Japan embraces Tasmanian whisky

Tasmanian whisky is in high demand the world over, with one producer now exporting to 12 countries. Sullivans Cove Whisky sent shipments to three new export markets this month alone.

The latest shipments went to distributors in Canada, Spain and Japan, where demand is being driven by local whisky fans’ increasing knowledge and awareness of Sullivans Cove whisky and Tasmanian whisky in general.

“Japan has an established whisky industry and a growing whisky culture,” said Clint Anesbury from Japanese importer Wines and Spirits Japan.

“Tasmania is highly regarded as a place of origin of extremely high-quality produce and the Sullivans Cove single malt whisky certainly does not disappoint. We are very proud to be the Japanese importer and look forward to bringing this incredible whisky to market.”

Sullivans Cove says its volumes have tripled in the past three years, with first quarter sales this financial year equalling the total turnover of 2010. The company says local sales are also booming as whisky becomes increasingly popular in Australia, particularly among ‘hipster’ urbanites.

“Tasmanian whisky is fast becoming a staple on the back bar of Melbourne and Sydney’s coolest bars and this is driven by the so-called ‘whisky revolution’,” said Sullivans Cove Marketing Manager Bertie Cason.

“The fact that we are stocked in every Dan Murphy’s store around the country also helps, and to top it off, international orders just keep coming in. It is a great industry to be involved in at the minute.”

Currently, there are eight whisky distilleries operating in Tasmania.