Riverbourne Distillery Logo

Riverbourne Distillery

Region
  • New South Wales, Australia
Awards
  • Riverbourne Distillery has been recognized at the IWSC, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is awarded to the Riverbourne Distillery.
Website
  • http://riverbournedistillery.com/
Phone Number
  • +61427788677
Address
  • 589 Wild Cattle Flat Rd, Jingera NSW 2622, Australia

Copper distillation equipment in a warehouse.

History of Riverbourne Distillery


Riverbourne Distillery, established in 2015, is a small-batch distillery nestled in Jingera, New South Wales, Australia. The mastermind behind this operation is Martin Pye, a third-generation pharmacist with a lifelong fascination with the art of distillation.

Inspired by a trip to Tasmania, a region known for its exceptional single malt whiskies, Martin embarked on a journey to create his own distillery.

Distiller with a Scientific Touch

Martin isn’t your typical distiller. His background in pharmacy combined with training under the guidance of Dean Jackson from Redland’s Distillery (a program established by Bill Lark, a pioneer in Australian whisky) equipped him with a unique skillset. Martin’s scientific background and meticulous attention to detail are evident in the quality spirits produced at Riverbourne.

Whiskey with a Distinctive Character

Riverbourne Distillery is a one-man (with some help from his wife Eileen!) show. Martin oversees the entire whisky-making process, from mashing and fermentation to distillation and aging. The distillery utilizes natural spring water sourced from the nearby Molonglo River, which feeds Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin.

Combined with the cool, mountainous climate of Jingera, these elements contribute to a unique terroir reflected in the final product.While whisky is their primary focus, Riverbourne also offers rum and potentially other spirits. 

Their whiskies are known for their interesting flavor profiles, often incorporating peated malt alongside Australian malts. The distillery even has a fun tradition of naming their expressions after films in the Jason Bourne series, with “Identity,” “Ultimatum,” and “Supremacy” being a few examples.

A Look Ahead for Riverbourne

As a relatively young distillery, Riverbourne is still establishing itself in the Australian whisky landscape. However, with Martin Pye’s passion, scientific background, and commitment to quality, Riverbourne Distillery has the potential to become a producer of world-class spirits.

Awards Won by Riverbourne Distillery

International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC): Riverbourne Distillery has been recognized at the IWSC, one of the most prestigious competitions in the wine and spirits industry.

Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: This is another significant accolade for Riverbourne Distillery.

London Wine Competition: This competition awards wines, beers, and spirits based on quality, value, and packaging. 

Riverbourne Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Riverbourne Distillery offers a unique and intimate tour experience for those interested in the intricate process of crafting boutique whiskies and rums. Here’s what you can expect from a visit to this picturesque distillery located in the Snowy Mountains region of New South Wales:

Personalized Tours:

  • By Appointment Only: Tours at Riverbourne Distillery are conducted by appointment only, ensuring that each visit is personalized and detailed. This allows for a more engaging and educational experience.
  • Guided by the Distiller: Martin Pye, the head distiller, personally conducts the tours. His extensive knowledge and passion for distilling provide visitors with a deep understanding of the craft.

Distillery Operations:

  • Behind-the-Scenes Look: Visitors get an exclusive look at the distillery’s operations, including the mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging processes. Martin explains each step with great detail, sharing insights into both traditional and modern techniques used at Riverbourne.
  • Unique Location: The distillery’s location in the Snowy Mountains contributes to the unique flavor profiles of their spirits. The natural spring waters and climate play a significant role in the production process.

Tasting Experience:

  • Sample a Range of Spirits: The tour includes a tasting session where visitors can sample a variety of Riverbourne’s handcrafted whiskies and rums. This provides an opportunity to appreciate the distinct flavors and qualities of their products.
  • Special Editions: Visitors might have the chance to taste some of Riverbourne’s special edition spirits, such as the highly acclaimed Supremacy series.

Historical Insights:

  • Rich Heritage: Martin often shares anecdotes and historical context, adding a rich narrative to the tour. His background as a third-generation pharmacist and his journey into distilling are integral parts of the tour experience.

Flask & Barrel Review of Riverbourne Distillery

I’ve been on countless distillery tours, and Riverbourne Distillery in the Snowy Mountains stands out as a unique gem. As a whiskey collector, I’ve seen my fair share of distilling operations, but this one left a lasting impression. 

Here’s why:

From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this wasn’t just another tour. Martin Pye, the head distiller, greeted us personally. His passion for the craft is evident in every word and action. Since tours are by appointment only, it felt incredibly exclusive and intimate.

Martin took us through the entire process, from mashing and fermenting to distilling and aging. He explained each step in a way that was both informative and engaging. Seeing the meticulous attention to detail and the small-batch approach gave me a new appreciation for the craft.

The highlight was, of course, the tasting. We sampled a range of their spirits, including some special editions like the Supremacy series. Each sip told a story of the region’s natural spring waters and the unique climate. The flavors were complex yet balanced, a true testament to Martin’s skill.

Nestled in the picturesque Snowy Mountains, the distillery’s setting added to the overall charm. The natural beauty of the area, combined with the rich history of the distillery, made it more than just a visit; it was an experience.

While the tour was fantastic, I wish there were a bit more to see in terms of the production scale. However, the quality of the experience more than made up for it.

Riverbourne Distillery is a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast. The personalized tour, the exquisite spirits, and the beautiful location all contribute to an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning a trip to the Snowy Mountains, make sure to book a tour. You won’t regret it!

What To Do Nearby Riverbourne Distillery

Namadgi National Park (22 miles): Hike or bike through a stunning national park with mountains, forests, and waterfalls. The park offers a variety of trails for all fitness levels.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (19 miles): See native Australian wildlife up close at this nature reserve. You can spot kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and more. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers a variety of walking trails and guided tours.

Canberra (31 miles): Explore the capital of Australia, Canberra. Visit Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, or the National Gallery of Australia. Canberra has something to offer everyone.

Mount Stromlo Observatory (25 miles): Gaze at the stars at Mount Stromlo Observatory. The observatory offers tours, talks, and stargazing events.

Lanyon Homestead (20 miles): Learn about colonial history at Lanyon Homestead. The homestead was built in 1828 and is now a museum that offers tours and events.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Riverbourne Distillery?

Raku has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. It is located at 148 Bunda Street, Civic, Canberra, ACT. This sleek, modern Japanese restaurant offers traditional Robatayaki, high-quality sashimi, and a cocktail bar. They feature vegetarian and vegan options. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6248 6869​.

Corella has a rating of 4.6 stars on Google Maps. It is located at 11 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, Canberra, ACT. Known for its innovative modern Australian cuisine, Corella offers a variety of dishes that emphasize fresh, local produce. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6248 1111​.

Such and Such Restaurant has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. It is located at 25 Lonsdale Street, Braddon, Canberra, ACT. Known for its contemporary menu and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant offers a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6230 1234.

What hotels are near Riverbourne Distillery?

Hyatt Hotel Canberra: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 120 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra, ACT. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6270 1234​.

Avenue Hotel Canberra: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 80 Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, ACT. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6246 9500​.

Deco Hotel Canberra: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 214 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon, Canberra, ACT. For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +61 2 6142 0900​.