Kempton: Craft Distillery Tour with Whisky Tasting & Lunch

Kempton: Craft Distillery Tour with Whisky Tasting & Lunch — An Authentic Taste of Tasmania

If you’re looking for an experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and local flavors, the Kempton distillery tour offers just that. Set in the charming town of Kempton, Tasmania, this tour invites you to explore Dysart House, the Old Kempton Distillery, and their bond store, all while enjoying some of the finest single malts made with 100% Tasmanian ingredients.

We love the way this tour manages to blend learning and tasting without feeling rushed, and the fact that you get a delicious antipasto platter included makes it a great value. The only thing to consider is that it’s quite a walking-heavy experience—so comfortable shoes are a must. Perfect for whisky enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone curious about Tasmania’s craft spirits, this tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of local distilling talent.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Tour Dysart House, an historic property with stories to tell.
• Premium Tastings: Sample 4 carefully curated single malt whiskies.
• Local Flavors: Enjoy a Tasmanian antipasto platter, valued at $80.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: See barrels of maturing whisky and the bond store.
• Guided Insight: Knowledgeable guides add context and fun stories.
• Balanced Duration: Two hours is perfect for a relaxed, informative visit.

Exploring the Distillery and Dysart House

From the moment you arrive at Old Kempton Distillery, you’re welcomed into a setting that’s both historic and vibrant. The tour kicks off with a guided walk through Dysart House and its grounds, where you’ll learn about the house’s role in the region’s history and perhaps hear some ghost stories—an intriguing touch that adds a hint of mystery to the experience. The house, dating back to an era when coaches traveled the roads, is a grand and atmospheric backdrop for this craft adventure.

As we strolled around, the guides shared insights into the distillery’s evolution since it’s been operating here since November 2015. It’s clear that the owners take pride in their heritage and their craft, making this a genuine spot for those interested in Tasmanian spirits and local history alike.

Behind-the-Scenes of the Distillery

Next, the tour takes you into the bond store and distillery area, where the magic happens. You’ll see barrels of different shapes and sizes, each one containing whisky at various stages of maturity. The sight of all those barrels stacked in the dimly lit space is enough to make any whisky lover’s heart race. The staff will explain how each barrel influences the flavor, providing valuable insights into the aging process.

The bond store isn’t just a storage room; it’s a living part of the whisky’s story. You might even catch a whiff of the different aromas wafting from the barrels—each one telling its own tale of time and ingredients. The added thrill? Some of those stories come with ghostly tales tied to Dysart House, adding a layer of intrigue to your visit.

Guided Whisky Tasting

After exploring the production area, you’ll settle into the cozy Cask Lounge in the historic Old Kempton cellar door. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tasting of four single malt whiskies crafted on-site. These are premium spirits, made with Tasmanian barley and water, reflecting the island’s reputation for quality and purity.

The tasting is not just about sipping; it’s an education. The guides help you identify the subtle differences between each whisky, discussing flavor profiles, aroma, and maturation. Many reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and friendliness—one reviewer even called the guide “fantastic,” adding that the atmosphere was “wonderful” and the staff “friendly.” You’ll find that this part of the tour offers real value, especially if you’re interested in understanding what makes Tasmanian whisky stand out.

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The Antipasto Lunch — A Delicious Bonus

No whisky tasting is complete without a suitable accompaniment, and here, the antipasto platter truly shines. Valued at around $80, this Tasmanian antipasto lunch features local cheeses, cured meats, olives, and crusty bread—simple, hearty, and perfectly prepared.

Guests have raved about the quality of the lunch, noting it’s “delicious,” and that it pairs beautifully with the spirits. It’s a generous inclusion in the tour, offering a chance to relax, chat, and savor the flavors of Tasmania’s culinary scene. The lunch adds a substantial, tasty element to the experience without making it feel like a hurried stopover.

Practical Details and Value

The full tour lasts about two hours, balancing sightseeing, tasting, and lunch comfortably. It’s suitable for most travelers, with wheelchair accessibility and a requirement to bring closed-toe shoes. The group size tends to be manageable, which means more personalized attention from guides, adding to the overall charm.

Pricing is geared toward providing good value—considering the guided tour, four spirit tastings, and a substantial antipasto platter included. Many travelers, based on reviews, feel it’s an excellent deal for what they receive, especially given the quality of the spirits and the historic setting.

The tour is not suitable for children under 18, which is typical for adult beverage tastings, but it’s a perfect outing for couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers interested in Tasmanian craft spirits. Flexibility is another plus—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a low-risk choice when planning your Tasmania itinerary.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’ve ever wondered about the process behind craft whisky making or want a taste of Tasmania’s local spirit scene, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially great for those who appreciate history with a twist of ghost stories, or who enjoy pairing good spirits with local food. The knowledgeable guides and authentic setting make it feel like a special, well-curated experience.

It’s ideal for travelers who prioritize quality over quantity—you won’t be overwhelmed with options but will leave with a solid understanding of what makes Tasmanian whisky unique, along with some memorable flavors.

The Sum Up

The Kempton craft distillery tour delivers more than just a tasting—it’s a journey into Tasmania’s spirit-making tradition, wrapped in a historic setting. We found the experience to be informative and relaxed, with excellent value thanks to the guided tastings, the beautifully prepared antipasto platter, and the chance to see barrels of aging whisky.

This tour is perfect for adventurous palates, history enthusiasts, and anyone curious about what makes Tasmanian spirits stand out. The friendly guides, atmospheric location, and authentic story make this a memorable addition to your Tasmania trip.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded, authentic, and enjoyable distillery experience, this tour deserves a top spot on your itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience takes about 2 hours, which is enough time to enjoy the sights, tastings, and lunch without feeling rushed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 as it involves alcohol tastings and related activities.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund, offering flexibility.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license for ID verification and closed-toe shoes for safety while touring the distillery.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for most guests with mobility needs.

Can I sample other spirits besides whisky?
On-site tastings vary depending on preferences, and other spirits like gin and liqueurs are made locally, but they’re not included in this tour.

What is included in the price?
You get a guided tour, tastings of four whiskies, and a Tasmanian antipasto platter.

Will I learn about the distillation process?
Yes, guides explain the maturation process, barrels, and how local ingredients influence flavor, providing a meaningful insight.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Old Kempton Distillery, with instructions to arrive 15 minutes early.

Is the experience good value for money?
Absolutely. Many reviewers find the combination of a historic setting, quality tastings, and a hearty lunch to be excellent value.

This distillery tour offers an authentic, relaxed way to dive into Tasmania’s craft spirit scene. Whether you’re a whisky novice or a seasoned aficionado, it’s a chance to taste, learn, and enjoy a bit of local history—an experience worth savoring.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby