Community & Business
24 June, 2025
Whiskee business paying off
Forget Kentucky and the Scottish highlands and the names whisky and whiskey, right here on the Darling Downs, Cambooya’s Rusty Mill Distillery is bringing Whiskee to the world.
A small but devoted team, Rusty Mill is comprised of Nevill Fox as business manager, Jim Bryan as the distiller and Jim’s son Mitch in the crucially important role of apprentice Whiskee taster.
Rusty Mill received its artisan spirit producer licence in March this year and shortly thereafter began sharing its brand new products with the world.
Nevill, whose connection with Cambooya dates back the late ‘80s, is the public face of the operation.
So what is Whiskee?
Careful not to reveal any trade secrets, Nevill said Whiskee is a uniquely Australian crafted spirit.
“Unlike others, our product is smooth on the palate,” he said. “It is best described by one of our patrons as having an exceptional swirl, nose, taste and finish. She puts her money where her palette is by re-ordering.”
Those of us who like a drink will know exactly what Nevill is talking about when he explains the inspiration behind starting Rusty Mill.
“The short answer is it seemed like a good idea at the time. The longer answer is that good Whiskee is expensive, so why not,” he said.
“Our way we have access to a smooth tasting Whiskee and the ability to share it with people, at a price most can afford.
“The distillery also draws on a life time of professional skills and the full breadth of experience.”
Away from the public eye, the distillery is located at Nevill and his wife’s property in Cambooya.
“I exited the military in ‘87, and needed a place to rebuild myself, so in the Christmas of 1989 we sold the house in Brisbane and acquired the site in Cambooya, an old sheep paddock,” he said.
As it is for many, the peace and quiet of Cambooya was very appeal to Nevill.
“We moved a removable home here from Main Beach, Gold Coast,” he said.
“Being ex-military, I am not fond of big cities, I find living in the country gives so much to life, whereas living in the city less so.”
Like many an old paratrooper, Nevill said he is ready for whatever life sends his way.
Nevill said Rusty Mill was a chance to explore the creative side of his nature and develop his soft skills when much of his life was about technology and hard skills.
Nevill is not one to take himself too seriously, joking that one of the crosses he has to bare is a regime of spirit tasting, to refine the Whiskees.
Although not keen to be in the limelight, distiller Jim O’Brien is also a key ingredient in the business.
“Our distiller Jim is a quiet unassuming man who does not desire anything more than a quiet life, distilling beverages and researching new ones,” Nevill said.
“Jim is a jack of all trades and master of none, therefore good at many things.
“He describes himself as our gardener, but spends his time distilling our Whiskee.
“He is always in high spirits.”
Rounding out the team is Mitch O’Brien.
“Our apprentice Mitch is a young man of great promise, he hopes to be become a connoisseur of Whiskee one day,” Nevill said.
“He is a mountain biking, weight lifting, pile of muscle.
“Mitch will undertake business development, which means talking to people about drinking Whiskee.
“It’s a tough job but someone has to do it.
“Our combined unique blend, like our Whiskee has something for every occasion.”
Although not flying off the shelves just yet, Nevill has been pleased with the success of Rusty Mill thus far.
“It’s a slow burn but we’ve had pretty darn good reviews so far,” he said.
Patrons at the Bull & Barley Inn have been taking to the new local product.
Nevill said they have been asking if there’s anything local, having a nip, or two or three, of Whiskee and spreading the word about it.
Rusty Mill produces both single malt and young oak Whiskees as well as ginger, honey and maple Whiskee liqueurs.
To give Rusty Mill’s Whiskees a try, buy a bottle from the virtual cellar or head to the Bull & Barley Inn in Cambooya or Flaming Knights restaurant in Drayton.
