Tamborine Mountain Distillery — Attraction in Tamborine Mountain

I am exceptionally disappointed and left with a sour taste in my mouth after our experience at the Distillery and the after response from management. Having visited the Distillery a few years ago on a wine tour and another trip with family, my friend and I drove up today to specifically purchase some Liquors and to have a nice day after receiving some bad news the day before. We did not have a booking, but were able to be seated and have a tasting. After this is where things went south. We only liked one of the liquors we tasted for purchase, so then requested if we could have a second tasting (paid) to determine what other liquors we wanted to purchase. The owner at this time said there was a group coming in and were booked for the table we were at, there was a table for 2 nearby, we said we could move, she said no it's ok and wandered off to clear the table out front just vacated by another loud drunk group on a winery tour (several of who were so drunk they were stumbling). After 10 minutes she came back, we asked again if we could have another tasting, she told us they were not a bar and we couldn't sit here getting drunk! We told her we only wanted to try so we could buy, we made it very clear we intended to buy. She then started going on about liquor licensing and fines. We were spoken to rudely and were offended that it was implied that we wanted to get drunk on tastings. We purchased the bottle we liked and left. We left irritated and annoyed at the way we had been treated and the constant reference to liquor licensing when the winery tour group was intoxicated and we were sober. My point and reference to the drunken group being that the owner just kept saying 'liquor licensing' to us. rather than any other explanation that we couldn't have another tasting. We left a negative review on the business FB page, an opportunity for the owners to respond and repair the experience. . However, the manager decided to attack and defend rather than repair by not acknowledging that we had a bad experience and by constantly referring to Covid restrictions as defense. At no point during our interaction at the distillery were Covid restrictions mentioned, and if that had been clearly communicated or any clear communication at all then our experience would have been different. The manager has further gone on to refer to us as childish for our review, whilst at the same-time using childish statements himself such as "whatever!". A bitter experience made even more sour by unprofessional handling of a customers...

From the signboard, we found that in addition to liqueurs, Tamborine Mountain Distillery also have schnapps, vodka, rum and gin. Inside, we were pleasantly surprised by its traditional interior design, along with many pieces of wooden furniture within. Inside, you’ll also be able check out the various liquers and schnapps that are still held within their glass containers. Of course, there’s a corner that allows you to choose the different flavoured liquers that you’ll like to purchase at the end of your tasting session.

Speaking of tasting, we went for the tasting paddle this time which goes for $10AUD for tasting of 4 different liqueurs or spirits from the menu that you see above. This time, we went for

Wattle Toffee – Wattle, a species of acacia that is native to Australia has been used by Tamborine Mountain Distillery to produce liqueur. Its seeds are said to have nutty, roasted coffee flavours with notes of chocolate and vanilla. In this rendition of the wattle toffee, we could definitely taste the toffee. It was light and had a smooth texture.

Butter Whisky – The Butter Whisky has a light buttery flavour as compared to the traditional whisky. If you like the profile of whisky but think that its a little too strong, this rendition of butter whisky might be the perfect balance.

Lychee and Elderflower – Lychee and Elderflower was probably our favourite with the floral essence and light sweet lychee aroma. Whoever thought that these could come together?

Yuzu – Yuzu tasted like it should but we felt that it was a little too sweet and was a little cloudy in colour; which means it doesn’t look as appealing as its other counterparts that are transparent in colour. But we’d imagine that it would make a great beverage at the end of a meal...

For the full review of our visit to Tamborine Mountain Distillery, visit...

The products at this place are really good and make great gifts. I've visited several times over the years with visiting interstate family members, most recently on Xmas Eve, 2020. There are a couple of reasons for knocking off two stars. First is the service. I've visited twice at the new location, and compared to the old location there just doesn't seem to be any sales effort at all. At the old location, when paying for a tasting, staff talked you through each product, which really added to the experience. On our most recent visit, after saying we'd like a tasting, the staff member disappeared for a couple of minutes. She did not stay to talk about each product once poured, and disappeared again between tastings. And we were the only customers there when we arrived. We waited several minutes for her to reappear in order to buy something. I think the service has really gone downhill since the move to a bigger shopfront and it isn't the enjoyable experience it once was. Perhaps the training has been limited, and the new employees lack the product knowledge of the previous sales staff. I really hope this improves, so the service matches the high quality product, and my enthusiasm for bringing visitors here is reignited.

My second complaint is that the tasting fee ($8 for 4 products) is not waived if you make a purchase. Wineries that charge a tasting fee usually waive it if you purchase something. My brother bought a bottle of ginger and rhubarb gin ($69) but still had to pay the $8 tasting fee. How about waiving the fee if a minimum purchase is made (e.g....