Grainshaker Local Distillery has celebrated officially opening its doors in Melbourne’s Northcote with a launch night cocktail party.

The venue, located adjacent to the Welcome to Thornbury precinct, is designed to connect the brand and its vodka distillation process directly with consumers, while also being used as an incubator and innovation hub where Top Shelf International can further pursue its research and development programs, including education and collaboration with local distillers to help support Australia’s craft spirits industry.

Welcome to Thornbury is Melbourne’s first permanent Food Truck park, beer garden and bar complex.

Top Shelf International’s Managing Director Drew Fairchild said: “Welcome to Thornbury has established itself as one of Melbourne’s pre-eminent and successful hospitality venues and its clientele and location in Melbourne’s inner north is a perfect fit for our Grainshaker brand.

“While the Grainshaker Local Distillery will operate as a stand alone venue, we are excited about the opportunity to draw upon the hospitality expertise of the Welcome To Group at this fantastic precinct.

“Partnering with local hospitality experts in locations where we can take our brands to consumers is a foundation of this model that we anticipate will roll out around Australia.”

The Australian Open joined forces in January with Grainshaker Australian Vodka as its Official Vodka in a multi-year partnership.

Grainshaker began production in October with three expressions – Corn Vodka, Wheat Vodka, and Rye Vodka – at Top Shelf International’s state-of-the-art production facility in Melbourne.

“Part of our vision for the AO this year was to play our role in promoting the best Melbourne and Victoria had to offer, in terms of food, beverages and experiences,” Tennis Australia Chief Revenue Officer Ben Slacksaid.

“Grainshaker is an innovative local Melbourne brand and is a great example of this, and we are delighted to showcase them as the Official Vodka Partner for AO 2021. We know our fans and partners, both onsite and watching from home, will enjoy Grainshaker drinks as part of their AO experience.”

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