Belgrove Distillery: History, Whisky Range and Visitor Guide
Updated: 19 hours ago
Belgrove is one of Australia's most individual small distilleries, operating as an on-farm rye whisky producer near Kempton in Tasmania. Peter Bignell grows rye grain himself and developed a distinctive farm-to-bottle production system.
The first 100% Rye Whisky was released in 2013. Belgrove is a small operation rather than a distillery producing a large core range of blends. Its reputation rests on locally grown rye, limited batches and unusual resource efficiency.
In this guide
Distillery at a glance
History and owners
Distillation and maturation
Whisky bottles
Awards and visitor information
Four-question reader poll and FAQs
Sources and photo credits
Summarise this guide with AI
Belgrove Distillery at a glance
Distillery history
Belgrove is one of Australia's most individual small distilleries, operating as an on-farm rye whisky producer near Kempton in Tasmania. Peter Bignell grows rye grain himself and developed a distinctive farm-to-bottle production system.
The first 100% Rye Whisky was released in 2013. Belgrove is a small operation rather than a distillery producing a large core range of blends. Its reputation rests on locally grown rye, limited batches and unusual resource efficiency.
Ownership and founders
The people associated with the history of this whisky producer include Owner, farmer and distiller Peter Bignell. Check the latest official company information if present ownership or management is important.
How the whisky is made
Peter Bignell designed and built his own copper still, heating it with used cooking oil sourced from a neighbouring business. Fuel and heat are recycled across farm equipment, the still and water heating. The spent mash feeds sheep, while water is reused in farming or captured from rainfall. Rye is grown, fermented, distilled and matured on the same estate.
Whisky bottle range
The following are identifiable bottlings rather than generic examples. Whisky Clan has not independently tasted them for this guide, and notes based on producer information are labelled accordingly.
Belgrove 100% Rye Whisky
Tasmanian rye whisky made from rye grown at the estate.
Belgrove single cask rye releases
Small limited batches with varying cask maturation and bottling strengths.
Belgrove white rye spirit
Unaged spirit separate from mature rye whisky.
Pictured: Belgrove 100% Rye Whisky. This is a real whisky bottle from the producer, not an illustrative whisky glass.
Awards and significant milestones
Belgrove's integrated, biodiesel-powered farm and its rye production provide an unusual environmental and production story. Awards should be attributed to exact releases and competitions.
Visiting Belgrove Distillery
The distillery is at 3121 Midland Highway, Kempton, Tasmania, and explicitly requires an appointment for visits. Do not arrive expecting open daily tours.
Visitor opening hours, tours and bottle availability may change. Verify directly with the operator before travelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Belgrove Distillery?
3121 Midland Highway, Kempton
When did it begin?
Rye whisky released from 2013
Who owns or developed it?
Owner, farmer and distiller Peter Bignell
What bottles should whisky drinkers look for?
Belgrove 100% Rye Whisky; Belgrove single cask rye releases; Belgrove white rye spirit. Product specifications can vary between editions.
Can I visit?
The distillery is at 3121 Midland Highway, Kempton, Tasmania, and explicitly requires an appointment for visits. Do not arrive expecting open daily tours.
Explore more Whisky Clan guides
Compare the history of other whisky producers and how casks influence the bottle ranges.
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Sources and image credits
All external sources and image credits are collected at the bottom. Information checked 23 October 2026.
About the author
Whisky Clan researches distillery histories, whisky production and bottles with source material and verifiable reader corrections.
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