It is always so good, that we returned for World Whisky day at Black Gate Distillery in Mendooran.

You may ask where is Mendooran? Head over the mountains, though Capertee and Crafty’s Distillery, via Ryalstone for a nights stay at a local pub, through Dunny Doo for pie shop, keep heading west and you’ll reach Mendooran, about 5.5 – 6 hours from Sydney (45 mins from Dubbo).

It’s Autumn, the mornings are a little cooler and the colour of the leaves are changing, in a wonderful spectacle of nature, making for a very scenic drive past the great dividing ranges into red dirt country NSW. It is refreshing being out in the country with clean air, where you can actually see the stars in the night sky. This year it was particularly icy so be prepared to rug up warm.

Mendooran is a small town with a great Aussie Distillery. Black Gate is run by some of the best people you will meet, Brian (whisky distiller) and Genise (Rum Distiller). For world whisky day each year, they celebrate by hosting a top day out at their distillery with quality music, booze, BBQ and banter.

Starting at noon, the low and slow BBQ is timed to greet the masses. This year it was a pig on the spit, pulled pork, brisket as well as some chicken wings.

There’s a crowd of hungry punters that have come from far and wide to have a good time, even people who’d driven all the way from Qld for the event. There was quite a mixed demographic from groups of friends, to couples and other distillers.

This great NSW distillery is known for producing cask strength flavour bombs and now a line of sweet peated powerful whiskies and dark rum.

Whilst you’re there it’s the perfect opportunity to try all the Black Gates whiskies, or some quality drams from behind the bar, including some well put together tasting flights of whiskey.

Once the sun goes down, the celebrations heat up with a few bonfires, some nerve wracking games of giant jenga, bush bowling and dancing. The band provides a fun atmosphere, as do the great bunch of punters and whisky enthusiasts that attend. Music this year was by Macquarie River Mudflappers and Paul McMillan “Irish”.

When all is said and done, there is plenty of space to pitch the tent or park the caravan and a few places to stay in town, a short stroll away. But if you’re not prepared to camp, be sure to book early as it’s a one pub town.

Blackgate is a great destination at any time. Check in with Brian and Genise, enjoy country NSW as well as some flavoursome Aussie whisky and rum.

We always have a great time and albeit the long drive, it’s worth it to meet some great country folk, sample food along the way, have bbq and try some great whiskies.

Black Gate Distillery
72 Forrest Road