Craig Michael - Bellarine Distillery
Bio
Craig Michael is the co-owner and Head Distiller of Bellarine Distillery on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula. His flavour-led approach combines cloudy wort, long warm fermentation and slow copper-pot distillation to build texture and complexity. Since introducing organic and sustainably farmed malt, Craig has progressively widened his spirit cuts to capture heavier flavour compounds and create a richer mouthfeel. His work has helped produce award-winning whiskies, including Kestrel, named Australia’s Best Single Malt in 2024.
Presentation
1) AI has a PR problem - Fear, dabbling & AI native businesses
Exploring why AI inspires fear, how sensational headlines can overshadow positive breakthroughs, and where the technology is already creating real value. Drawing on Bellarine Distillery’s experience, the presentation looks at how businesses can move beyond AI dabbling and begin building genuinely AI-native organisations.
2) Organic Malt, Wider Cuts, Richer Whisky
Moving to organic and sustainably farmed malt has allowed Bellarine Distillery to progressively widen its spirit cuts, capturing heavier, richer compounds that contribute texture and mouthfeel. Through a guided tasting of whiskies maturing since 2023, this session explores how those changing cut points have shaped the developing spirit.
www.bellarinedistillery.com.au
IG @bellarinedistillery