Tasmanian whisky distillery Sullivans Cove is increasing its presence in selected international markets as stocks produced following its landmark 2014 World Whiskies Awards win reach maturity.
Sullivans Cove Distillery is entering a new phase of international growth, with whisky laid down more than a decade ago now providing greater capacity to allocate stock to overseas markets.
The Hobart distillery will focus on selected markets in Europe, the US and Asia rather than pursuing broad international distribution, reflecting the limited volumes produced under its small-scale, single-cask model.
The move follows Sullivans Cove's fourth global title at the World Whiskies Awards in 2026, where its 18 Year Old French Oak ex-White Wine Cask No. TD0112 was named World’s Best Single Cask Single Malt.
Decade-long investment matures
Sullivans Cove’s international expansion has its origins in its 2014 World’s Best Single Malt win, which generated international demand that quickly exceeded the distillery’s available supply.
Before the win, production was intermittent, with periods when no whisky was produced for months or years. The recognition prompted the company to invest in more consistent production, although it retained its single 2500-litre pot still and small-scale production model.
CEO Andy Gaunt said stocks produced following those decisions were now beginning to become available.
“Some of those casks are now reaching maturity. That doesn’t mean we suddenly have an abundance of whisky, but it does give us the opportunity to make a strategic choice to allocate some of it internationally,” Gaunt said.
Small allocations will support the company’s presence at Whisky Live Paris and Whisky Live Singapore, as well as activity in Hong Kong and other selected markets. Many Sullivans Cove releases are drawn from individual casks and comprise only a few hundred bottles.
Director of Whisky Creation, Heather Tillott, said increased mature inventory would provide greater flexibility without changing the company's approach to releasing whisky.
Heather Tillott.
“Having more mature casks to work with gives us greater choice in where we share Sullivans Cove, but it doesn’t change the way we assess them or the standards they need to meet. We’ll continue to release whisky when it’s ready, in the quantities the casks give us,” Tillott said.
Export capability expands
Sullivans Cove has also invested in its export operations, appointing David Ferguson as export manager, Europe and US. UK-based Ferguson will develop relationships across the two markets and support private client opportunities.
In Asia, drinks market development and distribution company, Nimbility, has been appointed as a strategic partner, with particular focus on Hong Kong and Singapore.
Gaunt said the strategy was focused on building selected markets rather than increasing volume.
“We have no ambition to be everywhere. Our focus is on being present in the right markets, working with the right people and building genuine, long-term relationships around Sullivans Cove.
“This is a choice about where we allocate a limited amount of whisky and where we invest our time and resources. We now have the people and partnerships in place to support those markets properly, allowing us to approach international growth in a way that is measured, sustainable and true to Sullivans Cove,” he said.
