Adelaide Hills Distillery

South Australia’s Adelaide Hills Distillery produces the 78 Degrees brand, which comprises Australian whiskey, vodka, gin, vermouth and canned G&Ts. 78 Degrees was founded in 2014 by winemaker Sacha La Forgia. After completing his degree, Sacha left Australia to work 13 vintages in famed wine-making regions across the globe. During his final stop in Italy, Sacha spent time at a Grappa distillery where he met a distiller who recognised his ability and passion and encouraged him to return to Australia and start his own distillery.

Sacha hand crafted a copper still and in 2015 launched 78˚ Classic Gin, a product that quickly gained a reputation as a high-quality small batch gin showing unique Australian characteristics. In 2016, Steve Dorman and Toby Kline of The Hills Cider Company joined Sacha and together they embarked upon the next stage of 78 Degrees – expanding the product range and increasing production capabilities.

In December 2018, 78 Degrees/Adelaide Hills Distillery moved into its new home at 68 Chambers Road, Hay Valley in South Australia, sharing the 84-hectare property with Mismatch Brewing Co, The Hills Cider Company, Vinteloper & Ashton Valley Fresh. The Lot 100 site is home to the state-of-the-art distillery and restaurant, with ample space to grow and utilise the land around it.

In 2024, with Australian drinks firm and owner of 78 Degrees; Mighty Craft collapsing, they have agreed to offload 78 Degrees spirits and Mismatch Brewing for AU$7.2 million (US$4.7m), nearly three years after acquiring the brands in a AU$47m (US$36.3m) deal.