I created this website for lovers of Martinis, craft spirits and cocktail culture to give them an Australian point of view.

The site features reviews and the definitive (and frequently updated) lists of Aussie Gin, Vodka,  Rum, Vermouth and Australian Whisky

Editorial Policy

I’m editorially independent, buy my own booze mostly, and come from a supportive, but critical point of view. If I’m a guest or receive hospitality such as products to review, I’ll let you know- see my disclosure policy below.

When reviewing a product I’ll measure it against my experience, and more importantly, against the ambition of the maker.

So if they’re aiming for the best gin in the world, then that’s the benchmark they’ll be placed against, if its just an honest product, then that’s fine too, I’m no snob.

For over a dozen years I worked as a fine dining manager around the world, a professional event organiser and social entrepreneur. I ran restaurants and later an events company in Canberra, Sydney, Port Douglas, Ottawa, London, Scotland and elsewhere.

So I’ve a love and understanding of the industry, and if I’m critical, its coming from a ‘tough love’ point of view.

I’m also the Chair of Judges for the Canberra and Capital Region Tourism Awards and a National Judge for the Australian Tourism Awards.Plus I’ve been invited to be a judge at the inaugural New Zealand Spirits Awards and the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia’s Distilling Awards in 2019, in addition to being engaged as a judge for a range of tourism, hospitality and customer service awards programs.

I created the Centenary Martini (aka the Centini) to mark the 100th Birthday of Canberra, Australia’s Capital in 2013. That really flushed out the enthusiasm for the most elegant of cocktails in that city. You can read this page to find out more about that adventure.

In 2015 I had the honour of presenting the first ever TED talk on the Martini which you watch here on YouTube when you’ve a few moments.

I can be commissioned for bespoke creations, hosting events such as masterclasses, and a frequent guest speaker and presenters on craft spirits, and of course, the Martini.  You can read more about those opportunities here.

Why the Martini Whisperer?
Like many good things, this happened over a great Martini. I was leaving the wonderful Eau du Vie bar in Melbourne one night after a few cocktails with a friend, and on our way out a posse of lovely actresses came by and insisted I join them for a drink.

My companion suggested that I was well placed to order a Martini for them all.

So I took a moment to look into their eyes, and composed a Martini just for them (‘I think for you,  a medium dry Plymouth Gin with a twist.’) which the superb bar staff took note of for the dozen guests, each one unique.
Once they sampled the cocktails they acclaimed me as the ‘Martini Whisperer’! and that was that!

Here’s a short clip about how it all started, plus three cocktail recipes.

Tune In via Instagram & Facebook & YouTube

You can expect daily updates and Martini inspiration via my instagram @themartiniwhisperer and posts several times a week on bars, spirits and events via facebook here.

From 2020 there is also a YouTube channel with additional features.

Media Appearances and Interviews

You can discover several articles featuring my media appearances and more on this page.

DISCLOSURE POLICY
This policy is valid from 13 March 2014

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog does not accept any form of cash advertising, sponsorship, or paid topic insertions.

However, we will and do accept and keep free products, services, travel, event tickets, and other forms of compensation from companies and organizations.

This blog abides by word of mouth marketing standards. We believe in honesty of relationship, opinion and identity.

The compensation received may influence the advertising content, topics or posts made in this blog. That content, advertising space or post will be clearly identified as paid or sponsored content.

The owner(s) of this blog is compensated to provide opinion on products, services, websites and various other topics. Even though the owner(s) of this blog receives compensation for our posts or advertisements, we always give our honest opinions, findings, beliefs, or experiences on those topics or products.

The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers’ own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question.

This blog does not contain any content which might present a conflict of interest.

To get your own policy, go to http://www.disclosurepolicy.org