Hellyers Road
The Ultimate Guide to Hellyers Road Tasmanian Whisky
Hellyers Road - Tasmania’s Pioneering Whisky
There’s a whisky revolution brewing off the southern coast of Australia. Tasmania - once better known for apples, rugged wilderness, and Ricky Ponting - is in the midst of a true whisky renaissance. After distillation was banned here for over 150 years, the 1990s saw the spirit of the island reborn.
Today, Tasmanian distillers are stacking up awards and earning global respect, proving this little leftfield island is a force to be reckoned with in the whisky world. At the forefront of this movement is Hellyers Road Distillery, a trailblazer that turned nearly impossible odds into liquid gold.
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The Hellyers Road Distillery Story
Hellyers Road Distillery’s story begins in 1999 with an unlikely crew of founders: a band of dairy farmers from Burnie, a quiet coastal town in northwest Tasmania. Led by master distiller Mark Littler, they decided to swap cows for copper stills, and thank god they did.
The distillery takes its name from Hellyers Road, the street named after explorer Henry Hellyer who mapped the area in the 1820s. And from day one, Hellyers Road set out to do things differently.
They installed state-of-the-art equipment (their massive 30,000-litre still is one of the largest in the country) and weren’t afraid of innovation, either. At the same time, they honoured tradition with an insanely slow distillation method (72 hours!) to eke out maximum purity and flavour.
It didn’t take long for this Tasmanian upstart to make waves. By 2010 (barely a decade into production) Hellyers Road’s peated single malt was crowned the nation’s best whisky, signaling to skeptics that Aussie whisky could stand toe-to-toe with the world’s finest.
Not too shabby for a distillery born in a dairy shed!
Tasmania’s Whisky Advantage
Tasmania’s advantage comes down to an alignment of nature and know-how. Pristine water, quality local barley, a cool climate, and a craft-driven ethos all combine to produce whiskies that punch well above their weight.
The Climate
Aside from the odd eucalyptus tree in place of Scottish heather, Tasmania’s cool air, grey skies, lush green hills and pure water sources mirror the conditions of Scotland’s whisky regions.
Unlike the hotter Aussie mainland, where whisky can mature at a breakneck pace (and sometimes over-oak), the Tasmanian climate influence gives a more measured, gentle aging process, yielding smooth, deeply flavoured whisky by the time it’s bottled.
The Water
Then there’s the literal lifeblood of whisky: water. And Tasmania’s water is about as pure as it gets. Those roaring westerly winds (the “Roaring Forties”) sweep clean Antarctic air across the ocean, bringing rain that’s famously pristine.
Hellyers Road and its fellow distillers tap into crystal-clear rainwater and mountain streams untainted by big-city pollution. Soft, clean water like this is perfect for fermentation and distillation, helping create a clean-tasting spirit.
The Barley
Barley is another ace up Tasmania’s sleeve (as if it needed any more). The island grows top-notch grain, and most Tasmanian distilleries use locally malted barley - while giving a lower yield than generic high-yield strains, it imparts huge flavour.
The Peat
Even peat is part of the equation. Yup, Tasmania has peat bogs! High in the Tasmanian highlands and marshes, peat has formed over millennia, just like in Scotland. While Hellyers Road initially imported peated malt from Scotland for their peated expressions, Tasmanian peat is now being used by some distillers to add a local smoky twist.
Hellyers Road Whisky Range
Whether you’re a newcomer looking to dip a toe into Tassie whisky or a seasoned enthusiast hunting for unique drams, Hellyers Road has something up your alley.
From the easy-going Roaring Forties to the smoky-smooth Slightly Peated, and onward to the rarefied air of 15-year-olds and single casks, the Hellyers Road range covers a lot of ground. Few distilleries can offer such a spectrum.
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Original Roaring Forties
First up, the Hellyers Road Original “Roaring Forties”, the distillery’s signature entry-level single malt. This is the whisky that often introduces people to Hellyers Road, and it’s a beauty.
Named after the fierce “Roaring Forties” winds that barrel across the Southern Ocean, the “Roaring Forties" expression pays homage to the very elements that shape it. Bottled at 40% ABV (another cheeky nod to the “40s”), it’s crafted to be approachable yet characterful.
The nose is immediately inviting; vanilla custard, a hint of lemon zest and floral honey, along with the scent of sweet grain. Take a sip though, and you’ll see why this is an entry-level whisky that punches above its weight. It’s smooth, creamy and subtly sweet, with flavours of vanilla ice cream, sultana raisins, and a drizzle of strawberry syrup unfolding on the palate. There’s a twist of oak spice in there too, but it remains soft and balanced.
Easy-drinking, satisfying whisky; friendly enough for newcomers, but with enough Tassie character (that creamy texture and malt richness) to please veteran whisky sippers. It’s a perfect jumping off point to explore Hellyers Road’s range.
Slightly Peated
Gently smoky & immensely satisfying, Slightly Peated shows Hellyers Road’s skill in crafting nuance. As the moniker would suggest, this isn’t a peat monster by any stretch - it’s all about subtlety. And the story behind Slightly Peated is a testament to Tasmanian ingenuity, too.
Rather than heavily peating their malt (which can overwhelm those delicate Tassie flavours), Hellyers Road devised a clever way to achieve a “just right” level of smoke.
They distil a batch of their regular unpeated Tasmanian malt whisky immediately after distilling a batch of peated whisky - the new spirit picks up delicate smoky notes without using any peated barley itself. Just a lick; the residual peat lingers and gently infuses the next batch.
On the nose, you’ll notice the usual Hellyers Road medley of citrus, fruit and vanilla from the American oak, but intertwined with a subtle charcoal and soot note.
At 46.2% ABV, it’s a bit bolder than the Roaring Forties, and that higher strength carries flavours of orange peel, burnt toffee, toasted oak and gentle spice on the palate. The peat makes itself known in a soft, mineral smoke character, and the finish brings a haze of woodsmoke curling around notes of dark chocolate and peppery oak and gently fades out.
It’s complex stuff, yet wonderfully balanced - the kind of whisky you give to someone who says “I’m not sure if I like peaty whisky,” and watch them convert.
Premium, Age-Statement Releases
Beyond the core range, Hellyers Road has steadily rolled out premium releases that cement its reputation as a world-class distillery. As their stocks aged, they introduced age-statement whiskies; 10-year, 12-year, 15-year and even older expressions, under labels like “The Original” or “Master Series”.
These longer-matured whiskies take the Hellyers Road spirit to the next level. Extra time in barrel deepens the colour and draws out richer flavours: expect more dried fruit, toasted oak, spice and leather notes in, say, a Hellyers Road 15-Year-Old compared to the younger whiskies.
Experimental cask finishes
Hellyers Road also loves to experiment with cask finishes and special editions - one highlight has been their Pinot Noir Finish single malt.
Instead of the usual sherry or port finish common in Scotch, Hellyers Road took locally sourced Pinot Noir wine casks and finished a whisky in it, resulting in a gorgeous dram with subtle red fruit notes.
It was a bold move that paid off in spades - and wowed the world by winning “Best New World Whisky” in 2013, putting Hellyers Road on the international map as uniquely Tasmanian and undeniably delicious.
Henry’s Legacy
And for the true connoisseurs and collectors, Hellyers Road offers the Henry’s Legacy series; ultra-limited, single-cask releases that celebrate both the distillery’s namesake and the local Tasmanian landscape.
They’re highly sought after (blink and they’re sold) and are no strangers to the awards circuit - Hellyers Road’s Henry’s Legacy Freestone Cove won Best Australian Single Malt in 2021.
These limited releases embody the spirit of Hellyers Road: innovative, rooted in local lore, and unafraid to push boundaries, testament to Hellyers Road’s growth from humble beginnings to a distillery of international repute.
Tasting Notes & Serving
In the glass, Hellyers Road whiskies tend to gleam a lovely golden amber, a shade often enriched by the Tasmanian oak casks and time.
Greeting you with notes of sweet malt and caramel, like freshly made toffee, intertwined with fruity highlights; think ripe pears, baked apples or dried apricots wafting up. There’s a brightness underpinning this fruitiness (think citrus peel & orange marmalade) and a floral hint, wildflower honey.
In many Hellyers releases, you’ll detect a creamy, cereal-rich underpinning (think oatmeal or malty biscuits) that reminds you this is Tassie grain-based goodness. And if you’re nosing one of the peated or port-finished variants, you might pick up a wisp of smoke or sea breeze.
On the palate, Hellyers Road arrives soft and rounded, with a silky mouthfeel that speaks to its craft distillation. Typically first comes a rich sweetness: think butterscotch, vanilla custard, and honeyed grain that make you recall the nose’s promises. Then, a burst of fruit, where those Tassie orchard fruits shine; notes of orange zest, golden sultanas, or spiced apple pie, adding a lush, juicy dimension.
As the whisky spreads across the palate, gentle spices and oak begin to emerge. Hellyers Road often carries a pinch of cinnamon and clove from the oak barrels, plus a touch of pepper or ginger heat, but it’s always in balance.
In peated expressions, mid-palate is where a little charred wood and smoky BBQ note might peek through, never overpowering but lending complexity. Texture-wise, these whiskies are generally creamy and medium-bodied, not as heavy as an oily sherry bomb, but not thin; just right for sipping neat.
Hellyers Road’s finish doesn’t usually belt you over the head with alcohol; instead you get a warm, fading echo of flavours. A bit of sweet vanilla and oak tannin hangs on, maybe a hint of cocoa or dried herbs, and with the peated versions, a last trailing haze of woodsmoke.
Importantly, these whiskies are smooth, a phrase that kinda feels cliche, but here it’s anything but. The cool climate maturation seems to avoid the harsh edges, so you’re not left with any unpleasant burn, just a cozy warmth.
Serving Hellyers Road
When it comes to serving Hellyers Road, the rule of thumb is: keep it simple to savour it. Neat in a Glencairn or tumbler is a fantastic way to enjoy the full profile, as you really appreciate those delicate Tasmanian nuances.
If you’re so inclined, add a few drops of water to open it up. Just a splash can unlock even more aroma, revealing extra layers of fruit and spice. Given the quality of Hellyers Road though, you generally won’t need ice; however, on a warm summer night, a single large ice cube can chill it without diluting too fast.
Pairings
For our money the Original Roaring Forties, with its creamy sweetness, is a match made in heaven for desserts. Pour a dram alongside a crème brûlée or a slice of cheesecake, and you’ll find the whisky’s vanilla and caramel notes mirror the dessert’s flavours beautifully. Similarly, a sticky date pudding or butterscotch panna cotta would draw out those toffee tones in the whisky.
If you’re nibbling on cheese, try a wedge of aged cheddar or creamy blue; the Roaring Forties’ sweetness and spice can complement the saltiness of the cheese (Tasmania produces some killer cheeses, if you wanna go with a local pairing).
For the Slightly Peated or bolder releases, you can go more savoury or dark. The gentle smoke in Hellyers Road pairs wonderfully with chargrilled steak or BBQ meats; don’t be scared to pair a juicy Tasmanian beef ribeye with a dram on the side.
Similarly you could try a glass of Hellyers Slightly Peated with dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher): the whisky’s smoky, peppery edge meets the chocolate’s bitterness and creates some awesome fireworks, a little trick many of us here love.
But the goal is to have fun and the joy is finding what your palate enjoys. Hellyers Road provides plenty of flavour to play with, so whether you’re sipping it solo after dinner or pairing it with your favourite Aussie dessert, you’re in for a treat.
Support Australian Craft…
When you buy a bottle of Hellyers Road or any Aussie craft whisky, you’re not just treating yourself, you’re also supporting Australian craft spirits in a big way.
By choosing a Tasmanian single malt, you’re effectively saying cheers to the farmers, maltsters and distillers who pour their passion into these bottles. And believe us, the craft distillers notice.
Hellyers Road itself went from a regional curiosity to an internationally awarded distillery largely because people took a chance on something local and loved it. This kind of grassroots success story is happening all over Australia, and at Whiskymofo, we’re all about championing these local heroes and making it easy for you to do the same.
… Get Epic Whiskymofo Value
We know our members love discovering craft whiskies and spirits, so we’ve made sure to secure some awesome perks. Member exclusive access is a big part of that – as a Whiskymofo member, you get the inside line on limited Australian whisky releases and special deals that you simply won’t find on the regular shelf.
We’re talking small-batch Tasmanian malts, experimental cask finishes, and indie distillery bottlings that might otherwise be snapped up before they ever go public. Even better, we offer them with insider pricing - often up to 40% off RRP on these gems. That means you can snag a bottle of high-end Aussie whisky (like, say, a Hellyers Road special release or a coveted single cask from another distiller) at a price that won’t break the bank.
Support local, drink brilliant whisky, share the love. Cheers!
