ABOUT
Tamborine Mountain Distillery is one of Australia’s most awarded distilleries and liquor brands, renowned for its exceptional range of boutique liqueurs, gins, rums, vodkas and brandies, all handcrafted on Tamborine Mountain.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1993 as a family-owned business, Tamborine Mountain Distillery helped pioneer the Queensland craft distilling industry. The distillery has received over 350 international awards, making it one of the most recognised craft distilleries in Australia.
It was also the first distillery granted a licence by the State Government in over 100 years, marking a significant milestone in the state’s craft distilling history.
The distillery began when Michael Ward and Alla Ward moved from Tasmania to their property on Beacon Road. Michael transformed a neglected citrus and avocado orchard into a thriving garden, planting every tree himself.
Alla, drawing on her Ukrainian heritage, began crafting schnapps, vodkas, liqueurs and eaux-de-vie from the orchard’s fruit. Their first product, the Bells of Saint Clements Citrus Brandy Liqueur, was the distillery’s inaugural spirit.
Continuing the Craft
After the founders retired in 2017, Gordon Chalmers and Dr. Shumei Hou took over as custodians of the distillery, guiding its growth both nationally and internationally.
The distillery was thoughtfully relocated and restored at a historic brewery site on the famous Gallery Walk, where modern production methods complement and preserve the traditional processes that have defined the distillery from the beginning.
Under their care, Tamborine Mountain Distillery has earned recognition, including Gold Awards at the Queensland Tourism Awards in 2022 and 2023, and in 2023, their Apricot Brandy was named World’s Best Brandy at the London Spirits Competition.
The distillery also embraces sustainable manufacturing practices and the innovative use of locally sourced botanicals, keeping the spirit of the original craft alive in every bottle.
Our Head Distiller
As Head Distiller, Gordon Chalmers oversees the creation of the distillery’s award-winning spirits. With postgraduate degrees in technology and business, he combines technical expertise with creativity in botanical distillation.
Gordon has pioneered the innovative use of Australian botanicals in both alcoholic and wellness applications, while also championing sustainable manufacturing practices. His dedication ensures that every liqueur, gin, rum, vodka and brandy reflects the heritage, care, and craftsmanship that define Tamborine Mountain Distillery.
Visit the Distillery
Experience the craft firsthand at Tamborine Mountain Distillery. Explore our award-winning spirits, learn about our distillation process, and enjoy a guided tasting in the heart of the mountain.
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