The McHenry Story

Tasmania’s conditions are so suited to making whisky, even mainlanders like Bill McHenry have become converts. A former executive in Sydney, Bill became interested in Tasmania and its whisky potential during a family holiday. After learning that Tasmania’s native whisky-makers had already enjoyed success, the decision to move south and start a distillery became even easier.

Located on the Tasman Peninsula, just 5 minutes’ drive from the World Heritage Port Arthur Historic Site, William McHenry & Sons is Australia’s most southern distillery – and perhaps its most beautiful. The site – carefully chosen by Bill – could easily play host to a luxurious spa retreat instead of a distillery. At the top of the property (which is also where the distiller’s cottage is located) views flow across to Hobart, Mt. Wellington and down to the Hartz ranges. The distillery’s position also offers exceptional conditions to create whisky. It’s home to several natural, year-round springs that provide the distillery with pure water.

The Port Arthur air has a faint maritime quality, adding a faint iodine note to the whisky. The distillery also has a partnership with Despard Gallery in Hobart, and there’s a selection of high quality art work on exhibition at the distillery.

The distillery’s Bond Store will act as a satellite exhibition space, showcasing the work of Despard’s Tasmanian artists.