Some ideas arrive like a whisper, curling into the mind like the scent of aged oak and spice. Others strike like lightning—sharp, electric, undeniable. For John Halton, founder of Tasmanian Transportation Whiskey, inspiration came with a sip of history at Ireland’s legendary Midleton Distillery. Standing in the heart of Irish whiskey-making tradition, he asked himself:
"Why is no one in Australia making single pot still whiskey?"
At that moment, he turned to his wife and declared that he would return to Tasmania and be the first.
That was just the beginning.
Back home, Halton immersed himself in the craft, working in the whiskey industry and rising to head distiller. Along the way, he met Damian Mackey, a mentor and friend who shared his dream of producing a triple-distilled, single pot still whiskey—a style once synonymous with Ireland, now nearly lost to history. Together, they set out to revive and reimagine this whiskey on Tasmanian soil, honoring tradition while embracing the unique terroir of their homeland.
Single Pot Still Whiskey: A Legacy Worth Reviving
For centuries, single pot still whiskey was the gold standard of Irish whiskey, enjoyed across the British Empire and beyond. Unlike single malt, which is made solely from malted barley, single pot still whiskey uses a mash bill of both malted and unmalted barley, creating a chewy texture, full-bodied complexity, and signature "pot still spice".
The unmalted barley adds an edge—a rich viscosity, an almost lathery mouthfeel, and layers of warm spice.
During its golden age in the 19th century, Irish pure pot still whiskey outsold Scotch by three to one, becoming the drink of aristocrats and commoners alike. But by the late 20th century, it had nearly vanished, a victim of war, economic hardship, and misguided marketing that pushed a softer, more commercialized image of Irish whiskey.
Yet, whiskey lovers never forgot. In recent years, single pot still whiskey has experienced a renaissance, fueled by an appreciation for its history and its distinctive, unapologetic character.
The Tasmanian Interpretation
Creating Australia’s first single pot still whiskey meant more than following an old recipe—it required understanding how Tasmania’s wild climate could shape the spirit in ways never seen before.
Here, the island’s pure air, pristine water, and dramatic temperature shifts push whiskey through its maturation at a pace that surprises even seasoned distillers. The barrels breathe deeply, extracting every ounce of character from the wood, developing a depth and complexity that sets this whiskey apart.
And it is truly a whiskey that demands attention:
A thick, creamy mouthfeel—a signature of pot still whiskey—coats the palate with luscious oils.
A burst of pot still spice, almost gingery, with hints of liquorice and brown sugar.
Layers of flavor unfolding—sweet malt, dark fruit, warm oak, and an unmistakable Tasmanian intensity.
A long, lingering finish, echoing its Irish roots while carving its own distinct identity.
This whiskey is bottled in its natural state—no added coloring, no chill filtration—allowing the spirit to speak for itself. And it does, boldly.
A Tribute to Those Who Came Before
The name "Transportation Whiskey" is more than a nod to Tasmania’s past—it is a tribute to the tens of thousands of Irish convicts who were sent to Van Diemen’s Land between 1818 and 1853. Many had committed only minor crimes, often driven by poverty and famine, while others were political prisoners, rebels who dared to rise against oppression.
Among them were the Young Irelanders, 15 revolutionaries who fought for Irish independence and were sentenced to exile. They, like so many others, arrived on Tasmania’s shores with little more than their resilience, their culture, and their stories. Many of their descendants still call Tasmania home.
This whiskey honors their journey, their defiance, and the legacy they left behind. It is a drink born of history, shaped by time, and crafted with the spirit of those who refused to be forgotten.
A Legacy in the Making
If Halton could step back in time and stand in a 19th-century Irish distillery, what would he say to the master distillers of the past? Would they recognize Transportation Whiskey as kin? Would they share their secrets or demand to hear his?
One thing is certain: this whiskey is not just a first for Tasmania—it is a milestone in whiskey history. And long after the final dram is poured, the legacy of Tasmanian Transportation Whiskey will linger, just like the spirit itself—bold, complex, and impossible to forget.
Slàinte.
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Words by AW.
Photos courtesy of Transportation Whiskey.