Distilled and hand-bottled locally, our spirits convey Magnetic Island and Magnetic Island alone. Through a meticulous yet adventurous craft, we strive to bring together the tenets of tradition and innovation.
Our Story
With the compass’s needle at the whim of its irresistible draw, Magnetic Island is hard to ignore. Whether it’s the dry wattles, pockets of rainforest, hoop pine rocky outcrops, or coastal coral reefs, Magnetic Island is defined by an approachable complexity.
So before we even began to start thinking about our first batch – we partnered with James Cook University to conduct field research, painting a vivid picture of Magnetic Island’s thriving floral complexities.
As the only distillery within the Great Barrier Reef marine park area, we are graced with the opportunity to draw upon an abundantly diverse and unique range of flora.
Our People
Moira Buchanan Owner
An appreciation of the skill and patience needed to make hand crafted spirits runs in the family. Moira’s Great Great Grandfather, a member of the Buchanan Society of Glasgow, was a spirits and wine merchant. Her father worked as a contract engineer in the distilleries and maltings. Moira’s brother, a welder, still works in the industry today.
Growing up in the heart of Speyside whisky country in Scotland, Moira’s passion for spirits runs deep. She has vivid memories of the biscuity smell of maltings wafting through the air on her walk to school through her little village of Burghead (or “The Broch” as locals fondly call it).
As a young adult, she can remember parties in the village with illicit clear spirits from local distilleries being passed around. “Stay clear of that – it’ll make you go blind” her father would tell her. Hugh Buchanan preferred a quality drink, and Moira took note.
Quality over quantity…. always savouring, never rushing.
Twenty years later, Moira has found herself in her new home – Magnetic Island. The links between the Highlands and the Island are remarkable. Places where the natural beauty draws you in, people and community you’ll form lifelong bonds with.
Having a family attachment to the spirits industry since the 1800s, Moira is proud of her roots and the distillery is a tribute to Hugh Buchanan and the forefathers who have gone before her. The next generational stamp on family traditions is right here in the workings of Magnetic Island Distillery.
