Just two hours from Melbourne's happening nightlife, two new distilleries are capitalising on the goldrush town's burgeoning local food and drinks scene.
Grainery Lane and Itinerant Spirits are the new kids in town, joining acclaimed local distilleries Kilderkin Distillery, Red Duck Distillery and Mrs Baker's Still House to round out Ballarat's flourishing drinks scene.
Already serving the public, Grainery Lane leans heavily on the town's goldrush era charm, with a massive saloon-style bar sourced from Chicago spanning an entire wall, with sparkling chandeliers, grand leather couches and period furniture completing the effect.
Out the back, a secret speakeasy conjures the prohibition era, giving guests a glimpse into the past. Offering eight gins and two vodkas made on site from local produce, Grainery Lane's custom bottles are made from corrugated iron, a nod to the silos of Ballarat's grain farming origins.
Steeped heavily in local history, the drinks menu showcases Grainery Lane's unique gin and vodka products mixed in traditional and eclectic cocktails, along with five locally brewed beers on tap.
Devating from local history momentarily, Executive Chef Scott Alsop's menu is a south-east Asian and Latin-American share-style affair, with many of the dishes infused with Grainery Lane spirits.
Brian Taylor is the brains behind Grainery Lane and a local hospitality pioneer who owns several local institutions, including Hop Temple, Aunty Jacks and Roy Hammond.
"Grainery Lane helps cement Ballarat as the craft capital of Australia. Ballarat should be proud of the food and drink experience it offers tourists and locals alike," said Taylor.
Opening to the public in early October, Itinerant Spirits will set up shop in the Ballarat Goods Shed with a cocktail bar, restaurant and masterclass space showcasing the distillery's whisky, gin and vodka. Pre-launch ticketed events will be held from Wednesday 20th September.
Itinerant Spirits' Co-founders, Brad Wilson and Craig Ryan, are also heavily invested in Ballarat's history and local produce, using locally grown and malted grains to distil their spirits with while proofing with local volcanic spring water from Black Mount Springwater.
Introducing an international flair, The Itinerant Spirits Distillery was designed by Emma Maxwell, a Singapore-based interior designer recognised by World's Top 50 bars and restaurants. The venue marks her first venue design in her home state of Victoria. Noteabley, Emma has designed interiors for Hilton, Marriott, Park Royal, Burnt Ends and many more.
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