The Distiller: Now open at the Welcome to Thornbury precinct

Opening its doors in November 2021, The Distiller has quickly cemented itself as a mainstay among the patchwork of bars, restaurants and watering holes on Northcote’s High Street. A champion of Australia’s spirits industry, it is the flagship location to two up-and-coming labels, Grainshaker Vodka and NED Whisky. Much more than a bar, the unique venue is a place to enjoy a cocktail with a twist and become part of the creative process.

Converted from a mechanics site, and situated within Welcome to Thornbury’s parameters, The Distiller can be described as industrial and sleek. The space is fitted with an encaged fire pit while natural light filters through giant windows surrounded by dark timber panelling and brown leather booths. Out front is a functioning micro still and distiller space where creators experiment with locally sourced produce to craft something wow.

Milk Bar had the pleasure of experiencing a Cocktail Masterclass one hot Friday eve. Is it a perfect Friday after-work activity? Why, yes, it is. Kicking off from 6pm, the one-hour cocktail class is a safe space for aficionados and newbies alike. At the helm is an experienced bartender who walked us through the tips and tricks to shaking, rattling and tumbling Grainshaker’s range of signature cocktails.

First up: The Springtime Spritz. While it was a crowd pleaser, and a great cocktail to make right off the bat, the combination of Very Mandarin soda and blood orange wasn’t my style. Unfortunately, I’m not the biggest fan of mandarins. The next two cocktails definitely piqued my interest and satisfied my tastebuds. The Grainshaken was a visual delight – and even better to drink! Watermelon in colour and topped with a squeeze of lemon, its distinctive and complex flavour made it one to remember. Finally, the Espresso Martini. Created by mixing Grainshaker’s Espresso Wattleseed vodka and cold-drip coffee, and to finish, coffee beans for decoration, this one heightened the mood, and was a joy to drink.

Perked up with a sense of accomplishment, the group was treated to some bonus vodka tasting. It was here that we were introduced to the Australian Open-inspired FORTYLOVE vodka: a vibrant, summery elixir containing botanicals of mango, passionfruit, orange, lime, Geraldton wax and eucalypt.

Overall, the experience at The Distiller was terrific. The bartender was a pro and guided the class with wit and charisma. While things are a little strange (chaotic, hectic) due to COVID, the group maintained social distancing throughout. I would recommend the masterclass as a perfect date activity or a birthday celebration between a group of friends. The Cocktail Masterclass is held on Fridays at 6pm or Saturdays at 2pm and 6pm. If you’re into whisky, the NED Whisky Masterclass will be held on Saturday 26 February at 2pm. (Think Fireball!)

The Distiller has a full raft of activities on offer. The Stretch & Sip session on Saturday 26 February at 11am incorporates my two loves – yoga and cocktails – in one fun-loving event. Or there’s the Shit Pub Trivia every Sunday at 3pm. If you’re feeling peckish, just order a bite to eat from one of the food trucks at Welcome to Thornbury.

Visit The Distiller for a unique experience and become your own bartender. We can’t wait to go back!

The Distiller
530 High Street, Northcote, 3070
Open Thursday to Sunday, Thursday and Friday, 6pm–late, Saturday and Sunday, 12pm–late
thedistiller.com.au