A Larrikin Spirit, Perfectly Distilled: Get to know Kilderkin Distillery

Kilderkin’s gin, whisky and warm hospitality make this Mount Pleasant distillery one to savour

Tucked into a restored warehouse in Mount Pleasant, Kilderkin Distillery is one of Ballarat’s most charming small-batch success stories — a family-owned distillery blending artisan craft with easygoing, cellar-door warmth. Step inside and you’re met with the comforting hum of copper stills, shelves lined with bottles that genuinely mean something, and a team who treat distilling as both a passion and an inheritance.

Kilderkin Distillery

Where: 14A Hill Street, Ballarat

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Founded by long-time locals with a shared love of craft, Kilderkin was built on the belief that good spirits should feel personal, intentional and deeply connected to place. That ethos runs through every pour, from the flagship Larrikin Gin range — the clean and classic Original, the cheekier Scoundrel, the adventurous Buccaneer and more — each one showcasing carefully selected botanicals and hands-on distilling methods. Their growing library of small-batch single malt whisky hints at the distillery’s next evolution, offering rich, expressive releases aged patiently on-site.

The venue itself strikes a perfect balance between polished and relaxed. Pull up a seat for gin and whisky flights, settle into one of their beautifully built cocktails, or keep things casual with a local craft beer. Light bites are available to keep you grazing, and on weekends their now-iconic gin and toastie pairings have become a drawcard of their own — simple, comforting and undeniably satisfying.

Beyond the bar, Kilderkin invites visitors deeper into the craft with distillery tours, gin-making sessions and guided masterclasses that demystify the alchemy behind botanicals, blending and barrel ageing. Add in regular live music, seasonal events and rotating specials, and the space transforms into a warm gathering spot for locals and travellers alike.

With deep roots in Ballarat’s historic brewing and distilling traditions, Kilderkin embodies the region’s creative, community-driven spirit — local, independent, quietly ambitious and crafted with care. Whether you’re tasting, learning or simply unwinding with friends, this is a distillery that invites you to slow down, sip thoughtfully and appreciate the artistry in every glass.

Find out more about Kilderkin Distillery or book a tour here.