Nine Victorian distilleries will take over Brogan’s Way Distillery in Richmond on Monday, 31 August for Spirited Locals, a new trade tasting from Vic Distilled and the Spirits Victoria Association.
Running from 1pm–3pm, the free event is open to bartenders, venue managers, operators and owners, bringing Victorian producers together for an afternoon of tastings, cocktails and conversation around getting more locally made spirits onto back bars.
The line-up spans nine different spirits categories, with host venue Brogan’s Way representing gin alongside Thirsty Group for vodka, Maidenii for vermouth, Killik Rum for rum, Imbue for agave, Stachehouse for liqueur, Bakery Hill for whisky, Tano Spirits for shochu and Molly Rose for pastis.
Rather than operating as a large-scale trade show, Spirited Locals has been designed to give attendees more time with each producer, with the opportunity to taste through the spirits and speak directly with the people making them.
The afternoon will begin with a welcome reception featuring cocktails showcasing Victorian spirits before Vic Distilled Ambassador Tayla Kendall hosts a panel discussion with the participating distillers.
The panel will look at the commercial case for stocking locally produced spirits, including the operational benefits for venues, changing consumer attitudes towards Australian-made products and the growing range of spirits now being produced across Victoria.
“Victoria is making world-class spirits, and a lot of it still isn’t on back bars in its own state,” said Kendall. “Spirited Locals puts the distillers and the operators in one room and lets the liquid do the talking.”
Following the panel, patrons will be able to move between producers for tastings and networking, with cocktails and canapés served throughout the afternoon.
The event comes as Victoria’s distilling industry continues to grow, with more than half of the state’s distilleries established since 2020. Vic Distilled, launched in 2025 in collaboration with the Spirits Victoria Association, now represents 188 distilleries across the state and aims to encourage both consumers and venues to support Victorian-made spirits.
Spirited Locals takes place on Monday, 31 August from 1pm–3pm at Brogan’s Way Distillery, 61 North St, Richmond. Attendance is free for the hospitality trade, but places are limited and RSVP is essential.