Tasmania’s whisky industry is celebrating a decade of its flagship festival, with Tasmanian Whisky Week 2026 beginning today and bringing nine days of tastings, distillery events and visitor experiences across the state.
The festival’s tenth anniversary comes after a year in which Tasmanian distilleries received widespread international recognition, particularly at the 2026 World Whiskies Awards in London, where they won 94 of the 133 awards presented to Australian producers.
The event highlights the role whisky has come to play in Tasmania’s visitor economy and premium food and beverage sector, with organisers expecting strong attendance at events throughout the festival.
Minister for Small Business, Trade and Consumer Affairs Guy Barnett said the industry had developed into one of Tasmania’s strongest export-performing sectors, with international demand for premium spirits continuing to grow.
He said distilleries were contributing to regional employment, tourism and investment, while helping promote Tasmania’s premium food and beverage reputation overseas.
Industry representatives say the recent awards have reinforced Tasmania’s standing in the global whisky market. Tasmanian Whisky and Spirits Association president Kristy Lark-Booth said the London results reflected years of work by local producers and added that international judges had recognised the quality of Tasmanian whisky across several categories.
Among the major award winners, Sullivans Cove received the World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt title for the fourth time, Greenbanks won World’s Best Single Rye, and Lark was recognised for World’s Best Range and Packaging Design.
The centrepiece of the festival will be the Tasmanian Whisky Showcase on Saturday 8 August at PW1 in Hobart, where around 40 distilleries are expected to participate.
Ms Lark-Booth said the showcase was designed to appeal to both experienced whisky drinkers and those exploring Tasmanian whisky for the first time.
Tasmanian whisky production has expanded steadily over the past two decades, with the state now home to dozens of distilleries ranging from established international brands to smaller regional producers. The sector has attracted growing interest from overseas buyers, collectors and whisky tourism operators.
The festival runs until 9 August, with events taking place across Hobart and regional Tasmania, including tastings, masterclasses, distillery tours and food pairings. Organisers say ticket sales for the showcase have been strong, reflecting continued interest in Tasmania’s whisky industry from both local visitors and interstate travellers.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
