Presenting a series of Sunday's showcasing the stories from Wine, Beer & Spirits of the Fleurieu.

These are reproduced with permission from Soul Publishing and Rojina Duval.

These stories feature prominent farmers, fishermen, producers and chefs – from Port Noarlunga to Cape Jervis – along with their favourite recipes and tips. Enjoy!

When Fleurieu Distillery first started beer production back in 2006 under the name Steam Exchange Brewery, it was one of few breweries in South Australia and the first all-grain brewery on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Twenty-eight Australian and International Beer Awards later, managing director Gareth Andrews saw whisky as the next logical step.

“In 2011 we decided to expand into whisky production, but it wasn’t until 2013 that we were able to commission our still and begin laying down barrels. From there the business gradually made the transition from beer into whisky.”

In the process of making their award-winning Single Malt, Gareth and partner Angela Andrews have found that their barrels reap the benefits of South Australia’s coastal climate.

“We’re well situated for whisky production and barrel aging,” he explains. “Our aim is to preserve the cultural terroir of climate and its effect on the spirit through the barrel, to give people the taste of the Fleurieu.”

The distillery is situated on the water’s edge in the river port of Goolwa, with the coast ranging either side from the sandy surf beaches of the Coorong to the rugged, rocky coastline of Cape Jarvis. 

As a result, barrels housed here absorb environs of river and sea through changes in the humidity and air pressure. This process helps to develop the specificity of place, distinguishing one distillery from another.

“Distilling whisky is a process that is old and new,” says Gareth. “While traditional techniques and equipment are used, whisky spirit also embodies the present in that is a reflection of the place, philosophies and culture of the region in which it is made.”

As winners of the Best International Whisky in 2018 in the USA and Champion Australian Whisky of 2019, the Andrews have a real sense of pride in being able to take a local product to a global market and gain international and national recognition for the Fleurieu region.

CELLAR DOOR

The equipment takes centre stage at the Fleurieu Distillery – visitors are able to talk directly to distillers as they work and watch the process take place.

The layout and physical location of the distillery in the Goolwa Wharf Precinct, also allows tourists to experience a ‘steam-to-steam’ transfer between the Steam Ranger steam trains and the PS Oscar W paddle steamer.

PAIRING

“The highest quality grain, premium spring water and carefully chosen yeast profiles, create the perfect spirit to age in port and sherry barrels. In the distillery’s maritime environment, the hand-crafted whisky develops expressive maple and vanilla oak overtones mixed with spicy sea-air aromas. These elegantly combine to create a smooth-bodied character that comes only from maturation on the southern coast.

“Fleurieu whiskies partner beautifully with either a selection of cheeses or decadent chocolate desserts.”

ADDRESS: 1 Cutting Road, Goolwa

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