The Aisling Distillery was born with the love of my Scottish Heritage as I was born in the mid-seventies in Griffith, NSW. Being raised in Griffith surrounded by an Italian community rich in culture and heritage. I knew that I was of Scottish ancestry.The problem with being of Scottish heritage being raised in Griffith was that I had no identity in regard to my past. The Italians had their nice breads, salami, wine, olives, anti-pasta and a European language.

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I feel that I had nothing, but I felt that I needed to be in touch with something. I didn't know where I came from, I was just an Aussie boy growing up in a town full of people with rich cultures and stories dating back generations. So being of Scottish heritage I thought that it was my birth right that I produce something from my past.

 

As I have embarked on my journey into my heritage, I’ve realized the first descendants arrived in Benalla, VIC and settled in Tungamah, VIC. The land where they lived and worked from 1875-1920 was “BURNSIDE” Hill Plain Road. This farm is still today being worked by a local Griffith Lady that married a Tungamah Lad and now lives on “BURNSIDE” over the past few years they’ve harvested “Planet” & “Hindmarsh” Barley.

 

Along with my journey, we travel into the fate of East meets West. Fifteen years ago, I met my now wife, Michelle who has Dutch Heritage and with that we embarked on this journey together. We had a brief discussion about a Distillery, so Michelle sent me to Tasmania to meet Bill Lark. Well that was a decision made and here we are a Scotsman and a Dutchwoman two dreams that have come together and are producing amazing Spirits. It is an amazing journey, life changing, and memories being made with our family.