Phillips Fermentorium Distilling Co.

Phillips Fermentorium Distilling Co. is the spirited offshoot of Phillips Brewing, one of Victoria's best-loved breweries, and it carries the same hand-crafted, creatively fearless spirit into the world of distilling. Operating from the Phillips home base on Government Street, the Fermentorium produces a range of gins and whiskies made with local barley and distilled in a beautiful solid-copper Scottish still dating to the 1920s. Standouts include their characterful gins and a fast-selling small-batch whisky blended from multiple barrels – spirits that reward a slow, curious tasting. The big draw for visitors is the gorgeous Phillips tasting room at the corner of Government and Discovery, opened in 2018. It's a bright, welcoming space where you can sample the full Phillips universe in one stop: small-batch distilled spirits alongside the brewery's celebrated beers, craft-brewed non-alcoholic options, and house-made sodas and tonics. That breadth makes it a genuine crowd-pleaser – whether your group leans toward gin, beer or alcohol-free, there's something on the board for everyone. Set in Victoria's lively brewery district, just a short trip from the Inner Harbour and downtown, it slots perfectly into a walkable craft-drink crawl through the city. Settle in, order a tasting or a cocktail, and soak up the easygoing, design-forward atmosphere that has made Phillips a local institution. The team's playful, experimental approach means there's usually something new to discover, from limited spirit releases to seasonal pours. Whether you're a longtime Phillips fan curious to taste their spirits side by side with the beer, or a visitor looking for one stop that covers all the bases, the Fermentorium delivers. Check current tasting-room hours before visiting, then come thirsty and ready to explore.