What began as a quest to solve the mystery of inconsistent home brews has fermented into a successful Hunter Valley spirits business, with Phoenix Distilling Co now rising from the ashes of a pandemic-era hobby.
The Lockdown Pivot: From Beer to Spirits
For Lochinvar couple Ian Johnson and Kellie White, the path to becoming professional distillers was unexpected. It started with Johnson's frustration over his variable home brewing results. "I made some really good beers but also made some really bad beers," Johnson recalls. This drive for consistency led them down a research rabbit hole during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdowns, where they made a pivotal discovery: whisky is essentially distilled beer.
As avid whisky drinkers who knew little about the production process, the couple quickly abandoned beer and dedicated themselves to mastering distillation. They augmented their intensive self-study by reaching out to established local distillers for hands-on experience, often sacrificing entire weekends to learn the craft.
Formal Training and a Strategic Launch
Their commitment deepened when they enrolled in the inaugural cohort for the National Distilling Institute's Certificate 4 in Artisan Fermented Products. Recognising that their beloved whisky would take years to mature, they needed a quicker route to market. The solution was gin.
Phoenix Distilling Co launched with its signature fine gin, a product that took 21 variations to perfect. A custom-developed Apple Pie Moonshine followed shortly after. Johnson, who also works at the Mt Arthur coal mine, poured his off-hours passion into refining every detail of their process.
"You can really make a product your own just by changing one grain of yeast," Johnson explains, highlighting the artisan approach. Their vodka, for instance, goes through the still five times and is carbon filtered, resulting in a notably smooth spirit with a natural sweetness.
A Distinctive Range Born in Rutherford
Operating from an industrial premises in Rutherford, Phoenix Distilling Co has cultivated a sophisticated and distinctive range. Their offerings now include:
- Double-infused gins
- Black cherry liqueur
- Single malt whisky
- Handcrafted limoncello featuring lemons handpicked from a Maitland farmer
- A popular Turkish delight liqueur
All products are naturally coloured and contain no artificial additives, a core commitment to purity that defines the brand. White is particularly proud of their limoncello, believing its locally sourced, hand-processed ingredients make it stand out.
The couple's philosophy balances respect for tradition with a drive for innovation. "The Phoenix is born from the ashes but it continues to evolve and that's a daily reminder for us," Johnson says. "Tradition is important but so is innovation." This ethos extends to their playful approach, with Johnson quipping, "Why not drink your dessert, rather than eat it?" in reference to their dessert-inspired liqueurs.
Phoenix Distilling Co currently offers tastings to the public by appointment only, providing an intimate experience of their Hunter-crafted spirits.
