History

Backwoods Distilling Co was founded in 2017 by Bree and Leigh Attwood, shortly after they moved to the small town of Yackandandah in Victoria. With a love for the mountains, a passion for whisky and a desire to build something meaningful from the ground up, the idea of a true Australian distillery took shape. We started small in a shed on our property, and in the first years every bottle was hand-labeled and hand-filled. Today our spirits are found in Australia and abroad, but we have never abandoned our original purpose: to make small-batch hand-crafted spirits that reflect the country, its ingredients and its people.

Production and Craft

Our whiskies start with heritage grains such as rye, wheat and barley, grown in the Riverina – chosen not only for flavor but for their connection to this land. We mature our spirits in a range of distinctive casks, including reused fortified wine casks, Australian Shiraz casks and rare Red Gum wood casks coopered in Barossa. These choices are not only about technique – they tell a story of place and craftsmanship. Our gins showcase native ingredients such as old man saltbush and native lime, capturing the scent and flavor of the Australian landscape.

Products and Whisky Series

Single Malt Whisky, White Oak Barrels (700ml)

– Aged in White Oak casks – 100% Australian malted barley – a light, floral whisky with notes of vanilla, coconut and apricot; a clean, elegant finish. – Award-winner: Best Single Malt Whisky in Australia at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards and 93 points at the International Wine and Spirits Awards. – Core range with 100% Australian ingredients.

Rye Whisky, Shiraz Barrels (700ml)

– Heritage rye aged four years in ex-Shiraz casks – balances the warm, spicy character of rye with the Shiraz cask’s dark fruit and spice. – Tasting notes: ginger spice, rye bread and a creamy chocolate finish. – Award: Category Winner (Rye) at the World Whiskies Awards. – Aged and produced with 100% Australian grains.

Whisky Hand Fill Experience

– A unique experience where you hand-fill and personalize your own limited edition Backwoods whisky – a 500 ml bottle. – Includes hand-fill from Special Reserve Cask under guidance, a personalized label and a gift pouch. – Price: 150 AUD per person – available only at the distillery. – Current cask: Single Malt, Apera Cask – 48% ABV. – Walk-ins welcome; or prebook online for a time that suits you.

Visits and Experiences

Backwoods is not just in the bottle – we welcome you to our distillery in Yackandandah. We are open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 to 16:00 for tastings, drinks and bottle purchases. Enjoy a tasting paddle or a cocktail made with our award-winning spirits while you sit at the copper still and soak in the living-room atmosphere. Table reservations available, walk-ins, and a DIY platter fridge for enjoying with your glass. We also have pickup options and information on local dining spots nearby.

Philosophy

What drives Backwoods is the joy of seeing someone take a sip of one of our spirits and feel something real: a memory, a connection, a sense of time and place. We believe in small-batch and craft that reflect the country, support local producers and create moments worth savoring. Each bottle of Backwoods whisky or gin carries a piece of where we come from – and we are proud to share it with you.