Forgotten Spirits: A History of the Distilling Industry in Victoria

Luke McCarthy's Forgotten Spirits: A History of the Distilling Industry in Victoria is now available, offering an unprecedented look at the state's 180-year distilling journey.

Commissioned by the Spirits Victoria Association and supported by the Victorian Government's Distillery Door Program, this landmark account takes a fresh look at Australia’s history of distilling and uncovers near-lost facts and recollections from Victoria’s whisky, gin, brandy and rum-making past.

McCarthy's work connects modern Victorian distillers with their historical predecessors, providing critical context and insights to help navigate future challenges in this cyclical industry. The book demonstrates how government regulations, international competition and changing consumer preferences have repeatedly shaped the fortunes of Victorian distilling.

For spirits professionals, enthusiasts and anyone interested in Victoria’s cultural and industrial heritage, this book unearths the rich legacy of spirits production that set the stage for the modern industry’s global acclaim.