Killik Handcrafted Rum

Killik Rum is one of only two dedicated rum distilleries in Victoria, as well as Australia’s first hogo rum distillery (a Jamaican rum made using a wild-fermentation process). In Belgrave, nestled right at the start of a beautiful Dandenong Ranges walking track that winds through Sherbrooke Forest, this place makes a great start or end point for a drink after a day out of town.

Owners Ben and Callan Pratt opened the distillery in 2019. Though their rum is available around Victoria, this is the best place to sample the full range. A tasting paddle of five of their handcrafted drops will set you back $16 and includes highlights such as the Killik Gold (aged in chardonnay barrels for 12 months and imbued with sweet flavours of cherry and bubblegum) and the Spiced White, which has notes of pineapple, limes and mandarins. The drinks menu also features a huge range of other spirits from local brands, along with cocktails and sour beer.

A cosy, low-key space with couches, stools and lots of natural light, Killik doubles as a cafe and serves coffee during the day (a handy stop for those daytripping to the Dandenongs). Food is served from 5pm on weekdays and 12pm on weekends; expect hearty items like cheeseburgers, chicken burgers, popcorn tofu and sweet-potato fries.