Our Origin Story

In the heart of Canberra, a humble suburb became the birthplace of Poncho Fox — a distillery born from passion, community, and a relentless pursuit of flavour.

A Journey Begins

Our story began in 2009 with a modest pot still and a handful of bottles repurposed from a local event. That year, we distilled our first brandy, marking the beginning of a journey of experimentation and discovery. By 2010, our brewing adventures had become a bit more spirited — perhaps too many daiquiris were crafted that year.

In 2014, we embarked on a road trip back to Canberra, our car laden with free molasses. This marked the beginning of our experiments with spiced and aged rum, laying the foundation for the rich, complex flavours that would define our future creations.

The Birth of Poncho Fox

After over a decade of trial, error, and innovation, Poncho Fox was officially born on September 23, 2020, when we became a licensed distillery. The name "Poncho Fox" pays homage to our founders' children and embodies our core values of family, community, and a touch of playful spirit.

Meet the Team

Head Poncho | Pat Dillon

Patrick Dillon, affectionately known as Pat, is the heart and soul of Poncho Fox. A community-focused individual, Pat founded Sly Fox Coffee in the late 2000s, cultivating a local following around a portable coffee stand that catered to events across Canberra. His natural ability to connect with people transformed customers into friends and family. This genuine approach, combined with years of experimentation in distilling and brewing, led to the creation of Poncho Fox — a Canberra-based distillery that crafts small-batch, handcrafted spirits reflecting the local plants, environment, and people of Canberra.

People Ponchos | Pudding and Pedro

At Poncho Fox, we believe in the power of connection. Pudding and Pedro, our People Ponchos, bring their expertise in fostering relationships and spreading joy. They ensure that every interaction is infused with warmth and camaraderie, bringing our community together to share in the fun.