History

Ironbark Distillery was founded by Reg and Greta Papps in February 2014. A year later they launched their first spirits and won the Australian Gin Distillery of the Year Award at the Melbourne International Spirit Awards in 2015.

Production / Manufacturing

Ironbark Distillery is described as a small and fully functional distillery of around 202 m2. The space houses two stainless steel stills, water tanks and laboratory equipment. Distillation is carried out with a 60-liter Carter Head still and a 100-liter boiler for smaller-scale production, where gin is produced by vapour infusion (botanicals stored in the basket in a specific order) and a distillation process of about 5 hours. For vodka and moonshine, a larger 500 L still with 8-plate fractionation is used. Moonshine is produced from corn, rye and barley and ferments for about 14 hours; it is aged in 200 liter pickle barrels from a local supplier. Everything at Ironbark Distillery is handmade, including bottling and labeling.

The culminating base material is neutral cane spirit. Like many new distilleries, vodka was the first release. Barrel ageing is mentioned as a future focus, and Reg Papps notes that he began making whisky using peated grain; during the visit the 3-week-old spirit showed vibrant peat and wood notes on the palate – an indication of the whisky prospects.

Products / Whisky series

Crystallus Vodka (40% ABV) – smooth and clean with a hint of sweetness; pepper notes lead to fruity notes in the finish. 313 Dry Gin (40% ABV) – five botanicals (juniper, coriander, cardamom, lemon zest and vanilla) in a single run; notes of juniper, white pepper and citrus. 313 Dry Wattleseed Gin (40% ABV) – like 313 Dry Gin but with wattleseed, earthy and nutty notes and a long, warm finish. Chai Spirit (40% ABV) – a unique distillate made with steam-infused chai leaves; usable in Long Island Iced Tea or neat with pineapple garnish. Unaged Corn Rye Moonshine (41% ABV) – sweetness from corn followed by pepper notes from rye and a creamy malt aroma; sold neat. 4 week Barrel Aged Moonshine (41% ABV) – moonshine aged in about 4 weeks in No. 4 charred virgin American oak, with vanilla, caramel and toffee notes. Barrel ageing – There is potential for whisky; Reg Papps began making whisky using peated grain, and the 3-week spirit shows potential (as described during the visit).

Visit / Experiences

Ironbark Distillery is located at 37 William St, North Richmond NSW 2754. The small, functional space of around 202 m2 is organized with two stainless steel stills, water tanks and laboratory apparatus, giving the feel of a chemistry lab: a handmade process pervades the entire production. Everything is hand-bottled and labeled before the bottles are sent out to Australian venues. The place emphasizes a close bond between man and machine; Reg describes “the still will talk to you.”

Philosophy

According to the text, the core of Ironbark Distillery is a neutral cane spirit. Vodka was the first release, and the distillery emphasizes craft and small-batch production over mass production. Like other small distilleries, they focus on handmade products and not necessarily mass distribution.