WISH Distillery: Crafting Queensland Paradise in a Glass
The Journey Begins: From Aviation to Distilling
Matt Spence’s path to distilling was an unexpected one. As a seasoned aviator, he had always been drawn to the skies, navigating through clouds and chasing sunsets. But when the pandemic hit, grounding flights and halting his aviation career, Matt found himself at a crossroads. Instead of dwelling on uncertainty, he took a leap of faith, a leap that would lead him to create something extraordinary.
“Covid halted my career in aviation” Matt reflects. “But it also opened a door. I realized that paradise wasn’t just a distant island, it could be right here, in the heart of Queensland.”
And so, with determination and a thirst for adventure, Matt Spence set out to build WISH Distillery a haven where spirits would be crafted with passion, precision, and a touch of tropical magic.
The Soul of WISH: Locally Grown Sugarcane
What sets WISH Distillery apart? It’s the commitment to local ingredients. Matt firmly believes that great spirits should reflect the land they come from. That’s why every drop of WISH’s spirits starts with locally grown sugarcane. Queensland’s fertile soil and abundant sunshine infuse each stalk with sweetness and character. From rum to gin, the sugarcane base forms the heart of every bottle.
“Think global, drink local” Matt declares. And indeed, sipping a WISH spirit feels like a journey through Queensland’s sun-kissed fields.
The Art of Distillation: Where Magic Happens
For Matt, the distillation process is more than science it’s art. “Experimenting, recipe development, and continued learning” fuel his passion. In the quiet of the copper stills, he refines flavors, balances botanicals, and captures the essence of Queensland. Each batch is a canvas and Matt paints with botanicals, spices, and dreams.
A Vision for Tomorrow: Core Spirits and Tasting Rooms
Looking ahead, Matt envisions a future where WISH Distillery becomes synonymous with quality. “We’ll concentrate on a core selection of five spirits” he shares. “Each one a masterpiece.” And beyond the distillery walls, a tasting room awaits a place where visitors can sip, savor and share stories under the Queensland sun.
Rum: The Dirty Start, the Clean Finish
Matt’s favorite spirit? Rum. It’s a paradox, a process that begins with raw, earthy ingredients yet yields a refined elixir. “Rum tells a story” Matt muses. “It’s like life, messy at first, but with patience, it transforms into something beautiful.”
Finger Limes and Gin: A Match Made in Paradise
Among the intriguing ingredients Matt has used, locally grown finger limes stand out. These tiny citrus pearls burst with flavor, and when combined with sugarcane gin, they create magic. “From the same farm,” Matt grins. “Nature knows how to surprise us.”
The Conundrum Dusk: A Refreshing Revelation
And finally, Matt’s go-to cocktail? The Conundrum Dusk. Over ice, a squeeze of lime, and topped up with soda, it’s simplicity perfected. “Sometimes” Matt says, “the best things are uncomplicated.”
So next time you raise a glass of WISH spirits, remember the man behind the magic, Matt Spence, the aviator turned alchemist. His paradise? It’s not just in the skies; it’s in every bottle of WISH.
