Distilled in a heritage cottage and aged in the notorious confines of the Old City Watch House, Little Lon Distilling Co. is releasing the first single malt whiskey to be distilled and aged legally in Melbourne’s CBD: Little Lon Whiskey.
The Little Lon Distilling Co. has a unique history, tucked away in a tiny heritage-listed cottage in the north-east corner of the city, in the heart of the former redlight district. It was once the site of a brothel, then a speakeasy, and in 2018 it became home to Melbourne’s only CBD distillery.
Nestled between city towers, restaurants and the theatre district, the Little Lon Distilling Co. began producing critically acclaimed gin six years ago.
Little Lon was destined to make a host of dark spirits – but there was no space to age the barrels at the 17 Casselden Place premises, so owner Brad Wilson turned to a space with an equally scandalous past.
During Melbourne’s COVID lockdowns, Little Lon Distilling Co. was quietly distilling wash (the fermented liquid used for distillation, brewed by Bricklane Brewing), and filling casks to be locked away for the next two years.
The ageing process took place in the confines of Cell 13 of the Watch House at the Old Melbourne Gaol, a site steeped in criminal history and now a poignant reminder of Melbourne’s shadowy and violent past.
The whiskey matured under optimal conditions, absorbing the essence of its surroundings and developing a character that is unique to the city’s climate.
The result – Little Lon Whiskey.
“We’re thrilled to introduce Melbourne’s first CBD-made and aged single malt whiskey. A distillery known for its gin, this is a first-time exploration into the world of dark spirits,” Brad Wilson, founder of Little Lon Distilling Co., said.
“Crafted with care in a cottage that has shared many visitors with Old Melbourne Goal, there was a natural synergy – there would have been a well-worn path between the two places.”
Representing a rare fusion of heritage and modern craft distilling, Little Lon Whiskey’s aroma includes burnt honey, apples, and hints of coffee and fried banana. On the palate, you’ll find a strong oak profile, buttery barley texture, and notes of sultanas, chocolate, and rye bread, rounded out by warming spices.
The finish is long and complex, featuring dark chocolate, toasted oak, and a touch of black pepper, complemented by hazelnut and a lingering sweetness of dark brown sugar.
The launch of Little Lon Whiskey marks a significant milestone in Melbourne’s craft spirits scene, offering enthusiasts and whiskey connoisseurs alike a taste of something truly local and distinctive.
But with only 500 bottles of this release available, time is ticking before this deviant whiskey receives a life sentence …
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