9 of the coolest distilleries in Sydney

Archie Rose Distilling Co.

Where: Rosebery

We wouldn’t blame you for simply dropping in on Archie Rose for a whimsically named cocktail or two in the bar – perhaps a Papaya Don’t Peach with the brand’s botanical vodka, blood orange, lime, papaya, peach, chilli and salt. You can also sip your way through a spirit flight, highlighting the many tasty beverages, whether whisky, rye, gin or vodka. The establishment spearheaded Sydney’s distilling renaissance when it opened in 2014, and today welcomes you to glimpse where the magic happens on a behind-the-scenes tour. The talented makers here love to see visitors getting their hands dirty, which means you can also sign up for gin and whisky blending sessions and take home a bottle of your own creation, or enjoy themed masterclasses.  

Archie Rose Distilling Co., Rosebery

Finders Distillery 

Where: St Leonards 

On Sydney’s North Shore, Finders Distillery was born out of a love for craft products, fine produce and travel – in fact, the Aussie owners first came up with the concept while exploring the world. Vodka and gin are the key spirits here, one blend made using native red finger limes alongside kaffir lime leaves and Tahitian limes. All spirits are made and bottled on site, and you can visit the cellar door to pick up takeaways on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, or attend an ‘open day’ at the cocktail bar throughout the year – check the website and social channels to see upcoming dates. 

Finders Distillery, St. Leonards

Four Pillars Laboratory 

Where: Surry Hills 

If you want to find all your gin-loving needs in one space, make tracks for this Surry Hills gem. The Sydney outpost of the 2019, 2020 and 2023 winner of World's Best Gin Producer, enjoy world-class cocktails in Eileen's Bar, paired with Made From Gin dishes created by chef Matt Wilkinson, or experience a Gin Workshop in the Gin Lab, complete with a working copper gin still (named Eileen). There is also an on-site retail shop selling Sydney-exclusive gins, including the Sydney Winter Gin (infused with bulbs of fresh fennel, whole ruby grapefruit, roasted wattleseed, pepperberry, turmeric, ginger, coriander and lemon myrtle), as well as fun keepsakes such as chocolates and soaps infused with the same botanicals found in the signature Rare Dry gin. 

Four Pillars Laboratory, Surry Hills

Brix Distillers 

Where: Surry Hills 

Rum has a chequered past in Sydney, but Brix Distillers is reinventing the narrative with bold, modern Australian rum crafted right in the heart of Surry Hills. Their boutique distillery, bar and restaurant celebrates the history of rum with a distinctly local twist, using premium Australian ingredients to create their range of small batch rums, including their signature aged Australian Rum, Spiced Rum, Cane Spirit, and a Mango Rum made with fresh Queensland mangoes. Step inside for a behind-the-scenes Distillery Tour, or get hands-on with a Cocktail Class or a Rum Spicing Session, where you can craft your own unique spiced rum blend. Prefer to sit back and sip? Settle into the bar to explore the full Brix range right where it was made, enjoy a curated selection of top Australian rums, and indulge in a menu designed to complement every pour. 

Brix Distillers, Surry Hills - Credit: Brix Distillers

Unexpected Guest 

Where: Marrickville 

Tucked away among Marrickville’s bustling brewery scene, take a break from pints of craft beer to enjoy a gin tasting at Unexpected Guest Distillery. Starting as a passion project on the Northern Beaches and following multiple medal wins at the Australian Gin Awards, the team decided to move shop to the Inner West. The community-focused distillery is still decorated in its signature bright orange, and the beloved 1972 VW Kombi ‘Gertrude’ can be found at the back when not pouring drinks at events. Stop by for a flight of the core range gins or opt for one of the funky cocktails, such as the I Scream & Squawk, made from the Disco Flamingo Pink Gin, seasonal handmade gelato from local maker Ciccone & Sons and a splash of prosecco. A bar snack menu is available, as well as Gin Flight & Cocktail Masterclasses and Trivia Nights. 

Unexpected Guest Distillery, Marrickville - Credit: Unexpected Guest Distillery

Seadrift Distillery 

Where: Brookvale 

Similarly to the happening suburb of Marrickville, in recent years the industrial area of Brookvale has been transformed into a hub of craft breweries and boutique distilleries. But unlike its inner west counterpart, Brookvale boasts what’s been billed as Australia’s first alcohol-free distillery. Owners Alastair and Carolyn Whiteley distil from fresh cut botanicals grown on farms around the state – alongside a touch of locally foraged sea kelp for that special ‘beaches’ note – giving the taste of a true craft spirit, without the side effects. The mocktail menu is brimming with classics – think negronis, margaritas and cosmopolitans – alongside originals like the Cocoberry Glow, a delicious blend of berries, wild hibiscus and collagen powder claiming to promote join, nail, skin and hair health. 

Seadrift Distillery, Brookvale

Ester Spirits 

Where: Marrickville 

Founded by Sydney-based couple Corinna Kovner and Felix Clark, what began as the couples’ quest for the perfect negroni 10 years ago has evolved from a backyard project into an award-winning range of bold, juniper-forward gins, with Ester Spirits even taking home the title of ‘World’s Best Navy Gin’ at the World Gin Awards 2021. Now found behind the bars at Tetsuya’s, Sean’s Panaroma and Continental Deli, you can drop into the red-washed, multi-purpose Marrickville venue – which is part bar, part art museum and part R&D lab – for a taste. There’s no beer or wine, just a straightforward list of cocktails flawlessly showcasing the Ester range. For a deeper dive, book into the Flavours of Ester Private Tasting or the Negroni Masterclass. 

Ester Spirits, Marrickville - Credit: Ester Spirits

Hickson House Distilling Co 

Where: The Rocks 

Housed in the old Saatchi & Saatchi garage and in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Hickson House is the brainchild of Mikey Enright and Julian Train, the hospo heavyweights behind two of Sydney’s most awarded bars, The Barbershop and the Duke of Clarence. The New York-style loft bar is host to a functioning distillery run by Tim Stones (formerly of Manly Spirits) producing gins, whiskies and bespoke spirits, as well as a secret mezzanine cocktail lounge tucked away upstairs. Learn about the distillation process with an experiential tour or tasting, and once you have found a drop to suit your taste, pick up a bottle at the off-licence store before settling in with a G&T or two. 

Hickson House Distilling Co, The Rocks - Credit: Hickson House Distilling Co

Manly Spirits Co 

Where: Brookvale 

Life in Manly revolves around the ocean, and there’s a distinctive seaside vibe to the drinks at Manly Spirits Co. Sustainably foraged marine botanicals (alongside native Australian and more traditional ingredients) go into the gin made here, and you’ll find a Marine Botanical Vodka, which promises sea air notes on the nose. Join a distillery tour or a cocktail masterclass. Or simply call in to the distillery’s tasting bar, open Thursday to Sunday and offering spirits, cocktails, craft beer and organic wine as well as cheeseboards and grazing plates. 

Manly Spirits Co Distillery, Brookvale