The series comprises diary volumes maintained at various South Australian distilleries and breweries by the responsible excise officer. Pages are ruled into two columns: hours and remarks. Daily activities at each distillery are recorded in relation to stills and distillation, including security of premises, inspections carried out, samples tested, duties performed by excise officers and tests undertaken.

The diaries are arranged chronologically by distillers name and often the location of the distillery (eg Angoves: Renmark and St. Agnes).