Western Australia Through a Whisky Glass

Where has all the whisky drinkers gone?! Whisky was one the most significant national drinks of Australia in the early days of colonisation – a tribute to the colonist’s British roots. But over time, the drinkers of Western Australia moved their tastes from strong liquors such as whisky, brandy, rum, and gin to cheaper and easier to produce ‘booze’.

Jokes aside, I want to take you back through the history of whisky in Western Australia to reveal just how important this drink was to those toughing it out in the west. Perhaps it will give you a new appreciation for whisky and the stronger spirits, or perhaps for those attempting to bring them back into the mainstream. At the least, I hope you get a smile and a different perspective on the history of Western Australia through a whisky glass.

Whisky in the Western Australian Colony

Gold and whisky is the cry in Western Australia at the end of the nineteenth century.

Start by learning about the early days of whisky in the Western Australian colony, and how the people here earned the title of being the hardest drinkers throughout Australasia. Some suggested this was because that “not only is it that the men drink, but a scarcity of women also encourages men to drink more”.

Quality of Whisky in Western Australia

I have travelled all over Western Australia, and no matter where you go you cannot get anything like whisky or brandy.

With whisky so popular, it was only a matter of time until people started taking advantage of the situation. Our next article discusses the impact that the arrival of the ‘silent spirit’ had on the community. For many years, the quality of whisky in Western Australia was a dominant headline. This was part of a similar story being played out across the globe, as people wanted to know, “just what is whisky”.

Whisky and War in Western Australia

Australians may be described as uneducated drinkers. The Australian consumption of spirits—chiefly whisky — is considerable; but we are not wine drinkers.

Finally, learn how whisky and war in Western Australia do not mix well (pun intended), as the impact of two world wars created low supply and therefore higher prices. Despite some attempts to market whisky as an important industry in the Australian economy, the government took the opportunity to maintain the increased war taxes. This only added salt to the wound for those seeking out quality whisky, as many began to be attracted to the cheaper prices of beer and wine.

Modern History of Whisky in West Australia

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Our final article on the history of whisky in Western Australia in modern times. Everything whisky since 1950. If you have any stories to tell, pictures to share, or articles that you know of, we want to hear from you. So please, use the contact button on our menu or reach us through our social media channels at the top and bottom of our website.

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It’s time that Western Australians rediscovered their taste for spirits (responsibly, of course). Celebrate the many WA distilleries that are making a name for themselves throughout the world. Use the tag #wadistillers to show your support, and we’ll publish all the Instagram images that have these on our website wawhisky.com.au

P.S. If all this talk of whisky has got you thirsty, then take a look at our Western Australian distillery locator. Let them know you found them here.