If you love small-batch whisky with a salty Tassie wink, Fannys Bay Distillery should be on your bucket list, and in your glass. Nestled just a short stroll from the wild waters of Bass Strait on Tasmania’s north coast, Mathew and Julie Cooper have been producing their artisan whisky at their home in Tam O’Shanter/Lulworth since laying down their very first cask in 2014.
Why Fannys Bay tastes like Tasmania
Fannys Bay’s whiskies often carry a distinct coastal signature that is part terroir, part craftsmanship, and all out passion. They use rainwater influenced by coastal minerals, along with a small cask format. That combination, plus the brisk coastal climate, accelerates the spirit and wood synergy and often adds a faint salinity to the finished dram.
Personable and very Hands-on
This isn’t a shiny, automated mega-distillery. Mathew and Julie are known for being hands-on. They designed and built their own pot still, tuning cuts and temperatures by eye and by feel, and run much of the process themselves. The result is authenticity! Small runs, great cask, (think bourbon, port, sherry, shiraz, pinot, even 20L French oak), and releases that feel like a handwritten letter rather than a mass-produced postcard.
Tasting style — what to expect
Expect concentrated flavour: think spiced toffee and toasted oak from French oak aging, a cheeky fruitiness when finished in port or shiraz, and a cool coastal minerality that keeps the palate lively. Because the runs are small and casks are varied, no two releases are exactly the same, which always makes hunting bottles both fun and slightly competitive.
One of our Favourite Releases
Fannys Bay Port Cask No. 184 Cask Strength 500ml 61%
Drawn from a single port cask and limited to just 48 bottles, this rare small-batch release has long since sold out at the distillery. Powerful, rich and unmistakably Tasmanian, it represents one of Fannys Bay’s most sought-after expressions – and it never stays in stock for long.
Our Tasting Thoughts.
Makes for a very bold first impression with peaches and cream, layered in cinnamon and maple syrup. The palate follows through with that same lively stone fruit character, balanced by brown sugar, toasted hazelnuts, and sticky dates that coat the tongue with richness. As it fades, a vibrant medium finish reveals just the faintest wisp of salt, leaving a lingering freshness.
Check out our comprehensive Fanny’s Bay range HERE, that includes archive bottlings and new releases.
Visitor experience – an Old School Cellar Door Vibe
Fannys Bay is the kind of cellar-door that feels like you’ve been invited into a family project: informal tours, stories straight from the still-operator, and whiskies that wear their provenance on their sleeve. Don’t expect high-gloss guided theatre, do expect warmth, honesty, and drams you won’t forget. 😉
To request a private tasting or cellar door tour, it’s by appointment only. Fill out their online form HERE or give Irene a call on 0431 512 006 and she’ll take care of all your needs.
Final Thoughts
Fannys Bay isn’t just another stop on the Tasmanian whisky trail, it’s a salty little miracle in a bottle. The Bass Strait winds, the handmade still, and the fearless dedication comes together to capture Tasmania’s wild, coastal soul.
So next time you’re craving something bold, briny, and beautifully Australian, pour yourself a Fannys Bay and raise a toast to Northern Tasmania, where the whisky’s as fierce as the weather, and twice as heartwarming.
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