Distillery & Brewing Awards 2023 | 13 Situated in Macclesfield, Victoria, Dusty Barrel is a small distillery with a big vision to become an established brand with products on sale around the world. Founder Nick Hope produces unique spirits from locally sourced fruit and grains. With its 1250 litre copper pot still, Dusty Barrel Distillery distils handcrafted local malt and rice whiskeys. Small Craft Distillery of the Year 2023 - Victoria Nick Hope aims to showcase what can be produced by local fruit growers and grain suppliers, presenting a true local spirit to the world. To distinguish itself in a competitive market, the Dusty Barrel Distillery bases its malt whiskey recipe off a German Beer Oud Bruin, a sour beer, to produce a full-bodied, oaky whiskey. The distillery also produces a rice whiskey with light, floral notes. The taste is more savoury, with a honey over hay flavour profile. Dusty Barrel Distillery will be the first brand to release an Australian rice whiskey. As a family, we love camping and the outdoors, relaxing in nature, and sitting around a campfire with a whiskey or schnapps. In blending these passions, Dusty Barrel Distillery has looked at its carbon footprint and production methods in order to minimise our impact on the land. Dusty Barrel Distillery currently works with local farmers who use the draft (spent grain) for livestock feed. As part of its Founding Membership initiative, the business plants an indigenous shrub or tree on its property for every new membership, helping to build habits for Australia’s critically endangered animals. Tree planting also offset the building of the distillery and the company’s first year of production. In the next few years, Dusty Barrel Distillery aims to build solar and water treatment systems, with all distillation residue going towards tea composting and farm use. As a small distillery and one-man operation, Nick Hope plays the roles of cleaner, brewer, distiller, bottler, and salesman. One challenge facing the business is waiting for stock to be ready to sell on the market. The process cannot be rushed, but the business requires cash flow to continue building its stock. The next step for Dusty Barrel Distillery will be hiring skilled staff. The company is looking for hardworking individuals with a passion for producing flavour through quality grain, casks, water, and yeast. Nick Hope aims to inspire workers to utilise their creativity and put their unique signature into the process. The future holds exciting developments for the Dusty Barrel Distillery as Nick Hope further explores rice whiskey and variations to his recipes. The business is currently in conversation with a major winery with visions of distilling brandy and using Muscat, Pinot, Shiraz, and Merlot casks. The Dusty Barrel Distillery has grown from its humble beginnings and aspires to share its distinct spirits with a worldwide audience. For its flavourful spirits and its commitment to environmental responsibility, The Dusty Barrel Distillery has received our award for this year’s Small Craft Distillery of the Year – Victoria. Company: Dusty Barrel Distillery Web Address: www.dustybarreldistilery.com.au he story begins with founder Nick Hope travelling through Europe. While exploring, he visited several Schnapps distilleries and quickly became fascinated with the process. An opportunity arose to work at the distillery and learn the process. Nick jumped at the chance and began to wonder how he could replicate the process for himself. Years later, Nick happened upon the Black Gate Distillery, where owner Brian rekindled his love of distilling and spirits. Nick Hope and his family have now set up Dusty Barrel Distillery and are excited to share their love of whiskey with friends, family, and the community. T
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