Welcome cocktail and craft spirits lover

Enjoy over 250 articles about cocktails, craft spirits, independent reviews, interviews with distillers and much more. Swing past the Articles Index page for the good stuff.

How to Drink

Any fool can get drunk. But as I’ve said on occasion, you’re not drinking a Martini to do that. It deserves better than, she’s a classy girl. By all means get some perspective on life, open up some doors in your mind, but keep yourself tidy. Too much craft has gone into the distilling and crafting of

Exclusive Martini masterclass in Melbourne

Hi Melbourne friends, As promised, here are the details of a special evening at the Sofitel Hotel on Collins Street on the 19th February 2026. Places are limited, and feel free to look the part as I share all my pro-tips, history, stories and more about the most iconic of cocktails: the Martini. I’ll be

Top Five Martinis for 2025

It’s that time! Somehow I didn’t get all the gin joints I had hoped to get to this year, life had other plans, but there were some opportunities to experience a decent cocktail in the wild and in some exotic places. As I said many times, the Martini is more than the sum of its

November 2025 Update

Hi friends, November is upon us already, and everything feels like it is going a million miles an hour for me, and I think that’s a good thing. Series Update   Firstly, thanks for all the watches and likes for my promotional reel I shared with you last month. I also debuted it on the

Introducing the Masters of Distilling promotional reel

I’m delighted to share with you the promotional, or sizzle reel, about my series that has been in development for several years. In fact, seven years in the making – starting with the original idea, and I filmed and produced the clip late last year with some of Australia’s best film and post-production team. I

Regional Victorian Distilleries – 19 January 2026

Need an excuse to have a road-trip? Or do you want to taste first-hand the inspiration of the distinct regions around Victoria and meet the makers? Then this list might be handy. I wanted to highlight the amazing distilleries located around beautiful Victoria. Of course, if somehow I’ve missed anyone, please let me know via

Pialligo Estate Food & Wine Weekend,4 +5 October 2025, Canberra

Friends, join me at this special event where I’ll be MCing a very special dinner with MasterChef Australia Callum Hann on the Saturday evening, at Pialligo Estate plus I’ll be hosting an exclusive gin masterclass on the Sunday! Here are the details, and you can purchase your tix below via the link. Saturday 4 –

Spring Update 2025

Well, welcome to Spring, or Autumn if you’re reading this North of the Equator! Today, in Canberra we’ve been treated to a dusting of snow and the ranges that surround the city, whilst the first blossoms are also out in bright sunshine. I’m taking it all in with a bittersweet feeling as I’ll be shifting

World Martini Day 2025

Happy World Martini Day! Some bright spark somewhere decided that June 21 should be a day when we celebrate the most iconic of cocktails, the most elusive in its perfection, and the one so layered with symbolism. Since we’ve gathered so many new subscribers since last year (thank you!) I thought it might be useful

Introducing Virtual Martini Masterclasses I

Want to become a master of the Martini just like me? Perhaps you are wanting to hold a get-together with family or friends, or gather your work colleagues to do something fun, and insightful? I’m delighted to introduce a new virtual masterclass experience to you. I have done these over several years from time to

World Gin Day 2025: June 14

Hi Friends, Yes, it is that time of year again when we celebrate all thing gin around the world. In the past, I’ve hosted special dinners (check out this and this)  or been a special guest of distillers at their events (such as here), but this year I’m doing something different. I’ll be streaming live

May Update 2025

I’m sneaking this month’s update in VERY late friends.  I’ll spare you the details, but let’s just say life has gotten in the way of late with the business of whispering up fine martinis and savouring excellent craft spirits. That said there has been plenty of things going on behind the scenes including the ongoing

April 2025 Update

Welcome to this month’s update! In the past while I’ve been focussed mostly on the series pilot and we’ve been able to pitch to several production houses of late and are getting a good response, but we still have a ways to go.  It’s been quite the journey so far, and one is learning a

Introducing Tanlines Distillery

This time around I’m bringing you some tropical vibes from the Queensland city of Townsville. Established as a small family run business in the early 2020’s with the ambition to create sustainably produced spirits inspired by his local region by Aaron Rieniets. With a fresh and easy going vibe, this range is unmistakably from the

Australian Brandy Producers List – updated 14 December 2025

Australia has a very long history of producing fine brandy harking back to the British Empire days. In fact, some of the local producers are marking 100 years in 2025, so it spurred me to create this list to complement my gin, whisky, vodka, rum and vermouth producer lists in Australia. With our internationally renowned

Visiting Starward Whisky

In January this year I finally was able to visit to the tasting room and distillery of the award winning Starward. They established this purpose built facility in 2017, moving from their first location a few kilometres from downtown Melbourne. I had the opportunity of a private tour, and my thanks to the team for