Patrick Maguire
Head Distiller
Patrick is the man behind the world’s best single malt whisky. Descended from convicts on both sides of his family and born and raised in Tasmania, he is a true representation of the Tassie spirit. One of the founding fathers of the Tasmanian whisky industry, his passion and vision has survived countless ups and downs. He does everything from rolling barrels to judging international whisky competitions, and still chooses every barrel of Sullivans Cove by hand.
In 2018, Patrick was inducted into the global Whisky Hall of Fame. The third Aussie ever to be inducted, this accolade places Patrick among the world’s most influential whisky personalities.
Heather Tillott
Production Manager
Heather is our Production Manager, and oversees the day-to-day operation of the distillery. Originally from the NSW South Coast, Heather is a fifteen year veteran of the hospitality industry and has worked at Sullivans Cove since 2015. With a background in winemaking, her palate and technical knowledge are outstanding, and her passion for Tassie whisky is boundless. Her hobbies include geeking, smelling and cycling, and her favourite drop is Sullivans Cove American Oak Single Cask, neat (and preferably at cask strength).
Fred Siggins
Strategy Manager
Fred is a twenty year veteran of the hospitality industry as a bartender, drinks expert, writer and consultant. He sets long term strategy for Sullivans Cove across all aspects of the business including sales & marketing, production, digital infrastructure, branding, cellar door and new product development. He likes talking and thinking about whisky almost as much as he likes drinking it. His favourite dram is the lighter, fruitier Sullivans Cove American Oak casks.
Michael Eastman
Operations
Michael is one of the experienced members of our production crew, and is currently our guy for everything logistics and stock control. Unflappable and always affable, Michael has a degree in sustainability and environmental management. As well as working to make Sullivans Cove a greener operation, he also brings years of experience working in retail spirits sales. A Tassie local for most of his life, he loves the outdoor lifestyle and can’t go past a drop of Sullivans Cove American Oak.
Phillip “Jacko” Jackson
Warehouse Supervisor
Simon Loader
Finance Manager
Tammy Shearing
Bottling Room
Tammy is responsible for our bottling room, painstakingly washing, filling, labelling, polishing and packing every single bottle of Sullivans Cove by hand. Although a whisky novice when she joined the team, she now has a great appreciation for the product, the process of distilling, and enjoys an occasional dram of American Oak. Tasmanian born from convict heritage, Tammy enjoys exploring this beautiful state, loves spending time with her four children and three grandies, and likes nothing more than laying back to read a good book on a secluded beach.
Charlie Ketsimur
Distiller & Logistics
Charlie is one of our longest-standing distillers. Not only does he keep the still bubbling along day and night, he also acts as a mentor to the younger folks on the production crew and always works with incredible patience and attention to detail. Charlie also helps out with logistics around the distillery, making sure all the various bits and pieces that help us label, pack and send our products are in order. He’s partial to a glass of bubbles on a Friday night, and never fails to pick up a round.
Tyron Tsiaousis
Distiller & Cellar Door
Ty hails from South Africa, but has lived in Australia for the last nine years, now as a proud Tasmanian. With 13 years experience in the hospitality industry, Ty is also one of the friendliest people you’re ever likely to meet. While previously our Cellar Door Supervisor, Ty now spends most of his time out the back making whisky, but if you’re lucky you’ll still find him doing occasional tours and tastings with a passion for whisky that’s nothing short of infectious.
Kevin Cho
Cellar Door Manager
Kev is our Cellar Door Manager, and makes sure that every single visitor to Sullivans Cove Distillery has a world-class experience weather doing a tour, a tasting, or just popping by to say hello. Kev has an encyclopaedic knowledge of world whiskies and a great passion for Tasmanian single malt. If you’re lucky enough to visit our Cellar Door, Kev will make sure your experience is unforgettable.
Cameron Ross
Cellar Door
Cam is one of the most knowledgeable members of our Cellar Door team, and is responsible for making sure the crew stays up to date on new releases, tasting notes and cask details. Although born in Brisbane, Cam moved down to Tassie soon after for the more agreeable weather. He has worked in hotels and tourism for many years and his affinity for talking all things whisky puts him right at home at the Cellar Door chatting to visitors. His favourite dram is our rare American Oak Cask Strength (at a whopping 69.1%!), but when that’s not within arms reach, he’ll have an unfiltered American Oak Single Cask, neat.
Ryan Beard
Distiller
Ryan has loved whisky since his grandfather had him pour his drams when he was still just a pup. From there he’s always loved the interactions and experience whisky can bring to people. Growing up and working on his family’s farm gave Ryan a practical work ethic, where no job is less important than another. This is fundamental to his work as a distiller at Sullivans Cove where attention to detail and quality are key values.
Richard Mathews
Distiller
Rich is a member of our production crew after moving across from the Cellar Door team, and is one of the most passionate whisky nerds around. With a collection of over 200 bottles at home, his knowledge of whisky is second to none. Starting off his career as a mechanic, his love for Tasmanian whisky soon took over, and he now spends his time practicing his dad jokes in between still runs. If he isn’t working, you may find him enjoying a dram of our very limited American oak cask strength release.
Joy McConnochie
Distiller
Joy is one of the newest staff members working in our production crew after moving across from the Cellar Door team. Born in New Zealand but raised in Hobart, she has worked in hospitality for over 10 years and loves sharing her passion for Tasmanian whisky with anyone who’ll listen. Her favourite Sullivans Cove whisky is French Oak ex tawny, neat.
