Welcome to 2026, and given we are all living in “interesting times” around the world these days, I think many of us will need a stiff drink more than ever!

So I’ll do my bit this year to bring you interesting and quality spirits to discover, and introduce you to the talented and passionate people who make them.

I’ve just updated the lists with new Australian distillers to meet and visit, and in particular those in regional Victoria, who are doing it tough during the current Aussie bushfire + flood season, and could use your support.

– Regional Victoria distillers: here

– Aussie Gin: here

– Australian Vodka makers: here

– Plus Australian Rum: here 

Also, for my Melbourne pals, please save the evening of the 19th February as I’ll be hosting an exclusive Martini masterclass featuring the new Australian luxury vodka brand, Voulez at the Sofitel Hotel in Melbourne. This is one classy spirit, based on both specially sourced grain and organic potatoes for a silky smooth and ultra clean palette.

Tickets will be available soon, and so keep a lookout on my Instagram channel – don’t forget to follow me!

New Meet the Distillers Episode

This week I was invited to visit a Melbourne distillery who make some very fine Rakjia,  which dates back to the 14th century or older in the Balkans, and the team at Kabina Distilling Co, are very proud of their Macedonian roots. They set out to create the world’s best and base it on single vineyard Australian shiraz grapes from McClaren Vale in South Australia, using a twice-distilled process which you can learn about in this Youtube episode. The spirit is silky smooth, subtle and really elevates what this classic spirit can be. Apologies for the dodgy camera work – and I hadn’t even had some of the fine stuff yet!