Three distilleries in one guided day. I love the award-winning cheese morning start, and I really like the way you get up close access to distillers rather than only tasting from a counter.

One thing to think about first: at $860.69 per person, this is a splurge, and the pacing is built around a full day of alcohol tastings.

Key highlights to look for

• Award-winning local cheeses paired with a morning-tea style start
• Three distinct Tasmanian spirits stops in one day: Spring Bay, Hobart Whisky, Killara
• Behind-the-scenes access at Hobart Whisky, which isn’t open to the public
• Hands-on whisky blending, so you leave with a personal spirit story
• Lunch in a distillery loft setting, keeping the atmosphere craft-focused

A private Hobart distillery day: what you actually get for $860.69

This tour is a private, fully guided day that runs about 6 hours from Hobart. It starts at 10:00 am, and pickup is offered, which matters because you’ll be moving between distilleries without having to plan transport yourself.

The price is high, but it’s not just for a driver and a few sips. You’re getting alcohol tastings across multiple categories (gin, whisky, vodka, rum and liqueurs) at each venue, plus morning tea with brunch-style bites and a catered lunch. You also get admission where it applies, including at stops where you’d otherwise need special access.

So the real question isn’t only cost. It’s whether you want a day that feels like a guided craft visit—meet people, see how the work happens, and keep tasting—rather than a quick stop-and-sample.

Morning tea with award-winning cheeses: setting your palate up

The day begins with morning tea before the main distillery visits. Expect Brunch cheese, biscuits and chocolates, plus that all-important local cheese pairing. It’s a smart move for two reasons.

First, cheese helps settle your stomach before you start tasting spirits. Second, it gives you something neutral and savory so you can actually notice differences between styles later.

If you’re the type who likes to compare notes, you’ll probably appreciate this start. It gives you a baseline before the day shifts fully into gin, whisky and liqueur territory.

Stop 1 in Cambridge: Spring Bay Distillery and the owners’ story

Your first stop is Spring Bay Distillery in Cambridge, not far from Hobart. This is where the day’s tone turns from travel to craft, because you’re there for about 1 hour and the focus is on the people and the process.

You’ll meet the owners, Susanne and Cam, who share their story before we get into spirit tastings and distilling. That owner-led feel is one of the most valuable parts of a private tour like this. You’re not just getting product info. You’re getting the why behind the work.

You should also expect to taste new make spirit fresh from the still at points during the day. Even if you only catch a brief glimpse of whisky before it transforms, that idea sticks: distillation gives you a raw spirit, and time and method do the rest.

Practical consideration: this is where you’ll likely taste early and often. Pace yourself and drink water between pours, especially since alcohol is included across venues.

Stop 2 at Hobart Whisky (Devil’s Distillery): repurposed Egg Factory access

Next comes the most behind-the-scenes stop. Hobart Whisky isn’t open to the public, which is a big reason this tour feels special. You’ll spend about 2 hours here, and you’ll meet the distillers directly—your hosts may be John, Ben, or Trevor.

The venue is set in a repurposed old Egg Factory, which adds to the story of the place: old industrial space turned into modern craft work. In a guided setting, that kind of location detail matters because it helps you understand what kind of operation you’re walking into.

During the visit, you’ll learn how the spirit moves from fresh distillation into whisky’s longer transformation. The tour description also calls out a fleeting glimpse of whisky before it begins its transformation, along with tasting new make spirit fresh from the still. That sequence is useful because it turns whisky into a process you can picture, not just a bottle you buy later.

If you’re a fan of asking questions, this is the stop where you’ll likely want to slow down and engage. When you meet the people doing the work, your curiosity usually turns into practical answers, not generic facts.

Stop 3 at Killara Distillery: gin heritage with owner Kristy Lark

Your third stop is Killara Distillery, one of the newer names on Tasmania’s spirits scene. The visit lasts about 1 hour, and the spotlight is on heritage and personality: you’ll meet owner Kristy Lark and her distiller team.

Killara’s pitch is hands-on and personal. You’re greeted with Lavender Gin or other options available at the venue, and you’ll get time to chat and learn in a smaller, more conversational setting.

This stop is where the day starts to feel like comparison tasting. You’ve already tasted your way through other styles, and now you’re seeing a different approach to flavor and spirit-making—especially with gin and botanical profiles on the menu.

Also, because alcoholic drinks are included at all venues, you’ll want to keep track mentally (or on your phone) of what you liked and what you didn’t. Later in the day, when you’re blending your own whisky, those impressions can help you choose toward a style that feels like your taste.

The hands-on part: blending your own whisky

One of the headline experiences is becoming the creator yourself. Midway through the day, you’ll blend your own whisky, building a personalised spirit story.

This matters because it changes the day from passive tasting to active decision-making. Instead of only judging what’s in front of you, you start thinking about how flavor components work together. Even if you’re not an expert, the experience gives you a reason to pay attention—sweetness, spice, and how the spirit develops.

Keep in mind that this is part of a full schedule. You’ll have tastings already in motion, so it helps to stay clear-headed. Eat, sip water, and don’t rush your blend. This is your moment to make the day feel personal, not only educational.

Lunch in the distillery loft: a break that still feels on-theme

Lunch is catered and served individually, and it’s staged in a rustic distillery loft. It’s not a generic restaurant stop where the day suddenly feels like sightseeing again. The point is to keep you surrounded by the aromas and atmosphere that fuel Tasmania’s craft community.

That matters more than you might think. Tastings can blur together fast, so a real sit-down break gives your palate time to reset. Plus, you’ll be able to talk with your guide while the day is still in “craft mode.”

If you’re planning your own day around this tour, treat lunch as a built-in reset. It’s not the time to chase shopping or long detours. Let the tour flow do its job.

How to handle the tasting schedule (without losing the fun)

This tour includes alcoholic beverages at all venues, including gin, whisky, vodka, rum and liqueurs. That’s a lot of categories in one day, so the best way to enjoy it is to manage energy and attention.

Here are a few habits that fit the day:

• Sip slowly at first, then decide if you want bigger tastes.
• Drink water between tastings and use lunch as a real palate reset.
• If you’re the type who loves comparisons, take quick notes while things are fresh.
• Save your “favorite style” questions for the host distillers—especially at Hobart Whisky, where access is more behind-the-scenes.

If you’re worried about stamina, plan for an easy afternoon after the tour. This is a full day of guided tasting, not just a short excursion.

Price and logistics: is it a smart value for your trip?

At $860.69 per person, this is not the bargain end of the market. But the value comes from the combination:

• Private, fully guided format
• Multiple distilleries, including one that is not open to the public
• Admission and included tastings across spirit types
• Food built into the day: morning tea with cheese, plus catered lunch
• The blending experience, which many tours skip

If you’re traveling with a group and you want a structured day where everything is handled, this kind of private tour can feel like money well spent. If you’re on a tight budget or you only want a quick tasting or two, you may find the day too much in both time and cost.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want alternatives)

This tour is a strong match if you:

• Like spirits and want more than tasting—process and people matter
• Prefer a guided day with special access, not open-to-the-public wandering
• Want a hands-on moment through your own whisky blend
• Appreciate food pairings like morning tea with local cheeses

It might be less ideal if you:

• Don’t drink or want minimal alcohol exposure
• Prefer shorter days with fewer scheduled stops
• Are trying to keep spending low in Hobart

Should you book this Hobart distillery tour?

I’d book it if you want a proper craft-focused day: cheese and food to start, three distinct distilleries with included tastings, and a hands-on whisky blending experience. The biggest selling point is the access—especially Hobart Whisky, which isn’t open to the public, and the chance to meet distillers in person.

I’d reconsider if the price feels steep for your travel style or if you know you’ll struggle with a full day built around tastings. But if you’re the type who remembers details, asks questions, and enjoys comparing different styles, this private format is exactly the right setup.

FAQ

How long is the private Tassie distillery tour?

It runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start in Hobart?

The start time is 10:00 am.

What distilleries are included on the tour?

You’ll visit Spring Bay Distillery, Hobart Whisky (Devil’s Distillery), and Killara Distillery.

Is pickup offered from Hobart?

Yes, pickup is offered.

Are tastings and alcohol included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages (gin, whisky, vodka, rum and liqueurs) are included at all venues.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. Lunch is included, catered for and served individually, and it takes place in a rustic distillery loft setting.

Are bottle purchases included?

No. Bottle purchases from the distillery are not included.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, you won’t be refunded.

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