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What even is Australian whisky, anyway?

What even is Australian whisky, anyway? We ask Archie Rose’s Master Distiller, Dave Withers.

Archie Rose whisky has been in the works for a long time now. Why has it taken so long?

As the saying goes, nothing worthwhile in life is ever easy, but more importantly, we subscribe to the belief that the whisky is ready when it is ready. We do not aim for a particular age and decant it precisely on that day or to a strict production schedule, rather we will monitor the whisky as it approaches maturation and decant it from cask when we feel it is at its absolute best - balancing the flavour and influence of the malt, spirit and cask.

What kind of whisky are you hoping for when it’s ready?

Our vision for whisky has always been to speak of our experience as Australians. We want to craft a distinct, charming and flavoursome spirit which showcases the regional character of the malts it is made up of, complemented by great quality oak. We’ve spent an enormous amount of time in research and development, looking at how we can create a rich and engaging, complex yet affordable whisky. And we believe we’ve made something really special.

What part of the Archie Rose whisky journey excites you the most?

Australia provides the world with an enormous amount of malting grade barley. It’s grown right here in our backyard in conditions unlike any other, and with varieties that aren’t used anywhere else on earth, so we’re tapping into that wherever possible and highlighting the incredible quality and diversity of this malt. We also have a fantastic wine industry which has produced extremely high quality fortified wines for well over a century; and we have a climate which promotes rapid extraction of flavour from oak during maturation. These are just some of the tools we’re using to craft an interesting and innovative whisky.

What are Archie’s main rules for making whisky?

With summer days that reach well over 40 degrees, our whisky matures significantly faster than in Europe, so rather than fight against the natural climate, we ensure we produce a flavoursome but clean spirit that doesn’t require decades to reach maturity. Furthermore, we ensure we keep a close eye on maturation to ensure balance between the malt, spirit and cask.

How does the Archie Rose approach differ to how more traditional distilleries make whisky in Scotland, the USA, Ireland or Japan, say?

Many of the principles of whisky production are the same throughout the world. But where other more traditional distilleries might be constrained to operate a certain way because ‘that’s the way it’s always been done,’ Archie Rose is not. We’ve trialled different yeasts, fermentation conditions, mashing regimes, cask treatments, malts and distillation techniques, just for starters. In short, I’d say Archie Rose is different because of our desire to challenge tradition where appropriate, long-term commitment to R&D, and willingness to work with difficult raw materials, processes and production techniques, that others would likely not persevere with, all in search of flavour and quality.

What are some of the biggest challenges in producing whisky in Australia, and in Sydney specifically?

Definitely public perception. Most whisky drinkers are still unaware that great quality whisky can be made in Sydney or even Australia. We have a really long history of distilling and manufacturing quality spirits as far back as the 1700s – and it’s a big shame to me that we don’t talk more about Australian distilling and its roots in Sydney, in particular.

Does Australian whisky have its own special characteristics?

Our grain has origins very different to that grown in the wet and cloudy conditions of the UK. It’s grown in the dry red earth, under big blue skies and shares the fields with gum trees. So that, coupled with a very different maturation environment, really make for a spirit with unique character. It’s fundamental to us as distillers to understand the place a whisky, and its components, are made. The two things really can’t be separated.

Ten years from now, do you think the Australian whisky landscape will have changed from what it is today?

​Absolutely! It’s changed so much in the last few years alone. No doubt we’ll see an increase in the number of whisky distilleries in operation – but more importantly, we hope to see an increase in awareness for the Australian whisky industry as we continue to produce some of the world’s very best whiskies.

What’s the one thing you’d like people to understand about whisky?

I think great distilling sits at a really interesting crossroads, somewhere between science, art and business. Even when you understand all of the scientific principles of whisky production, it only explains so much. There’s still a strong element of mystery in creating whisky – an intangible complexity which can catch you off guard.

And if you had to convince a staunch Scotch drinker to try Australian-made whisky in one sentence. What would you say?

No words. Slides glass of Archie Rose across the table. . .

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Archie Rose Bar. Monday-Sunday: CLOSED. Cellar Door spirit sales: Monday, Tuesday: CLOSED. Wednesday - Sunday: 10am til 5pm.

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85 Dunning Ave
Rosebery NSW 2018

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Location

85 Dunning Ave
Rosebery NSW 2018

Open in Maps

Distillery

Book a tour:

Wednesday - Sunday
Subject to availability

Book Tour

Bar

Come in for a drink:

Archie Rose Bar Opening Hours
Monday: Closed
Monday 2 October (Public Holiday): 12pm-9pm
Tuesday: Closed
Tuesday (From 10 October): 4pm-10pm
Wednesday - Thursday: 4pm-11:30pm
Friday - Saturday: 12pm-11:30pm
Sunday: 12pm-10pm



Cellar Door Spirit Sales:
Monday: Closed
Monday 2 October (Public Holiday): 12pm-9pm
Tuesday: 10am-6pm
Tuesday (From 10 October): 10am-10pm
Wednesday - Sunday: 10am-10pm
Monday: Closed

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To experience this site you must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence. Please enjoy Archie Rose responsibly in countries where the consumption of alcohol is lawful, for persons who are lawfully permitted to consume alcohol. By entering this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Find out more at www.drinkwise.org.au. Archie Rose Distilling Co. Pty Limited Rights Reserved. Archie Rose Distilling Co. supports the Responsible Service of Alcohol. NSW Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. Liquor Producer Wholesaler Licence: LIQW880014624 | Liquor Hotel Licence: LIQH440018958

To experience this site you must be of legal drinking age in your country of residence. Please enjoy Archie Rose responsibly in countries where the consumption of alcohol is lawful, for persons who are lawfully permitted to consume alcohol. By entering this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions. Find out more at www.drinkwise.org.au. Archie Rose Distilling Co. Pty Limited Rights Reserved. Archie Rose Distilling Co. supports the Responsible Service of Alcohol. NSW Liquor Act 2007. It is against the law to sell or supply alcohol to, or to obtain alcohol on behalf of, a person under the age of 18 years. Liquor Producer Wholesaler Licence: LIQW880014624 | Liquor Hotel Licence: LIQH440018958