Archie Rose Distilling Company has teamed up with tattoo artist Kian Forreal to launch a new gin. Horisumi Autumn is the first gin of what will soon be a collection of four. “This collaboration is very unique and one which challenges our typical product development process,” says Archie Rose Founder, Will Edwards. “Usually it’s all about the botanicals and production proce…

Ironbark Distillery is in the running to be named World’s Best Gin at the World Drink Awards, to be held on March 30, 2017. The small family-run distillery located in Sydney’s western suburbs was recently awarded Australia’s Best Traditional Gin for its 313 Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards held on December 18, 2016. To win the global title, Ironbark Distillery must now be judged agai…

Adelaide is set to host both the World Whiskies and Spirits Conference and the Australian Craft Brewers Conference (ACBC) this year. The events will give the region, best known for its wine, the opportunity to show its diversity as a rapidly growing spirits and craft beer producer. Since its establishment in 2006, the World Whiskies and Spirits Conference has only ever been held in Scotland, London …

Spirits Platform is continuing the rapid expansion of its portfolio with another agreement that will add The Macallan, Highland Park, The Famous Grouse and Cutty Sark whisky brands into its portfolio. The Edrington Group, owner of the four brands, announced this week that it had decided to move distribution of its world-renowned Scotch whiskies from Beam Suntory and partner Coca-Cola Amatil to Spirits Pla…

Spirits Platform has just announced the addition of Polish vodka brand Żubrówka to its distribution portfolio. Żubrówka’s heritage spans over 500 years and has been producing its vodka at the company’s Bialystock distillery for the past five decades. The brand’s iconic multi award-winning Bison Grass Vodka, with a taste derived from the herbal scented bison grass harvested in Poland’s ancient Bialoweiza…

Tasmania a Hot Bed for Whisky Production, New Microbrewers and Distillers, Falling Alcohol Consumption and Intensifying Pricing Competition The Australian alcohol industry is expected to grow over the next five years with the number of local craft brewers and distillers on the rise. Tasmania, in particular, is predicted to become a hotbed for whisky as its reputation for premium single malts grows. The in…

Beam Suntory announced that it had gained a majority stake in the UK’s Sipsmith Gin distillery this week. The deal was struck to help the distillery with “ambitious export plans” using Beam Suntory’s global network. Sipsmith announced the news on Twitter last Friday Currently, Hippocampus Metropolitan Distillery is responsible for the distribution of Sipsmith Gin in Australia. While it is expected that B…

Tequila is in vogue. And its rise in popularity can be very much attributed to the bartenders and brand ambassadors who have educated consumers about its finer qualities, demonstrating that there’s more to it than just slammers and sombreros. With any popular spirit comes new and improved ways to sell it, drink it and enjoy it. Phil Bayly and drinks have put together a list of the latest tequila trends …

After four years as President and CEO of Pernod Ricard USA, Bryan Fry has returned home to take on the challenge of driving the strategic direction and distribution for the wine and spirits business in Australia and New Zealand. A local boy with a background in agricultural science and viticultural operations, Fry fell into a role managing grower contracts in South Australia for Pernod Ricard Winemakers …

The popular premixed cocktail, Vodka O, is now available with Traditional Lemonade & A Squeeze of Lime in a 330ml can. The beverage combines Vodka O with a traditional-style of lemonade, which is then finished with a savoury, natural lime flavour. The new variant has around 30 per cent fewer calories than other leading premixed vodkas and is lower in fizz. It is also lower in alcohol and has a zesty c…