Our Story | Turner Stillhouse

Turner Stillhouse was founded by Justin Turner – An American in Tasmania, who fell in love with Tasmania (And a Tasmanian!)

Marrying a Tasmanian from a multi-generational farming family, he cultivated an obsession with Tasmanian spirits and food and a passion for pushing the boundaries of taste.

Born and raised in Northern California, Justin grew up in the world of wine and spirits – his family owned and operated a family winery, also producing spirits, including brandy – distilling has always been in his blood.

After a decade in New York City working as a finance executive, he made the bold choice to return to his roots and dive into his obsession with Tasmanian spirits and food, founding the distillery in 2018.

Meet the team

Fusing the rich distilling traditions of Tasmania, with an innovative American influence, to create premium, small batch Gin, Vodka and Whisky that offer spirited and unforgettable adventures into taste and discovery.

All of our spirits use Tasmania’s pure water, which originates in the mountain highlands and comes to us via the confluence of the North and South Esk Rivers. Our goal is to incorporate Tasmanian ingredients wherever possible.

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Working with Justin to craft our exceptional spirits is a passionate team, who pour their heart into every drop of our small batch spirits, using pure Tasmanian water, with every step of our process handled in house.

Brett Coulson

LEAD DISTILLER

Brett is a Tasmanian with an extensive brewing background and serves as the Lead Distiller at Turner Stillhouse.

Brett worked for many years for the state’s biggest brewery, and is a self-confessed ‘Liquor Enthusiast’, having spent the majority of his career working within the liquor industry.

More recently he pursued his passion for quality craft spirits, and after passing his distilling exams through the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD), he jumped at the opportunity to join Turner Stillhouse.

Brett likes to collect antique Tasmanian furniture to store his ever growing whisky collection.

Rachel Alberti

Packaging Manager & Distiller

A trained Tasmanian fitness instructor and teachers assistant, Rachel’s journey has seen her discover that a love of fermentation has always been bubbling away in the background. Whether learning a new skill, travelling the world, or nurturing her family, cooking was always one of Rachel’s favourite things to do in her spare time, and there was always fresh bread and cheese being made.

After relocating to the UK, Rachel explored food, family, and fitness, eventually returning to Tasmania, where she began experimenting in making Sloe Gin and spirits at home – kickstarting her journey into distilling.

Fast forward to today and Rachel has turned that passion into a profession as a distiller and packaging manager.

Favourite Three Cuts drink? A classic G&T with Distiller’s Release and a slice of lemon!

Discover Our Distillery

Where Bold Spirits Meet Unfortgettable Experiences

Come and meet the team and discover our spirits. Located just 15 minutes from Launceston, at one of the most scenic locations in Northern Tasmania, overlooking the breathtaking Tamar Valley and ideally located next to Tamar Ridge Cellar Door.

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Tours

“Super knowledgeable and easy to talk to while taking us through all of the processes they go through to make the wonderful spirits they have on offer. Definitely the best distillery tour I’ve done 10/10”

– Lachlan C (Google Review)

Tasting

“Rachel’s warmth and enthusiasm about spirits was infectious and we found ourselves enjoying the gin tasting, identifying the botanicals used in each type and even purchasing a variety of gins to take home.”

– Jacq C (Google Review)