Albany’s craft distilleries are quietly helping to redefine the Great Southern region’s drinking culture, blending local botanicals with old-world techniques to produce spirits as distinct as the coastline itself. Whereas Western Australia’s wine industry has long been celebrated, the rise of small-batch distillers along the south coast has added a new layer to the region’s culinary identity. Visitors who spend time exploring these operations often find that each bottle tells a story of place—whether it’s the mineral-rich waters flowing from the Stirling Range or the native herbs gathered from the hinterland. Distillers talk passionately about how ocean breezes and cool nights influence barrel ageing, creating flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
One of the pioneers in Albany’s distilling scene is Great Southern Distilling Company, founded in the early 2000s when the craft spirits movement was just beginning to take root in Australia. Their award-winning Limeburners whisky is made from 100 per cent Western Australian barley and aged in American oak casks at their waterfront premises. Tours take guests through the process from grain to glass, with plenty of opportunities to sample single malt expressions and limited-release cask finishes. Across town, Giniversity at the Albany Gin Distillery invites visitors to create their own gin under the guidance of master distillers using a selection of botanicals like lemon myrtle, quandong and boronia. The hands-on experience of weighing spices, selecting citrus and balancing juniper notes gives you a deeper appreciation for the creativity involved.
These distilleries are more than tasting rooms; they’re educational spaces that connect travellers with the region’s agricultural producers. Many run collaborations with local farmers and beekeepers or experiment with botanicals that can only be found in the south-west. For example, some distillers have partnered with indigenous foragers to source wattleseed and pepperberry, creating spirits that honour traditional knowledge. As craft spirits become more popular, Albany’s distillers have also embraced sustainability initiatives such as sourcing organic grains, using renewable energy and repurposing spent mash for animal feed. A visit can therefore feel like participating in a community that values both creativity and stewardship of the land.
The tasting experience in Albany is often paired with regional food. Distillery restaurants serve seasonal platters showcasing local cheeses, smoked fish and marinated olives that complement the spirits’ flavours. At Limeburners’ cellar door, charcuterie boards feature venison salami and pickled vegetables from nearby farms, while the gin distillery pairs its juniper-forward spirits with citrus-cured salmon and spiced nuts. Some venues even offer cocktail masterclasses where participants learn how to balance botanicals and mixers using gins or vodkas produced on site. The ability to see the stills gleaming behind the bar while sipping a handcrafted cocktail adds to the sense of authenticity. On warm evenings, outdoor patios become convivial gathering places where travellers swap stories with locals over a flight of tastings.
For travellers looking to take a piece of Albany home, bottle shops in town stock an impressive range of local spirits and liqueurs. Many distilleries also ship across Australia, enabling fans to enjoy a taste of the south coast long after their visit. Gift sets with mini bottles, tonic syrups and recipe cards make thoughtful souvenirs. In the future, the industry looks set to grow as new craft distillers enter the market and existing ones experiment with agave spirits, rum or regional variants of classic styles. There is talk of producing whisky aged in old port barrels from nearby vineyards, or gin infused with saltbush and native citrus. Some entrepreneurs are even exploring non-alcoholic spirits to cater to health-conscious consumers.
Albany’s distillery tours take about an hour each, but it’s worth lingering to soak up the ambiance. Staff are happy to discuss the finer points of cooperage or share recommendations for other food and drink experiences in the region. Combine a distillery visit with a day of exploring historic whaling stations or scenic coastal walks to get the full flavour of the Great Southern. Whether you’re a whisky connoisseur, a gin enthusiast or just curious about how spirits are made, Albany’s craft distilleries offer a warm welcome and a taste of innovation on the southern coast.