BARREL BUTLER
Learn to love winter as a Barrel Butler
- Your Winternship host: McHenry Distillery
- Location: Port Arthur, Tasmania
Your Winternship
For Tasmanians, whisky is a winter essential. Australia's southernmost distillery, McHenry has a climate so close to Scottish conditions, you may start hearing the wee sounds of bagpipes rolling over the hills. If learning how to make the kind of whisky that'll whack some hair on your chest sounds like your kind of thing, this is the Winternship for you.​
You'll arrive at the distillery and chuck on a McHenry kilt to wear for the day – after all, you're going to need the gear if you've got no idea. Learn all about fermentation, distilling and maturation as you very maturely sneak a sip or two along the way.
After sunset, head outdoors to enjoy the grain-given-goodness around a roaring fire. Let the smooth liquor coat your throat as you look up to the night sky and relish in every satisfying swirl and sip. No need to rush, the nights are long this time of year and whisky is always best sipped slowly.​
As you reluctantly return your uniform and let the whisky warm you from the inside out, retreat to the Brewer’s Cabin for a well-earned rest. As the night sky darkens out your window, you'll realise all your winter worries have been whisk-ed away.
Become a Winter Person with a Winternship.
Entries open 6:00pm AEST, Monday 26th May 2025 and close 11:59pm AEST, Tuesday 17 June 2025. By applying for this Winternship you agree to the T&Cs.
The finer details
- Get to grips with the whisky-making process, from mashing grain to measuring spirit strength.
- Assist with fermentation, distillation and maturation – and maybe sneak a sanctioned sip or two.
- Develop a palate for the good stuff and learn how to identify a top-notch drop.
- Stoke the fire, pour a dram and spend a winter’s evening the true Tassie way.
- An appreciation for the finer things in life – especially if they come in a tumbler.
- Keen observational skills (particularly when it comes to the difference between whisky and whiskey).
- A calm, methodical mindset – the whisky process can’t be rushed.
- A sensible approach to sipping.
- A behind-the-barrel look at one of Tasmania’s most famous distilleries.
- Return flights to Tasmania.
- Car hire.
- Two nights’ accommodation.
- A selection of Tasmanian treats.
You will leave with behind-the-scenes distillery knowledge (and bragging rights) to show off back home next time you share a drop with your friends.
Winter Itineraries
Bundle the best Off Season experiences into a DIY road trip with these Winternship-inspired itineraries.
Alone-inspired adventures
4 days in Tasmania's wild west
Whisky, wine and wellness
3 days in Hobart and Turrakana / Tasman Peninsula
Truffles, cultural tours and animals
4 day loop of Tasmania's north west
Caves, creatures and Cataract Gorge
4 days in Launceston and surrounds
Wine glasses, wombats and wild coastlines
3 days in Binalong Bay and Freycinet
Culture, cuisine and cold dips
3 days in Hobart and the Huon Valley
Wheels, wine and whisky
3 days in Derby and Launceston
Saunas, soups and starry skies
3 days in Buckland and Bicheno
Snow, wilderness and history
4 days in the west and Cradle Mountain
become a winter person
Don your woolly socks and subscribe to the Off Season newsletter to be the first to know about Tasmania’s winter festivals, events and special offers.
