How To Start A Distillery In Australia

You’ve come to a good place if you’ve ever wondered about how to start a distillery here in Australia. There are many things you need to know in order to get started. There are many different options, but the first thing you’ll need to do is raise funds. Banks generally don’t want to loan to small craft distilleries because they don’t have a high profit margin and the risk of failure is high. If you’re looking for funding, however, you might consider seeking venture capitalists. It is important to determine how much collateral you will need to raise funds to expand your business.

While many people purchase small stills and start with one or two batches, it’s important to consider the future of the business when choosing the right equipment for your distillery. You’ll want to consider things like environmental and health risks, and the number of batches you’ll be making every year. You should also consider your budget as scaling up can drain your resources and cause you to have difficult moments. It is important to remember that high-end distilleries pose a significant threat to the environment.

While traditional distilleries tend to have a state-of-the-art facility, the process of building a still can take a decade or more. Additionally, you’ll need to obtain permits, licensing, and taxation approval, which can take several months. You will also need to do extensive R&D to perfect the products. If all these steps are well-coordinated, a distillery will be more successful.

You must first get a license to distill alcohol if you are an Australian citizen. Taxes will also be required for alcohol. It is legal to distill alcohol in Australia, but it is illegal to do so without a license. If you don’t get the licence, you’ll be fined $85,000 and incarcerated for two years. This can be a major setback for a new business.

You will need to create an online platform that allows you to sell your spirits. Although licensing is one aspect of an online retail platform, it’s only one. You also need to consider logistics such as order tracking, customer support, and marketing. You should not offer products that are inferior to those offered by other retailers. Instead, offer value and make sure your customers buy the products you offer. To keep your business afloat, you’ll need to do it consistently.

Although starting a distillery can seem daunting, there are courses that will help you gain the confidence and know how you need to succeed. Distillers Institute offers a five-day workshop that will help you start a distillery either in Australia or New Zealand. You’ll learn everything from basic distillation processes to legal requirements. If you have any questions, they offer webinars and private Facebook groups.

Bass & Flinders was established in 1924. It is one of Australia’s oldest, most prestigious distilleries. The only Giniversity in Australia is located at this gin distillery. Visitors can also learn how to make their own spirits by taking gin-making lessons. You’ll even have access to two signature bottles! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced distiller, there’s something for you.