History

Applewood Distillery was founded in the Adelaide Hills with a vision to create sustainable, Australian spirits based on endemic ingredients and to support local farmers and leaseholders. The brand presents itself with the motto From The Land We Belong To and makes sustainability an integral part of its business model as a certified B Corp. It all began with a simple pot still and an improvised production in Lobethal; early work took place in a small lab still, where they built relationships with local farmers and leaseholders. In 2015 they launched their first gin, and in 2017 Applewood became the first B Corp distillery in Australia. Over the years they developed more than twenty gins with endemic botanicals such as Desert Lime, Davidson Plum and Wattleseed, drawing inspiration from Australia’s land and culture. Parallel to the gin venture they began exploring whisky as a long-term project: Jarrah is a single malt made from barley grown on Ngadjuri land and distilled on Peramangk land, entirely matured in casks crafted from native Jarrah wood, previously containing Fortified Red Wine from Kaurna land. The whisky is limited to 100 bottles in existence and represents Applewood’s effort to capture the country’s culture and nature in a bottle. In addition to production and experimentation, Applewood continues to develop collaborations and stay true to its sustainability philosophy and connection to the land.

Production / Manufacturing

Applewood began its journey with a pot still and focuses on using Australian, endemic ingredients. The whisky part is described as a SINGLE MALT made from barley grown on Ngadjuri land, distilled on Peramangk land and fully matured in casks of native Australian Jarrah wood, previously containing Fortified Red Wine from Kaurna land. The whisky has an ABV of 51.5% and is available in 500 ml bottles; there are only 100 bottles in existence. This whisky is part of Applewood’s efforts to develop Australian whisky from 100% Australian ingredients and to let the nature’s woods contribute to flavor and structure.

PRODUCTS / Whisky Series

• Jarrah – Single Malt Whisky
• Type: Single Malt
• 4 years maturation in Jarrah wood casks (native Australian timber), previously containing Fortified Red Wine from Kaurna land
• Barley grown on Ngadjuri land; distilled on Peramangk land
• 500 ml bottle, 51.5% ABV, limited to 100 bottles in existence

Visits / Experiences

The Distillery Door is located at 24 Victoria Street in Gumeracha, SA, and is open Thursday to Sunday for drinks and meals. Booking is recommended. As part of a newer expression Applewood has launched Bottle Shock – a new wine experience activity concept; the distillery door was reportedly closed in early 2025, and Bottle Shock is offered as a new wine experience event, still with hours Thursday–Sunday (12:00–18:00).

Philosophy

Applewood is B Corp-certified and makes sustainability a central part of its business philosophy. They emphasize Made With Native Botanicals and ensure that the majority of their botanicals come from Australian owner-operated farms. The company highlights the importance of preserving and respecting the land and cultures, including collaborations and field visits with farmers and leaseholders. They also emphasize inclusion, engagement and perseverance as core ingredients in their work to preserve and promote endemic ingredients and Australian culture in beverages.