Tasmania: Old Kempton Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting

Summary

Historic Tasmanian distillery tour with spirit tastings and local stories

You’ll step inside historic Dysart House for a relaxed distillery tour led by locals who know their whisky (and their stories). Taste four different spirits made from Tasmanian ingredients, wander through the old coaching stables, and maybe linger over coffee in the café afterward. It’s welcoming, hands-on, and you’ll leave with more than just flavors on your mind.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the front door of Dysart House to creak quite like that — it’s the kind of sound you feel in your chest. We’d just driven into Kempton, Tasmania, and the sky was doing that moody thing where it can’t decide between sun or drizzle. Inside, the old stone walls held a faint smell of malt and wood polish. Our guide, Sarah, waved us in with a grin and I instantly felt like we’d stumbled into someone’s living room rather than a distillery tour.

She started off telling us about the place — apparently these stables once saw horses instead of whisky barrels. There was this moment when she handed me a glass and said, “You’ll taste the barley first.” I tried to look like I knew what I was doing but honestly, all I could think about was how warm the whisky felt compared to the chill outside. The guided tasting included four spirits (I liked the gin best — don’t tell my dad), all made right here from Tasmanian ingredients. Sarah told us about the local farmers who supply their grain; she even pointed out one of them having coffee in the café next door.

The café itself smelled like fresh scones and something sweet I couldn’t quite place. We wandered through after our tasting, past shelves stacked with bottles and jars from other Tasmanian producers. There were families at tables, a couple of dogs underfoot, and someone laughing at a joke I missed. It wasn’t fancy or fussy — just honest food and people who seemed happy to be there. I still think about that first sip, honestly. The whole day felt slower than usual, in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Distillery visit and guided tasting

• Arrive at Dysart House distillery
• Learn history of Dysart House
• Tour old coaching stables distillery
• Enjoy guided tasting of spirits
• Visit cafe for house made treats
• Explore cellar door with local wines

Top questions

Is Old Kempton Distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and facilities are wheelchair accessible.

How many spirits are included in the tasting?

The guided tasting includes four Old Kempton spirits.

Where is Old Kempton Distillery located?

It’s inside Dysart House in Kempton, Tasmania.

Are children allowed on this distillery tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome.

What time is the café open at Old Kempton Distillery?

The café is open daily from 10am until 4pm.

Do they use local ingredients for their spirits?

Yes, all spirits are made using 100% Tasmanian ingredients.

Is there parking available at Old Kempton Distillery?

This isn’t specified in the details provided.

What’s included

Your visit includes tastings of four different Old Kempton spirits during a guided session inside historic Dysart House. You’ll also have access to the on-site café (open 10am–4pm) and cellar door stocked with Tasmanian produce, plus full accessibility for wheelchairs and families with young children or service animals.