Every teenager has spent hours chatting with their mates, pondering their futures and coming up with wild plans. Not everyone starts a distillery, though; however that's exactly how Headlands Distilling Co came about. Up and running in Wollongong since 2015, the distillery is the product of four friends from high school following through on their lofty dreams.
Using native botanicals and barley from the Riverina region, Headlands Distilling has a 'grain to glass' philosophy, with the distillery overseeing every stage from milling and fermenting to distilling and bottling its spirits — including its first product, Seacliff vodka. The small company also donates 20 percent of its profits to charity SpinalCure, which is working towards curing spinal cord injuries, so adding them to your home bar will also help a great cause.
Spirits fans can head by Headlands Distilling's North Wollongong base to take a free tour and enjoy free tastings on Friday and Sunday afternoons.