Serena Kirby, Denmark Bulletin

The recent arrival of nearly 60 barrels of premium whisky marks major progress in the development of a new distillery on Mt Shadforth.

The establishment of Nullaki Distillery has been the long-term dream of Michael Tomasz and his business partner who did not wish to be named that’s taken a decade to come to fruition.

The distillery’s cellar door will be located in what was originally the function centre at Karri Mia, and forms part of a larger section of the hilltop estate that Mr Tomasz and his business partner purchased more than two years ago.

Their purchase included the motel-style suites and caravan park that now operates as Karri Aura Tourist Park, as well as the restaurant building and function centre.

The distillery, and newly-built barrel room, adjoin the currently vacant restaurant which Mr Tomasz hopes to lease out in coming months.

The first batch of whisky for the new venture has been produced at the distillery’s temporary facility in Perth and full production will be relocated to the Mt Shadforth site later this year.

A custom-built Tasmanian still will form the centrepiece in the local cellar door outlet and Mr Tomasz says his architects have crafted a ‘high level of interior design that will take full advantage of the impressive views’.

“This is a premium location so we want to create a premium experience and premium product,” Mr Tomasz said.

“People come to Denmark for the beautiful wines and beautiful surroundings and we aim to complement that with a beautiful experience.

“We want to collaborate with the Denmark community and we think it’s going to be a great local tourism asset.”

When fully operational the distillery aims to produce about 10,000 litres of whisky a year.

Nullaki Distillery’s cellar door is expected to be open for business in time for Easter next year. 

This article appeared in the Denmark Bulletin, 27 June 2024.