Our Story
How it all began.
Our history
The concept for Chief’s Son Distillery was born through a collision of opportunity and passion, yet it was ultimately built on a captivatingly true and powerful story of chance, risk and passion, but also history, love and family.
The distillery was established in 2013 by Stuart and Naomi McIntosh, and after three years of test bed success the first commercial batch of single malt whisky was distilled at the current Somerville location.
Connections
Whisky is a powerful spirit that forges deeper connections between people, families and generations.
In our family whisky has been a common thread throughout the ages. For the past 500 years of our family’s long history, whisky has been at the epicentre of love and laughter, life and death, tears and triumphs.
Our ancestors transformed exactly the same ingredients, utilised the same ancient craft and derived the same level of enjoyment as we do today. And going forward, whisky reaches so far forward past our futures, connecting through the generations.
Our Name
Our surname, McIntosh, or Mhic an Tòisich in Scottish Gaelic actually means ‘Son of the Chief’. This battle honour was awarded to our family 900 years ago for ongoing loyalty to the Chiefs of Alba (Kings of Scotland).
We are passionate about loyalty, the intergenerational, meaning of our name and passing on the love of whisky from generation to generation.
25 words or less
Have you ever wondered who wins those ‘25 Words or Less’ competitions? Well, we do!
Many years ago the following words were scribed by Stuart’s father, Alasdair McIntosh, resulting in the richest whisky research and planning trip that directly resulted in the establishment of Chief’s Son Distillery.
“My grandparents passed the love of whisky through my parents to me and I want to make sure my children pass it onto their children.”
Heart of the Mornington Peninsula
Like an artist uses inspiration, our natural surroundings and climate have forged an incredible depth and breadth of artisan passion, which is truly unrivalled. From our amazing food producers to superb craft breweries and cideries, gorgeous wineries and a range of artisan distillers, the Mornington Peninsula is truly an incredible mustering of the Food and Drink Gods.
With shared passions, the Peninsula’s craft industries now thrive off one another, often sharing resources, ideas, creating collaborations, hosting joint events, but mainly creating the finest, handmade produce for you.