Last Hope Distillery

In the heart of Patagonian landscapes, in the town of Puerto Natales, lies a unique spot — Last Hope Distillery. It is the southernmost distillery in the world and the first of its kind in Chile to specialize in the production of craft gin and whiskey. Opened in 2017, it quickly became a cult destination for travelers from all over the world.

Last Hope Distillery. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The name Last Hope is deeply symbolic: it is borrowed from the Última Esperanza Sound (Last Hope Sound), which borders the town. Spanish explorers once saw these waters as their last chance to find a way to the Strait of Magellan; today, the name embodies the boldness of the founders who created an oasis of craft spirits in such a remote corner of the planet.

The distillery is a harmonious blend of an industrial workshop and a cozy bar. Here, copper production stills sit alongside a stylish lounge where guests can not only watch the distillation process but also taste the masters' work in the form of exquisite cocktails.

For those who want to clarify details before visiting or book a spot for a workshop, the current contact information is provided below. The distillery is active on social media, where you can find announcements for upcoming events.

The main reason to visit Last Hope Distillery is to taste its unique spirits. Be sure to try their signature craft gin, which features rare Patagonian ingredients: calafate berries, giving the drink its special character, yerba mate, and winter's bark pepper. The bartenders skillfully mix cocktails, revealing the finest notes of local botanicals.

For those who want to create as well as taste, the distillery offers an exciting Gin Workshop. This interactive masterclass lasts about 3.5 hours. Under the guidance of experts, you will learn the history of gin, study the distillation process, and most interestingly, create your own unique 700 ml bottle, which will be the best souvenir from Patagonia. The cost of participation is approximately 115,000 Chilean pesos.

There is always a lively and creative atmosphere in the bar. It is a great place to socialize with other travelers and locals. The staff are true fans of their craft; they are happy to share every detail of the production process and help you choose a drink that perfectly fits your mood.

Finding Last Hope Distillery is quite easy: it is located at Esmeralda 882, just a few blocks from the town center. It is a quiet neighborhood, but the establishment itself is quite noticeable thanks to its authentic look.

If you are in the city center, the distillery is a 10–15 minute walk away. For those who prefer comfort or are coming from further away, a local taxi is a great option — the ride will take just a few minutes. Puerto Natales is a small town, so navigation here is intuitive.

Travelers arriving from other regions should remember that the nearest major transport hub is in Punta Arenas (about 250 km away). Comfortable buses run regularly from there to the Puerto Natales bus station, from where you can take a taxi or enjoy a light walk to the bar.

The story of this place began in 2015 with an adventurous idea from two Australians — Kiera Shiels and Matt Oberg. The couple arrived in Patagonia with almost no Spanish and no professional experience in distilling, but with a massive desire to create something unique in this rugged land.

Inspiration struck them while they were hiking the famous W-trek. After long days in the mountains during extreme weather, they dreamed of a quality cocktail to warm up but couldn't find anything suitable. This prompted them to open their own distillery, despite skepticism from others who thought the idea was crazy for such a remote location.

In 2016, they purchased a hundred-year-old single-story house. The process of turning a residential building into a production facility was challenging: the founders even had to sleep right in the bar after closing while they were building a residence next door. The house's living room became a cozy lounge for guests, and a distillation warehouse grew in the backyard.

By 2017, Last Hope Distillery sold its first bottle. The decision to combine production with a full-service bar paid off: it allowed guests not only to buy the product but also to immerse themselves in the craft spirit culture, making the distillery one of the most iconic spots on the map of Chilean Patagonia.

For a regular bar visit to enjoy a couple of signature cocktails and relax in good company, 1–2 hours is sufficient. This is enough time to appreciate the interior and try drinks made with local gin.

If you plan to participate in the Gin Workshop, set aside at least 3.5 hours for your visit. It is a full immersion into the craft that requires time and attention, but offers an unforgettable experience and your own product at the end.

The distillery and bar welcome guests from Tuesday to Saturday. The doors open at 5:00 PM and remain open until late at night — 1:30 AM. Mondays and Sundays are days off.

To experience the most energetic atmosphere with music and special offers, we recommend planning your visit for a Friday or Saturday evening. Since the schedule may change depending on the season, it is worth checking the official website or the establishment's social media pages before visiting.

Puerto Natales is a charming port town, and a visit to the distillery can easily be combined with a walk through its cozy streets. The surrounding area offers many places to continue your gastronomic journey or get to know the local culture.

Exploring nearby sites will help you get a better feel for the Patagonian hospitality and see the town from different angles.