Australian spirits writer and historian Luke McCarthy rejoins Drinks Adventures this episode to discuss two new books he has published in 2025.
The first is Forgotten Spirits: A History of the Distilling Industry in Victoria — a landmark publication commissioned by Spirits Victoria and supported by funding from the Victorian Government.
This is the first time anyone has attempted a comprehensive historical account of distilling in Victoria.
And what Luke uncovered is an industry far older and more dynamic than many of us would have assumed.
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Distilling in Victoria dates back to the 1830s, and by the early 1900s the state was producing spirits on a truly global scale, only for Federal Government policy decisions to ultimately bring the industry undone later that century.
The second book is St Agnes Distillery: The First 100 Years 1925–2025. It celebrates the centenary of St Agnes – one of Australia’s most iconic spirit producers – which featured on this podcast back in 2022 when the company launched its new Camborne Single Malt Whisky.
Through family archives, historic photographs and in-depth interviews, Luke chronicles how the Angove family built the St Agnes brandy house from the ground up in Renmark, South Australia – enduring fires, floods, economic upheaval, and even the existential threat of changing consumer tastes.
It’s a pleasure to welcome Luke back to Drinks Adventures for a timely conversation that connects the past, present and future of Australian spirits.
More:
The best Australian whiskies, with Luke McCarthy
Intoxicating: Ten Drinks That Shaped Australia, with author Max Allen
Australian spirits targets $1 billion export opportunity by 2035