Since my last update, a far bit has gone on, not always welcome. A mix of some personal and professional challenges, such is life.

So my planned for review and other content creation plan pretty much went out the window since my adventures in the USA in February.

That said, I can see some clear air ahead and I have been able to schedule some more articles etc for you over the coming weeks in a more systematic fashion.

I am also lining up some live interviews with makers via my instagram channel very soon – so look out for those such as Rockwell Vermouth from the USA, and Sandy Grey Distillery from Tasmania who recently produced a rather good, albeit potent, Absinthe.

Previously I mentioned my series about craft distilling and cocktail culture in development, and that is moving ahead steadily…. my producer and I have landed the series structure, episode structure, pitch deck, a new name and a bunch more. So now I will decide where to shoot the pilot segment later in the year, so we have something to pitch to streaming channels to.  Exciting times!

This is why it’s so important that I’ve been tracking the distilling industry for over a decade now and keep my lists up to date as I follow their stories, evolution and innovation. I’m now shortlisting potential talent for the series.

So here’s the current state of play of distillers in Australia

• Gin: 645
• Rum: 76
• Vodka: 177
• Whisky of various styles: 220

Of course there are some doubling up there of makers producing several types of spirits. You’ll find the lists and more here.

Of late a few gin makers have also closed their doors or gone into administration, which is not surprising given there are so many for such a small market in Australia, with a few brands having dominant market share. Not to mention their sheer cost of doing business here, and very high taxation, so I expect more to follow alas.

Coming up also soon is an overview about the New Zealand gin scene, and hopefully I’ll have confirmation of my participation at this years craft spirits award as one of their international judge in Wellington in July, fingers crossed!

Meantime, Canberra locals stay tuned for some cocktail and martini experiences in the next few months too.

Until next time.

Phillip