10 Perth Best Distilleries

If you want a new hobby that will help you develop a more sophisticated palate, a trip to Perth's top distilleries is a fantastic place to start.

Our award-winning distilleries, which manufacture the majority of Western Australia's premium spirits, are open for tours and tastings to the public. We stock a wide variety of liquors, from gin to vodka, whisky to brandy.

If you're planning a vacation to Australia and want to do something truly unique while there, stop by one of these Perth distilleries.

Visitors to Perth often enquire about recommendations for the city's greatest distilleries. Many tourists rely on the advice of locals, however it is not always reliable. For your convenience, we have included some of the best distilleries in Perth that we have found via our research.

1. Whipper Snapper Distillery

Originally founded by American and Australian pilots who had a mutual appreciation for bombers and whisky, the Whipper Snapper Distillery has now expanded around the world. Following WWII, they were no longer together, however, their recipe did not disappear from circulation.

Vic, a war veteran, still distils alcohol in the same Scarborough shed he has used for decades. About the same time, he befriended Al, a whiskey-obsessed neighbour. Therefore, Vic informed his new pals Al and Jimmy.

While visiting Scotland, two Aussies confided in Frank about their passion for whisky, and he helped them craft the perfect cocktail. This resulted in the dissemination of the Whipper Snapper fish around the globe. Each bottle of whisky will be a memorial to Vic and the servicemen who enjoyed it during the war.

Whipper Snapper is one of Australia's finest premium whiskies, and it all started with a war veteran and some moonshine he distilled in his backyard.

From the wheat grains, corn, and barley that go into their Upshot whisky to the quinoa farmed commercially in Australia for the first time in Narrogin and used in their Project Q Quinoa Whiskey, all of their components come from Western Australia.

Feeling daring today? Jetpack Hard Coffee, a coffee and whisky combination produced with local roasters  Crazy Uncle Moonshine, Australia's first legal moonshine and Timely, are both worth trying.

Whipper Snapper is an adorable, intimate bar with corn, whisky coffee, and tasty cafe treats.

New drinks made with artesian components are wonderful. Moreover, the staff is really interested in its customers, learning their personal details and names and working hard to ensure they have a pleasant visit to the distillery.

The distillery is already  welcoming and warm but the addition of the pleasant and cute dog just enhances the experience. The selection and personal service here are unmatched.

Although the Whipper Snapper distillery, located on the outskirts of Perth's central business district, is relatively new, they have quickly established a solid reputation.

They started making moonshine in an East Perth warehouse in 2014, and today they make three different kinds of booze using only West Australian ingredients: barrel-aged moonshine, regular moonshine, and a brand-new whisky with an Australian twist on the bourbon style.

It's worth your time to stop by and have a look around. Located in the central business district, this distillery is easily accessible and a great spot to visit if you're curious about the Whipper Snapper method of whisky production.

2. Sin Gin

The  Sin Gin Distillery is up next. All of the award-winning gins produced by this small-batch distillery are infused with regional botanicals. Their  Perth Pink Sin Gin and  Seven Deadly Sins Gin, both infused with lemon myrtle, are two of the most popular products in the line.

After beginning operations in 2016 at The Murray Hotel in West Perth, Western Australia, award-winning micro distillery Sin Gin Distillery has relocated to a purpose-built distillery in the  Swan Settlers Market of theSwan Valley.

When hoteliers Mark and Kate stumbled onto a distilling licence in 2017, they were inspired to create Sin Gin by their shared passion for gin and tonics and their grandfather's century-old aquavit recipe. Mark Harris, a former air traffic controller turned distiller, produces exceptional spirits infused with botanicals from all over the world.

After opening their doors as a nano distillery in West Perth's Murray Hotel, they've since expanded to a larger location in the Swan Valley to keep up with demand. Their best-selling line is the Seven Deadly Sins collection, named for the sins they were inspired to name by specific botanical ingredients.

Stinging nettles, Coriander, skullcap, and devil's claw are just some of the herbs that go into making the intense flavours of Wrath, while the Envy blend features a wide variety of Australian native botanicals like mountain peppermint gum, quandong, wattle seed, lemon, pepper berries, myrtle, and aniseed myrtle.

Visit the distillery for a tasting and meet the enthusiastic crew; for larger groups (8-18 people), schedule a tour and receive a gin cocktail, sample several gins, and learn all about the distilling process. There's a chance you'll get to see the creation of a brand-new flavour!

3. Old Young’s Distillery

Once known as the Wild Swan distillery, James Young, a distiller, has revitalised the enterprise by rebranding it as Old Young's.

Old Young's Distillery was established by James Young in 2016. Premium hand crafted spirits from Western Australia's Swan Valley are available here. Old Young's, true to its name, combines tradition with modern methods and an eye for the unexpected.

Old Young's gins and vodkas have won numerous honours since the company's humble beginnings in a shed in Western Australia's historic Swan Valley, including Australian Champion Distiller in 2017 and 2018.

In the middle of the Swan Valley, Old Young's uses a blend of old and new techniques, as well as some unexpected flair, to create premium quality, handcrafted spirits.

Whether it's their brazen philosophy ("don't be sh*t"), their slew of awards, or their daring flavours, Old Young's knows how to make a splash.

The Swan Valley-based distillery has an unwavering dedication to using only the highest quality ingredients and to pushing the boundaries of the industry, as proven most notably by the success of their gin subscription service, Juniper Society. The featured flavour varies from month to month, but some of the most memorable ones have been Christmas Tree, Lilly Pilly Old Tom, VB, and Cider.

During a little time frame, they have garnered praise from a number of distillery groups with prizes and accolades. Notable awards include the Trophy & Champion Vodka for Pure No 1), the 2017 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (Trophy – Australian Champion Distiller, and the 2018 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (Trophy - Australian Champion Distiller, Gold for Six Seasons Gin and Common Gin).

Their Six Seasons Gin, Common Gin, and 1829 Gin all won many gold medals at international competitions in the space of just three years. They weren't going to let the gins steal all the spotlight, so they entered their Pavlova Vodka into the Best Foreign Flavoured Vodka category of the  American Distilling Institute. Repeat that last phrase three times.

They use a wide variety of native Australian botanicals in their handcrafted spirits, all of which are sourced from within the country. The spirits produced by Old Young have a distinct philosophy; they are created with a specific in mind regarding how, when, and why they should be consumed.

A perfect tale, a beautiful gin, and a perfect vodka are what you'll find at Old Young's Swan Valley Tasting Room.

James attributes his achievement to his well-defined views on vodka and gin. While he places a premium on developing original and exciting liqueurs, the company must be careful not to become stuck in the rut of producing gimmicks. They take great satisfaction in creating uniquely flavoured vodkas, but surely there is a proper manner to consume this product, whether at home or in a cocktail bar?

James claims this attitude works just as well with his gins as it does with his classic Pure No. 1 Vodka. To make his vodka, he combines grapes from the Swan Valley with a traditional sugar-cane basis, and with his gin, he focuses on flavour while remaining faithful to the rich traditions of London Dry Gin.

James' dedication to using only the finest ingredients in the production of these award-winning spirits is also crucial. Although he derives much of his power from top-notch regional sources, he makes exceptions when they fall short of his standards.

For example, juniper berries (one of the key ingredients in gin) are widely acknowledged as having the highest quality when harvested in Tuscany. Despite its extreme scarcity, James was able to locate an importer in England, fly there, and persuade them to provide him with enough to distil his entire line of gins.

Citrus, however, comes straight from the Swan Valley, so not all components require such a long journey. A new gin is in the works that will pay respect to WA by using six local botanicals and being based on the indigenous six-season calendar.

This place is like discovering a treasure chest. Superb vodka and gin, as well as a helpful and pleasant Norwegian host. Plan to spend at least an hour there at a minimum, and if you find the history fascinating, you may find yourself wishing you had more time to study more and ask questions.

4. The West Winds

Distilling involves some trial and error. Finally, there's Paul White's method.

The Western Australian put his career in science and medical consulting on hold to pursue distilling, and he hasn't looked back since. Then for the next four years he "just played," using his new equipment to produce everything from grappa to brandy.

All of that goofing around certainly paid off. White and three others established The West Winds Gin in 2010. It was originally called The Tradewinds. The following year, their aromatic gin, The Cutlass, managed to win double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Western Dry Gin The Sabre took first place in the contest that year.

Perth, Western Australia, Australia, and the rest of the world all know West Winds Distillery by its name. An engineer, a cocktail expert, a wine industry veteran, and a bartender banded together in 2010 to prove to the world that they could make gin.

Given the importance of water in the production of gin, it is not surprising that the West Winds distillery sources its water from Margaret River's finest rainwater rather than the water supplied by the state of Washington. The Margaret River-based West Winds gin is a modern take on the classic gin style, with a London dry flavour.

West Wind's gins, which take their inspiration from the state's signature salty ocean breezes, are among Australia's most highly regarded spirits, and it's easy to find a bottle wherever you go in Perth.

The Sabre serves an Australian spin on the traditional London Dry by incorporating lemon myrtle and wattleseed into their Gin and Tonics. You prefer your food with a savoury flavour? The Cutlass's signature flavour is a blend of native bush tomato and cinnamon myrtle.

West Winds is flying its flag high now that it is available in 16 countries and an impending "Ginvasion" of the United States. When asked about the secret to their success, spokesperson Jeremy Spencer credited the "small bar revolution" for their growth. We believed in our own abilities, and it feels great to have the support of so many colleagues and friends in the business.

West Winds gin is unlike any other because it is a savoury gin, made with native bush tomatoes and fresh coriander, in the style of London dry gin. The people of this country have grown up and refined their taste. Jeremy makes a valid point when he observes that today's consumers are far more informed.

Cocktails are more popular than ever, and as a result, consumers are learning about, and trying out, higher-quality spirits and hosting more parties at home where guests can enjoy drinks made with these premium ingredients. The West Winds Gin distillery is one to watch closely as the cellar door opens this year.

The natural current that helps ships avoid hitting Australia's coasts is called "West Winds," hence the name. West Winds' head distiller is Anthony Reynolds, a veteran winemaker from the Margaret River area.

Since the distillery's cellar is located in the After Hours winery in  North Jindong, just 25 minutes north of Margaret River, this is a convenient arrangement.

Margaret River is special to White because it is the distillery's "spiritual home," and West Winds features environmentally sustainable products from local suppliers. "We've always made gins using unique Australian botanicals," says White.

At first, it tried growing wattleseed, native bush tomato, cinnamon myrtle, and lemon myrtle. About one hundred Australian botanicals that we've distilled are now stored in our library. After deciding on a target flavour profile, we work backwards to create the dish. We aim to be original in everything we do.

All of its citrus is purchased from WA Farm Direct (in the form of fresh orange peels rather than dried) and its bottlebrush honey is purchased from Bee Happy in Toodyay, demonstrating its commitment to supporting local businesses and communities. Seeds for both coriander and Christmas bush can be found in Perth's Kings Park.

Indigenous Australians play an essential role in the production of gins. The West Winds Wild Plum uses Davidson's plums, which are native to New South Wales and Queensland, to create a less sweet alternative to sloe gin. The plum gin is a fruity spirit that pairs well with sloe berries picked from the wild in Tasmania and banksia honey from Western Australia.

White suggests not only sipping it neat over ice, but also mixing it with Campari for a two-ingredient variation on the classic Negroni. White explains that this variation is a good alternative for those who don't enjoy the full bitterness of a classic Negroni. The sweetness has increased ever so slightly, they said.

5. Rottnest Island Gin

The salty air and the island's native flora are something that most Perth locals remember fondly from their childhood summers spent on Wadjemup. Can't you just imagine capturing that moment in a bottle?

So, Damian and Nicole, the proprietors of  Wine Thief, had the same idea, and voila! This gave rise to Rottnest Island Gin. The Rottnest Island daisy serves as the inspiration for the signature botanical note, and a portion of the proceeds support island-wide efforts to restore the island's native flora.

Hidden away in West  Leederville, Rottnest Island Gin has just been released by Wine Thief, a specialty liquor store. The first batch of 200 bottles, infused with Rottnest's botanicals and flavours, sold out in just two days, and the second batch has already been pre-sold in large quantities.

This savoury gin has a saltiness that cries out to the sea, thanks to the use of the Rottnest Island Daisy, a native coastal wildflower, and the Rottnest Island pine.

The Wine Thief is run by husband-and-wife team Damian and Nicole, who stock an impressive 300 gins from all over the world, roughly a third of which are produced in Australia.

Damian and Nicole have spent the past three years working towards their goal of creating a Rottnest Island gin.

As Nicole put it, "it's one thing to have a concept, another to have it happen," as they had to educate themselves on every aspect of gin production from sourcing the botanicals to designing the label.

The bottle's label photo was shot in a picturesque spot on Rottnest called  Parker Point, and the two worked together with Old Young Distillery to bring this vision to life.

Nicole and Damian opened The Wine Store in West Leederville five years ago, and through holding regular wine tastings and a morning coffee window, they have developed a wonderful loyal customer base.

Nicole recommended several other WA distilleries to anyone interested in trying gin made in the state: Tattarang Springs, West Winds in the state's southern region,  Old Young Distillery, and, of course Souwester (who produce superior quality gins).

If you want to make your own Rottnest Island Gin at home, Nicole suggests mixing the gin with an Indian or Mediterranean tonic from Fever-Tree and a slice of citrous, such as grapefruit. When using a saltier gin, it is sometimes beneficial to add an acidic ingredient to cut through the salt and balance the flavour.

6. Republic of Fremantle

Urban distillery and bar Republic of Fremantle, which had been in the works since 2018, finally opened in a massive warehouse in the city's west end in the late 2020s.

Shortcuts are frowned upon in Fremantle's Republic. Finally, the Fremantle distillery is operating and following its own set of rules after a long wait. Swan Valley Verdelho grapes are used in the production of their vodka and two different types of gin.

Together with John McVeigh, Fremantle natives Jason Townes and Matt Giudice (of Ronnie Nights and Strange Company fame) have opened a distillery.

Ollie Kitson, a master distiller originally from the United Kingdom, relocated to Germany to manage a state-of-the-art Müller still.

Republic of Fremantle uses Verdelho grapes grown in Oakover in the Swan Valley to produce its own grape-based spirit, while most distilleries import grain-based spirits such as gin and vodka (chosen for its flavour characteristics and ability to produce a high-ABV wine).

The distillery's initial offerings were two gins and a single vodka made with vastly different recipes (Full-Bodied and Aromatic). Though both use traditional gin botanicals like juniper and coriander seed, Kitson says the "quintessential Australian character of a riesling" is what the popular Aromatic variety is going for.

Dry and robust with notes of cranberry, rosemary, pink peppercorn, cinnamon, clove,and  figs, Full-Bodied Gin is a classic. The Aromatic, on the other hand, features more bright, fresh notes of honeyed ginger, peach, and citrous. You can taste hints of melon and citrus in their Signature Vodka, which has a clean character, smooth thanks to being double distilled.

Leading Fremantle architects Spaceagency created the chic cocktail bar that serves as the public face of the Republic of Fremantle, which is managed by James Pennefather (formerly of Bobeche and Tiny’s) in the role of head of hospitality.

Bar fare is not forgotten, with a variety of refined snacks and shareable plates available.

Prawn toast, crumpets topped with crème fraîche, smoked roe, spring onion, and tomato raw beef with burnt butter and mushrooms and a salad of dill, stracciatella, nectarine, and bitter leaf are just some of the dishes that have been served in the past. For those who would rather focus on the drinks, there is a tasting menu.

The Mushroom Guys, Warren Grange (tomatoes), La Delizia Latticini (cheese), and Green World Revolution (herbs and spices) are just some of the well-known local suppliers whose products are used (micro herbs). Futari Wagyu beef is used in every preparation.

The cocktails feature the in-house spirits and range from classics to "newer techniques and pushing the boundaries," as Pennefather puts it. You can also buy bottles at the store.

Pre-batched 750-ml and 500-ml bottles of classic cocktails such as Martinis and Negronis are available for group consumption.

Citizenship in the Republic of Fremantle can be purchased alongside perks like gin bottles, distillery tours, and masterclasses. You can choose from one of three membership levels.

7. Wandering Distillery

Originally established in Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula, Wandering Distillery has relocated to  O'Connor, Western Australia. Excellent moods, enjoyable times.

Located in the Perth suburb of O'Connor, the Wandering Distillery is a small, award-winning distillery run by a family.

Originally from the Mornington Peninsula, Wandering Distillery has since relocated to Western Australia, where it continues to produce exquisitely crafted gins using a variety of traditional and Australian botanicals that are perfect for sipping neat with your favourite tonic or mixing into your go-to cocktail.

miniature, family-owned business Despite its diminutive size, Wandering Distillery has had a major impact. After establishing themselves on the Mornington Peninsula, the family moved back to Perth in 2019 and has been working tirelessly ever since, making frequent appearances at local stockists and offering free samples whenever possible.

Wade, the name of the distiller, means "wanderer," and he has certainly done his fair share of wandering in his life, having lived in a number of different places both in Australia and abroad, pursuing his early ambition of becoming a professional athlete, and taking several different career paths before settling on the craft spirits path.

Wade wed a Bolton lass, an Englishwoman (their football team are the Wanderers). Given the prevalence of this nomadic theme, the name "Wandering Distillery" seemed tailor-made for a new distillery in the area.

As a result, you can take their output very seriously. As a result, they offer premium Vodkas and Gins distilled from organic and, whenever possible, locally sourced botanicals (some even come from their backyard).

From the beginning of a great night to the end of the first sip of a drink that transports you back to a particular holiday or moment in time, they will create a variety of spirits that reflect their belief that every drink is a journey.

We recommend the Odyssey, a gin that captures the spirit of the distillery's development thus far with a harmonious blend of nine botanicals like lemon myrtle, finger lime, rosemary, and hemp.

8. Great Southern Distilling Co. & Margaret River Distilling Co.

Cameron Syme's massive distillery is an enterprise that should not be overlooked. The master distiller certainly hasn't rested on his laurels since opening the first legal distillery in the state.

The Margaret River Distilling Co and Great Southern have collaborated to open distilleries in Porongurup, Margaret River and Albany, where they've produced a variety of award-winning spirits like the Tiger Snake, Limeburners, and Giniversity gin and the Dugite whiskies.

These are well worth the time and effort required to travel south of the border to experience.

Great Southern Distilling Company founder Cameron Syme felt it was time for growth after putting Western Australia on the global whisky map.

The Margaret River Distilling Company was founded in 2014, and their second distillery, which began producing gin, vodka, and brandy in 2015, is located in Margaret River.

The distillery fits in perfectly with its southwestern surroundings. The building, clad in corrugated iron, is a single story structure set among trees at the edge of Margaret River's main business district.

Sit back and relax with a refreshing Bloody Mary on the timber veranda overlooking the tree-lined lawn below.

The "Giniversity" class is the main attraction at the distillery; it lasts four hours and teaches people how to make their own gin while they chase liquid refreshment with lunch. Tours run every Friday but sell out quickly, especially in the peak season, so reservations are highly recommended.

The menu is small and focuses on pizzas and shareable platters made with fresh, local ingredients. However, the gin adds a new layer of complexity. While the botanical gin is perfect for a tangy lemon Martini, the smoked hemp gin adds an unexpected herbaceous kick.

In addition to its award-winning whiskies, the distillery also produces a variety of ciders and beers using ingredients from sister distillery Limeburner.

Established in 2004, Great Southern Distilling Company was the first legal distillery to produce Single Malt Whisky in Western Australia.

Limeburners, their flagship brand, is an Australian whisky that has gained international renown and is now widely associated with the highest standards of quality.

The Cellar Door, which can be found on Frenchman Bay Road and boasts a view of the picturesque Princess Royal Harbour, is open every day of the week.

If you want to learn more about their products, the friendly staff will guide you through tastings of their Tiger Snake Whisky, Giniversity Gin, Limeburners Whisky and other exotic alcoholic beverages.

As well as serving light lunches, they also serve local beer, wine, cocktails, and locally roasted coffee.

Great Southern Distilling Company offers tours of our distillery on the outskirts of Princess Royal Harbour, location where you can witness the production of our gold medal-winning Limeburners Whisky.

Experienced guides will show you every step of the process as they turn copper pot stills and small-batch methods into liquid gold.

At the end of the tour, relax in our cellar door and sample three of our staple whiskies while gazing out over the waters of Albany (a key ingredient to our whisky).

9. Swan Valley Gin Company

Craft gin is being produced by Swan Valley Gin Company, using grapes from the prestigious Pandemonium Estate vineyard.

The Swan Valley Gin Company, housed at the picturesque Pandemonium Estate, boasts a "grape to glass" experience amid the estate's vineyards.

It was in 2017 that it was decided the Swan Valley would be an ideal location for a distillery, and that Gin production would be a great fit for the cellar door. Martin was able to begin distilling alcohol due to an abundance of both Muscat grape production and unsold wine.

Martin's interest was piqued after he enrolled in the Fundamentals of Spirit Production and University of Adelaide course in late 2017. It didn't take long for the first batch of Artisan Dry Gin to start coming out of the still after the business plan was written and the licence was obtained.

Martin and Loraine have been making Gin from wine since 2018, and this year marks the first time Muscat has been grown specifically for the purpose of distillation. In this sense, the process is a true "vineyard to triple distillation" method of production.

The Gintoneria, a Spanish-style gin bar where you can sample their impressive Diablo gin range, is a must-visit for any traveller looking to get into the spirit of the season.

Diablo Gin is made from grapes grown by sister company Pandemonium Estate.

Grape to glass is the only distillery in the Swan Valley that makes gin from grapes, so all of their small-batch gins are 100% grape-based.

The 'hero' is a botanical ingredient sourced regionally, which is then combined with complementary flavours to form a spice profile.

The labels all feature "Mr. Diablo," the legendary collector of botanicals who obtains only the highest quality ingredients.

The Cellar Door offers tastings, G&Ts, and gin-infused cheese and wood-fired pizza.

10. Harris Organic Wines and Spirits

In the Swan Valley outside of Perth, you'll find some of Australia's finest organic table, sparkling, and dessert wines being produced by the best certified organic winery.

Harris Organic Wines, located in Perth's Swan Valley, is the city's only organic winery and distillery. They produce a variety of organic wines that have won numerous awards.

The staff at Harris Organic Wines is very warm and welcoming. The cellar door of this quaint boutique winery is just beyond the cat and the free-range chickens. Winemaker and proprietor Duncan Harris will lead you through a seated tasting of organic wines (for a fee of $15.00, which will be applied to your wine purchase).

Harris Organic bases its business practises on a commitment to environmental responsibility. The certified organic wines, which have won multiple awards, are fermented with wild yeasts and contain no artificial flavours or preservatives.

Duncan never uses any synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or herbicides on his grapes, and he relies solely on rainwater for irrigation.

It requires few if any artificial energy sources. To take advantage of the earth's consistent coolness, a cellar was constructed below ground. Wines are aged in reusable glass bottles after being stored in oak barriques and hogsheads. Harris Organic bottles can be returned for a dollar per bottle.

Chardonnay, Verdelho, and Chenin Blanc are some of the varieties used to make dry white wines, while Shiraz and Malbec are used to make red wines.

The Shiraz, Pedro Ximenez, and Muscat sweet fortified wines are all made from grapes grown on the property and certified organic. We use certified organic practices and tend to each vine by hand.

Duncan Harris, the owner and winemaker, employs organic methods to produce one-of-a-kind sparkling, white wines, and dry red, liqueur fortified wines, red ports, and white ports.

Harris Organic vodka, rum, and whisky are all produced using organically grown grapes.

If you're looking for organic gin, organic brandy, organic vodka, or organic fortified wines, look no further than Harris Organic Wines, the only award-winning organic beverage producer in Western Australia.

Duncan Harris owns and operates the Harris Organic cellar door, where all Harris Organic wines and spirits are produced and sold. We look forward to having you visit our cellar door, where you can sample our organic wines and spirits and learn more about our winemaker.

Duncan's organic white wine, organic red wine, and fortified sweet wines can be sampled at the end of a guided walking tour that takes you through the vineyard, underground cellar, and winery. Duncan is also a licensed distiller, so you can buy his organic vodka and brandy from the distillery store or on the web.

To find them, head to the intersection of Great Northern Highway and Memorial Avenue in Swan Valley, Western Australia. You can find us hidden behind the limestone wall on the corner. Located at the beginning of the Swan Valley Wine Trail, they are only 12 kilometres from Guildford and 30 kilometres from the heart of Perth.