Backwoods Distilling Co. is an independent, craft distillery located in the Victorian High Country region. Established by Bree and Leigh Attwood in 2017, the distillery produces handcrafted batches of single malt and rye whisky, alongside a range of gins that highlight native botanicals. “Backwoods was founded on a love for whisky. We love the nostalgia whisky evokes, the conversation it inspires and the connection it creates.”

With their first whiskies released in 2020, Backwoods have already picked up several prestigious awards, collecting medals at the World Whiskies, London Spirits, and Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. In November 2022, Backwoods took out the top trophy for Champion Single Malt Whisky at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. With an ethos of using 100% Australian grains, local casks and native botanicals, Backwoods is proving to be one of Australia’s best small producers of local, artisan spirits.

“This rye whisky is handcrafted from a unique mash bill of heritage rye grain, winter wheat, malted barley and chocolate malt. Matured in an ex-Shiraz cask to create a distinctive Australian rye whisky. Backwoods most popular rye expression, the previous batch of this whisky won a silver medal at the World Whiskies Awards 2021.” Pair this whisky with a good quality, dark chocolate for a total treat for the senses!

Rye whisky is also perfect for many cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or a Whisky Sour.