The Hellyers Road Distillery story has overseas whiskey consumers thirsty for a single malt, general manager and master distiller Mark Littler said after the business scooped up the top export award in the state.

The Burnie-based whiskey distillery was named the 2017 Tasmanian Exporter of the Year at the Tasmanian Export Awards in Hobart on Friday.

It also won the Small Business Award category for the second year in a row.

“To be recognized as Tasmania’s best exporter in 2017 is quite overwhelming,” Mr. Little said.

Hellyers Road Distillery, which was established by the dairy farmers of the Betta Milk Cooperative, started exporting its products overseas 10 years ago, beginning with two pallets per year.

About five years ago, the business started exporting one full container of whiskey per year.

Mr. Littler said they planned to export two full containers this year, with plans to eventually increase that to four or five containers.

“In the past 12 months, we’ve exported significant exports to Europe, Argentina, China, Japan and we’ve had our first order for the United States,” Mr. Litter said.

“We believe we’re by far the nation’s highest selling whiskey around the world.”

Exports represent approximately 5 to 10 percent of the business, with $1 million worth of product exported in the last two years.

As a small business, Hellyers Road Distillery faces the challenge of marketing their product on a modest budget.

However, this has also contributed to the success of the business as the producers are heavily involved in marketing.

“There’s been an incredible interest in our story,” Mr. Little said.

The Hellyers Road team have recently returned from an international whiskey event, Whisky Live Paris.

“When I go to Whisky Live Paris, directors from those farming families go to help showcase our story.

“People appreciate seeing the makers behind the business when we come from so far away.”

There is a growing global market for single malt whiskey, with an increasing number of younger people enjoying quality spirits.

Mr. Littler said this has encouraged further investment in the business.

Read more at source: The Advocate