Australia is known for many things, from its biodiversity to the stunning beaches and world-famous restaurants. However, what people often forget to mention is that Australia is home to a burgeoning liquor industry. In fact, there are plenty of distilleries and liquor brands that often receive massive media attention for their award-winning rums, whiskies, and gins. If you want to learn more about Australian liquor brands and their origins, you have come to the right place.
Bundaberg Campfire Rum originated in Queensland and is known for its rich molasses flavour and the iconic bear logo. In 1888, seven Queenslanders started Bundaberg Distillery to make better use of the burgeoning sugar industry. They rolled off the production line for the first batch of Bundaberg Rum in 1889.
In 1890, Bundaberg Rum sent a small supply of its liquor to Western Australia, where it went down a treat. Sydney and Melbourne also got to experience the rich flavours of this iconic rum, giving it national recognition. The economic depression of 1890-93 led the distillery into receivership. However, the company survived and became one of the most iconic liquors in the country.
St. Agnes brandy has a rich history rooted in the Angove Family Winemakers. The original St. Agnes Distillery (built in the late 1800s) was located at Tea Tree Gully, in the north-eastern suburbs of Adelaide. In 1910, Carl Angove travelled to Renmark in South Australia’s Riverland to establish the region’s first winery and distillery. This eventually became the home of St. Agnes Distillery.
In 1925, Carl offered a job to Harry Ronald “Ron” Haselgrove, who had prior knowledge of winemaking and distillation. Together, they created St. Agnes Brandy. In 2025, the St. Agnes distillery proudly celebrates 100 years of distillation with the release of two iconic spirits: the St. Agnes XXO 50 Year Old Exceptional Reserve and the St. Agnes XO 30 Year Old Centenary Reserve Single Cask.
Made from the clean waters of Cape Grim, this Australian liquor brand is famous for offering one of the best local spirits in the region. This brand was created in 2006 with the goal of producing Australia’s first premium vodka, focusing on locally sourced ingredients and a pure water source. Founder Dean Lucas already had years of experience operating iconic restaurant and bar venues in Melbourne.
While it took the brand some time to perfect the new vodka, they started officially producing it in 2008. It was the first time the public tasted 666 750 ml bottles of Pure Tasmanian Vodka. Dean sold the first batch of 666 bottles through one of his bar venues. In 2010, Dean entered the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition with 666 Vodka, where it became the first 100% Australian spirit to win a Gold Medal.
Master distiller Phillip Moore and designer Tom Baker started this brand with the goal of creating fine coffee liqueur. They both loved coffee and alcohol, yet they could not find any decent coffee liqueur in the market. After spending 9 months in R&D, their product, Mr. Black, won a gold medal at the London International Wine & Spirits Competition (2012).
They started production in 2013, and every bottle of Mr. Black was made at their own coffee roastery and distillery just north of Sydney. In Australia, coffee is more than just a flavour. It is a culture. Mr. Black embodies that culture and inspires people to take their love of coffee into their evening drinks.
In 2013, Archie Rose founder Will Edwards noticed that Sydney did not have its own distillery. The next year, Archie Rose started its operation in Rosebery. Their goal was to produce the highest-quality Australian whiskies, gins, and other spirits for the locals and the world. While they produce different types of spirits, their gins are arguably some of the best gins produced in Australia.
Their first gin was the Signature Dry Gin, which was launched at the end of summer 2015. It was made with a typical gin base and botanicals native to Australia. In 2016, the production team at Archie Rose started working on producing another version of their gin, leading to the birth of Distiller’s Strength Gin. This is described by the brand as “the boldest, most elegant gin” in their range. They try to produce something new every year, making them a unique liquor brand in Australia.
As you may realise, the current liquor market offers a diverse range of Australian spirits. From distilleries as old as 200+ years to newer brands, you can find all kinds of brands that prioritise their Australian roots while providing world-class liquors.