Most of us don’t think twice about going to a brewery to buy a beer, but have you ever thought about buying into the business?This episode, it’s podcast host versus podcast hosts as I chat to Bryce Leske and Alec Renehan from investing podcast Equity Mates about putting your money where your mouth is.Equity Mates has been educating Australians about investing in a jargon-free, informal style since 2017.Five hundred episodes later, they run a network of nine money-related podcasts, and will host FinFest, Australia’s biggest investing festival, in Sydney this October.This interview was a chance to get Bryce and Alec’s insights on some of the recent developments at ASX-listed companies like Treasury Wine Estates, Lark Distilling, Top Shelf International, Good Drinks and Mighty Craft, all of whom have previously featured on Drinks Adventures in one way or another.It’s not all about the share market, though. Bryce and Alec had a lot of say about the psychology behind investing, and whether equity crowdfunding is good for drinks companies (or your bank balance).Australian producers are increasingly turning to equity crowdfunding to raise capital. Just in the last couple of months, there’s been successful campaigns from Bridge Road Brewers, Akasha Brewing, Bakery Hill Distillery and Republic of Fremantle Distilling.There’s more opportunities than ever before for drinks enthusiasts like you and I to get some skin in the game.So, if you’ve ever wanted to learn the difference between an IPO and an IPA, here’s your chance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2022 is certainly turning out to be a landmark year for Australian distilling, in many respects.In June, Starward Whisky was named the Most Awarded Distillery of the Year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the first time an Australian distiller has taken out this title.Then came the news that the news that three out of four nominees for the International Wine & Spirit Competition - IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year are Australian: Kalkimoon and Granddad Jack’s, from Queensland, and from Victoria, Naught Gin.And you heard just recently on the podcast from Philip Moore, the first Australian inducted into the Gin Magazine Hall Of Fame.It all coincides with the 30th anniversary of Lark Distillery, the whisky company founded by Bill Lark in 1992, which effectively started the modern era of Australian distilling.I sat down with Bill Lark for a chat reflecting on the milestone in this special episode of Drinks Adventures, produced in partnership with Lark.I learned how John Grant, fifth generation owner of Scotland’s famous Glenfarclas distillery, helped Bill set up his distillery in the very early days.And I asked Bill his thoughts on Lark as it is today, a very different enterprise to what he had originally envisioned.First up though, I’m excited to share some highlights from Lark Distillery’s 30th anniversary gala event held on May 26, 2022 at Lark’s new site in Pontville, Tasmania.It was MCed by Bill’s son Jack and attended by 200 guests from across Australia.The celebrations started by honouring the Mumurimina (Mu mee ree mee nah) Country that the Pontville site resides on, with a Welcome to Country and traditional smoking ceremony.You can get your hands on a variety of Lark’s exciting limited release whiskies now at larkdistillery.com.Whiskies like Lark Origins Single Malt Whisky, a special release crafted with water from Lake Sorell, where Bill Lark had that fateful discussion with his father-in-law that led to his founding Lark Distillery.This special release celebrating 30 years of Tasmanian whisky is available now at larkdistillery.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more. Brown-Forman is an American distilling company, best known as owner of Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, and bourbon brands Old Forester and Woodford Reserve. But in 2016, it got into Scotch whisky in a big way, buying The BenRiach Distillery Company, which included three distilleries: Benriach in Speyside; the famous Highlands distillery Glendronach; and also in the Highlands, but somewhat lesser known, Glenglassaugh. In this special episode – produced in partnership with Brown Forman – you’ll get an introduction to these unique Scotch whisky distilleries from global brand ambassador Stewart Buchanan. Stewart’s held that role since 2012, prior to which he was Benriach’s production manager, so he has tremendous insight into these distilleries and the Scotch whisky industry generally. He was in Australia for the launch of Glendronach 50 Year Old, the oldest expression it’s ever released. We’ll cover that and much more in this interview with Stewart. And you can find the new Benriach core range in both Dan Murphy’s and First Choice Liquor stores nationally. Dan Murphy’s will also be carrying the new 21, 25 and 30 year old Benriach expressions, as well as the new Glendronach Peated and Portwood that I discussed with Stewart in this episode. More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more. Our guest this episode is Philip Moore, who in February 2022 became the first Australian inducted into the Gin Magazine’s Hall of Fame. Now you might well ask, who is Philip Moore? He’s certainly not one of our highest profile gin distillers. But he was actually the first Australian gin distiller to win a gold at the International Wine and Spirits Competition, and his distilling career stretches back to the very early days of contemporary Australian gin. Prior to that, Philip studied and trained as a horticulturist and medical herbalist. In the mid 1980s he started a specialist culinary herb nursery, Renaissance Herbs, which grew from a single greenhouse into the largest wholesale herb nursery in Australia, cultivating close to a million plants a year. Meanwhile, Philip had developed a passion for wine and subsequently, distilled spirits including gin. He exited the herbs business in 2005 and purchased a nursery site on the NSW Central Coast, where he subsequently founded Distillery Botanica and the Moore’s Dry Gin brand. And together with Tom Baker, he co-founded the hugely successful Mr Black Coffee Liqueur, which we explored with Tom back in Season 8. This is a wide-ranging interview with Philip about his career and the evolution of Australian gin. He certainly doesn’t hold back with his opinions on the use of Australian natives by distillers. He shares some tips on how to taste spirits more effectively, and you’ll also hear about Philip’s new venture, Terrigal Rum Company. That’s all coming up in this interview with Distillery Botanica founder Philip Moore. More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, distilled spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants, hospitality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Heritage Drinks of Myanmar is a beautiful new coffee table book by Australian brewer, academic and writer Luke Corbin, who lived in Myanmar from 2016 to 2021.It takes the reader on an anthropological journey showcasing 14 different alcoholic drinks unique to Myanmar, comprising beers, wines and spirits that are integral parts of village economies.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 While working on this book, Luke was employed as a brewer at Burbrit Brewery in the capital, Yangon.Luke talked extensively about that experience on the Radio Brews News podcast in 2019, which you can listen to here.Drinks Adventures picks up the story in 2020, as Luke shares some of the setbacks he faced while trying to complete his book, as Myanmar grappled with COVID-19 and then in February 2021, a military coup.He joins us from Chang Mai in Thailand, where he’s now based.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.World Martini Day is celebrated every year on the third Saturday in June. That’s today, Saturday June 18, if you’re listening to this episode in real time.And with us to talk martinis is Archie Rose master distiller Dave Withers, who you previously met in season 3 of Drinks Adventures.This particular episode was produced with the support of Archie Rose, or more specifically Archie Rose Bone Dry Gin.Bone Dry was the first gin produced by Archie Rose using the copper vacuum stills at its new Banksmeadow production site, opened in 2021.Coming up today, Dave will explain why it’s the perfect gin for a martini, which he says is an important cocktail for the team at Archie Rose.You can buy Bone Dry Gin direct from the company at archierose.com.au, and retailers like Dan Murphy’s, First Choice and good independent bottleshops, too.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Wynns Coonawarra Estate has featured fairly prominently on this podcast.We’ve met chief winemaker Sue Hodder, as well as viticulturist Allen Jenkins, who’s since departed the business.You’ve also heard about Wynns from Andrew Caillard MW, back in season 7, and Matthew Jukes in his masterclass on cabernet shiraz blends.This time though, we’re not talking about Wynns Cabernet. At least, not as you know it.Wynns senior winemaker Sarah Pidgeon is with us this episode to talk about Wynns Reframed, a completely new range of wines that are picked earlier, with little or no oak influence to maintain freshness and aromatics.There’s a Cabernet Rose, and a white blend of three Italian varieties.The reds meanwhile include a shiraz Riesling blend, which might sound weird, but there’s a story behind it, and a cabernet franc cab sav blend.It seems like a major departure from Wynns’ core business. So in this special podcast episode – produced with Wynns’ support – I started by asking Sarah about the origins of the Wynns Reframed concept.Wynns Reframed wines are now available nationally from select fine wine retailers (RRP $26).More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Founded by three friends with background in drinks and hospitality, Bondi Liquor Co is the first operating distillery in Sydney's eastern suburbs.Co-founder and distiller Ben Stevens has experience in both sales and production, having previously worked at Young Henrys, Clare Valley Brewing and Carlton & United Breweries.He joins us this episode for a chat about the challenges of being the first in a new area, where the authorities are unaccustomed to alcohol production.We'll explore the Bondi Liquor gin range, and the pros and cons of tying your brand name to a globally recognised place, like Bondi Beach.First up though, I asked Ben about the Bondi Liquor Co origin story.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Back in Season Four of the show, we met Thomas Mooney, co-founder and CEO of Westward American Single Malt Whiskey.Westward is brewed like a pale ale, distilled like a traditional single malt and aged in new American oak, like a bourbon.The emphasis on the brewing stage of the process came naturally for Westward’s other founder, Cristian Krogstad, and head blender and distiller, Miles Munroe, both of whom come from a brewing background.I caught up with Miles while he was in Sydney recently to launch Westward’s new cask strength expression, which follows a series of releases that have proven very popular in Australia, Westward’s biggest market outside the US.This is a special episode of Drinks Adventures, produced with the support of Westward Whiskey, which is made in Oregon, USA.And I started this conversation by asking Miles whether the American single malt whiskey scene had progressed since we met Thomas in 2019.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Starward Ginger Beer Cask began almost by accident, when the distilling team took a bit of whisky and filled it into a barrel that had previously contained their house made ginger beer.Just 85 bottles were released in 2014 of the first ever ginger beer cask, and the following few editions weren’t much easier to get hold of.It’s only now with the release of Ginger Beer Cask #7 that Starward has been able to make this whisky in substantial enough quantities that it will be more widely available, including in the American market, where Starward founder David Vitale is now based.David rejoins us this in this special episode of Drinks Adventures, produced with the support of Starward Australian Whisky.He’ll share with you the story of Ginger Beer Cask and what you can expect from the new edition.We’ll also get a long overdue update on what’s been happening at Starward since David was last on the show, which is nearly four years ago.Starward’s entry level blend, Two Fold, didn’t even exist at that stage, so there’s plenty to talk about.Not least Starward’s incredible haul of 12 Double Golds and 3 Gold Medals at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including double gold for last year’s edition of the whisky we’ll be discussing at length today, Ginger Beer Cask.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.The Gospel Distillers is a dedicated rye whiskey distillery based in Melbourne, Australia.We first met co-founder Andrew Fitzgerald in April 2020 for a chat primarily about the impact of COVID-19 on his business.Andrew returns for this opening episode of Season 13, so you’re going to find out what’s been happening at The Gospel since then.And we’ll be talking purely about rye whiskey, rather than hand sanitiser; more specifically, The Gospel’s recent entry into the US market.It seems a bold move, taking Australian rye over to the home of rye whiskey.So I asked Andrew first up how he and his business partner, Ben Bowles, came to this decision.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.B Corp is a certification program that measures a company’s entire social and environmental impact.There are now more than 4000 Certified B Corporations around the world, several of which we’ve featured on this podcast: Sipsmith Gin, Stone & Wood Brewing Company, and South Australian winery Unico Zelo.In February, Maker’s Mark joined this elite group of businesses. It’s the first distillery in Kentucky and the largest distillery in the world to achieve B Corp certification.And in this special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast – produced with the support of Maker’s Mark – you’re going to hear about some of the environmental initiatives it’s undertaken to safeguard the future of bourbon, which of course is ultimately an agricultural product.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 We’re joined this episode by Rob Samuels, an eighth generation whiskey maker and the grandson of Maker’s Mark founder, Bill Samuels Senior.And also with us is Trent Chapman, marketing director Oceania for Beam Suntory, Maker’s Mark’s parent company.Later on in the interview, we cover the ingredients and production practices that underpin the Maker’s Mark style, and the evolution of the bourbon industry in Kentucky, where ten new distilleries opened in 2021.The B-Corp milestone comes as Maker’s Mark continues its rapid growth in markets such as Australia.The distillery released a new expression, Maker’s 46, in 2010. But the international growth has largely been driven by classic Maker’s, which for almost 60 years was the only whiskey it produced.I asked Rob first up about the significance of this singular focus by Maker’s, at a time when many of its peers are seemingly bringing out new whiskies every other week.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Featuring wine makers Sam Neill, Maynard James Keenan and Sir Ian Botham, legendary wine critic Jancis Robinson and many more, new listeners may be interested to check out these highlights from the Drinks Adventures archive.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Tags:gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants, hospitality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Launched in 2008 by American brewer, author, and beer educator Ray Daniels, the Cicerone® Certification Program is like beer's equivalent of the Court of Master Sommeliers for wine.Following last week's wine episode, we meet Shane McNamara, who in 2022 became the first Australian to reach the pinnacle of the program, Master Cicerone.He joins a group of just 19 other individuals worldwide who have this title.The Master Cicerone exam challenges individuals to master every technical and aesthetic aspect of beer. It requires an exceptional understanding of brewing, beer, and food pairing — combining outstanding tasting abilities with an encyclopaedic knowledge of commercial beers.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 If Shane’s name is new to you, it was to me too. He’s based over in London where he currently works for the world’s biggest brewer, AB InBev, in a global role overseeing the innovation, development and quality of some beer brands you might have heard of like Stella Artois, Budweiser and Corona.When I spoke to Shane he’d just gotten back from the Czech Republic, which you’d know is the home of pilsner beer, as explored with writer Tom Acitelli back in Season 8 of the podcast.So I took the opportunity to ask Shane about the Czech beer scene today.And, later on, whether he plans on returning to Australia with his new qualifications, which he says are the payoff for thousands of hours spent studying and tasting beer.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags:gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants, hospitality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Canada might be best known for its ice wine, a type of dessert wine produced from frozen grapes.But it’s increasingly getting global recognition for the quality of its dry table wines.Following last week's exploration of the Irish coffee cocktail, our guest today is Canadian wine writer, educator, judge and podcaster, Natalie MacLean, who can fill you in on some of Canada's wine regions and styles to look out for.You may also like: Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 And here, we’re doing a bit of a podcast exchange. You can catch me on Natalie’s show Unreserved Wine Talk sometime around this episode going to air.After we explore Canadian wine, we’ll find out a bit more about Natalie’s podcast and her upcoming third book.It’s a memoir that she says will explore the darker side of the wine industry.Sounds very intriguing, doesn’t it? And that’s coming up later in this interview with Natalie.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Opened in 2013 by Northern Irishmen Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry, New York City’s The Dead Rabbit is surely one of the world’s most awarded bars.I can’t possibly list all the accolades they’ve picked up over the years, but they include multiple prizes for World’s Best Bar at both the prestigious Spirited Awards and the World’s 50 Best Bars.The Dead Rabbit is world famous for its Irish coffee cocktail. And this episode, following last week's wine you’ll hear Sean recount the messy incident that put them on the path to perfecting this somewhat neglected cocktail, further inspired by the legendary bartender Dale DeGroff.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Also with us this episode is The Dead Rabbit beverage director Jillian Vose, who explains how the sous vide cooking technique enables the team to serve the Irish cocktail perfectly and consistently every time.And if like me you’re based in Sydney, here’s a tip. You can try an Irish coffee that’s very similar to the Dead Rabbit’s at a bar in the city. Jillian visited the Duke of Clarence a few years ago to show them how it’s done, and they’ve since kept up the tradition.Sean, Jack and Jillian have now published the definitive story of the Irish coffee in a new book titled When Whiskey Met Its Match, which sets the record straight that the cocktail was invented by a Northern Irishman, Joe Sheridan.I hope you enjoy about this chat about one of my favourite cocktails. We also talk a bit about Irish whiskey, and the second Dead Rabbit book launching on February 22, called Paddy Drinks.It’s a collection of cocktail recipes that Sean hopes will help fuel Irish whiskey’s ascendancy in cocktail bars across the world.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Blind Ambition is a new film about four Zimbabwean sommeliers who form a team and compete in the World Blind Wine Tasting Championships in Burgundy.It's like a wine equivalent of the ultimate sports underdog tale, Cool Runnings, the 1993 film inspired by the true story of the first Jamaican national bobsled team.But unlike Cool Runnings, Blind Ambition is all true. It’s a documentary directed by Australian filmmakers Warwick Ross and Rob Coe, who are with us this episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast.You may also like: Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Warwick and Rob were behind the 2013 film Red Obsession, which explored how France’s finest wines have skyrocketed in price having become a status symbol in China.As you’ll hear from Warwick, the film was made possible by two of our previous guests, Jancis Robinson (S4E4) and Andrew Caillard (S7E4).When Jancis heard the story of these four Zimbabwean sommeliers who had fled Robert Mugabe’s regime, she set up a crowdfunding campaign to get them to France where they would test their skills against expert tasters from 26 other countries. The first black team ever to do so.Make sure you see the film as it’s brilliant and very moving. You don’t need to be interested in wine to enjoy it, in fact it recently won the audience award at both Tribeca (New York) and Sydney Film Festivals.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Pizzini Wines in King Valley, Victoria, is one of Australia’s leading proponents of Italian grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Pinot Grigio.As you’ll hear today from winemaker Joel Pizzini, it was extremely difficult convincing people to taste what were then exotic varieties back in the 90s and early 2000s.But now, Pizzini has all but phased out traditional Australian varieties like shiraz from its range.You may also like: Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Meanwhile it has expanded its Sangiovese offering to encompass premium wines at all price points, all the way up to the Rubacuori, priced at $140 a bottle and built for long-term cellaring.Pizzini has done this by continually refining its approach to growing and making these wines, taking advice from internationally renowned experts.It’s a really exciting project, and I began this interview by asking Joel where it all began.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, craft beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Australian whisky is set for another massive year in 2022.And I’m sure that just like me, you want to know which are the hottest distilleries we should be looking out for, and insights into trends such as wine vs bourbon cask maturation.Luke McCarthy is founder of Oz Whisky Review, an independent online magazine comprising Australian whisky reviews, news and features.He’s with us this episode to reflect on Oz Whisky Review’s Top Ten Australian whiskies of last year, and the biggest debut releases expected in the coming months.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 If you’re new round these parts, most of the brands we discuss this episode have previously appeared on the show: Bakery Hill, Heartwood / TIB, The Gospel, Starward, Morris, Overeem and Backwoods.Clearly the Oz Whiskey Review team have impeccable taste, so first up I asked Luke about the criteria they follow in putting their list together.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, vodka tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Few Scotch whiskies are distilled and matured by the sea, like Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky.Old Pulteney is located in the town of Wick in far north Scotland, a drive of just 20 minutes or so from John O’Groats, the northeastern tip of Great Britain.Its spirit matures in warehouses located just 300m from the North Sea.And according to our guest this episode, global brand ambassador Lukasz Dynowiak, there is no mistaking the distinct salty note in the Old Pulteney whiskies that is a direct result of this coastal aspect.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 It’s the reason why Old Pulteney is known not just as a maritime malt, but The Maritime Malt.And it has some pretty unique distilling equipment and production techniques that also contribute to its house style.Lukasz will tell you some more about those in just a moment, but suffice to say the Old Pulteney approach has been extremely successful.Led by its flagship 12-year-old expression, the Old Pulteney range has won many accolades over the years.In fact, one of its limited edition whiskies was named World’s Best Single Malt at the prestigious World Whiskies Awards just a few years ago, in 2016.This is a special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of Old Pulteney.And I asked Lukasz first up, to describe for us in a little more detail the Northern Highlands area where Old Pulteney is based.You can follow Old Pulteney on Instagram and Twitter @oldpulteneymalt, and on Facebook at @oldpulteney.The Old Pulteney range is available nationally in Australia through retailers including Dan Murphy’s.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Veteran beer writer Matt Kirkegaard probably doesn’t require an introduction for many of you.But just in case, Matt is founder of the beer industry publication Brews News, which I edited for a few years prior to starting Drinks Adventures.His podcast Radio Brews News is Australia’s longest running beer podcast, with an archive of 644 episodes at the time of writing.Matt’s never short of an opinion. So, following a particularly eventful year in the beer industry, I figured I was long overdue to invite him on for a chat.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Coming up for you in this episode, Matt and I discuss the booming non-alcoholic beer segment – is it really booming?We cover the recent trend of breweries raising capital by way equity crowdfunding, with mixed results. And in fact, since we recorded this conversation, Gold Coast outfit Black Hops has completed their latest raise, which at $2.2 million is the largest ever campaign by an Australian brewery.Also on the agenda is the latest IP dispute between Australian breweries, and whether the legendary West Australian company, Feral Brewing, is damaged goods after being listed for sale by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.And in a related discussion, we consider in retrospect the wisdom of Coke naming a craft beer brand after an obscure country town that no-one visits.Matt also fills us in on recent projects at Brews News, including its efforts to find out, how many breweries are there really in Australia?More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.How many Australian gins would you guess are currently on the market?In early 2021, The Gin Queen, Caroline Ashford, counted 600 of them, not even including limited editions and seasonal releases.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Caroline is back with us again on the Drinks Adventures podcast, to share with you her Top Ten Australian Gins of the year.First up though, Caroline reveals her tally of Australian gins available year-round as at January 2022 – and it’s a pretty crazy number once again.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Italy’s wonderful array of digestif amari demands exploration.Amari is the plural of amaro, which means ‘bitter’ in Italian. It’s also the name given the country’s unique liqueurs that are intensely bitter and often very sweet too, flavoured by infusing herbs, spices and other botanicals in a distilled wine or neutral spirit base.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 The theme of this episode has been inspired by the amari degustation event organised by the Italian Cultural institute, Sydney at its premises in December 2021, during the World Week of Italian Cuisine.Presented by today’s expert bartender, Federico Malavenda, the degustation featured a tasting of seven Italian amari: Braulio; Cynar; Poli Vaca Mora; Cappelletti Sfumato; Amara Blood Orange; Toro Centerba; and Averna. The Italian Cultural Institute is an official branch of the Italian government, dedicated to the promotion of the Italian culture in Australia through the organisation and support of events, exhibitions and festivals, in collaboration with major local institutions.This episode has been produced with their support.Federico Malavenda is bar manager at Bistecca Restaurant in Sydney, which has a menu of no less than 85 different amari.This was recognised at the Wine List of the Year Awards in late 2021, when Bistecca picked up the gong for Best Digestif List.Stay with me as Federico gives you an overview of amaro and shares what he’s doing with digestif amari at Bistecca.First up, a little history. Federico says these unique and storied liqueurs have been an integral part of Italian culture for generations.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.British wine writer Matthew Jukes should already be familiar to you, as a Drinks Adventures listener.But if you missed his brilliant masterclass on Australian shiraz cabernet blends, stop what you’re doing and go back to Season Three of the show.Matthew’s back with us to share with you his new non-alcoholic drink brand, Jukes Cordialities, which he’s recently launched into Australia.More must-listen episodes: Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 The market has been inundated with non-alcoholic wines in recent years, but Matthew says he’s yet to find one that’s drinkable, and I’d have to concur with him on that assessment.With Jukes, he set about mimicking the experience of drinking a fine wine in the form of what are essentially deluxe adult cordials designed for mixing with still or sparkling water.Matthew sent me some to try and I have to say, they are astonishingly good. I’m currently having a little break from alcohol and this is by far the best alternative I’ve found to glass of wine at the end of the day. In fact, I’ve already been out and purchased a box of Jukes 6, my favourite of the collection.They’re not cheap, but neither is a decent bottle of wine. And when Matthew explains the ingredients and craftsmanship involved the premium pricing is understandable.Located in Australia? You can purchase Jukes Cordialities online here if you’re interested in trying them for yourself.Later on in this interview, Matthew reveals the pandemic upheaval currently affecting Australian winemakers in the UK.This latest misfortune comes after the Chinese tariffs on Australian wine. The industry can’t catch a break at the moment!Wherever you are, I hope 2022 is treating you well. Welcome to Season 12 of the Drinks Adventures podcast. New episodes should be dropping every Tuesday and hopefully also Thursday some weeks too.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Happy New Year from Drinks Adventures. Here's a sneak peek at some of the beer, wine and spirits content you can expect when the show returns for 2022.We'll be speaking to brewing expert Matt Kirkegaard, wine writer Matthew Jukes and Canadian wine expert Natalie Maclean, and exploring one of the world's most iconic cocktails, the Irish coffee.In the meantime, join my mailing list for semi-regular updates from the Drinks Adventures Podcast, and other articles and reviews by me.I’ll draw some names every month to win a set of drink coasters, featuring custom designs by artist Barry Patenaude.Cheers!James AtkinsonMore must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Spearhead is a new whisky from the renowned Highlands Single Malt distillery, Loch Lomond, that shakes up Scotch whisky in numerous respects.For starters, it’s a single grain whisky. But in this case, that doesn’t mean it’s been distilled from wheat or corn or rye, Spearhead is made from malted barley using a continuous, Coffey style still, also known as a column still.That’s what makes it a single grain Scotch whisky. And the process enabled Loch Lomond to create a lighter style of spirit that would then undergo a unique maturation process that includes finishing in infrared toasted virgin American oak barrels.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Loch Lomond is currently the only distillery in Scotland to use infrared barrels to finish whisky.And there’s a raft of other innovative production tweaks that all combine to give Spearhead a sweeter taste profile, albeit with depth and complexity, that is designed to appeal to newer whisky drinkers or people who enjoy long drinks like highballs.This is a special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of Spearhead Whisky.You'll meet Loch Lomond master blender Michael Henry and head of innovation, Calum Leslie, who are going to tell you all about this exciting and unique project.And I started this interview by asking Calum why Loch Lomond had embarked on this project that resulted in the creation of an entirely new brand.Spearhead Whisky is out now at First Choice Liquor, Liquorland and Vintage Cellars stores across Australia, priced very competitively at $62 for a 700ml bottle.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Australian winemaker Penfolds Wines has made huge strides internationally in recent years.The company launched its debut California Collection earlier this year, and there’s a set of Bordeaux wines to come in 2022.And in 2019, Penfolds released three champagnes in collaboration with the Champagne House Thiénot; A Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée, Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru and Blanc de Noirs Grand Cru, all from the 2012 vintage and priced at $280 each.You may also like: Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 In this special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of Penfolds, Chief Winemaker Peter Gago gives you the lowdown on the project and the new addition to the range.It’s a champagne that’s a little more within reach for many of us: A non-vintage Brut Rosé priced at $90.But I asked Peter first up about his personal affinity with champagne, a wine style that he’s clearly very passionate about.The Thiénot x Penfolds Champagne Brut Rosé is comprised of 30 per cent Chardonnay (Nogent, Sézanne and Côte des Blancs), 20 per cent Pinot Noir (Vallée de l’Ardre (8%), Epernay and Côte des Bar), and 50 per cent Pinot Meunier (Épernay, Vallée de la Marne and Saint-Thierry).Visit penfolds.com for stockist information.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.In this edition of the news: Brewing industry toasts Chuck Hahn's 50 years of brewing; Margaret River winery Voyager Estate very nearly fully organic; Japan's Mars Whisky releases Voyager collaboration; and Top Shelf International launches the Australian Agave NFT. You may also like:The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Founded in 2017 by Sean Baxter, George Georgiadis and Tim Boast, Never Never is undoubtedly one of the hottest distilleries in Australia at the moment.The company was recently named Champion Australian Distiller for the second year running at the 2021 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, as well as being a finalist alongside Four Pillars for the IWSC’s International Gin Producer Trophy.And there’s been yet more accolades that you’ll hear about in today’s episode, as we meet co-founder Sean Baxter.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Unlike other Australian gin distillers that have defined themselves based on our native botanicals, Never Never has made its name on excelling at gins that are very classically styled.Today, Sean shares with you the benefits and challenges of this approach.We also discuss the thorny issue of base spirit, and some of Never Never’s innovative products like Ginache – made using Grenache grapes from its home of McLaren Vale in South Australia – and its new Oyster Shell Gin.And we revisit the April Fools' Day prank that got Sean into some hot water with his fellow distillers earlier this year, stoking industry fears about a potential juniper shortage.That’s all coming up after I ask Sean about the significance of the Champion Distiller gong that Never Never took home for a second time on Wednesday December 1, 2021.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Just one story again in this week’s edition of the news.There's been a huge amount of noise around non-alcoholic wine, beer and spirits in recent years.And now, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits has completed a capital raising that values the business at $500 million AUD.This valuation has been achieved in less than two and a half years of trading for the Australian company founded in Sydney in 2019.It’s now on track to become the fastest independent beverage brand to reach Unicorn status, meaning a valuation in excess of $1 billion US.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 There’s been no shortage of naysayers about the concept of non-alcoholic spirits and I’ll admit to being a little sceptical when Lyre’s founder Mark Livings first told me what he had planned.He says this latest funding milestone is clear evidence that non-alcoholic spirits are here to stay.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Beer and brewing writer Tara Nurin is the official historian of the Pink Boots Society, an organisation created in 2008 to assist, inspire and encourage women working in the beer industry.Tara’s new book – A Woman's Place Is in the Brewhouse – celebrates the contributions and influence of female brewers and explores the forces that have erased them from the brewing world.Its publication is very timely with the beer industry having had its #metoo moment in recent months, led by Brienne Allan, a brewer based in Massachusetts who encouraged other women to share the stories of sexism and abuse they’ve suffered in the craft beer and brewing industry.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 This is certainly not an American problem. We’ve recently seen a survey conducted by a group of Australian women calling themselves the Beer Agents for Change, which found that 38% of people who work in the beer industry have been abused or harassed, and 90% of the people who reported that type of conduct were female.So it’s in that context today that we hear from Tara about her new book.And coming up after that, you’ll meet Briony Leibich, an Australian specialising in sensory analysis and expert tasting for beer, wine and food.Briony has worked as a sensory specialist for some time now, most recently at the West End Brewery in Adelaide.Since West End shut down earlier this year, Briony has focused on her own sensory consultancy called Flavour Logic.I asked Briony how she found her way into this profession.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.A new and unknown Tasmanian wine brand has come out on top at the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge.The 2020 Ossa Pinot Noir scored 96 points out of 100, winning the Best of Region Trophy for Tasmania and the top wine of the show, judged against Victorian stalwarts like the Yarra Valley’s Giant Steps and Paringa Estate in Mornington Peninsula.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 The wine was made by Liam McElhinney, chief winemaker at Tasmanian Vintners, for Rod and Cecile Roberts.They created the Ossa Wines label this year having purchased the Belbrook Vineyard in Cranbrook on Tasmania’s east coast in 2017.I asked Chief Judge of the Australian Pinot Noir Challenge, David Bicknell, whether the company or vineyard were on his radar.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Whisky writer Dr Nicholas Morgan is a 30-year veteran of spirits giant Diageo, with a background in history and academia.He joined Diageo's predecessor, United Distillers, in 1990, creating what is now considered the world’s most comprehensive spirits archive, before making a somewhat unlikely transition to leader of Diageo’s global malt whisky marketing team.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Nicholas retired from Diageo in December 2020 following the publication of his acclaimed book, A Long Stride, the Story of the World’s No 1 Scotch Whisky, written as part of the bicentennial celebrations of John Walker & Sons.His latest book is Everything You Need to Know About Whisky (But are too afraid to ask).It’s a great read, and we discuss both it and the Johnnie Walker book later on in this interview with Nicholas, who is a Master of the Quaich – that’s one of the highest honours in Scotch whisky – and a member of the Whisky Magazine Hall Of Fame.But I started by asking Nick about the challenges he faced marketing single malt whisky at Diageo in the 1990s.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Wine, whisky & brewery news from Drinks Adventures: Wynns Coonawarra farewells viticulturist Allen Jenkins; Starward Whisky and Yalumba Wines collaborate on a new single malt whisky; and Modus Operandi Brewing launches green energy brewery in Newcastle. A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Founded in 2017 by Sean Baxter, George Georgiadis and Tim Boast, Never Never is undoubtedly one of the hottest distilleries in Australia at the moment.The company was recently named Champion Australian Distiller for the second year running at the 2021 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, as well as being a finalist alongside Four Pillars for the IWSC’s International Gin Producer Trophy.And there’s been yet more accolades that you’ll hear about in today’s episode, as we meet co-founder Sean Baxter.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Unlike other Australian gin distillers that have defined themselves based on our native botanicals, Never Never has made its name on excelling at gins that are very classically styled.Today, Sean shares with you the benefits and challenges of this approach.We also discuss the thorny issue of base spirit, and some of Never Never’s innovative products like Ginache – made using Grenache grapes from its home of McLaren Vale in South Australia – and its new Oyster Shell Gin.And we revisit the April Fools' Day prank that got Sean into some hot water with his fellow distillers earlier this year, stoking industry fears about a potential juniper shortage.That’s all coming up after I ask Sean about the significance of the Champion Distiller gong that Never Never took home for a second time on Wednesday December 1, 2021.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.It’s been a massive year for Lark Distilling Company, which recently announced the $40 million acquisition of fellow Tasmanian distillery Shene Estate, and has released a raft of new whiskies finished in fortified wine casks.Managing director Geoff Bainbridge joins us this episode, about 18 months after he last spoke with Drinks Adventures for a two-part story on the podcast website.Remember you can visit DrinksAdventures.com.au and sign up to the newsletter so you don’t miss stories like that one.At the time, Geoff and I discussed the rebadging and relaunch of Lark Distilling, formerly known as Australian Whisky Holdings, and the process the company went through to exit the Nant barrel investment scheme, and sell Overeem Whisky back to the Overeem family.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Lark’s share price has been on an absolute flyer ever since, with the company reporting strong sales results having refocused itself on a single whisky brand, and continued to build its whisky inventory.There’s been some criticism however about an alleged lack of transparency surrounding the provenance of whisky released under the Lark name.I addressed those issues with Geoff in this follow-up interview for the podcast.We also discuss some of the recent developments of late in Australian whisky generally, like the discussions around a potential Tasmanian Whisky appellation, and the controversial Archie Rose patent.That’s coming up after Geoff gives you an update on some of the other changes at Lark Distilling in recent times.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.The Principle of Hospitality podcast is produced by Melburnian hospitality veterans, Shaun de Vries and Sasha Fernando. In this episode exchange, we hear Shaun interview champion bartender Evan Stroeve of Sydney bar Re.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Glaetzer-Dixon Family Wines made history in 2011 when it became the first Tasmanian winery to win the Jimmy Watson – Australia’s most prestigious wine prize – at the Royal Melbourne Wine Awards.Winemaker Nick Glaetzer has been celebrating the milestone with a highly limited museum release of his winning wine, the 2010 Mon Pere Shiraz, and he joins us today on the Drinks Adventures podcast.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 He’ll update you on other recent happenings at Glaetzer-Dixon, which planted a new 12-hectare vineyard in the Coal River Valley in 2018, and is currently preparing to release new vintages of La Judith Pinot Noir, named for Nick’s mother who sadly passed away in 2014.First up though, I asked Nick about the significance of that Jimmy Watson award, both for him and the Tasmanian wine industry generally.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.I’ll have another regular episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast to share with you very soon.Right now though I’m stoked to share an interview from another one of my favourite drinks podcasts, The Modern Bar Cart out of the US.The host is a gentleman by the name of Eric Kozlik, who describes his show as a cocktail podcast for home bartenders and industry pros alike.But in spite of that, The Modern Bar Cart really does cover the full gamut of drinks and Eric really has had some amazing guests.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 This year they’ve included Sam Calagione, founder of one of America’s top craft breweries, Dogfish Head; global rum ambassador, Ian Burrell; and the renowned spirit and cocktail writers David Wondrich and Noah Rothbaum.And today on the Drinks Adventures podcast, I’m sharing Eric’s interview with another Eric, the spirits judge and author Eric Zandona, whose new book, "The Atlas of Bourbon & American Whiskey” is out now.I learnt so much about the different regional styles of American whiskey from this interview – Eric’s depth of knowledge on the topic is unparalleled.So I’ll leave you to the Erics and after you enjoy this interview, go and subscribe to The Modern Bar Cart Podcast.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Cellaring wine and seeing for yourself how its flavours evolve is one of the most exciting aspects of wine appreciation.But it can be intimidating, and there’s some fundamentals you need to know to ensure you get the best results.In this episode of the show, St Hugo chief winemaker Peter Munro gives you some of those pointers, like how to choose age-worthy wines, store them correctly, and identify drinking windows for optimal consumption.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 With more than 20 years of winemaking experience, Peter’s career has spanned some of the world’s most prominent wine regions. Coonawarra and the Barossa obviously, but also Tasmania, Hawke’s Bay in NZ, and the Napa Valley in California.St Hugo Cabernet is a mainstay of many Australian cellars. A longstanding fixture in the Langton's Classification of Australian Fine Wine, it is built to age for a minimum of ten to 15 years, and the better vintages will last considerably longer.And now, perfectly timed for Christmas gifting and festivities – you can get your hands on some of the most outstanding back vintages of St Hugo Cabernet, which have been hand selected after rigorous tasting and review by Peter.Currently available in St Hugo’s Fine and Rare Collection are St Hugo Cabernet 1998, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2012.There’s also some magnums, double magnums and six litre imperials available of some of these wines.You can purchase them direct from St Hugo’s online cellar door at sthugo.com.This is a special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of St Hugo.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Brewing legend Chuck Hahn is among only a handful of brewers to have become a household name among beer-loving Australians.But in contrast to other names like Cooper or Foster or Toohey – which have been associated with brewing since the 19th century – the Hahn phenomenon is relatively recent. It’s still playing out today.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 That said, few of us fully understand how an American with a PHD in chemical engineering came to be one of the most influential figures in the Australian beer industry.So when I learned that Chuck was celebrating 50 years of brewing in 2021, I was inspired to take a closer look at some of the events that have defined his remarkable career, and become part of brewing folklore in Australia.I visited Chuck at the Malt Shovel Brewery in Sydney. And I spoke to many of the people he’s worked with and influenced over the years.And slowly came together this documentary that I’m delighted to share with you on the Drinks Adventures podcast.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.No craft beer style has captured the imagination of Australian drinkers in recent years like Pacific Ale.Or is it a style? Well, we’ll get onto that a bit later on in this episode.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Either way, there’s been a raft of beers hitting the market bearing the ‘pacific ale’ moniker since 2018, when a court effectively ruled the title was fair game for other brewers to use.The latest entrant to this emerging sub-genre of beers is Little Creatures Pacific Ale, coinciding with the pioneering brewer’s 21st anniversary this year.There’s also a new Hazy IPA, and the entire range has had a bit of a facelift, with eye-catching new branding that puts the iconic Little Creatures cherub front and centre on the cans.This is a special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of Little Creatures.You’ll meet head brewer Russ Gosling and ambassador Paul Daley, who discuss the intent behind Little Creatures Pacific Ale, and the process that went into creating the beer.You can find both Little Creatures Pacific Ale and Hazy IPA nationwide in both independents and national retailers.Visit littlecreatures.com.au for further information.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Beer writer Jeff Alworth joins us in this opening episode of Season 11, hot on the promotional trail for his latest book.First published in 2015, The Beer Bible is billed as the most comprehensive guide to the world of beer, with everything you need to know about what to drink, where, when and why.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 The Beer Bible first edition was named best drinks book by the International Association of Culinary Professionals in 2016.The second edition was published in September 2021, so I was keen to ask Jeff what were the biggest changes in brewing in the intervening years.Hailing from one of my favourite cities; Portland, Oregon, Jeff is also founder of the Beervana blog and podcast, where he and Oregon State University economics professor Patrick Emerson discuss beer and the economics of beer.Now I figure some of you may be unfamiliar with Jeff’s previous work. So I started by asking him, what is The Beer Bible?More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.In this final edition of the news for Season Ten: Mezcal boom raises ethical issues; A landmark moment for Australian whisky; and Non-alcoholic beer brand Sobah launches crowdfunding campaign. Theme music 'Devotion' by Silverlining. Purchase here.Follow Drinks Adventures at @drinksadventures_au and James Atkinson at @byjamesatkinson on Instagram.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Whisky in Australia has been destined for a shake-up as larger players enter the market with products designed to compete on price with some of the big international whisky brands.But of course, there will always be a place for smaller artisan distillers like Highwayman Whisky, the Byron Bay company that released its first spirit in 2020.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Highwayman Whisky was founded by Dan Woolley, a longtime whisky industry professional. Most recently he was ambassador for the Beam Suntory portfolio of brands, which gave him a backstage pass to globally renowned distilleries throughout Scotland, Kentucky and Japan.Dan started to lay down his own spirit in his chosen casks back home in Australia starting in 2016, and the first Highwayman bottlings released last year sold out in minutes.Whisky is a hugely capital intensive spirit to make, so I asked Dan how he went about establishing his own brand despite having very limited resources at his disposal.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Brewing company Fermentum Group – parent company of craft beer heavyweights Stone & Wood – has announced its shock sale to Japanese-owned brewer Lion Australia.You are likely as shocked by this as I was. You know how committed Stone & Wood seemed to their independence back when we met the founders in this 2019 documentary.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Soon after the news broke I published an opinion piece that expressed pretty clearly how I felt about their backflip, and the unfortunate knock-on effect for the independence movement:Stone & Wood’s multinational backflip costly for indie beer On Friday I got hold of co-founder Ross Jurisich to try and make sense of the decision.Theme music 'Devotion' by Silverlining. Purchase here.Follow me on Instagram @drinksadventures_au and @byjamesatkinson.Sign up free of charge for my newsletter here.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.Mezcal featured in Season 9 of the podcast when we met Grant Collins, who had recently opened the mezcal-focused bar and restaurant Cartel in Sydney.One of the mezcals I tasted with Grant during that interview was Quiquiriqi.And the more I read about Quiquiriqui, the more I thought it would be a grand idea to invite its London-based founder, Melanie Symonds, onto the show.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 With no background whatsoever in drinks or hospitality, Melanie's path to being a mezcal brand owner was unconventional, to say the least.She fell in love with the spirit on visiting Mexico in 2011 and returned to London with the pretty half-baked plan – I don’t think Melanie would mind me saying that – of opening a mezcal bar underneath a kebab shop in East London.Soon after came the Quiquiriqui Mezcal brand, which Melanie makes in direct partnership with families who have been producing mezcal traditionally in their communities for generations.But I’ll leave it to Melanie to tell you in her own words how Quiquiriqui came to be.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.• Agave spirits potential huge in Australia, says ASX-listed Top Shelf;• Mighty Craft invests heavily in whisky; and• James Squire puts a new spin on zero alcohol beer.Theme music 'Devotion' by Silverlining. Purchase here.Follow Drinks Adventures at @drinksadventures_au and James Atkinson at @byjamesatkinson on Instagram.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.In more than 40 years of writing about whisky, Charles Maclean has achieved global recognition and no shortage of accolades for his work.He’s a Master of the Quaich – the highest honour in the Scotch whisky industry – and a member of the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame. In fact, he was also its founding editor.You may also like: The NBA’s wine obsession, with Baxter Holmes of ESPN: S10E1 UK wine writer Matthew Jukes on non-alc wine & more: S12E1 Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2 Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8 Charles has written 18 books and counting on whisky. His magnum opus, Malt Whisky, was first published in 1997.It’s been translated into nine languages and was the recipient of a prestigious Glenfiddich award, and his 2003 book Scotch Whisky: A Liquid History won the James Beard Award for ‘Best Wine and Spirits Book.’And in June 2021 his services to Scotch whisky were further recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.Charles was appointed as an MBE – a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.So, stay with me this episode as Charles and I discuss some of his career highlights, his love/hate relationship with writing, and what it’s like to taste ultra-aged whiskies retailing at more than $100,000 a bottle.He shares his insights on the age-old debate of blends vs single malts, the resurrection of the legendary Brora and Port Ellen Scotch whisky distilleries, and his opinion on Tasmanian whisky, after visiting in 2019.More must-listen episodes: Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6 Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4 Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6 Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5 Tags: gin, distilling, distillery, distiller, liquor, craft spirits, cocktail, cocktails, drink, drinks, wine, winemaking, winemaker, viticulture, beer, craft beer, brewing, agave, tequila, mezcal, bartender, bartenders, sommelier, sommeliers, cicerone, whisky, whiskey, cognac, bourbon, rum, vodka, vineyard, mixology, bars, pubs, restaurants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices