Timboon Distillery

History of Timboon Distillery

The Genesis and Vision

Founded in 2007, Timboon Distillery was born from Josh Walker’s deep-rooted passion for whisky. Josh, a native of Timboon, had already established a successful farm contracting business by 17. His journey through Europe and America, exploring the whisky trails, not only honed his skills but also ignited a desire to create a unique Australian single malt. This led to the purchase and establishment of Timboon Distillery, situated in the Timboon Railway Shed, a site steeped in history dating back to the 1800s.

Crafting the Liquid Gold

At the heart of the distillery are its beautiful copper pot stills, operated six days a week by Josh himself. Here, the distillery produces its signature single malt, inspired by the great single malts of Scotland. True to tradition, they use only malted barley, processed in their mashing shed. 2020 marked a significant step for the distillery with the planting of their first estate barley crop and the establishment of ABeckett’s Creek Cooperage.

The Distillery Today: A Hub of Craft and Community

The current state of Timboon Distillery reflects its evolution and success in the craft spirits industry. It’s not just about whisky; the distillery also produces a range of spirits including Coffee Cream liqueur, Strawberry Schnapps, Limoncello, Salted Caramel whisky liqueur, and Vodka. The Timboon Railway Shed Distillery is now a hub for not only their products but a showcase of 185 spirits from 92 distilleries across Australia, the largest display at any distillery in the country.

More than Just Spirits

Timboon Distillery extends beyond spirits. Josh’s commitment to quality and local produce is evident in his breeding of grass-fed black Angus beef, used in the distillery’s kitchen and available for purchase. The setting of the distillery, with its restored historic railway shed, offers a unique experience where visitors can enjoy great food, coffee, house-made cakes, local wine, beer, and of course, their range of spirits.

The Future and Beyond

As Timboon Distillery continues to grow and thrive, it remains a family-operated venture, with Josh’s wife Caitlin and his family deeply involved in its operation. This creates a warm, community-oriented atmosphere, making Timboon Distillery not just a producer of fine spirits but a destination that embodies the spirit of craftsmanship, tradition, and local community.

Box of Timboon Smoky 1881 single malt whisky. — Single Malt Whisky SMOKY

Timboon Port Expression single malt whiskey bottle packaging. — Single Malt Whisky PORT EXPRESSION

Awards Won by Timboon Distillery

In 2011, the Timboon Single Malt received a bronze medal at the Australian Malt Whisky Awards.
The distillery has been honoured with a gold award in a national competition for its Timboon single-malt whisky.
In 2023, the Single Malt Whisky ‘SMOKY 1881’ from the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery won a gold medal.
Additionally, in the same year, the distillery’s Single Malt Whisky ‘TOM’S SURRENDER’ received a silver medal.

Timboon Distillery Tour Information and Experience

An Introduction to Whisky Making: Nip of Knowledge Tour

The “Nip of Knowledge” tour at Timboon Distillery offers an intimate insight into the art of whisky making. This 60-minute tour, led by Brand Ambassador Charlie Johnson, is available on selected days at 11 am.

It’s designed for groups of 2 to 10 people and costs $40 per person plus a booking fee. The tour starts with an introduction to the distillery’s copper stills, where attendees learn about the whisky making process. The journey then leads to the bond store for a tasting experience among the barrels.

Participants receive a Timboon Tote bag, an etched Glencairn whisky tasting glass, and a bottle of water. It’s advisable to book a lunch at the distillery at noon, following the tour.

A Comprehensive Whisky Journey: Drams of Wisdom Tour

The “Drams of Wisdom” tour is a more extensive experience tailored for groups. This on-demand tour requires a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 20 persons.

Priced at $75 per person, it includes a tour of the distillery and bond store, all tastings, a shared regional lunch, a Timboon tote bag, an etched Timboon tasting glass, and bottled water. The tour begins at 10:15 am with Charlie introducing the distillery’s copper stills and an overview of the whisky distilling process.

At 10:50 am, attendees take a walk to the mashing shed, cooperage, and bond store, learning about the local illicit distilling history and its influence on modern products. The highlight is tasting ‘new make’ spirits and flagship single malts directly from the maturing barrels.

The experience culminates with a shared regional lunch at noon on the covered deck, where guests enjoy platters of local produce accompanied by a glass of wine, beer, or soft drink, and tastings of vodka and liqueurs including the famous Baxter’s coffee cream and new salted caramel whisky liqueur.

General Whisky Tasting and Tour Options

Besides these specialized tours, Timboon Distillery offers everyday whisky, Aussie spirit, and liqueur tastings without the need for a tour booking. Whisky Tastings are priced at $15 for 4 x 7.5ml pours, with the fee waived upon the purchase of a bottle of Timboon whisky.

These tour experiences at Timboon Distillery not only provide a glimpse into the intricate process of whisky making but also offer a taste of local heritage and craftsmanship, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

Flask & Barrel Review of Timboon Distillery

As a seasoned whiskey collector who has toured many distilleries, my recent visit to the Timboon Railway Shed Distillery was a delightful experience, deserving a solid 4.7 out of 5 rating. Nestled in Timboon, Victoria, this distillery has a unique charm that sets it apart.

Firstly, the setting of the distillery, located in an old railway shed, adds a touch of history and authenticity. It’s not just about the whiskey here; it’s also about the experience and atmosphere. The rustic ambiance coupled with the intriguing history of local distilling, dating back to the 1890s, really sets the scene.

Now, onto the main event – the whiskey. As a collector, I’ve got a pretty keen palate, and I must say, their single malt varieties were impressive. The Timboon Single Malt, their flagship product, has a smooth, well-rounded taste that speaks of their craftsmanship and attention to detail. The fact that they won a gold medal for their SMOKY 1881 variety and a silver for TOM’S SURRENDER in 2023 speaks volumes about their quality.

The tour itself was informative and engaging. It’s always a pleasure to see the passion behind the process, and the staff here certainly know their stuff. They were welcoming and knowledgeable, making the entire experience educational and enjoyable. The whisky tasting session was the highlight, offering a chance to sample their range and appreciate the nuances of each variety.

If there’s one area for improvement, it might be the size of the tasting samples. As a whisky enthusiast, I always appreciate a little more to savor and evaluate the flavours.

What To Do Nearby Timboon Distillery

Berry World (0.1 miles from the distillery): A delightful spot to pick fresh strawberries and enjoy homemade jams and scones. There’s also a charming café serving Thai cuisine.

Timboon Rail Trestle Bridge (0.5 miles): This historic railway bridge offers picturesque views and a glimpse into the area’s past.

Dairylicious Farm Fudge (2.1 miles): A specialty shop offering delicious homemade fudge in a clean and welcoming environment.

GORGE Chocolates at The Chocolate Alpaca (approx. 10 miles): Visit this chocolaterie set amidst picturesque countryside. You’ll be greeted by alpacas and can enjoy hot chocolate and various sweet treats.

Port Campbell National Park (approx. 12 miles): This park is famous for its natural wonders, including the London Bridge and the iconic Twelve Apostles, with various walking tracks for exploring the rugged coastline.

Gibson’s Steps (approx. 13 miles): A scenic spot where you can descend the Gibson Steps to the beach, offering stunning views of the coastline and the towering cliffs known as Gog and Magog.

Wildlife Spotting: In the surrounding areas, you might encounter native wildlife such as Little Penguins near London Bridge, the Twelve Apostles, or even whales and dolphins off the coast at certain times of the year.

Swimming at Port Campbell Beach (approx. 12 miles): A sheltered inlet and a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and surfing with calm waters and lifeguard patrols.

Stand Up Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Campbell’s Creek (approx. 12 miles): An enjoyable way to explore local wildlife and get a unique view of Port Campbell from the water.

Bay Of Islands Coastal Park (a little further away): Offering impressive coastal views and rock formations, this spot is less crowded than the Twelve Apostles but equally beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Timboon Distillery?

Timboon Takeaways: This restaurant has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For those wanting to visit or order, they can be reached at +61 3 5598 3354. The address for Timboon Takeaways is 33 Main St, Timboon VIC 3268, Australia.

Berry World PYO Strawberries and Berry Good Thai Restaurant: It boasts a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps. To make reservations or inquiries, contact them at +61 417 475 885. The restaurant is located at 26 Egan St, Timboon VIC 3268, Australia.

Waves Cafe, Bar and Restaurant: This establishment has a 4.1-star rating on Google Maps. You can contact them at +61 3 5598 6111. Waves Cafe, Bar and Restaurant is situated at 29 Lord St, Port Campbell VIC 3269, Australia, within Waves Luxury Suites.

What hotels are near Timboon Distillery?

Loch Ard Motor Inn: This motel has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. For reservations, you can contact them at +61 3 5598 6328. Their address is 18 Lord St, Port Campbell VIC 3269, Australia.

Discovery Parks – Warrnambool: It has a rating of 4.1 stars on Google Maps. For booking inquiries, reach out to them at +61 3 5561 1514. The address for this park is 25 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool VIC 3280, Australia.

Railway View Hotel Timboon: This hotel has a 4.0-star rating on Google Maps. You can make reservations by calling +61 3 5598 3873. It’s located at 2 Timboon-Curdievale Rd, Timboon VIC 3268, Australia.