Hunter Distillery
Discover artisanal gins, vodkas, and liqueurs with unique flavors like popcorn and chili. A must-visit for spirit lovers in the Hunter Valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, fewer crowds
Hunter Distillery
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover artisanal gins, vodkas, and liqueurs with unique flavors like popcorn and chili. A must-visit for spirit lovers in the Hunter Valley.
"The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making the tasting experience truly memorable."
🎯 Test Tube Tasting Fun
For $10, try up to 6 spirits! The popcorn liqueur is a must-try. :wine_glass:
✨ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Ask Kylie or Julie for recommendations; they offer great insights and make the experience memorable. :star:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Artisanal Gin & Liqueur Tasting
Sample a wide array of handcrafted gins, vodkas, and unique liqueurs like popcorn and blackberry. A must-try for spirit aficionados!
Chilli Vodka Kick
Experience the surprising heat and flavor of their signature chilli vodka. Not for the faint of heart!
Popcorn Liqueur Delight
Indulge in the surprisingly smooth and decadent popcorn liqueur, a crowd favorite for its unique taste.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beyond Wine: Discover Hunter Distillery
Tasting Tips for Spirits Lovers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Test Tube Tasting Fun
For $10, try up to 6 spirits! The popcorn liqueur is a must-try. +1 :wine_glass:
✨ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Ask Kylie or Julie for recommendations; they offer great insights and make the experience memorable. +1 :star:
🍫 Beyond Spirits: Local Goods
Explore local jams and balsamic vinegars alongside your spirits. The place smells divine! :gift:
🌿 Organic & Sustainable Spirits
Enjoy 100% organic spirits made with traditional methods and sustainable practices. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Test Tube Tasting Fun
For $10, try up to 6 spirits! The popcorn liqueur is a must-try. +1 :wine_glass:
✨ Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Ask Kylie or Julie for recommendations; they offer great insights and make the experience memorable. +1 :star:
🍫 Beyond Spirits: Local Goods
Explore local jams and balsamic vinegars alongside your spirits. The place smells divine! :gift:
🌿 Organic & Sustainable Spirits
Enjoy 100% organic spirits made with traditional methods and sustainable practices.
🚗 Perfect Day Trip Addition
A great stop for a Sydney day trip, offering something different from wine tasting. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hunter Distillery for its unique artisanal spirits, particularly the diverse range of gins and liqueurs like the popular popcorn flavor. The exceptional friendliness and knowledge of the staff, especially Kylie and Julie, are frequently highlighted as making the tasting experience truly memorable. While primarily a tasting venue, its location makes it a great addition to a Hunter Valley itinerary.
"Beautiful setting, great selection, and thoroughly enjoyable tasting.
On a recent visit to the Hunter Valley, we decided to do a tasting at the Hunter Distillery, namely for their selection of gin and liqueurs.
From arrival we were warmly greeted with the tasting options well explained to us by our host Kylie.
For our tasting we chose Mystery Gin, Coffee Vodka, Chilli Vodka (has a real kick to it!),and for liqueurs Blackberry, Popcorn (our favourite!) and Passionfruit. All amazing.
We ended up buying a bottle of the popcorn liqueur and a mystery gin.
Really enjoyed our conversation with our host Kylie also - very down to earth, knowledgeable and friendly, and added to the truly postive experience.
I highly recommend visting this place when you are next in the Hunter Valley, and a thanks to Kylie and her team for the warm welcome and quality product."
Frank M
"They had a large range of gin, vodka and liqueurs. The taste testing was $10 and you get to try 6 different spirits of your own choosing. I liked the popcorn liquor."
Amy Lewis
"Hunter distillery is perfect for anyone who wants more than just wine and cheese on their trip. We did the test tube tasting but got far more than the $10 experience. Julie is an amazingly friendly and warm staff who has more than enough enthusiasm to go around. We were able to chat and try what we liked, exploring the liqueur range that was very extensive. They also stock a variety of other locally made goods including jams and balsamic vinegar. The place smells divine when you walk in as they are burning these delicious scented candles. It was endless fun I would recommend for anyone visiting."
Elissa Zhang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hunter Distillery is located in Pokolbin, Hunter Valley, about a 2-hour drive from Sydney. Many visitors make it a day trip, often combining it with winery visits. Consider driving or booking a tour that includes distillery stops. +1
Public transport options directly to the distillery are limited. It's best accessed by car or as part of a guided tour. If you're staying in the Hunter Valley, local taxi or ride-sharing services can be an option.
Many visitors rent a car for flexibility or join organized wine tours that can often be customized to include distillery visits. This allows you to sample multiple locations without worrying about driving. +1
Yes, the Pokolbin area offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury retreats to charming guesthouses. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends.
While primarily an adult tasting experience, families can visit. Some TikToks mention it as part of family-friendly Hunter Valley trips, though the tasting itself is for adults.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A popular tasting option is the 'test tube tasting' for $10, where you can choose up to six spirits to sample. +1
Booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekend visits or if you're part of a larger group, to ensure availability and a smooth experience.
Opening hours can vary, but they are typically open during daytime hours, often from late morning to late afternoon. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most current hours.
Absolutely! Many visitors purchase their favorite spirits after the tasting. You can buy bottles directly from the distillery to take home.
Yes, tastings are for individuals aged 18 and over. Proof of age may be required.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Hunter Distillery offers a diverse range of spirits including artisanal gins, vodkas (like chilli and coffee flavors), and a variety of liqueurs such as blackberry, popcorn, and passionfruit.
The experience is enhanced by incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff who explain each spirit, offer recommendations, and share local insights. The unique flavors, like popcorn liqueur, also stand out. +1
Definitely! Hunter Distillery is a fantastic alternative for those who prefer spirits or want a break from wine tasting. It offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
They also stock a variety of locally made goods, including jams and balsamic vinegar, adding to the artisanal offerings.
Yes, visitors often comment on the pleasant aroma from scented candles and the overall welcoming ambiance of the distillery.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Hunter Distillery focuses on spirit tastings, some visitors have mentioned having breakfast in the Hunter Valley area as part of their visit. It's primarily a tasting venue, not a full-service restaurant.
The Hunter Valley, particularly Pokolbin, has numerous restaurants, cafes, and wineries offering food. You can easily find places for lunch or dinner before or after your tasting.
It's generally not permitted to bring outside food into tasting venues. It's best to enjoy the local produce and dining options available in the Hunter Valley.
Besides spirits, you can find locally made jams and balsamic vinegar available for purchase, complementing the artisanal theme.
Many cafes and restaurants in the Hunter Valley cater to families, offering a range of options suitable for children.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique test tube tasting setup, the beautifully presented spirits, and the rustic charm of the distillery. The surrounding Hunter Valley landscape also offers stunning backdrops.
Yes, visitors are encouraged to take photos to remember their experience. The visually appealing spirits and the distillery's ambiance make for great shots.
The tasting bar itself, with the array of spirits, is a popular spot. Also, consider the exterior shots of the distillery and any scenic views of the Hunter Valley vineyards nearby.
Natural light is usually best. Daytime visits offer good lighting, especially if you're near windows or outdoors. The interior lighting is generally warm and inviting.
A smartphone with a good camera is usually sufficient. If you're serious about photography, a wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the distillery's interior or surrounding landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when the atmosphere is more relaxed. While kids can't participate in the spirit tastings, the novelty of the distillery and the surrounding attractions in the Hunter Valley can still make for an enjoyable outing for the whole family.
🥂 Couples & Groups
Opt for a weekend morning for a lively vibe or a weekday afternoon for a more intimate and personalized tasting. The friendly staff are excellent at guiding groups through the selection, ensuring everyone finds something they love.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Sydney
Plan your visit to include a tasting session, perhaps in the late morning or early afternoon, before heading to other Hunter Valley attractions or returning to Sydney. It provides a distinct flavor of the region's artisanal offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Spirit Making at Hunter Distillery
+1Visitors can experience this firsthand through their tasting sessions. The 'test tube tasting' is a highlight, allowing guests to sample up to six different spirits. This hands-on approach lets you explore a diverse range of flavors, from classic dry gins to uniquely infused vodkas and liqueurs.
Key to their process is the embrace of modern approaches like cold extraction, pushing the boundaries of flavor profiles while maintaining a connection to time-tested methods. This dedication to quality and innovation makes Hunter Distillery a standout destination for spirit enthusiasts.
Beyond Wine: A Hunter Valley Diversification
Many travelers find it a refreshing change of pace. The opportunity to sample unique flavors like popcorn liqueur or spicy chili vodka provides a memorable experience that complements the region's broader offerings.
This diversification is key to experiencing the full spectrum of artisanal production in the Hunter Valley. It caters to a wider range of tastes and preferences, ensuring that every visitor can find something to enjoy, making it a valuable stop for any itinerary.
The Human Touch: Exceptional Service at Hunter Distillery
This personal touch significantly enhances the tasting experience. Staff go out of their way to offer recommendations, answer questions, and even provide local tips, making visitors feel welcomed and valued. Their passion for the spirits and the region is palpable, contributing to a truly positive and memorable visit.
This commitment to customer interaction transforms a simple tasting into a genuine connection, encouraging repeat visits and strong recommendations. It's this blend of quality spirits and outstanding hospitality that sets Hunter Distillery apart.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit