Drinks Adventures - Wine, beer, whisky, gin & more with James Atkinson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.- Brewer Stone & Wood enters the burgeoning contemporary beer space;- Victorian wine pioneer Seppelt celebrates its 170th anniversary;- Nusa Cana Rum launches a Batavia Arrack; and- Ambitious craft beer venue Urban House of Brews on track for 2022 launch in Sydney.Theme music 'Devotion' by Silverlining. Purchase here.Follow Drinks Adventures at @drinksadventures_au and James Atkinson at @byjamesatkinson on Instagram.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

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.Gin distiller Simon Brooke-Taylor (and yes, he is related to the late Tim Brooke-Taylor from 'The Goodies') founded Hurdle Creek Still in Milawa, North East Victoria, with his partner Wendy Williams in 2014.Hurdle Creek produces gin, genever, liqueurs and aperitifs that champion locally sourced ingredients.And it’s one of a handful of Australian distilleries that produces its own base spirit from scratch, in this case using locally sourced grain.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 from a brewing background, Simon considers base spirit somewhat similarly to role malt plays in beer.In contrast to some of the distillers we’ve heard from previously on this podcast who say they need a completely neutral base spirit to show off the botanicals in their gin, Simon likes having a base with character that adds layers and texture to the flavour of his gin.He wants to educate drinkers that there is much more to gin than just the dry styles that currently dominate the market.First up though, Simon recounts his path from studying biochemistry and toxicology at university to becoming a master brewer, and the evolution of his distilling hobby into a professional career.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

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. Winemaker Treasury Wine reports strong results; Craft brewer Mountain Culture's beer named among world’s best; Four Pillars Gin launches a single vineyard Bloody Shiraz in collaboration with neighbours Yarra Yering; and Morris Whisky’s John Casella reveals a premium brandy is on the cards. Theme music 'Devotion' by Silverlining. Available to 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

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 2005 by David Walsh, the rather infamous owner of Tasmania’s Mona Museum, Moo Brew is a highly respected brewery that has been somewhat uncompromising in its approach.From the outset, David insisted on packaging the Moo Brew beers in rather ornate, expensive bottles.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: S4E8Its early marketing declared the beers were, ‘not suitable for bogans’. (Otherwise known as rednecks or chavs for our international listeners).And the company maintained an allegiance to classic beer styles that were otherwise out of fashion in Australia, generally speaking.So I’ve watched with interest in recent years as different kind of Moo Brew has emerged.Packaging its beers in cans. Releasing an IPA. Creating a new label, Brew By Moo Brew, focused on unfussy, easy drinking beers that seemed to appeal to all beer drinkers. Even bogans.Lauren Sheppard joined Moo Brew as general manager in July 2020, prior to which she worked for the Domaine A and Moorilla Estate wine brands that are also part of the Mona family.I asked Lauren whether it was a difficult decision to move from wine into beer. And what was the remit she was given when she was offered the role at Moo Brew.More must-listen episodes:Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5

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 Australia is now focusing its efforts on other emerging markets in Asia, where Australian wine has a small share of the total wine market. That's according to general manager of marketing, Stuart Barclay, who addressed last week's Wine Export Diversification Webinar. In other news:· Australian winemakers confronting challenges in Japan· Australian craft spirits distributor Nip of Courage launches new wholesale and retail offerings; and· Melbourne’s Brick Lane Brewing creates amburana-aged beerFollow @drinksadventures_au and @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

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 is highly fragmented, characterised by many small craft distilleries. Launched in 2021, Morris Whisky is one of few distilleries operating at a decent scale.When winemaker John Casella acquired Morris of Rutherglen in 2016, his sole aim was to save an Australian icon from liquidation.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: S4E8But then he saw the original hybrid copper still and the many barrels maturing Morris’s renowned fortified wines and saw an opportunity to make a uniquely Australian single malt whisky.Casella Family Brands set up a dedicated company, Copper and Grain Distilling, and lured Scotch whisky experts John McDougall and Dr. Jim Swan, to advise the business. Darren Peck, formerly of Diageo, was appointed head distiller.From the start, John was determined to compete with foreign imports, by creating the best possible whisky at an accessible price tag.In June 2021, Copper and Grain released two debut whiskies under the Morris label that have been extremely well-received, being awarded gold medals pre-release at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.You’ll hear two interviews within in this episode. The first is with John Casella and Michael Sergeant, who is head of strategy and innovation at Copper & Grain. I spoke separately to head distiller Darren Peck.More must-listen episodes:Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5

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, beer, whisky and sake news from Drinks Adventures: Wine's diversity problem, Tasmania whisky innovation, Craft brewer Good Drinks' ASX results New Bentspoke Brewing label; and Japanese sake update. Theme music 'Devotion' by Silverlining. Purchase here.Follow Drinks Adventures at @drinksadventures_au and James Atkinson at @byjamesatkinson on Instagram.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

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.Sommelier Wayne Shennen is a Certified Sommelier and the first New Zealander to achieve certification as an Advanced Sake Professional.Wayne has worked in hospitality in Australia and New Zealand since 2002. And in 2019, Wayne and his Japanese wife, Makie, relocated to Japan to open a sake and wine bar, Rangitoto Tokyo.The venture seemed well timed to capitalise on the Rugby World Cup and the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, but Wayne and Makie could never have predicted that ‘other’ global event.Wayne is also the author of the e-book, Demystifying Sake, which you can find on Amazon, and he has worked in sake breweries in Ishikawa, Saga, and Gifu prefectures.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: S4E8On a mission to get more New Zealand and Australian wines into the hands of Japanese wine buffs, Wayne is also passionate about raising sake’s undervalued reputation as the stuff of dodgy Hollywood binges (Tom Cruise has a lot to answer for).I asked him how Japanese sake piqued his interest such that he came to devote his career to the beverage. More must-listen episodes:Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5

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.Winemaker Samantha Connew launched her own label Stargazer Wines in 2013 by purchasing a parcel of grapes on her credit card.The bootstrapped operation has since grown into one of Tasmania’s most exciting boutique wineries.In 2016, Sam purchased a small riesling and pinot noir vineyard in the Coal River Valley that she has supplemented by planting new clones of pinot noir and chardonnay, along with some more Riesling, and gamay soon to come.In this episode of Drinks Adventures, Sam shares her somewhat unusual path into winemaking that began with a student job in a Christchurch wine bar.You may also like:Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5Seizing an opportunity to work her first vintage in Oregon, USA, Sam was hooked immediately. Her wine career since has included additional overseas vintages in Italy and Spain, and back in Australia, lengthy stints in McLaren Vale and the Hunter Valley.A highly respected wine judge who has been a panel chair at many regional and capital city wine shows, Sam was appointed Chair of Judges at the Sydney Royal Wine Show in 2014.She was the first female and the youngest judge to achieve that position, but it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.In fact, Sam says her decision to launch Stargazer was due in part to the blatant sexism she’s dealt with throughout her career.First up though, Sam recounts how she transitioned from law student to winemaker.

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 appreciation has taken hold in the NBA. Basketball writer Baxter Holmes joins us this episode to discuss this surprising trend.Sportswriters don’t generally win a James Beard culinary award. It’s like Lionel Messi winning an Oscar.But that’s exactly what Baxter Holmes has done. In fact, he’s the only sportswriter, thus far, to have achieved this singular honour, for his article about the humble peanut butter & jelly sandwich and its unlikely rise to pre-match secret weapon for the NBA.You may also like:Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5Baxter is the senior national NBA writer for ESPN, focusing on features, projects and anything else of interest in the world of basketball.Recently, he has found himself becoming increasingly fascinated with what the players do away from the court.In the process, he unearthed a fantastic story about the NBA’s growing obsession with wine.Players, it seems, have moved beyond the usual trappings of wealth – houses, cars, bling etcetera – and are instead turning their attention (and sizeable incomes) to a more unusual pursuit. Wine.Surprisingly, this is not merely a story of bragging rights over who can buy the most expensive bottle.These NBA stars, including LeBron James, have developed a genuine interest in wine. They want to know about it intimately, develop their palates and be able to speak knowledgeably about wine. Some have even taken a giant leap and purchased their own vineyards.So, stay with me on Drinks Adventures as Baxter reveals how he embarked on his investigation into the NBA’s burgeoning wine obsession.

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.Back in Season One of this podcast I took you to Tasmania for the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival, an event quite like anything else I’ve ever attended.Organiser Willie Smith’s Cider recently announced the festival is returning on July 16 & 17, 2021.More must-listen episodes:Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5I figured this would be a great opportunity to re-introduce the documentary we produced on the festival back in 2018 as we have a lot of new listeners who may not have taken the time to go back and listen to every episode from the very beginning.First up though, we meet Willie Smith’s general manager Tim Hodgkinson, who is in the middle of planning the 2021 edition of this exciting event.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

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.Craft beer company Hop Nation Brewing was founded in Footscray, Melbourne in 2014 by winemaking friends Sam Hambour and Duncan Gibson.While the brewery started out making hoppy beers, Sam and Duncan have continued to expand into new and intriguing territories.They have a side label for sour beers, Site Fermentation Project; and they’ve returned to winemaking with an affiliated brand, Site Wine.Hop Nation is also one of many craft breweries to have diversified into alcoholic seltzer, with the creation of another new brand, Ray, in 2020.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: S4E8While in Melbourne for Good Beer Week a few weeks ago I dropped by Hop Nation’s original site in Footscray for a long overdue interview with Sam.Our catch-up turned out to be well-timed, as Hop Nation dominated proceedings at the Australian International Beer Awards the following night.The company picked up a remarkable four trophies including one of the major awards, Champion Medium Australian Brewery, and Best Pilsner for Rattenhund, which you’ll hear me discuss with Sam in this interview.These achievements follow Hop Nation’s recent expansion into a new production brewery in Mornington, which has enabled the company to fine tune its beers.So there was plenty to talk about with Sam, and that’s without even mentioning the 2021 release of The Kalash, their bourbon barrel aged imperial stout that drops on June 3, around the time this episode goes to air.Same as in 2020, there’s a second version of The Kalash coming out this year, which you heard foreshadowed by David Baker of Victoria’s Bakery Hill Distillery, back in Season Three of this podcast.And perhaps you can expect even more barrel-aged beers from Hop Nation, which Sam reveals will soon begin distilling whisky, gin and brandy as the latest additions to its impressive beverage portfolio.More must-listen episodes:Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5

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.Grant Collins is an award-winning mixologist who has collaborated and consulted with leading bars and hotels across the world.Since 2017 he’s been working with the Kensington Street hospitality precinct in Chippendale, Sydney, where he founded Gin Lane, Blossom Bar and in 2021, a third venue, Cartel.Cartel is a modern Aztec & Latin restaurant with a drinks offering that is heavily focused on agave spirits.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: S4E8You’ve heard a bit about tequila previously on this podcast with none other than Julio Bermejo, the man who invented the Tommy’s Margarita cocktail, back in Season 4.This time, Grant shares with you his recent experience introducing Cartel’s patrons to mezcal, a lesser known relative of tequila.Grant introduced me to some pretty delicious and interesting mezcals during our chat, which I've listed here for interested parties: Quiquriqui Artisenal Quiquriqui Pechuga El Jorigio Tobala El Jorigio Aroquena This interview was originally scheduled for March 2020. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how that panned out.So when we finally caught up over a year later, I asked Grant first up how he’s been coping in recent times, running a hospitality business during a global pandemic.More must-listen episodes:Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5

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 wine has few companies as revered as Henschke Wines, best known for single vineyard shiraz wines Hill of Grace and Mount Edelstone.Henschke produces these iconic red wines from some of the world's oldest vines at its estate in Eden Valley, South Australia.We're joined this episode by viticulturist Prue Henschke, who has worked with her husband Stephen in the family wine business since 1980.You may also like:Brewing legend Chuck Hahn's 50-year global brewing odyssey: S11E2Iconic cocktails: Julio Bermejo, creator Tommy’s Margarita cocktail: S4E8Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5The occasion is the recent launch of the 2016 Henschke single vineyard shirazes, an appropriate juncture to discuss the evolution of these wines under Prue and Stephen's stewardship.Most Australian wine drinkers are likely familiar with the style of Barossa Valley shiraz, but I think Eden Valley is possibly less well understood.I started the episode by asking Prue about the fundamental differences between the wines from these two neighbouring regions.

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.Daniel Motlop played a total of 130 senior AFL games for the North Melbourne and Port Adelaide football clubs.A three-time Indigenous All-Star, Daniel is a proud Larrakia man. The Larrakia people are the traditional owners of the Darwin region in Australia's Northern Territory.And since finishing playing footy, Daniel has embarked on a new career as an indigenous food and beverage entrepreneur.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresYou may have heard previously on this podcast how Daniel – through his food business Something Wild – created his first spirit, Green Ant Gin, in partnership with Adelaide Hills Distillery's Sacha La Forgia.Green Ant Gin has been hugely successful. And in April 2020, the ASX-listed company now known as Mighty Craft purchased a controlling interest in the brand to work with Daniel in accelerating its growth.They've recently announced that Green Ant Gin is just the first in a range of products they'll be releasing under a new banner, Seven Seasons Spirits.I caught up with Daniel to find out some more about the origins of Something Wild, and his exciting plans to take Seven Seasons Spirits to the world.And I took the opportunity to ask his opinion on some of the ethical considerations involved with using native ingredients in drinks, as many Australian producers rush to embrace these incredibly unique flavours.

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.Cocktail festival Australian Cocktail Month was founded by influential industry figure Penny Sippe.The event runs from May 1-31 in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide with the objective of supporting the cocktail and broader hospitality industry.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresDrinkers can unlock unique bar experiences, escape the day to day and enjoy delicious cocktails with the Australian Cocktail Month ticket.The $20 ticket, which is available online HERE, allows guests access to a special menu of cocktails created exclusively for the month.The menu will be available at participating venues, with cocktails priced at $14, and non-alcoholic options at $10.

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.Sydney distillery Otter Craft Distilling was founded by Julie Otter and her brother Eduard in 2019.While Eduard has extensive drinks industry experience, Julie's background is as an executive in the fashion and beauty sectors.Most recently, she was CEO of Australian fashion label Sass & Bide, and she's done stints at MAC Cosmetics, Jeanswest and sleepwear brand Peter Alexander.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresThere's a lot of 'lifers' in the drinks industry – people who get into it early on in their careers and never leave.As such I always find it interesting to speak with people with different career backgrounds who bring a new perspective on things, which is exactly what we get from Julie in this episode.I started by asking Julie how she came to the decision to leave a successful career and take the plunge into launching a start-up in the distilling industry.

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.Wolf Blass is undoubtedly one of Australia's most iconic and acclaimed wine brands.The company conceived by German immigrant Wolfgang Blass in 1966 has received more than 10,000 medals and trophies globally for its wines.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresWe're joined this episode by chief winemaker Chris Hatcher, who has been with Wolf Blass since 1987 and has played an integral role in the continued evolution of its wines.This is a special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of Wolf Blass.The occasion is the launch of the 2021 Wolf Blass Luxury Collection comprising five reds and one white, showcasing South Australia's premier wine regions: Grey Label Adelaide Hills Chardonnay 2019 – RRP $45 Grey Label McLaren Vale Shiraz 2019 – RRP $45 Grey Label Langhorne Creek Cabernet Shiraz 2019 – RRP $45 Black Label Barossa, Langhorne Creek, McLaren Vale Cabernet Shiraz 2018 – RRP $130 Platinum Label Medlands Vineyard, Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018 – RRP $200 Platinum Label Medlands Vineyard, Barossa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 – RRP $200 The wines are available now, direct from wolfblass.com.I started this interview by asking Chris how these new release wines would compare stylistically to those Wolf Blass was making when Chris joined the business 34 years ago.

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.Craft beer pioneer and winemaker Phil Sexton is a legendary figure in the Australian drinks industry. He founded Matilda Bay Brewing Company, Australia's first craft brewery, in 1983.After Foster's acquired Matilda Bay, Phil went on to co-found arguably the country's most influential craft brewery, Little Creatures.He established Margaret River wine company Devil's Lair in 1981, and in 1997 came his foray into cooler climate wines in the Yarra Valley, where he created the Innocent Bystander and Giant Steps wine brands.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresPhil has had a very eventful 18 months. In October 2019 he shocked the brewing world when he announced he would relaunch craft beer company Matilda Bay Brewing from his base in Healesville, partnering with the brand's current owner, Carlton & United Breweries.And in August 2019, he announced the sale of Giant Steps to US company Jackson Family Wines.The deal follows his successful exits from Devil's Lair, sold to Southcorp – now known as Treasury Wine Estates – in 1996; Little Creatures, which floated on the stock exchange in 2005 before being wholly acquired by Lion; and Innocent Bystander, which he sold to Brown Brothers in 2016.In a long overdue interview on the Drinks Adventures podcast, Phil updates us on the goings on at the reborn Matilda Bay, as well as Giant Steps, post the sale.We touch on some of the earlier chapters in his career and get his thoughts on recent industry developments such as the sale of fellow Yarra winery Oakridge to Woolworths subsidiary Endeavour Group, plus the demise of his former employer in the US, the pioneering Portland brewery Bridgeport.And the conversation goes down a few other rabbit holes that I hope you enjoy exploring as much as I did.There's a few earlier episodes of Drinks Adventures that I recommend you listen to after today's episode, if you haven't already.In Season 1, we met Janice McDonald, who worked alongside Phil at Matilda Bay, Devil's Lair and Little Creatures, so that's essential listening for another perspective on those early years.And in Season 2, our documentary on Stone & Wood Brewing Company, whose co-founders Brad Rogers, Jamie Cook and Ross Jurisich were previously involved with Matilda Bay.First off in today's episode, I asked Phil how he came to the decision to sell Giant Steps, a company revered for its single vineyard expressions of pinot noir and chardonnay.

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.Gin distiller Audemus Spirits was founded by Australian Miko Abouaf in 2013.Despite its location in Cognac, France, Audemus has made its name on other spirits. These incude its flagship Pink Pepper Gin, plus liqueurs, bitters and offbeat experiments like Umami Spirit, created from ingredients including Italian capers and parmesan cheese.Audemus's creativity and distilling prowess was recognised in 2020 at the Icons of Gin Awards, when it was named Craft Producer of the Year.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresFull disclosure, it was Andrew Burge from our partner The Gin Society who suggested that Miko his business partner Ian Spink would be great talent for the podcast.Andrew sold me pretty quickly on this interview as I was pretty intrigued by the Audemus story.I wanted to ask Miko how it was that an Australian could find himself distilling gin in Cognac.

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 brand That Boutique-y Whisky Company bottles single malts, blends, grain whiskies, bourbons and more from right across the globe.Each whisky release is distinctively packaged with eye-catching illustrations that are inspired in some way by the story behind the liquid.In this opening episode of Season Nine of the Drinks Adventures podcast, we introduce you to Boutique-y Head of Whisky Sam Simmons and global brand ambassador Dave Worthington.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresThe occasion? Well, their first ever Australia Series is launching globally on April 23, 2021.It features eight whiskies sourced from across the country, starting with Victorian distillery Starward, the champion of red wine cask maturation. Also featured is fellow Drinks Adventures alumni Bakery Hill; Killara and Belgrove in Tasmania, Black Gate and Riverbourne in NSW and Tin Shed and Fleurieu in South Australia.You can find everything else you need to know about the whiskies on the Drinks Adventures website, drinksadventures.com.au, and I'll link directly to the article in the show notes.This interview is the second half of a podcast exchange with Dave and Sam. I chatted with them a few weeks ago on their show, Uncorked Whisky Sessions, which you should definitely check out and subscribe to.

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.Distillery Hickson House is scheduled to open to the public before 2021 is out.Normally on this podcast, you're hearing from companies that have already been in operation for at least a few years or possibly much longer.In this case I'm making an exception to speak with the founders of a business that is still in planning.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresHickson House Distilling is scheduled to open to the public in June 2021, and it's a significant project on a number of levels.It's a full-scale production distillery located in the historic Rocks precinct in the centre of Sydney.And then there's the profiles of its founders. Drinks industry veterans Mikey Enright and Julian Train are the team behind some Sydney's best small bars.They have The Barber Shop – renowned for its selection of more than 700 gins – and The Duke of Clarence, their incredibly authentic homage to an English pub.So it's safe to assume that the hospitality side of the project will be second to none.Mikey and Julian are joined on this project by distiller Tim Stones, most recently of Manly Spirits in Sydney.Tim learnt his craft alongside master distiller Desmond Payne at Beefeater Gin in London, who we met in season two of this podcast.Hickson House will be producing gins, aperitifs, whiskies and specialist spirits.But as you'll hear in this episode, some of the other details are still under wraps. I did what I could to get as much info as possible for you.Now, as there are more voices in this episode than we're accustomed to, it probably helps to tell you that Julian is the one with the Australian accent.But it's Mikey you'll hear from first up, giving you the background on how the project was first conceived.

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.Formerly of Bell's Brewing in Michigan, USA, and West End Brewery in Adelaide, Karli Small has a background in sensory science.Karli began her brewing career as a lab technician at West End. She held a series of brewing roles there before relocating to the US to join Bell's, the company behind Two Hearted IPA, which was voted the best beer in America four years running.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresFinishing as brewing manager at Bell's in September 2019, Karli returned to Australia and ultimately took a job in Sydney as head brewer & production manager at one of my locals, The Grifter Brewing Company.I started by asking Karli how it was that she found her way from Michigan to Marrickville.

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.People often scoff at wine being described as having notes of blackberry and sandalwood, or beers that smell of citrus and fresh herbs.But there is actually science underpinning some of these associations.Harold McGee is a world renowned expert on the chemistry of food and drink.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresHis latest book, Nose Dive, is a field guide to the entire world of smell.It doesn't matter how weird or offensive a smell is. If you can name it, Harold's smelt it. And he explains the science behind every imaginable smell in this accessible and entertaining guide.Harold joins us for this must-listen interview on the Drinks Adventures podcast.

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.Cognac enthusiast Holly Klintworth is head distiller at Bass and Flinders Distillery on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.The business was founded by Holly's father Wayne Klintworth in 2009 with a desire to make high quality gins, brandies, and liqueurs.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresIt's brandy that you'll be hearing the most about in this episode, as Holly tells us why her family chose a path that is currently less travelled in Australian distilling.Brandy has an incredibly rich history in Australia but it has a little bit of an image problem, which funnily enough, is fairly similar to what gin was confronting little more than a decade ago.In this episode, Holly will tell you about her passion for brandy and why you should be including it as part of your spirits repertoire.We also discuss her gins distilled from a wine base, including the Heartbreak Pinot Noir Gin.But first, Holly will tell you a little bit more about her background and how she came to succeed her father Wayne in the family business.

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.Coffee cocktails are on the rise thanks to Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, now ranged by many of the world’s best bars, restaurants and retailers.Parent company Mr Black Spirits was founded by distiller Philip Moore and coffee lover Tom Baker in 2013.The duo had the mission of taking Australian coffee culture into the night with a high quality coffee liqueur.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresMr Black is the highest selling Australian spirit in the USA, and in 2021 was ranked as the #4 top trending liqueur in the world by Drinks International magazine.The company has a brilliant story and some exciting developments on the horizon that co-founder Tom Baker will share with you in this exciting episode.

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.Gin distillery Four Pillars is based in Victoria's Yarra Valley wine region.It finally broke ground on the $6 million redevelopment of its Healesville distillery and cellar door in early February 2021.You might remember that Cameron Mackenzie of Four Pillars Gin foreshadowed this major project back in Season Three.You may also like:Wine episodes on Drinks AdventuresIf you haven't heard that episode yet I really encourage you to go back and listen to Cam tell the back story of Four Pillars Gin – it's definitely one of the best interviews we've brought you so far on the show.Now, Cam returns to discuss the redevelopment in this bonus episode of the podcast.