Two-day course covering brewing, distilling and barrel management
A two-day, hands-on distillation course in Richmond, Tasmania led by Kristy Lark (with Bill and Lyn Lark). Small groups and ATO-focused practice make this an ideal jumpstart for aspiring distillers.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Basic mobility and the ability to stand for multi-hour workshop sessions; no special fitness required.
Wildlife
History
Richmond is a historic Georgian-era village east of Hobart, known for early 19th-century stone buildings and the Richmond Bridge area that dates to the colonial period.
Conservation
Instructors emphasize responsible sourcing of grain and water, barrel reuse and waste management; small-scale distillers are encouraged to track energy and water use to reduce environmental impact.
Killara Distillery
Two-day course covering brewing, distilling and barrel management
Killara Distillery is a craft distillery in Richmond, Tasmania that offers hands-on tours, tastings, and educational courses.
The venue presents a Distillery Tour and Tasting with exclusive seasonal tastings tailored for visitors, an Exclusive Whisky Experience with behind-the-scenes access, and a Tasting Experience that runs for twenty minutes and highlights whiskies, gins and seasonal spirits. The business also runs a Distiller for a Day program where participants craft a spirit to take home. Its two-day Original Distillery School is a hands-on course covering brewing, barrel selection, recipe development and licensing; places are limited to ensure focused instruction. Tours and experiences are led by on-site staff and include explanations of production processes, flavour profiles and craft techniques. Booking information, session times and availability are managed by Killara Distillery; visitors should consult the distillery for current schedules and requirements. Located in Richmond, the distillery integrates local Tasmanian character into its programs and uses seasonal releases as part of its tasting lineup. Killara Distillery focuses on practical learning, curated tasting sessions and a variety of entry points for enthusiasts and aspiring distillers. Offerings include short-format tastings, exclusive whisky sessions, immersive day-long programs and an extended distillery school designed to equip participants with practical skills and confidence in craft spirit production. Visitors can sample bold whiskies, herbal gins and seasonal spirits across multiple tasting formats, and can choose short guided tastings or more exclusive private sessions when available. The distillery also supports guests seeking practical guidance for small-scale production planning. Staff provide clear instruction on processes ideal for hobbyists and emerging distillery operators where applicable locally.
Location
Richmond, Tasmania
On-site distillery experiences
Course Length
2-day
Original Distillery School duration
Tours Offered
5 experiences
Range from 20 minutes to two days
Tasting Length
20 minutes
Tasting Experience duration
Reserve tastings, Distiller for a Day sessions or the two-day distillery school—limited school places available.
Book early — tiny class sizes
Courses are limited to six participants; reserve your spot well in advance and complete any pre-course questionnaire so the instructors can tailor content.
Bring closed-toe shoes
Workshops involve hot equipment and spilled liquids — sturdy, closed-toe shoes protect you during hands-on still operation and barrel handling.
Expect regulatory guidance
The course uses ATO-approved measuring equipment and covers licensing steps — bring questions about compliance and business planning.
Plan nearby lodging
Richmond has B&Bs and cottages; staying local keeps travel time short so you’re fresh for early practical sessions.
Closed-toe shoes
Protects feet during practical sessions around hot equipment and barrels.
Notebook & pen
Record recipes, cut points, measurements and regulatory notes for later reference.
Safety glasses
Provides eye protection during demonstrations and distillation practice.
Warm layer
Cellars and barrel rooms can be cool — a light jacket keeps you comfortable during tasting and barrel work.
winter