Pechey Distilling Co.

If you’re exploring the High Country around Crows Nest near Toowoomba, you can not leave without a visit to the Insta-worthy Pechey Distilling Co to awaken your tastebuds to the mighty fine range of artisan distilled craft gins and vodkas that they offer.

Hidden away a-top a tree-lined driveway that opens up to overlook the scenic Crows Nest Valley, the homestead has been in the family for many years, six generations in fact, and has supported the Pecheys through sawmilling, dairy farming and now distilling.

Tremendously proud of their heritage, the modern-day Pecheys are determined to ensure this chapter of the property’s history reflects the work ethic and successes of their forefathers and builds upon the legacy for future generations.

Offering an informative and educational tasting experience that takes around 20-30 minutes in what was once the OG cream shed in the dairy cow days, the team take you on a journey through the tasting notes of the current range (gin, vodka and poitin) with the opportunity to taste your choice of three.

Intimate groups of a maximum of 12 adults sit around the open bar as a team member entertainingly regales many a story that paints the picture behind Pechey’s pours – from learning about the slow-ferment process, the origin of things like the cumquat, grapefruit and coriander influences from the homestead’s garden, through to knowing what best to pair your preferred with (Crows Nest Soft Drinks Ginger Beer was an absolute highlight), plus which cocktails and aperitifs to use them in and the importance of garnishes to enhance specific flavours.

The stunning artwork for the labels is designed by master distiller, Ben Pechey, and changes with different seasons and bottlings. These truly are a piece of art in themselves and very much a collector’s item even when emptied and enjoyed.

If you are into checking out country markets around Brisbane and south-east Qld, you’re likely to see the Pechey Distilling Co stand at the markets which is a wonderful chance for you to try their wares and get on the Pechey bandwagon. Being a small business, this does impact their distillery door hours so always check their socials before you plan your visit.

Nice to know – The low, per person fee for the tasting is waived with any bottle purchase.

Need to know – Excitedly, the full range of spirits are available for purchase online and can be delivered to your door (fees apply based on your location).

By Danella Perrins