Forgotten Spirits is the story of 180 years of distilling in Victoria. In this landmark account, author Luke McCarthy takes a fresh look at Australia’s history of distilling and uncovers near-lost facts and recollections from Victoria’s whisky, gin, brandy and rum-making past. McCarthy describes the fiery origins of distilling in early Melbourne and traces an industry’s emergence after the Victorian gold rush, detailing the challenges it faced amid tariffs, world wars, international acquisitions and shifting consumer trends. With meticulous research and a wealth of archival material and imagery, he brings the rise, fall and remarkable revival of Victorian distilling vividly to life. For spirits professionals, enthusiasts and anyone interested in Victoria’s cultural and industrial heritage, this book unearths the rich legacy of spirits production that set the stage for the modern industry’s global acclaim.
