visit the famous open-range zoo in Dubbo, home to a wide variety of exotic and native animals. This attraction is great for a family day out and is situated 45 miles from the distillery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Black Gate Distillery Mendooran?

Kakkadoo Kafe: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 90 Bolaro St, Dunedoo, New South Wales 2844, Australia. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6375 1400.

White Rose Cafe Dunedoo: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 62 Bolaro Street, Dunedoo, New South Wales 2844, Australia. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6375 1403.

Cathy’s Country Dining: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 15 Bandulla St, Mendooran NSW 2842, Australia. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6886 1183.

What hotels are near Black Gate Distillery Mendooran?

Bungalow Motel Gilgandra: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 40 Warren Rd, Gilgandra, New South Wales 2827, Australia. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6847 2423.

The Cooee Motel Gilgandra: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 10 Warren Rd, Gilgandra, New South Wales 2827, Australia. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6847 2144.

Railway Hotel Gilgandra: It has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 50 Miller Street, Gilgandra, New South Wales 2827, Australia. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6847 2333.