Head Distiller Adam Chapman is at the very centre of our shared vision to produce fine spirits that surprise and delight. With an extensive International career and qualifications in winemaking and spirits production and education, Adam’s approach to the creation of beautiful drinks combines centuries-old traditions with modern science. There is literally no more passionate proponent of the use of uncompromising production values and the finest ingredients to ensure Australian artisan spirits take their rightful place on the world stage as the equal of the very best.
Maria and Sarah, the main tools of Adam’s trade, are our gleaming 6,000 and 2,500 Litre Tasmanian artisan pot stills. Hand-made from the finest German copper and meticulously custom-designed to create stunning and complex flavour profiles.
How would you describe your approach to distilling and the philosophy of the distillery?
I have the intended goal of always starting with the end in mind, so what style of spirit am I making and what is going to make this spirit different and hence why make it. As a qualified distiller and also a qualified WSET educator for both wines and spirits, it places me in a strong point of difference within Australia.
With every spirit I make, it always has a story behind it, whether it be a Gin, Vodka or a Rum. Every spirit also needs to have a strong point of difference – in the Gin, I use grapes as a base raw material and all botanicals are in the liquid when distilling, this ensures the best textured and flavoured spirit. With the Vodka, again using grapes as a raw material, our very own harvested water, and running the vodka through our ancient volcanic rock column.
How about the soon to be released Nil Desperandum Rum? How are you approaching the production of your Rum?
I am a big Jamaican Rum fan and I am aiming to make the funky, left-field style rum, not really seen in Australia as yet. We’re currently making:
Nil Desperandum will be Australia’s first Organic Certified Rum. Barrels are all either bourbon usage, sherry/bourbon usage, port/bourbon usage or brand new for all rums.
Favourite drink or cocktail?
Alize Bleu and Red Bull with a Fairy Floss Garnish
…just pulling your leg…
An Original Dry Gin & Tonic – NO GARNISH!
* Excludes selected product lines - Noosa Festival of Surfing, Kherson Liberation Gin, Patron’s Peace Vodka, The Generals Gin, Greenslander Gin & Woodfordia Dry Gin