Created to help locate and inform on Tasmania's awesome beer, wine and spirits industries. Originally, it was just going to be spirits, but there is already a great site for that

Nathan is a Hobartian whose obsession with all things boozy is only topped by that of creating lists. If not at the local, he's up in The Abels.

• The big one is just getting all the information down for beers and wine. Spirits is more or less done

• Add in photos for each entry. Would need permission from owners I think, especially for photos from google.

• Make one of those maps where it has the pin drops on each location (I have no clue how to do this yet, would appreciate it if someone could please email me with instructions)

• Have filters by region, A-Z, what the distillery produces etc. (Also above my knowledge right now).

• Currently, the information widgets are all manually imputed so adding in another distillery would mean shifting the whole page down, one widget at a time. In an ideal world, there would be a data list that automatically updates the page when editing. Again, need to learn more about site development.

• Maybe move to a different web-host if the above points aren't possible

• Add more contact information to the contact details section .e.g. email, socials

• Add a page for events in Tasmania with info, dates and links...very down the line

• Add a discussion page...also very down the line

• General presentation and accessibility touch ups. fix anyy typos

• More fun facts for beers and wine. Also maybe make it its own page...

• Tasmanian spirits could be considered to use some of the highest quality ingredients in the world. We have objectively the cleanest air along with soft and fresh water, leading to great growing conditions for barley and therefore super high quality spirits.

• Tasmania had a bit of a rough patch in the industry after a law was passed in 1839 prohibiting distilling. Later, in 1901 Tasmania was subject to the National Distillation Act, which commanded that a distillers minimum still capacity had to be 2,700 liters. This was very large and expensive to run, if you don't intend to sell much. No one made spirits for a while. Not publicly anyway.
  Luckily, a national treasure named Bill Lark brought it up to Parliament in 1992. The story goes he was on a fishing trip and noticed a peat bog, and while savouring a scotch thought "why is no one making this here". Being Australians, therefore massive drinkers, Parliament happily overturned the before-mentioned law, allowing spirit production of any size. Anyway, that's how the story goes...

• Leading on from the last fun fact, Lark Distillery (Surprisingly, founded by Bill Lark) was Tasmania's first distillery in this new age of distilling, however, several other distilleries also claim this. At the end of the day, it makes little difference. It's all bloody delicious. 

• Australia's spirits are among the most expensive in the world, in no part thanks to our really high tax on spirits. For a standard 700ml bottle at 40%abv, you end up paying over $30 dollars in tax alone.

• Tasmania makes the best whisky in the world. Sullivan's Cove Distillery has been awarded "World's Best Whisky" four times (3 x world's best single cask single malt and 1 x World's best single malt), making it the only distillery in the world to win that many times. Way to go, give them a pat on the back (or just buy one of their whiskies - they earned it and you'll love it).

• Hot tip: Not everyone, myself included, can often fork out for bottles of Tasmanian spirits as they can be expensive due to their small batch nature. Check the website of each distillery before you buy, as many offer a discount code if you sign up for their newsletter. Better yet, go and visit the distillery. Some offer free tastings and cheaper bottles, if you ask nicely.

• While I try my best, some points on this site may not be entirely accurate, especially in this section (see terms of use). Take my words with a grain of salt. Then, spread that salt onto the rim of a martini glass and pour 2 nips of Tasmanian gin, 1 nip of Tasmanian vodka, 2 splashes of Tasmanian bitters, 2 tsp sugar syrup (or 1tsp sugar mixed with 1tsp hot water), and several ice cubes into a shaker. Stir. Strain, and pour contents into the martini glass and squeeze a lime wedge in. Absolutely divine. I call it the Rats Castle.

Email: ratscastl3@gmail.com

Feedback is appreciated and helps keep the site up to date. Thank-you!