Visiting a distillery can be a captivating experience, offering an insider’s glimpse into the art of crafting premium spirits. The Old Kempton Distillery’s guided tour and tasting promises just that – an immersive journey through the historic Dysart House and a chance to discover the unique flavors that make their Tasmanian offerings so remarkable. From the distillation process to the local ingredients, every aspect of this experience is designed to enhance one’s appreciation for the meticulous work and passion that goes into each bottle. Whether you’re a spirit connoisseur or simply curious, the insights gained during this tour may just surprise you.
This experience made our list of the 2 Best Guided Tours In Tasmania.
Key Points
- Comprehensive exploration of distillery operations, including a walkthrough of the historic Dysart House and insights into the distillation process.
- Sampling of four distinct Old Kempton spirits, including the signature single malt whisky, bold gin, velvety liqueur, and refreshing vodka.
- Knowledgeable guides provide detailed information on each spirit, engaging visitors with the craftsmanship and history behind the premium Tasmanian spirits.
- All ingredients sourced locally from regional growers and suppliers, ensuring the spirits capture the essence of the Tasmanian region.
- Accessible and inclusive tour experience, with wheelchair accessibility, service animals permitted, and infant seats provided for visitors.
Overview of the Distillery
The Old Kempton Distillery, established in 2015, produces a range of single malt whisky, gin, and liqueurs entirely from Tasmanian ingredients.
Situated in the historic Dysart House, dating back to 1842, the distillery offers visitors a guided tour and tasting experience. Guests can learn about the distillation process and explore the unique spirit characteristics.
The tour includes tastings of four Old Kempton products, allowing visitors to discover the flavors and aromas that make the distillery’s offerings distinctive.
With a focus on using 100% local ingredients, the Old Kempton Distillery is committed to showcasing the quality and character of Tasmanian produce through its small-batch spirits.
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Guided Tour and Tasting
Visitors on the guided tour and tasting experience at Old Kempton Distillery can expect a comprehensive exploration of the distillery’s operations and products.
The tour includes a walkthrough of the historic Dysart House, where guests learn about the distillation process and have the opportunity to sample four of Old Kempton’s distinctive spirits.
The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the unique characteristics of each spirit, from the single malt whisky to the gin and liqueurs.
Guests can expect an engaging and educational experience, with ample time to ask questions and delve deeper into the distillery’s passion for crafting premium Tasmanian spirits.
The tour culminates in a tasting that showcases the quality and flavors of Old Kempton’s meticulously produced offerings.
Distillery History and Operations
Established in 2015, Old Kempton Distillery has continuously expanded its operations, drawing on Tasmanian resources to craft a range of premium spirits, including single malt whisky, gin, and liqueurs.
Using 100% Tasmanian ingredients, the distillery has gained a reputation for its commitment to quality and innovation.
The single malt whisky, for instance, is distilled in copper pot stills and matured in ex-bourbon and sherry casks, resulting in a complex and well-balanced flavor profile.
The distillery’s gin, meanwhile, is infused with native Tasmanian botanicals, adding a unique twist to the classic spirit.
Through meticulous attention to detail and a passion for their craft, the team at Old Kempton Distillery continues to push the boundaries of what Tasmanian spirits can achieve.
Tasmanian Ingredients and Sustainability
Committed to showcasing the exceptional quality of Tasmanian produce, Old Kempton Distillery sources all its ingredients locally, forging strong relationships with regional growers and suppliers. This commitment to sustainability is reflected in the distillery’s portfolio, which features:
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Single malt whisky distilled from 100% Tasmanian barley
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Gin infused with botanicals like native pepperberry and Tasmanian leatherwood honey
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Liqueurs crafted with locally-grown fruits and herbs
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All products packaged in recyclable materials to minimize environmental impact
Distillation Process and Spirit Characteristics
The distillation process at Old Kempton Distillery involves carefully selected Tasmanian barley, which undergoes a meticulous multi-stage transformation to craft their award-winning single malt whisky, gin, and liqueurs. Using traditional copper pot stills, the spirits are meticulously distilled, capturing the essence of the local terroir. The resulting expressions showcase the unique character of each spirit, with distinct flavor profiles that delight the senses.
| Spirit | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Single Malt Whisky | Rich, Complex, Smoky |
| Gin | Juniper-forward, Botanical, Crisp |
| Liqueurs | Sweet, Smooth, Nuanced |
The attention to detail and craftsmanship at Old Kempton Distillery ensures that each bottle is a testament to the region’s finest ingredients and the distillers’ passion for their art.
Tasting of Old Kempton Spirits
During the guided tasting, visitors have the opportunity to sample four of Old Kempton Distillery’s distinct spirit offerings, each showcasing the unique character and excellence of the Tasmanian terroir.
The tasting features:
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Their signature single malt whisky, a smooth and complex dram with notes of caramel, toasted oak, and a hint of sea salt.
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A bold and aromatic gin made with locally sourced botanicals, including Tasmanian pepper berry and native coastal herbs.
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A rich and velvety liqueur crafted from the distillery’s own whisky and infused with local honey and spices.
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A refreshing and citrusy vodka that captures the essence of the region’s pristine natural ingredients.
Each spirit is thoughtfully presented, allowing visitors to appreciate the careful craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every bottle.
Meeting Point and End Location
After sampling the exquisite spirits, visitors then make their way to the meeting point at the Dysart House Green Ponds Hotel in Kempton, Tasmania. This historic hotel, dating back to 1842, serves as the starting and ending point for the distillery tour and tasting experience.
| Meeting Point | End Point | Start Time |
|---|---|---|
| Dysart House Green Ponds Hotel, 26 Main St, Kempton TAS 7030, Australia |
Returns to the meeting location | 1:30 PM |
The tour concludes by returning visitors to the Dysart House, where they began their journey into the world of Old Kempton’s exceptional spirits. This seamless arrangement allows guests to fully enjoy the distillery experience from start to finish.
Accessibility and Traveler Information
The Old Kempton Distillery tour and tasting experience is wheelchair accessible and caters to stroller users, allowing visitors of various mobility levels to participate.
Plus, the tour welcomes service animals, and infant seats are available for those bringing young children.
The tour can accommodate a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience for all.
Here are some key details about the accessibility and participation:
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Wheelchair accessible
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Stroller accessible
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Service animals allowed
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Infant seats available
The distillery tour’s inclusive approach ensures that everyone can enjoy the immersive experience of exploring the distillery and tasting the exquisite Tasmanian spirits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tasting?
The distillery does not have any age restrictions for the tasting. However, visitors must be of legal drinking age in the location to participate in the spirit tastings.
Can I Purchase Spirits On-Site After the Tour?
Yes, visitors can purchase Old Kempton spirits on-site after the tour. The distillery’s retail shop offers its full range of products, including single malt whisky, gin, and liqueurs, for guests to take home.
What Type of Payment Methods Are Accepted?
The Old Kempton Distillery accepts a variety of payment methods, including cash, credit cards, and mobile payments. Guests can make on-site purchases of the distillery’s spirits, such as single malt whisky, gin, and liqueurs, after the tour and tasting experience.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no dress code for the distillery tour. Visitors can wear casual, comfortable clothing appropriate for a guided walking tour. No formal attire is required to participate in the experience.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is needed for the tour. Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring any personal items they may need. The distillery provides all necessary equipment for the tour and tasting experience.
Recap
The Old Kempton Distillery tour and guided tasting provides visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy the art of Tasmanian spirit-making.
From exploring the historic Dysart House to savoring the distinct flavors of the distillery’s premium products, this experience offers a comprehensive understanding of the craftsmanship and local ingredients that go into creating these exceptional spirits.