New player in thriving game

TASMANIAN whisky is riding a wave of popularity with the state boasting 36 distilleries and the number expected to climb in the next two years.

The latest one, Devil’s Distillery, which produces whisky and spirits at a humble operation in Moonah, is releasing its first batch of single malt during Tasmanian Whisky Week, which goes until Sunday.

Under the label Hobart Whisky, the single malt will be available for tasting at the Tasmanian Spirits Showcase in the Henry Jones Atrium from 4-7pm on Saturday.

The showcase brings together 20 Tasmanian craft distilleries for tastings and coopering demonstrations from the Tasmanian Cask Company.

Manager John Jarvis said the Devil’s Distillery, owned by the Caccavo family, was founded in 2015.

“When we started there were 11 distilleries, now there are 36. The sector has exploded and we have the passion to produce the finest handcrafted Tasmanian single malt whisky,” Mr Jarvis said.

Killara Distillery at Goodwood, which is one of the few distilleries worldwide to be owned and operated by a woman, will have a new release in the next six weeks.

Owner and operator Kristy Booth-Lark said Tasmania’s whisky industry would continue to grow.

“It is estimated Tasmania will have 50 distilleries by 2020,” she said.