Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
Owners of Bingil Bay Distillery, Paul Williams and Lynda Hannah. Photo Credit Sian Bantock
By Sian Bantock
Nestled within the tropical rainforest of Bingil Bay in Far North Queensland is a hidden gem: the world’s first licensed Sub-ATMOSPHERIC® spirit distillery.
Bingil Bay Distillery operates using the patented Sub-ATMOSPHERIC® process—technically a vapor compression heat recovery system with thermal energy storage, integrated in a single-pass closed-loop arrangement.
By lowering the boiling point under vacuum, the system distils at significantly reduced temperatures, which enables the product to not overcook. The distillery recycles the heat efficiently, so they don’t need a boiler or chillers, which helps make them zero net energy.
The modernized approach reduces environmental impacts whilst preserving the delicate flavours. The tails, a byproduct from spirit runs, are passed onto farmers who have found it beneficial.
The distillery held a soft opening on Sunday 23rd August, where owner Lynda Hannah guided visitors through the facility and explained the technology developed by Paul Williams.
“When you get to this stage of life, you get a bit more philosophical, I suppose, and we wanted to provide something for the community. What started out as more or less of a hobby has grown into this,” said Paul.
“Mission Beach is emerging from years of hardships caused by cyclones and so on, and now we’re getting these beautiful hotels, restaurants, and the council has done everything in the middle of town... Our aim is to hold onto the tourists for a little longer and to give them a wet weather option."
Once visitors have learned about the process, Lynda and Paul host a taste-testing session that showcases the internationally awarded spirits in all their glory.
The distillery’s location was chosen for its proximity to Tully Sugar Mill, which plays a vital part in supplying premium molasses—the essential basis for high-quality rum.
“This area grows some of the very best sugarcane that’s not irrigated, and it's a highly flavoured, good sugar. You’ve got Tully Mill, which is one of the most sophisticated mills in the world and beautifully run, so uniquely we can choose whatever grade of malaise or sugar juice that we want," Paul Williams said.
Bingil Bay Distillery is open to the public Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4pm, with guided tours at 11am and 2pm. Bookings can be made at bingilbaydistillery.com.au.
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