We have the pleasure of presenting the first interview in our ‘Meet the Distiller‘ series, aimed at promoting the hard-working individuals behind Australian craft distilleries and their brands.
Reg Papps Ironbark Distillery – Photo: Supplied
From industrial distilling to craft spirits, he has been distilling all his professional life. Meet Reg Papps of Ironbark Distillery in NSW.
Tell us a little about yourself, your position and your background.
My name is Reg Papps. I’m the distiller and founder of Ironbark Distillery, located in the Hawkesbury region of Sydney. I have been distilling for approximately 3 decades.
How did you get started in distilling?
I began my journey in distillation working as an industrial distiller with the Shell Oil Co of Australia. When the business closed, I decided to transfer my skills and set up Ironbark Distillery. I have been a distiller all of my professional life.
Tell us a little bit about your distillery, when it was founded, the vision behind it and the spirits you currently produce.
Founded in 2014, Ironbark Distillery is a boutique craft distillery producing gins, moonshine and single malt whisky. The vision when I started Ironbark was to build a brand that would be carried forward for many generations, and would produce spirits that showcase what Australian distillers can do, and be comparable to the best in the world.
What has been the most rewarding part so far?
The most rewarding part has been seeing the spirits I produce being well-received by consumers, followed closely by watching the brand and company growing and expanding its reach into global markets.
Aside from taxation, what has been the most challenging part?
By far the most challenging part has been learning a completely different industry from the ground up. This is a constant evolution for myself as I learn something new almost everyday. This has been challenging, but has also been quite rewarding as well.
What advice would you give someone considering distilling as a career?
If I was asked for advice, I would have to say that research of spirits, production and equipment are fundamental to success. When you think you have figured out costs and equipment, double it. The second piece would be, building a brand is like eating an elephant, it has to be done one bite at a time.
What’s your opinion on the current state of Australian distilling, and is it sustainable long term?
The current state of the distilling industry is very vibrant with many distilleries showcasing a wide variety of Australian flavour profiles, and as the the gin consuming market grows, the benefits will flow through to the producers.
Where do you see the future of Australian distilling heading?
I feel that the Australian distilling industry has a big future. Australian whiskies and gins are among some of the best in the world and with new producers coming online almost daily, I feel this is a trend that will continue.
Are there any projects in development that we can look forward to?
The future for Ironbark is moving forward as we have recently welcomed Halewood Wine and Spirits Australia as a partner. We are looking forward to seeing production grow, bring some new flavours to market, and beginning development of a rum program for future releases.
Any closing comments?
In closing I would like to say that I get immense enjoyment from what I do each day, and look forward to producing the best spirits I can for many years to come. I would also like to say thanks to Cocktails & Bars (and Gourmantic) for the unwavering support of Aussie Craft Distillers.
Ironbark Distillery is listed in the Australian Distillery Directory.
In partnership with Ironbark Distillery.
