Millsheds Distillery

Millsheds Distillery & Bar is one of New South Wales’ newest craft distilleries, founded in '23 in the Mill precinct in Bowral, Southern Highlands. Co-founder and operations manager Nathan Ponder is a tree-changer from a hospitality management background committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience for visitors to the distillery cellar door, bar and function space, which is open four days per week for both walk-ins and bookings. Nathan says that, given the crowded market for craft spirits in Australia, customer experience is where he intends to stand out. As an example, it doesn’t offer self-guided tasting flights to visitors, instead opting for guided tastings with dedicated staff. Ponder's relaxed approach is summed up by 'not looking to be the next big thing, just to make cool memories, and pay the bills.' Production takes place on a 600L hybrid column still built by Burns Welding using a combination of local grape spirit that Millsheds distills itself and externally produced grain spirit as the base for its spirits. All of its spirits are cut to bottling strength with local spring water sourced from nearby Fitzroy Falls. Wherever possible, Millsheds uses local and native Australian ingredients in its spirits. For example, its excellent Elderflower Liqueur is made with flowers picked in Sutton Forest and Exeter, paired with Highland honey and local citrus. -FRED SIGGINS