In Australia, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone more knowledgeable or passionate about sake than Yukino Ochiai. The Kikisake-shi, or Master of Sake, has dedicated her life and career to educating us about Japan’s iconic drink. In 2017, she was recognised for her tireless work by the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association, bestowed with…
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The Ancient Fermented Tonic: Kombucha
Once the elixir of hippies and health nuts, kombucha has been thrust into the limelight of the mainstream in recent years. The fermented tea drink is fast surpassing soft drink sales, with the kombucha market poised to grow by 25% each year through to 2020. But where did this functional beverage come from and why…
Explore: House of Lanson
SPONSORED The history of the House of Lanson began in 1760 when François Delamotte decided to create his own Champagne. In 1798, Nicolas-Louis Delamotte, a knight of the order of Malta, took over from his father and adopted the Maltese cross as the emblem of the brand. Today, the House proudly displays the distinctive red…
Go Explore: Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
SPONSORED Calling all food and drink lovers: with just under a month to go, we’ve skimmed the 300-long program of events, corralled our friends in the know and picked our top five events not to miss at this year’s Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Prepare to wine and dine amongst famous chefs and country winemakers…
New Brewery on the Block
Talk about marching into the den of the dragon and whacking it on the nose! Mind you, the dragon might not have noticed, but it is still a brave effort. Words by drinks writer, Ken Gargett Newstead Brewing Co. has established its new production HQ, and pub, in Castlemaine Street, Milton. Now that might not…
The Ever-Changing Chameleon: Four Pillars Gin
Has there ever been such an explosion of interest, the variety of production and general weirdness in the spirits world (as opposed to the spirit world) as there has been with gin over the last decade? No séance needed to predict that this is going to continue for some time. Words by drinks writer, Ken Gargett Why gin,…
Drink, Read, Love: Our Top 5 for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day – that most romantic day of the year when one has the chance to show their loved one just how much they care. Or, if you are sane, a trumped up, transparently cynical opportunity to delude the gullible and benefit florists, greeting card companies, chocolatiers and second-rate restaurateurs who think sticking a paper rose in…
Go Explore: Grampians Grape Escape
Head to the Grape Escape in one of Australia’s most scenic wine regions this May. The Grampians in Victoria will host the popular food and wine festival for the 27th year on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 May. Meet the makers, graze through dozens of food trucks and wine stalls, get involved in master classes…
How to Make an Esprit de Fizz
SPONSORED GLASS: Champagne Flute INGREDIENTS 30ml Esprit de Figues Liqueur Champagne Lemon METHOD: Pour Esprit de Figues Liqueur into the Champagne flute. Top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist. GARNISH: Lemon twist Drink Responsibly
Drop It Like It’s Hot
Shaw + Smith’s 2016 Pinot Noir was named South Australia’s hottest wine over the weekend. The wine snapped up the top spot at No.1 of the Hot 100 Wines list by The Adelaide Review. Compiled annually, the list represents the most drinkable wines made in the state as selected by a number of leading wine…
Boy oh Boy Does Project Botanicals 2017 Look Good!
Stop what you’re doing and book your ticket for Project Botanicals 2017. Trust us on this one. It’s back. It’s big. And it’s breaking everything we thought possible within our cocktail and culinary imaginations. Project Botanicals: ‘A Journey to The Edges of Food, Music & Imagination’ is a four-course degustation that will take consumers in…
Listen to John Butler Trio in the Vines!
What’s better than listening to John Butler Trio? Perhaps, listening to John Butler Trio amongst beautiful vines with a glass of wine in hand? Well, get excited, because the all-time, Aussie favourite roots rock band just announced that they will be playing live at Leura Park Estate in Geelong, Victoria on Sunday 18 March 2018….