Loch Brewery & Distillery’s acclaimed spirits and ales have a dreamy origin. It all began with a workplace discussion about whisky, fueled by a fascination with single malts. An opportunity to learn about whisky making in Tasmania and visits to small breweries in the UK ignited the desire to create something exceptional.
Discovering the secret that good whisky starts with a quality beer base, the idea to craft old-fashioned ales alongside whisky emerged. The search for the perfect location led them to a charming 100-year-old red brick bank in the small village of Loch, South Gippsland. Here, they transformed the space into a home for their stills and a welcoming cellar door. Adjacent to the bank, a derelict butcher’s shop now houses their 12hL brewery.
With their knowledge growing, they decided to design and build their own British-style brewery. A skilled stainless fabricator in Leongatha brought their vision to life, creating a unique and fully operational brewery in just five months.
When it came to stills, they sought Alembic Copper Pot Stills, a design with a history spanning over seven centuries. Finding this design challenging to access in Australia, they turned to a specialized company in Portugal that hand-beats these exquisite pot stills. The result: stunning stills that are not only visually captivating but also perfect for distilling.
With everything in place, commercial production began in March 2014, making Loch Brewery & Distillery’s dream of crafting exceptional spirits and ales a reality.