Premium Spirits Tour

REVIEW · HOBART

Premium Spirits Tour

  • 5.070 reviews
  • From $222.35
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Operated by Drink Tasmania Premium Tours · Bookable on Viator

Three distilleries. One Tasmanian whisky day.

This Premium Spirits Tour turns Hobart into a full-on behind-the-scenes whisky outing, with you driving through the Coal Valley and Southern Midlands and getting guided tastings across multiple makers. You’ll also get access to a curated start at Brooke Street Pier, where the day kicks off like a guided tasting session instead of a rushed hop-on, hop-off.

What I like most is the guided tastings. You’ll sample up to 12 whiskies, and the guide helps you understand what you’re tasting as you go, so the day feels like learning with a glass in your hand. I also love the small-group feel and the round-trip transport by air-conditioned vehicle, which keeps the whole day comfortable and low-stress.

One thing to flag: lunch is confusing in the provided details. The overview says lunch is included, but the itemized inclusions list lunch as not included. Before you book (or right after you do), check your voucher wording so you don’t get surprised.

Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

Premium Spirits Tour - Key Things That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

  • Three distilleries, one day: you’re not just sampling at one place.
  • Tastings up to 12 whiskies: enough variety to find your favorites fast.
  • Small-group pacing: built for conversation, not just standing in line.
  • Air-conditioned transport: comfortable travel on a long day.
  • Scenic drive through Tasmania’s midlands: views are part of the experience, not filler.

Brooke Street Pier to the First Sip: How the Tour Kicks Off

Premium Spirits Tour - Brooke Street Pier to the First Sip: How the Tour Kicks Off
Your tour starts at Brooke Street Pier (12 Franklin Whrf) at 10:00am, and the day loops back to the same meeting point at the end. The first scheduled stop is listed as 40 minutes at Brooke Street Pier, with an admission ticket included for a bespoke tasting journey.

This opening part matters more than it sounds. Instead of starting with travel, you begin by getting your palate working and learning the basic cues you’ll use later when you’re comparing different whiskies. One big theme in the day is variety—some bookings are structured around whisky-first, and some add more spirit options like gin. Either way, you start with guided attention rather than aimless wandering.

If you’re the type who likes to know what to look for before you taste, this is a smart move. If you prefer to just relax and let the guide steer, it still works because the session is short and purposeful.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hobart.

The Coal Valley and Southern Midlands Drive: Scenic Tasmania Without the Planning

Premium Spirits Tour - The Coal Valley and Southern Midlands Drive: Scenic Tasmania Without the Planning
After the initial tasting, you’ll head out through parts of Coal Valley and Southern Midlands. The tour overview promises you’ll admire views on the way, and that’s exactly what you’ll get: a chance to see how the Tasmanian Highlands vibe shows up in the landscape.

The value here is practical. This kind of distillery day is hard to DIY smoothly because you’d be juggling driving, timing, and where to park, then adding in tastings that take time. The vehicle takes care of the logistics so you can enjoy the scenery and stay on schedule.

You should also expect that the drive isn’t just scenic sightseeing. It’s the rhythm that carries you from one tasting environment to the next, so the day doesn’t feel like one long blur of glassware.

Three Distilleries and Up to 12 Samples: What the Guided Tastings Feel Like

Premium Spirits Tour - Three Distilleries and Up to 12 Samples: What the Guided Tastings Feel Like
The headline promise is simple: behind-the-scenes access at three whisky distilleries, plus guided tastings. You’ll learn about the whisky-making process as you visit, and you’ll get samples as you go—up to 12 different whiskies across the day.

Here’s how I’d think about the tasting structure so you get the most out of it:

  • You’re comparing whiskies from different producers, which is more useful than tasting a single place’s lineup back-to-back.
  • You’re tasting enough different styles that you can start grouping flavors in your head: think along the lines of malt character, texture, and how finishes feel rather than just whether something is sweet or smoky.
  • The guide role is key. The point isn’t to rattle off facts. It’s to give you a mental framework so each sample has context.

A major plus is that alcoholic beverages are included. That means you’re not constantly calculating cost while you’re busy enjoying the day. It also means the tour is built around tasting as the main event, not a side activity.

One more reality check: this is a spirits tour, and it includes multiple tastings in one day. If you’re sensitive to alcohol or you prefer very light sampling, you’ll want to pace yourself and drink water.

Distilleries You Might Hit: Whisky Brands, Gin Bonus, and Day-to-Day Changes

Premium Spirits Tour - Distilleries You Might Hit: Whisky Brands, Gin Bonus, and Day-to-Day Changes
You won’t be stuck in one distillery bubble. The tour explicitly states that detailed destinations are an example only, and stops may change based on industry demands and availability. That’s normal in this industry, but it matters for planning, because you may not see the exact same lineup as someone else’s day.

Still, the pattern is clear from the experience style and past stops mentioned in the information: Tasmania’s distilleries with strong reputations often show up. You might run into makers like Lark, Killara, Hobart Distilleries, and Old Kempton (with Richmond coming up alongside it in comments you’ll find about the tour).

You may also get a whisky-and-gin mix. One part of the day is framed as including exclusive access to small-batch gins alongside award-winning whiskies. Even if your goal is whisky first, I’d treat the gin angle as a bonus, not a distraction.

How to use this flexibility to your advantage: keep your expectations on the process and the tasting comparisons, not on a specific brand name. That mindset makes it easier to enjoy whichever distilleries you’re actually assigned that day.

Lunch, Food, and the Lunch Mismatch You Should Resolve First

Premium Spirits Tour - Lunch, Food, and the Lunch Mismatch You Should Resolve First
This is the only logistics wrinkle worth taking seriously before you go.

The overview describes the tour as including lunch with transport. But the detailed inclusions section lists Lunch as not included. Meanwhile, the day’s reviews and descriptions commonly mention a local meal and highlight lunches tied to places like Richmond and Old Kempton.

So what should you do?

  • Check your voucher wording. If it says lunch is included, great.
  • If it doesn’t, plan to buy lunch or budget for a meal stop outside the tasting venues.
  • Either way, you’ll likely go many hours with alcohol tastings, so don’t assume you’ll have a full sit-down meal at the exact midpoint.

My practical advice: pack a small plan. Bring a refillable water bottle, and if you know you get hungry late, consider having a snack before departure. That way, even if lunch timing slips, you’re still comfortable.

Group Size and Timing: The Comfort Factor on a 7.5-Hour Day

Premium Spirits Tour - Group Size and Timing: The Comfort Factor on a 7.5-Hour Day
The tour duration is listed as 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.). Start time is 10:00am and you return to the meeting point at the end. That’s long enough to feel like a proper day trip, not a quick tasting.

Group size is described as a small-group experience with a maximum of 11 people, yet another part of the info states a maximum of 16 travelers. Either way, the intention is clear: you’re not joining a massive bus tour. You’ll get more room to ask questions and talk through tasting notes.

One reason this matters: whisky tasting can turn awkward when the group is too big. In a smaller group, it’s easier to slow down, compare samples, and actually hear what the guide says about each stop.

Pricing at $222.35: Is It Good Value for a Spirits Day Trip?

Premium Spirits Tour - Pricing at $222.35: Is It Good Value for a Spirits Day Trip?
At $222.35 per person, this is not a cheap outing. But value in a tour like this comes from what’s included and how tightly the day is packed.

You’re paying for:

  • Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Alcoholic beverages included
  • Guided access across three distilleries
  • Tastings up to 12 whiskies
  • A small-group setting

If you tried to DIY the same thing, the cost would rise quickly once you price in rides, entry fees, time lost to logistics, and the cost of tasting samples at multiple venues. Here, your price wraps it together into one guided experience.

There’s also the time value. This tour runs a full day without you having to map out routes, schedule tours at each distillery, and coordinate tasting timing. If you want that “all handled” convenience while still getting quality access, the pricing is easier to justify.

One more practical note: it’s typically booked about 28 days in advance on average, so if you’re traveling in peak season or on a busy weekend, earlier booking can help secure your spot.

Who This Tour Is For (and Who Might Want to Skip It)

Premium Spirits Tour - Who This Tour Is For (and Who Might Want to Skip It)
This tour is a great fit if you:

  • like whisky, especially Tasmanian single malt styles
  • enjoy guided tastings where you learn how to notice differences
  • want distillery access without driving yourself
  • like small-group conversation instead of crowd chaos

It’s also a good fit for people who like the “place + product” combo. You’ll get the driving scenery plus the production side through three distilleries.

There are some clear boundaries. Guests under 18 aren’t permitted, and this is explicitly an alcohol-focused experience, so plan accordingly if you prefer non-alcoholic experiences.

If you’re someone who already knows your way around Tasmanian distilleries and you don’t care about guided tasting structure, the price may feel steep. But if you want help comparing what you’re tasting in a single day, the guidance and pacing are where the tour earns its keep.

Should You Book the Premium Spirits Tour in Hobart?

I’d book it if you want one high-quality day that combines three distilleries, guided tasting up to 12 whiskies, and easy transport. The small-group angle plus the structured tasting experience makes it more than a bus tour with a few stops.

Just do one simple thing first: verify what’s covered for lunch on your specific voucher, since the provided information is inconsistent. Once that’s clear, you can focus on the fun part—learning how Tasmanian spirits are made and tasting enough samples to actually find what you like.

If you’re planning ahead, aim to lock in your date early, since it’s often booked about a month out.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Whrf, Hobart TAS 7000, Australia.

What time does the tour run?

It starts at 10:00am and ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as about 7 hours 30 minutes.

How many distilleries do you visit?

The tour includes visits to three different whisky distilleries.

How many whiskies do you taste?

Guided tastings include samples of up to 12 different whiskies.

Is transport included?

Yes. The tour includes round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is lunch included?

This is inconsistent in the provided details. The overview says lunch is included, but the itemized information lists lunch as not included. Check your voucher or confirmation for what applies to your date.

How big is the group?

It’s described as a small-group experience with a maximum of 11 people, and another limit listed is up to 16 travelers.

Can I bring a child or teenager?

No. Guests under 18 are not permitted.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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