Welcome to the world of St Duke's Distillery, where tradition meets innovation, and every bottle tells a story. As the first commercial distillery in Australia producing spirits from cow's whey, we take pride in our unique approach to distilling to produce wonderful artisan gin, vodka and other spirits. Join us as we take you on a journey through the meticulous process of transforming whey into exquisite craft spirits, from grass to glass.
Step 1: The Beginning - Sourcing Our Ingredients
At St Duke's Distillery, our commitment to quality begins with our ingredients. Our whey is sourced exclusively from Harvey Cheese, our neighbouring cheese factory, located in the dairy country of southwest Western Australia, where we are lucky enough to access some of the best dairy in Australia. This partnership not only ensures the freshest whey, but also supports local businesses and promotes sustainability.
But why whey? As a byproduct of cheese production, whey is rich in lactose, which can be fermented to produce alcohol. By using whey, we minimize waste and create a truly unique base for our spirits. This environmentally friendly approach aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Step 2: The Fermentation Process
Once we receive the whey, the fermentation process begins, during which yeast is added to the whey to convert the lactose into alcohol. This stage is crucial, as the quality of fermentation directly impacts the flavour and purity of the final product.
Our team of skilled distillers monitors the fermentation process closely, ensuring optimal conditions for yeast activity. This attention to detail guarantees that our spirits have a smooth and refined taste, setting them apart from traditional grain or potato-based spirits.
Step 3: Distillation - The Heart of Our Craft
After the fermentation process is completed, the liquid wash is ready for distillation. This process involves heating the fermented whey to separate the alcohol from the remaining liquid. At St Duke's Distillery, we use traditional copper pot stills to achieve the perfect balance of flavour and purity, as copper pot stills are renowned for their ability to enhance the character and complexity of the spirits.
Each batch is carefully monitored to maintain consistency and quality, giving our spirits their distinct character, ensuring that every bottle of St Duke's spirits meets our high standards.
Step 4: Bottling
Once distilled, our spirits are ready for bottling. Each bottle produced at St Duke's Distillery is labelled, filled and sealed by hand. A final check is done to ensure each bottle lives up to our high standards before being packaged up.
From Grass to Glass: Our Commitment to Excellence
At St Duke's Distillery, every step of our process, from sourcing local whey to the final bottling, reflects our dedication to excellence and sustainability. Our unique approach not only produces exceptional spirits but also supports our local community and reduces waste.
We invite you to experience the distinctive taste of our whey-based spirits, crafted with care and passion. Whether you enjoy our vodka, gin, or other creations, you can savor the craftsmanship and innovation that go into every bottle.
Shop Now
Curious to try our spirits? Visit our online shop here and browse our range of gin, vodka and liqueur - all made onsite from whey!
Same day shipping for a flat fee of $10. Go on, treat yourself!
Visit Us
Curious to learn more? We welcome you to visit St Duke's Distillery to view the distillery, discover the art of distilling firsthand and sample our unique spirits. Whether you're a spirits enthusiast or new to the world of distilling, you'll find something to love at St Duke's.
Stay Connected
Stay updated with our latest news, events, and releases by signing up for our newsletter. Follow us on social media and join our community of spirits lovers. We look forward to sharing our journey with you and raising a glass to many more milestones together.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the art of distilling. Cheers to the future and the exciting adventures ahead!