Australian Winery Penfolds Launch its own Champagne

WORDS KEN GARGETT There was a minor earthquake in the Champagne region this month and the aftershock could be felt all the way to Australia. Penfolds had been rumoured (well, it was a rumour they started last year, but they would not tell us any details) to be involved with a Champagne. Turned out to…

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You’ve Got To Try The Bloody Shiraz Gin

Back by popular demand, Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin will be available June 1. The sell out gin is traditionally a blend of Yarra Valley Shiraz grapes and Rare Dry Gin, however this year some grapes were selected from other Southen Victorian regions. Like the 2018 vintage, the 2019 vintage followed the same principles, harvesting…

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Sullivans Cove Celebrates 25th Anniversary this Year

WORDS KEN GARGETT The always impressive Tasmanian whisky distillery, Sullivans Cove, is celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. As one of the leaders of an industry that was initially looked on as a curio at best, and folly by many, it is a great achievement. Sullivans Cove, on the Derwent River in Tasmania (if there…

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Five Schild Estate Reds You Need to Try

WORDS KEN GARGETT Schild Estate make a wide range of wines, mostly reds, and some are very limited. Here are five that should appeal and will hopefully be wines you can track down. They offer a great combination of flavour and value. Schild Estate ‘Edgar Schild’ Reserve Grenache 2017 ($36) From old bush vines, this is a…

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Michter’s – Two Cracking American Whiskies

WORDS KEN GARGETT As the excitement mounts for the forthcoming explore WHISKY release, some of us have been working hard, exploring the world of whiskies and bourbon from around the world (although the bourbons, of course, should really be regionally restricted to the USA). Needless to say, many exciting gems are emerging. Today, Michter’s. I’d…

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Drink For A Good Cause During Negroni Week

Mark your calendar as Negroni Week is set to kick off from the Monday 24 June to Sunday 30. During Negroni Week Rockpool Dining Group’s Melbourne restaurants are taking the classic cocktail to the next level. Bar & Grill, Rosetta Ristorante, Spice Temple and Saké Restaurant & Bar will offer a menu featuring their own…

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The Joy of Wine

WORDS KEN GARGETT Among the many joys wine offers is its infinite capacity to surprise. Usually, open a bottle and you know what to expect. We know what it is, what we paid, whether it should be spectacular or just a decent drink. But sometimes… Of course, the reverse happens as well. That particular bottle…

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Four Pillars Go the Whole Hog

If you’re a gin fan, you’re going to love what the team at Four Pillars Gin are cooking up. Joining the Australian craft distillery is Melbourne chef and all-round top bloke, Matt Wilkinson. Matt will be responsible for developing and overseeing all of Four Pillars’ Made from Gin products. He will be creating a menu…

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How To Make An Old Fashioned

With World Whisky Day this weekend what better way to celebrate than with a classic Old Fashioned. Here’s our step by step guide. Step 1: Add a sugar cube to an Old-fashioned glass and hit it with 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Step 2: Add a bar spoon of cold water and break down the sugar cube…

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Felons Brewing Co.’s Autumn Feast

Felons Brewing Co. are hosting their first beer and food dining experience at their riverside brewery next Monday (20th May) at 6pm. The five-course meal, matched with Felons Brewing Co. beers will highlight the importance of beer at the dining table. This ‘Autumn Feast’ offers guests a shared food experience, mixing lighter, healthier dishes with…

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NOLA Smokehouse and Bar – The Place To Be This World Whisk(e)y Day

Just in time to celebrate World Whisk(e)y Day next Saturday (18 May) NOLA Smokehouse and Bar in Barangaroo has just unveiled a new whiskey lounge. Housing over 700 bottles, they’ve just added 80 new bottles of American Whiskey valued at $15,000. Which is the largest selection in the whole of Australia. What makes this bar…

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Copper Dog: Capturing The Spirit Of Speyside

Copper Dog is named after a device created in the 18th century by distillery workers to swipe whisky and take home. Made from a piece of copper tubing, it had a penny soldered to one end and a cork in the other. Making it easy to sip and refill, it never left its owner’s side….

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