The Comiskey family have again solidified their reputation as the “jack of all trades”, announcing their latest venture, Comiskey Distillery, opening in November 2022.
From humble beginnings in construction, to becoming one of Australia’s leading hospitality and entertainment businesses, the Brisbane-based Comiskey Group aren’t slowing down anytime soon. Announcing the group’s very own distillery, located next door to their iconic venue Eatons Hill Hotel, an expansion of the on-site liquor barn, Harry Brown.
The Comiskey Group was founded by its Directors, Paul Comiskey and his sons David and Robert. The Comiskey Group are well-known for their hands-on approach building and operating some of the Moreton Bay region’s most successful businesses including, Eatons Hill Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel and BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort.
Adding to their already diverse operations, the Comiskey family plan to distil vodka, gin, rum, bourbon and their signature spirit “Comiskey Whiskey”, out of the 1,000 litre copper still on-site at Eatons Hill alongside Master Distiller, Colleen Walters. Colleen is a highly regarded Flavoursmith who has a professional history spanning more than 12 years in the fine food and distillery industries.
“I am excited to be working with the Comiskey Group on their new distillery. The team is renowned for quality across all their endeavours, and it is definitely reflected on the products we have created thus far. This level of quality control with a fun and passionate environment to create in, is a winning combination for success!” says Colleen.
Director Rob Comiskey is excited to endeavour into the world of distilling.
“This really is a passion project of ours, something my dad, brother and I have talked about for a long time. Having owned pubs and bottle shops for many years, it feels like a natural progression for us. We’ve been actively working on this project for over a year and are very much looking forward to seeing the concept come to life” says Rob.
Comiskey Distillery is set to open its doors with a Gin Workshop, first class starts this Friday 25th November. Attendees will craft and take home their very own 500mL bottle of gin, made from a mini traditional Alembic copper still, with over 100 botanicals to choose from.
“We did a soft launch of our Gin Workshop across Eatons Hill Hotel’s platforms just over a week ago and saw an unprecedented level of interest with all 2022 classes pretty much sold out. We have already put sessions online for 2023, with gift cards available just in time for your Christmas present shopping!” says Rob.
Check out the brand new distillery and book a Gin Workshop for 2023! Gift cards available, the perfect Christmas gift for any gin lover. Book a 2023 Gin Workshop HERE
The new distillery will also soon offer cocktail classes for the general public and act as a spirit and cocktail training facility for staff across the Comiskey Group.
Director David Comiskey is leading the construction team at the distillery, ensuring the space works for not only distilling purposes but for training and events.
“We have been working hard on making the distillery a multi-use space for both the general public and our staff. The distillery will be a unique, hands-on training facility for the team who work across our bars. We’ll be running various cocktail making classes and spirit schools to bring the Comiskey Group’s bar offering and service to the next level at all hotels” says David.
By early 2023, you’ll be able to order Comiskey Distillery’s range of spirits throughout the group’s portfolio of hotels; Eatons Hill Hotel, Sandstone Point Hotel, Samford Hotel and Beachmere Hotel as well as bottle shops. Soon after, you’ll find products available for purchase online via comiskeydistillery.com.au.
“I’ve been a whiskey drinker for most of my adult-life, we’ve been talking about producing our own Comiskey Whiskey for well over 10 years. Now, we have managed to find the time and space within our portfolio to make this dream a reality.” says David.
Comiskey Distillery spirits will be bottled with a signature label design, making reference to the family’s history in construction, with each bottle signed by Paul Comiskey, a stamp of approval on each batch.
Director Paul Comiskey is proud to work with his sons on this new project.
“For over 50 years I’ve been building things from the ground up, and I’ve been joined by my sons for the last 20. Our family aren’t afraid to get our hands dirty, we have always taken a hands-on approach to business. This new venture is no different, we are not only building the distillery ourselves but have been sourcing locally and globally to ensure only the best products go into our bottles. From idea to production, we are working meticulously to make a line of spirits our family is proud of. We have worked in and are passionate about the hospitality industry, so this is an exciting new chapter, serving our own drinks. We know all too well that after a hard day’s work, there’s nothing better than a well-earned drink, we aim to create a product worthy of reward” says Paul.
As part of the distillery development at Eatons Hill, the Comiskey Group have begun major renovations of the Harry Brown bottle shop. Complete with 300 authentic wine barrels, antique trucks, exposed brick, copper display stills and more. In a European marketplace inspired design, the new Harry Brown store has never looked better. The store remains open but with still a few finishing touches left to go. Located next door to the new distillery, customers can look through a connecting glass window with the landmark 1,000 litre still in plain sight.
