The early development of the Strathpine (Valley of Pines) and North Pine area focused on timber and sugar.  We know many iconic Brisbane buildings were built using timber milled at Strathpine and floated down the South Pine River to Brisbane.  However, the area was also home to 3 sugar mills.  The first being the Port Royal.  In 1873 the Port Royal mill moved to a move central location on the banks of the South Pine River and renamed Normanby (named after the Marquess of Nomanby, QLD Govenor 1871-1874).  In 1875, the mill was producing rum with molasses (a by-product of the sugar process).  

When the growing of sugar eventually fell into disfavour, the mill survived on it’s rum production with molasses obtained from other mills.  The Normanby Rum quickly became popular and it achieved the rare distinction of being awarded the Bronze Medal at the Paris International Exposition of 1878.  During the first 10 years of its operation, the distillery produced a weekly average of around 260 gallons (1180 Litres) of proof spirit.  Small steamers (like the Normanby) navigated the Soth Pine River to deliver molasses from mill son the Logan, Albert and Coomera Rivers and take away the rum.  By 1889, the distillery was producing between 300-400 gallons of rum each week (1300-1800 Litres).

Ownership changed several times into the early 1900’s.  By 1911, a branch line was built connecting the distillery with the North Coast Railway Line (near the current Westfield Strathpine shopping centre).  Rum Lane is now known as Dixon Street.  By the late 1920’s distillery production was over 1,100 gallons (5000 Litres) of rum per day.  This meant the Commonwealth Government was receiving over 300,000 pounds of excise per annum.  It was managed and run by the Bennett family from 1908 to 1963.  Production finally ceased in 1968.

In its heyday there were 16 staff, consisting of 7 men on the production line, women in packaging and labelling, 2 office staffand the manager/owner and son.  Whilst bottling occurred on site in the early years, as production increased, quarter casks (32 gallon), hogsheads (80 gallon), and puncheons (100 gallons) were sent to Castlemaine Perkins and Dalgety’s for further processing and bottling.  The rum was diluted and turned into Red Seal, Blue Jacket and Normanby rum labels. Dalgety’s produced The Old Soldier label rum which was 60% Normanby and 40% Beenleigh rum.  Back then men drank rum with a beer chaser.

When the distillery closed the reminder of the rum stock was purchased by Sammy McMahon a regular wholesale distributor from Sydney (also brother to former Prime Minister Billy McMahon).  Sammy was going to buy into the distillery, but changed his mind and invested in the Bundaberg rum outlet instead.  The site was eventually bought for its land value by Queensland United Foods (Peters and Pauls).

As part of the Q150 celebrations, the local council and Cr Dwyer helped establish a replica of the distillery in Old Petrie Town.  Originating back in the 1970’s, North Pine Country Park became a site to save historical buildings and significant memories from the past. It was a great way to save some of Queensland’s and Strathpine’s architectural history.

The replica distillery opened in 1990’s with support from local council with some equipment fabricted locally and offering tours and tastes for visitors to the Town.  Operation ceased in the early 2000’s after starting a barrel program of rum and whisky.  It has been quietly ageing until now.

In 2019 the wakening occurred.  Guy Dalby was offered this for sale, and this is where (Copper & Cane Distilling) come into the story.  Guy is a traditionally trained distiller with a preference for the old school method of determining the hearts of the distillate and creating true flavour’s, as well as contemporary Australian inspired creations.  Guy spent some time in Tasmania honing his palate, and refining his dream.  He relocated with his family to Moreton Bay Region to bring his dream to life.

It’s no surprise Guy has been busy creating some spectacular Gins using native botanicals as well as some local fruits and native botanicals.  Coming soon will be a new version of the Normanby rum made with local molasses in a traditional way.