Bacardi Martini Australia is now distributing Rutte Gin, as part of the integration of the Dutch family-owned company, De Kuyper Roal Distillers, into its portfolio in 2011. A range of the Holland gins will be available in 2017, including the Rutte Old Simon Genever and Rutte Celery Gin expressions. Rutte Gin’s heritage resides in the city of Dordrecht near Rotterdamn, Holland. Founded in 1872, the distil…

Following the success of its hand-crafted gin, vodka, and whiskey, Sydney-based Archie Rose Distilling Co. will release its first limited edition offering inspired by traditional French Colonial agricole rhums: Virgin Cane Spirit. Rhum agricole is the French term for rum made from cane juice. “The spirit will come as something of a surprise” for people who are more familiar with common rum, says Archie Ro…

Opera Bar has announced a partnership with Endeavour Vintage Beer Co. Under the guidance of Head Brewer Andy Stewart, the two brands have developed a new vintage beer named Opera Bar Summer Ale. Paul Lambert, General Manager Independents, Endeavour Vintage Beer Co says: “This is [our] first collaboration, and we are extremely proud that it is with the Opera Bar Team. The guys have been right behind this p…

With the holiday season upon us, Jack Daniel’s has volunteered to host thanksgiving in Australia. On Tuesday, November 22 Sydneysiders are invited to attend the Three Blue Ducks in Roseberry where they will be treated to a night of Southern hospitality. Zach Parker, owner of Scott’s-Parker’s Barbeque will be there cooking up a storm. Zach was raised in Lexington Tennessee and mastered the art of barbecue …

Glen Grant 18 Year Old is the oldest vintage in the range and was named ‘Scotch Whiskey of the Year’ by Jim Murray in the 2017 edition of the Whiskey Bible. The Speyside malt was one of 1, 241 whiskeys tasted by Jim, and was said to be “the best new offering from the motherland in a few years.” For the fifth year in a row, Jim Murray also named Glen Grant 10 Year Old the winner of the 10 Years and Under (…

Matthew Hill Smith grew up in winemaking and after selling out of the Yalumba business, leaving it to his cousins Robert and Sam, his passion for wine led to  28 hectares in the Adelaide Hills. There’s a lot of history behind Marko’s Vineyard, both in family lines and winemaking. The cool climate, high altitude site was planted in 1994 by Matthew’s parents, Mark and Margie, and was managed by the family, …

Ben Hasko has become Australia’s third Master Sommelier, joining Franck Moreau MS and Sebastian Crowther MS. The Master Sommelier examination is considered one of the hardest to pass in the wine industry globally. Hasko is based in Sydney and runs Cru Wines, a specialist wine importer and distributor, and Bootleggers, an exclusive online wine retailer. After successfully completing the exam, Hasko can n…

Treasury Wine Estates is set to relaunch the Truvée wine brand globally this month – starting in Australia – with a new look and marketing strategy that has been designed by women for women. Truvée joined TWE’s portfolio in 2015 when the company acquired Diageo’s wine business. Unhappy with the way that the brand had previously been marketed and even some consideration into dropping the brand, TWE looked …

Fifth generation Master Cooper for Jameson Irish Whiskey, Ger Buckley, concluded his tour of Australia this week, visiting trade to introduce several new releases from the distillery that highlight the special influence of wood in the whiskey. Jameson Black Barrel (RRP $70.99) and The Whiskey Maker’s Series are now available to the on- and off-premise in Australia and include Ger’s own signature whiskey, …

After getting through the NSW heats, Jonothan Carr from Kittyhawk took out the NSW State Final of the Woodford Reserve Cocktail Competition at Earl’s Juke Joint on Monday. Six of the finest NSW bartenders battled it out for a spot in the National Final in December. Each competitor presented two drinks in ten minute allocated slots. Bartenders recreated their own original Woodford Reserve concoction, with …