Little Lon Distilling Co. launches Melbourne-made and -aged whiskey

Little Lon Distilling Co. has branched out from its gin-making roots, announcing the release of Little Lon Whiskey, the first single malt to be distilled and aged legally in Melbourne’s CBD.

Tucked away deep in the north-east of the city, Little Lon Distilling Co. is housed in a heritage-listed cottage, a site that was once a brothel, a speakeasy, and now, Melbourne’s only CBD distillery.

Like Little Lon Distilling Co.’s gin range, Little Lon Whiskey was distilled in the cottage at 17 Cassenden Place, but with no space to age the barrels on-site, distillery owner Brad Wilson sought another CBD site with a storied history.

Over the course of Melbourne’s Covid lockdowns, Little Lon Distilling Co began distilling wash and filling casks, which would then be aged in the confines of Cell 13 of the Watch House at the Old Melbourne Goal.

Matured at the former jail, Little Lon Whiskey developed a character unique to Melbourne’s climate, representing an unusual blend of heritage and modern craft distilling.

Wilson says the whiskey has absorbed the essence of its surroundings and marks a significant milestone for Melbourne’s craft spirits scene.

“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,” he stated.

“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.”

Tasting notes for Little Lon Whiskey describe an aroma of burnt honey, apples and hints of coffee and fried banana. The whiskey has a strong oak profile on the palate with a buttery barley texture and hints of sultanas, chocolate, rye bread and warming spices.

Long and complex, the finish has notes of dark chocolate, toasted oak, black pepper, hazelnut and dark brown sugar.

At 44 per cent ABV, the inaugural release is available now, limited to just 500 bottles.