Hellyers Road Distillery at Sydney Contemporary

On the rugged northwest coast of Lutruwita | Tasmania, nestled near the leafy Fern Glade Reserve and the winding Emu River, you will find the carefully aged whiskies of Hellyers Road Distillery. With its commitment to exceptional artisan craftsmanship, Hellyers Road Distillery is partnering with Sydney Contemporary 2024 to introduce the splendour of premium single malt whisky crafted in Tasmania’s unique climatic conditions to new audiences.

The distillery’s story unfolds amidst the untamed beauty of Lutruwita’s wild oceans, the ancient takayna | Tarkine wilderness, and some of the world’s most pristine waters. These unique environments influence Hellyers Road’s products and the company’s approach to making. In 1997 a small group of local dairy farmers operating under the name Betta Milk, decided to diversify by forming a cooperative to produce premium, single malt whisky. The distillery’s name is dervied from the original name of the road on which it was built. The company’s early vision and commitment to excellence led to the creation of Australia’s oldest and most awarded whisky distillery in operation. Today the company continues to value traditional, slow distilling techniques and quality American oak barrels to ensure the whisky is velvet-smooth, high quality, and age-worthy. Each batch is crafted with precision and dedication.

The distillery regularly collaborates with local artisans, including woodworkers, leatherworkers, and visual artists. This commitment is evident in their handcrafted display boxes made from local wood, unique custom bars, and high-quality stills. According to CEO, Derek Charge, “the local community around Hellyers Road in Burnie, Tasmania, is made up of dedicated makers who hold a strong ethos and value in their craft. This pride ensures that the quality of their creations is exceptional.”

An example of the distillery’s dedication to art, quality and environmental stewardship is the distillery’s 21 Club, curated specifically for shareholders—the company opened up to new shareholders in 2024. Twenty-one unique label designs, signifying the whisky’s years of aging, will highlight endemic Tasmanian plants illustrated by local emerging artist and botanical scientist Inti Callaghan. One of Callaghan’s illustrations depicts the leaf cycle of Nothofagus gunnii–Australia’s sole native deciduous tree, endemic to Tasmania. This artwork commemorates the ancient species’ seasonal journey through a delicate rendering of sprays of foliage in greens, golds, and reds.

Sydney Contemporary is a great opportunity for Hellyers Road to showcase its whisky to an audience engaged in high-quality artistic representation and fine artisan craftsmanship.

For more information about Hellyers Road Distillery, visit hellyersroaddistillery.com.au.
Experience Hellyers Road at Sydney Contemporary 2024 from September 5 to 8 at Carriageworks, Sydney.

Subscribe to Artist Profile at Sydney Contemporary and receive a free glass of whisky and whisky cream!