Australian Distilling Co. to open new distillery

Australian Distilling Co. has announced plans for a new distillery in South Australia as part of a nationwide expansion plan.

The new facility at Stepney, near Adelaide, is the first of a number of new distilleries that the young spirits company is planning to open across the country.

Australian Distilling Co. was founded in 2018 by Michael Hickinbotham, the managing director of South Australia's largest homebuilder. Its master distiller is renowned wine and spirits educator Dr Graham Jones. 

The company is a continuation of a Hickinbotham family tradition of premium wine and spirit making. Michael's grandfather established one of the world's first degrees dedicated to winemaking at the University of Adelaide, and to honour him, Michael has given one of the copper pot stills at Stepney his nickname, 'Hick'.

Australian Distilling Co. products are now available in off-trade venues across Australia including BWS, Cellarbrations, Thirsty Camel and Dan Murphy's, as well as selected restaurants and bars.

Michael Hickinbotham said: "Australian Distilling Co. is a celebration of Australian communities. Our range of artisan small-batch gins and premium craft-made spirits embodies the flavour and character of key cities and regions. Our team of distillers journey across the country, partnering with local distilleries to produce our city gins, in each city.

"We are now investing in this commitment with plans to build distilleries in cities around Australia, starting with Adelaide, with stills planned for Darwin Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Geelong.

Pictured are Dr Graham Jones (left) and Michael Hickinbotham.

29 April 2021 - Bethany Whymark