Riv on the Record: Russell Watson[award-winning distiller]

THIS week I had the great pleasure of being joined by Bellarine Distillery founder Russell Watson. Spin it!

You’ve become a fixture of the Bellarine Peninsula’s artisanal scene, but where did it all begin for you? What was your life like before the distillery?

The idea of creating a whisky was intriguing. I spoke about the idea to the point that my wife Lorelle said “Why don’t we start a distillery?”

My working life prior this point was as a maintenance fitter which involved amazing life experiences at incredible locations. And, of course, family.

Every great venture starts with a “lightbulb moment.” What was yours? Was there a specific bottle of gin or a conversation over a glass of whisky that made you think “I need to do this myself”?

Certainly was. I had always enjoyed a whisky of which my Scottish, Irish heritage may account for. I had a wonderful holiday through Scotland, and another thing that reinforced the urge was a documentary on Landline about Billy Lark and the resurgence of whisky production in Tasmania.

I visited Billy in Tassie. He was kind enough to listen to my thoughts and responded with encouraging and very generous support.

Right; where do we start? That is a story on its own.

 

You’ve had massive success with your gin range (such as Teddy and The Fox). How do you approach the “personality” of each spirit?

Teddy & The Fox was conceived in the kitchen of wonderful dear friends. It was predominately Lorelle’s recipe of individually infused botanicals.

Teddy & The Fox has since been tweaked by our very clever distillery staff to become a very popular, much loved product.

Each spirit has its very own characteristics as do the stories on the labels. No two gins share the same flavour profile except the maritime gin.

Your Kestral Whisky was crowned the top one in Australia. How did that make you guys feel and how did it all come together?

Being awarded “Australia’s Best Single Malt 2024” at the Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards was a thrill that took Lorelle, Nicky, Craig and I by surprise.

What a thrill in an auditorium full of industry producers and personalities. The Kestrel was one off our rare release barrels. The whisky came together after careful distilling and barrel management that impressed the judging panel resulting in the trophy award. Happy days!

What’s in the pipeline for Bellarine Distillery in the next year or so? Where do you see things heading?

Bellarine Distillery is all about quality products and memorable experiences.

We have recently added two liquor styled beverages to the list which have been very well received by the public.

We had stated in our early days that we would strive to make the best spirit possible and I believe we are on track. Our brand is quality, product and experience.

We also have two significant events – Whisky and Wildfire mid year and Whisky by the Bay late in the year. We also have a variety of tastings evenings.

 

What’s good about where we live?

I love where we live. The amenities, surf, sail, fish, golf a relaxed atmosphere, friendly people who have time and some great venues offering fine produce and service. I do like our winter it’s a beautiful time to be on the peninsula.

RAPID RIV:

I’m coming over for dinner, what are you cooking? Crumbed bangers and mash.

Favourite movie? The Last of the Mohicans or Lincoln, both with Daniel Day-Lewis.

Pump up song to get you going in the morning? Morning of the Earth.

Your favourite gin or whisky in your range? Our whiskys vary depending on cask, but they’re all good. The Old Dodger gin is a cracker.

A local Bellarine spot everyone should visit (besides yours)? Gee, that’s tough… like having a favourite child; you shouldn’t mention it. There are some great experiences. What I will say is get out there and experience the northern Bellarine peninsula.