One of Australia’s oldest operating whisky distilleries, Sullivans Cove, is returning to its founding location on the Hobart waterfront.

Sullivans Cove put Australia on the world map when its spirits were named “World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt” at the World Whiskies Awards in both 2018 and 2019. The company plans to develop a world-class distillery and visitor experience at the Huon Quays site in the Sullivans Cove precinct. The development will involve the construction of a new, sustainable building as a permanent home for whisky production and will also include the restoration of the century-old Drill Hall for the brand experience, museum and cellar door.

Founded in 1994, the distillery moved to Cambridge in 2004, where the production, cellar door and storage facility currently operate and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.

The new development is expected to create many additional jobs alongside the team of 30 currently employed.

Managing Director Adam Sable said the move back to Sullivans Cove is more significant than just a physical relocation.

“Huon Quays isn’t just a picturesque location for us to create a world-class distillery and visitor experience,” he explained. “It’s much more significant. In relocating back to the Hobart waterfront at Sullivans Cove, we are coming home to where our story began almost three decades ago.”

Head Distiller Heather Tillott said that the team’s focus on the quality of its spirit above all else would be paramount at every stage of the relocation.

“This move enables us to not only keep doing what we’re doing, but to keep doing it better,” she said. “A move like this will be done delicately and mindfully from a production perspective, to ensure we keep the particular essence of our spirit which makes us who we are.”

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