The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to continuing to support local Tasmanian businesses and tourism.
Agriculture is a vital pillar of the Tasmanian economy, with an annual farm gate value of $1.48 billion. Along with fisheries, it underpins an agri-food sector worth $2.4 billion and a process value of $4.08 billion.
A key part of our agriculture industry is value-adding, like distilling, and Tasmania’s reputation for high-quality spirits has received a boost, with the Launceston Distillery Hangar 17 officially launching its whisky to the market today.
This exciting milestone makes them the first distiller in Launceston in 175 years.
For the first time as the Launceston Distillery the doors to the converted Hangar 17 at Launceston Airport were thrown open for local community leaders, foodies and whisky connoisseurs from around Tasmania.
The brainchild of Launceston whisky enthusiast, Chris Condon, Launceston Distillery has set up a new operation in the 88-year-old former aircraft hangar with the stated commitment to “…produce high quality, hand crafted single malt whisky from local Tasmanian ingredients”.
The first batches of whisky from Apera Australian Sherry casks are now on the menu with batches from Tawny Australian Port casks and bourbon casks to follow later in 2018.
Importantly, distilleries such as Hangar 17 help build our Tasmanian reputation – locally, nationally and internationally – for premium food and beverages and as a tourism destination.
Keeping it local, Hangar 17 sourced stills from Tasmanian company Knapp Lewer, and barley is also sourced locally, supporting other Tasmanian businesses.
We will continue to stand side-by-side with Tasmanian businesses as we aim to grow the annual farm gate value of the sector to $10 billion by 2050.
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water