Discover one of the tiniest distilleries in Australia

The Tasmanian cultural hub of Cygnet is known for its gourmet adventures, boutique wine producers and many artisan cafés and galleries. 

It is now also home to what is believed to be the smallest boutique distillery on the island state - and possibly in Australia.

Cygnet is 40 minutes south of Hobart in the Huon Valley and is where Harry (above) and Brooke Moses were co-founders of Pagan Cider. 

In early 2020 they turned their attention to distilling and plan to eventually produce a range of gins, vodkas, brandies and whiskies in their home distillery in Cradoc, just out of town. 

They are off to a most impressive start after kicking off the business in February last year. 

"We felt it was logical that our next step should be to start Port Cygnet Distillery and pursue a long-standing interest and passion for distilling," Harry Moses said.

"I am proud to have one of Australia's smallest distilleries, using a 30-litre copper pot still, and making just 50 bottles per batch. The distillery is now our family business.

"My gins are intentionally heavy with botanicals, and consequently are rich, smooth, and elegant."

The distillery is zero waste excluding packaging (although ceramic bottles made by local potter Ian Clare will be re-released soon). 

Cooling water is recycled, spent botanicals are composted, cleaning products are all organic, compostable, and used for garden bed preparation and plant watering. 

The current range includes Foundation Gin, Kaffir Lime Gin and Raspberry vodka. At our Christmas party, I created a Cygnet Stinger cocktail from the Foundation Gin, Hartzview Apple Liqueur and bitters. It proved a hit all round. 

The entire range is artisan-produced and beautifully presented - and a cherry vodka is on the way. 

"My grandfather on my Mum’s side created the Cherry Ripe recipe when working for a Melbourne confectionary company,: Harry Moses says. "He then started his own company but obviously didn’t have the rights to that product.

"For some reason cherries keep popping up in the family." 

For details see www.cygnetdistillery.com.au/