Australian Agave Spirit, Explained: Blue Agave Grown in Far North Queensland

Aug 27

2 min read

Updated: Sep 15

Agave spirit is having its moment in Australia, and a lot of people are discovering that some of it is now grown and distilled here. This guide explains what agave spirit actually is, why the Australian version is not called tequila, and how we grow and make ours at Mt Uncle Distillery in Far North Queensland.

Harvesting blue agave at Mt Uncle Distillery, carrying a bottle of Agave Australis through the rows on the Atherton Tablelands

What is agave spirit?

Agave spirit is distilled from the roasted heart of the agave plant. The famous members of the family are tequila and mezcal, both Mexican. The plant stores its sugars in a dense core, and roasting that core slowly is what unlocks the sweet, earthy character the category is loved for.

Why is it not called tequila?

Tequila is a protected term. It can only legally be produced in designated regions of Mexico, in the same way Champagne can only come from Champagne. What we make is Australian agave spirit: the same plant, blue agave, grown in Australian soil and distilled here. Different name, same family.

Growing blue agave in Far North Queensland

Our founder and distiller Mark Watkins saw a kinship between the volcanic soils of the Atherton Tablelands and the agave country of Jalisco. Blue agave is grown at altitude in the rich volcanic earth of Far North Queensland, and the plants take years to mature before their hearts are ready to harvest. That patience is built into the price of every genuine agave spirit in the world, ours included. There is more on the soil itself in volcanic soil and agave at agaveaustralis.com, the brand's own home.

Founder and distiller Mark Watkins standing between rows of blue agave at Mt Uncle Distillery in Far North Queensland

How we make it

The agave hearts are slow roasted in a volcanic rock pit, the traditional method that converts the plant's starches and builds the deep, savoury sweetness the spirit is known for. The roasted agave is then fermented and distilled in traditional copper pots at the distillery in Walkamin.

The volcanic rock pit alight at dusk before roasting agave hearts, with agave rows behind, at Mt Uncle Distillery in Walkamin

The three expressions

Agave Australis Silver: unaged and bright, with fresh agave, soft citrus and clean minerality. The margarita bottle. IWSC Silver 2024 and 2025.
Agave Australis Rested: six months in American oak adds vanilla and gentle spice while the agave stays front and centre.
Agave Australis Aged 2yr: two years in oak brings caramel, dried fruit and dark chocolate. Built for sipping neat.

How to drink it

Silver belongs in a margarita, a paloma or simply with fresh lime. Rested suits a highball or an agave sour. Aged is best neat, over ice or in an old fashioned. Since its release to the bar trade in 2022, Agave Australis has been poured in some of Australia's most respected bars and restaurants.

Common questions

Is there an Australian tequila?

Legally, no. Tequila can only come from Mexico. What Australia produces is agave spirit, and Agave Australis is grown and distilled in Far North Queensland from 100 percent blue agave.

Where can I taste it?

Visit the cellar door at Mt Uncle Distillery in Walkamin, explore the Agave Australis range, or read the story behind Agave Australis. The same property also hosts private functions from 6pm, for birthdays, corporate events and staff parties.