A shining example of regional Victoria's rise as an epicurean destination, this brewery and distillery occupies a 19th-century bank. Set up by a husband-and-wife team in 2014, Loch produces traditional UK cask ales on-site, as well as London dry gins using 12 hand-ground botanicals, and, its primary focus, a single-malt whisky; released in 2018, it sold out immediately.
You can grab a pint (or half) of ale, poured using a wooden hand pump from the weekly rotating cask, or a tasting paddle of three ales ($10). As well as London dry gins, it distils a variation using Australian botanicals; tastings cost $15 for three kinds. Otherwise, there are G&Ts, negronis ($15) and a gin liquor. Its approach to distilling is fanatically hands-on, incorporating sustainable, eco-responsible methods.
There's no food, but there are a few quality cafes nearby. It's located at the halfway point between Melbourne and Wilsons Promontory, making for a good pit stop.
