Our Story
Our history and heritage.
The History, Heritage and Future of Launceston Distillery
The Beginning
What started as a dream of five friends to produce whisky in the finest Scottish single malt tradition grew into Launceston Distillery. Founded in Launceston in 2013, the Distillery began whisky production in 2015.
Read more about our team by visiting the Team page.
Northern Tasmania and Launceston
Tasmania prides itself on a culture of innovation and excellence, with passionate people creating world-renowned boutique brands. We are honoured to be at the heart of the Tasmanian Whisky Trail, enhancing the state’s reputation as a premium whisky producer.
Launceston Distillery focuses on using local ingredients, employing local people, and using local production methods. The water for our whisky comes from the nearby South Esk River (plipatumila), the longest river in Tasmania, and our barley is sourced from northern Tasmania.
Hangar 17
The Distillery is located in historic Hangar 17 at Launceston Airport, Tasmania’s oldest surviving aviation building. Built in 1932, it served as a passenger departure point until 1968, when the current terminal was constructed.
Since 2013, we have preserved and transformed the space into a building that produces award-winning, traditional-style whisky.
Read about the conversion of the Hangar and the construction of our stills by visiting the Our Process page.
The Legacy – Caledonian Distillery
Launceston’s first whisky distillery, the Caledonian Distillery, was established in 1824 and became one of the colony’s foremost distilleries. In 1839, the Distillation Prohibition Act was enacted, outlawing the distilling of spirits across the island. Since 1992, when the law was changed to allow modern-day distilleries, Tasmania has been home to a growing number of producers. Launceston Distillery is the first traditional whisky producer in Launceston to gain a production licence since the Caledonian closed.
Today
The historic Hangar is now home to our Distillery, where we produce award-winning hand-crafted, small-batch whisky.
From grain to bottle, everything happens under the roof of Hangar 17.
Taking Flight - the history of Hangar 17
Hangar 17
Our home played a key role in the development of aviation in Tasmania and Australia. Hangar 17 housed historic airlines Holyman’s, Australian National Airways and Ansett, providing Northern Tasmania with a gateway to the rest of the world.
There was a romance associated with the glamour and grandeur of flying in the 1950s and 1960s, so too a nostalgia around a fine glass of traditional whisky – we are proud to write the next chapter of the building’s history by entwining the pleasurable with the past.
Queen Elizabeth leaving Western Junction in February 1954, with Hangar 17 in the background (Tasmanian State Archives)
Significant History
Hangar 17 is Tasmania’s oldest aviation building still standing in its original location. From this hangar, commercial aviation in Tasmania was established. Affectionately known as the ‘Holyman Hangar’, it was erected in 1933 following the formation of Tasmanian Aerial Services by Victor and Ivan Holyman with Laurie Johnson. The service initially flew passengers to the Bass Strait islands using the Desoutter monoplane Miss Flinders and Fox Moth biplane Miss Currie.
Hangar 17 is on the right
Expansion Ensued
The airline expanded and was renamed as Australian National Airways (A.N.A.) in 1936. ANA was the largest domestic aviation company operating throughout Australia until the 1950s. The Hangar was extended to its current size and an upgraded passenger departure lounge and airline offices were built.
Photo courtesy Tasmanian State Archives
With deep respect, Launceston Distillery acknowledges the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community as the traditional and ongoing custodians of this land. We recognise their connection to the land, seas, air and waterways of lutruwita.
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