A Guide to Australian Whisky – From Grain to Glass

A Guide to Australian Whisky – From Grain to Glass
 

Celebrating flavour, craftsmanship, and local favourites from our tasting bar

Australian whisky is having a moment — and it’s richly deserved. No longer flying under the radar, distillers across the country are now recognised internationally for producing complex, world-class spirits that reflect the regions and raw ingredients that shape them.

At Whitton Malt House, we’re proud to showcase some of the country’s best at our Whisky Bar — with tasting paddles, guided sessions, and bottles from some of the most exciting makers in the industry. But what really makes Australian whisky stand out? It all starts with the grain.


The Backbone of Flavour: Malt Matters

Before a single drop hits the barrel, whisky begins with malt — germinated grain that’s been carefully prepared to extract flavour and fermentable sugars. And no one knows this better than our neighbours at Voyager Craft Malt, who supply many of Australia’s top whisky distilleries.

Based in the heart of the Riverina, Voyager partners with local growers to produce small-batch, single-origin malts tailored specifically for distillers. Their process brings a level of traceability and terroir that’s rare even on the global stage — and it’s a key reason why so many Australian whiskies taste so distinctive.


The Malting Process — Step by Step

Here’s how Voyager turns local grain into exceptional malt for whisky:

  1. Sowing + Growing – Grains are sustainably grown in rich Riverina soils, using sun and water to create high-quality, flavour-rich barley varieties.

  2. Harvesting – Grains are collected at peak maturity for optimal starch content.

  3. Storage – Grain is stored by variety, paddock, and grower — preserving traceability.

  4. Grading – The grain is cleaned and sorted for consistency; offcuts are fed to local livestock.

  5. Steeping – Soaked in cool water over two days to activate natural enzymes.

  6. Germination – Grains sprout and begin converting starch to sugar; they’re turned regularly to ensure even development.

  7. Kilning – The grain is gently dried to stop growth and develop colour, aroma, and flavour. Voyager uses carbon-neutral biomass to power this step.

  8. Roasting – Specialty malts are roasted in a coffee-style drum to enhance flavour complexity — think chocolate, biscuit, or nutty tones.

  9. Dressing – The rootlets are removed and recycled, leaving a clean, polished malt.

  10. Packaging – The malt is delivered directly to distillers who transform it into award-winning spirits.

This deep attention to detail — from seed to sack — gives Australian whisky its unique flavour signatures, often marked by a toasty richness, layered complexity, and a distinctly local story.


Distilleries and Breweries We Love (and Serve)

Here are just a few of the incredible Australian producers featured in our Whisky Bar — each with a strong connection to local malt and a deep respect for craft.

Tumut River Brewing Co (NSW)

What started as a boutique brewery has grown into a regional craft powerhouse. Their small-batch spirits and whisky proudly feature Voyager malt and a distinctly Snowy Mountains attitude — bold, smooth, and full of character.

Corowa Distilling Co (NSW)

Set in a once-abandoned flour mill purchased for $1, Corowa Distilling Co embraces grit and creativity. Their whiskies are aged in both American and French oak barrels, often made with Riverina-grown grain, and celebrate a bold, rich style with spice, vanilla, and toasted notes.

Archie Rose Distilling Co (NSW)

Based in Sydney, Archie Rose is a pioneer in modern Australian distilling. Their six-malt blend (developed with Voyager) showcases how thoughtful malt selection can influence everything from nose to finish. Expect depth, clarity, and award-winning complexity.

Timboon Railway Shed Distillery (VIC)

Housed in a restored railway shed, Timboon crafts elegant, approachable single malts using copper pot distillation and careful cask selection. Their spirit is rounded, warming, and subtly sweet — with malt character front and centre.


 Taste It Here

You don’t have to travel far to try these world-class whiskies — just visit us at Whitton Malt House.

Our Whisky Bar offers:

  • Curated tasting paddles (guided or self-guided)

  • An ever-evolving range of Australian whiskies

  • Distiller spotlights and seasonal pairings

  • Friendly, knowledgeable staff to guide your experience

We love sharing not just the flavour of great whisky, but the story behind it — and the connection back to local farms, malt houses, and makers who care deeply about their craft.


Why Australian Whisky Is Worth Celebrating

From the barley fields of the Riverina to the cooperages and stills of regional Australia, every step of whisky-making here is infused with innovation, quality, and respect for tradition. Australian distillers — supported by maltsters like Voyager — are no longer trying to emulate Scotland or Japan. They’re carving out a unique voice of their own.

And the best part? You can taste it.


Visit Whitton Malt House to explore the full range of Australian whisky at our bar. Book a tasting, chat with our team, or simply sip and discover.
 Open 7 days | Guided tastings available