Family-owned Australian distributor of premium spirits and liqueurs Think Spirits has recently launched its own fresh fig liqueur, a landmark event for the company. Esprit de Figues is a brand that the Think Spirits team, lead by Managing Director Patrick Borg, created from scratch. Inspired by Borg’s Mediterranean heritage, Esprit de Figues has been crafted from his mother’s favourite fruit. Upon her mig…

Natalie Fryar, previously sparkling winemaker for Jansz Tasmania, is now the proud owner of her own gin brand in the southern state. Setting up shop permanently in Tasmania, Fryar has partnered with co-owner and new business partner, Kim Seagram, to launch The Abel Gin Company. Fryar and Seagram are currently making the gin using their own still named Genevive out at Launceston Airport’s heritage-listed H…

Natasha Mooney, one of South Australia’s most respected winemakers, has launched her own brand marketed under the name La Bise Wines. Mooney will leave Fox Gordon Wines at the end of November and release her first two products from the Adelaide Hills – a 2016 Pinot Gris and 2014 Tempranillo. Mooney has received a number of awards in her years as a winemaker, including at the 2016 International Wine Challe…

Hobart Brewing Company in Tasmania is celebrating its second anniversary with the release of a Colorado IPA. The big and bold limited edition beer pays tribute to Hobart Brewing Co.’s co-founder and Head Brewer, Scott Overdorf, who learned his craft in the shadows of the Colorado Rockies. Scott moved over to Tasmania and honed his brewing skills at Moo Brew for five years before meeting local beer fanatic…

Chivas Regal has released its first-ever blended malt Scotch whisky, Ultis, which honours both the Speyside region and former and current Master Blenders. The whisky is a blend of five signature single malts from five areas of Speyside in Scotland – from Tormore to Longmorn, Strathisla, Allt A’Bhainne and Braeval. Chivas’ unique blending team selected the five signature malts from an inventory of some one…

Taylor Made is a new range of wines set for release this November from the Clare Valley-based winery Taylors Wines. The collection includes a pinot noir rosé, chardonnay, and malbec, chosen based on their current appeal with consumers. Distribution of the range will be specifically targeted to the on-premise and selected independent retailers, harnessing an approach first taken by Taylors in the late 1950…

Husk Distillers is releasing a limited edition rum to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its hometown of the village of Tumbulgum in NSW. 1866 Tumbulgum Rum will be launched as part of the Tweed River Festival in Tumbulgum on November 12. The first bottle of 1866 Tumbulgum Rum will be auctioned online, with proceeds donated to the Tumbulgum Community Association to continue improving and enriching village…

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…

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, …