BALLARAT | Ballarat’s heritage-listed 160-year-old bluestone goods shed had been sitting dormant for around 40 years, after it stopped being used for its original purpose of unloading freight cargo. In 2023 it was restored to its original glory, and is now home to a a few restaurants, a theatre, an events space, and distillery, Itinerant Spirits. I was recently invited in by co-owner Brad Wilson (who also co-owns Melbourne’s Little Lon Distilling Co) to check it out.
Located directly across from Ballarat Railway Station, you can be at Itinerant Spirits, ordering a drink, literally a minute after disembarking from your train. It’s very handy if you’re heading in from Melbourne (the train takes an hour and a half) and don’t want to drive.
It’s a dramatic space, both modern and historic, with cosy couches and nooks. The large cocktail bar that backs onto a glass wall providing punters with a full view of the impressive German-built distilling equipment.
Brad, along with co-owner Craig Ryan, named their distillery after the itinerant travellers and workers that used to pass through Ballarat while working at the goods shed and on the mines during the Victorian gold rush. The spirits here have a sense of place, distilled with ingredients sourced from Western Victoria’s Goldfields Region.
James Fairlie, who comes from a long line of Scottish whisky distillers, and moved to Australia to manage Whisky & Alement, and distil at Four Pillars, is Itinerant’s head distiller. He’s created a citrus-forward gin, Gallivanter; a rich, purposefully flavour-forward vodka, Vansetter. There’s also a great coffee liqueur (I bought a bottle), made in collaboration with local roasters Karon Farm Coffee. Wayfarer Whisky, currently aging in barrels, will be available in a few years when ready.
You can enjoy the spirits as you like – neat, on ice, or in cocktails. Tasting flights are a great way to introduce yourself to what Itinerant are doing, especially if you’d like to try a few things. There’s classic cocktails, and signature creations that rotate regularly, and feature ingredients and nods to local businesses. There’s also great beer and wine, also with a local focus.
For food, its cheese, charcuterie, and small bites that showcase the region’s ingredients and producers, along with more substantial share plates and pizzas from adjoining restaurant, Nolans.
Itinerant Spirits
200 Lydiard St North
Soldiers Hill
Victoria 3350
Australia
Telephone: 0497 552 280
E-mail: [email protected]
Website
Open
Tue: 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Wed – Thu: 12:00pm to 10:00pm
Fri – Sat: 12:00pm to 12:00am
Sun: 12:00pm to 10:00pm