It has been an interesting past weeks for me and there is a lot coming up that is very exicting to be part of.

First up, you will notice a new look on the website. Some gremlins got into the system recently and I woke up to find the content looking very 2020.

A slight panic ensued, and thankfully all my articles since then were safe in the “backend” but not appearing when you searched for them, or visible on the website.

So a day spent with customer support, an upgrade and some technical fixes, and the new look site is here.

Heck, you can even support my work with its admin costs via a donation at bottom of the homepage now- thanks!

NEW DISTILLERS LISTED

Yes, they keep coming, and whilst some are rationalising their operations like closing their tasting rooms to minimise costs, other new entrants are debuting.

So I’ve updated the lists of:

• All the Australian gin, vodka, whisky, rum makers
• New Zealand makers of fine gin
• Plus a directory of Melbourne based (within 50km of the CBD) and Regional Victorian locations with links back to their respective websites etc
• You’ll find these and other helpful lists pinned on my homepage.

INDUSTRY JUDGING AND MORE

I have the honour of being invited to MC the upcoming Australian Distillers Conference in June. This will be several days of bringing together the who’s who of the industry, and will include tours, a tasting night, gala dinner and a great line up of speakers.

I’ll be bringing my A-game to keep 500+ distillers and industry insiders on the straight path over several days.

But you can expect some plenty of content via my Instagram and more along the way.

As part of that, I’m on the judging panel for the inaugural awards program for the industry including Distiller of the Year, so that an interesting read of their submissions, including also an inspiring Sustainability category and seeing the innovation and technology that is being deployed to make fine spirits in a sustainble and resource efficient way.

Coming up in July I’m also joining the judging panel for the Australian International Spirits Awards for gins + vodkas for the Royal Melbourne Show, which is going to fascinating. I’ve judged other awards in Australia + New Zealand, but this is one of the most prestigious in the country, so I was thrilled to be invited to join them.

Finally, more YouTube goodness in my Meet the Distillers series. I sliced up parts of my World Gin Day marathon from last year when I spoke with makers from around the world for over three hours.

Now there are several 20 minute or so conversations, including this one with the head distiller of the venerable Plymouth Gin from the UK, a must watch for any gin lover and a fine gent as well.

I should also mention that due to the ADA Conference I’ll be a bit busy for this year’s World Gin Day, but I may be doing something virtual for the World Martini Day on the 20th, so stay tuned.