Even some of the most seasoned drink connoisseurs in Perth are not completely aware of the evolution of distilleries happening in 2016.

With 50 distilleries Australia wide and the same amount planned and/or in development, the consumer demand for higher quality drinks in Perth’s small bar scene has pushed the way forward for some outstanding distilleries to flourish.

Two Perth City distilleries, Whipper Snapper in East Perth and Hippocampus in West Perth are becoming big success stories.

Whipper Snapper

Whipper Snapper is “Perth’s first urban distillery” and resides in an old warehouse at 139 Kensington Street in East Perth.

Founded by two young Western Australian men, Jimmy McKeown and Alasdair Malloch – with the help of family and friends – Whipper Snapper has evolved into one of Australia’s most exciting boutique distillery brands.

Producers of Australia’s first Moonshine, the ‘Whipper Snappers’ are seeking to do to whiskey in Perth what the pioneers of craft beer did in WA a generation ago – launching a new trend in whiskey and bourbon production locally.

Now the Perth team are determined to take on the big boys globally.

With a coffee and tasting bar open seven days a week, you can pull up a seat at the bar and try the finest with a tasting.  Friendly front-of-house staff are on hand to take you through the product.

Each month the guys put on a tasting night, hosted in their boardroom in East Perth.

Whiskey tours are also available by emailing [email protected]. 

Have you met James?

James McKeown talks through the history, process, and future plans for the East Perth spirits maker, Whipper Snapper Distillery. Producing Western Australian whisky and moonshine, Whipper Snapper offers a tasting bar and coffee to go at their Kensington St residence, near Claisebrook Cove train station.

Stay updated by liking their Facebook page and following their Instagram account.

Whipper Snapper Distillery  | 139 Kensington St, East Perth

Hippocampus

Hippocampus Distillery is at 19 Gordon St, West Perth, across the road from Gordon St Garage.

Founded by a group of ex Little Creatures brewers, the guys behind Hippocampus began their gin odyssey by importing shipments from Sipsmith in London.

From there, the team decided it was time to source local ingredients and hardware to make gin right here in Perth.

The guys purchased ‘Kylie,’ a 450 litre German made distillery and began their dream of producing the very best local spirits they could possibly create, using the best local ingredients.

Trial and error over eight months led to a consistent, tasteful Vodka being produced in small batches of 200 bottles.

Starting with biodynamic soft wheat from WA’s Southern Wheatbelt – from a town called Dumbleyung- the wheat is fermented with filtered water to create a wash.

The wash is then brought to ‘Kylie’ back in West Perth and distilled through two 10 plate copper columns for maximum flavour and to strip out impurities.

In the 18 months Hippocampus has been open, they have now also released a Gin that has been on the market for a month. The demand has been huge, with nation wide distribution.

By March 2016, Hippocampus will open their cellar door for the first time.

The Perth public can go down for a vokda, gin, beer or wine and a chat with the guys about the process or simply to admire the beautiful German still.

The lead-time for the still is 11 months. Alex Poulsen gained more experience in distilling while living in Norway in 2012.

Jason Markwhat speaks passionately, having worked in the beer and wine industry for over 10 years and knows how to build an authentic brand.

Why the Hippocampus? 

The answer is two fold; Firstly the hippocampus is the part of the human brain that assists in converting taste and smell to memories; the Hippocampus distillery team are confident you will have a memorable experience drinking their gin and vodka; Secondly, the hippocampus part of the brain resembles the shape of a seahorse – and you sure would remember one of those sipping a cocktail. Thus the award winning label logo.

Have you met Alex?

Alex Poulsen Distiller at Hippocampus talks through the history, process, and future plans for the West Perth spirits maker. Producing Western Australian organic Vodka and Gin, Hippocampus supplies nationwide after operating for 12 months to January 2016.

Stay updated by following Hippocampus Metropolitan Distiller on Twitter, liking their Facebook Page and subscribing to their photo stream on Instagram.

Hippocampus Metropolitan Distillery | 19 Gordon St, West Perth