The Christmas and New Year sense of adventure sees average spend skyrocket and consumers exploring more premium, and sometimes rare Champagnes. Is it the time of year that makes us lose our usual sensitivity to price? If that is the case, it’s nice to know you’re getting top quality when dipping into the ‘luxury compartment’ of the wallet. The three Champagnes below fit the bill when looking for something more ...

  Patrón has released a blend of its oldest and rarest tequilas in a handmade, limited edition Lalique crystal decanter. Only 500 of these decanters, named Patrón en Lalique: Serie 1, have been created in the world and just one will be available in Australia, valued at US$7,500. Inspired by Mexico’s indigenous Weber Blue Agave plant, the amber crystal bottle stopper has been shaped to represent the heart of the agave. ...

McWilliam’s and Casella Family Brands today announced the sale and purchase respectively of the Brand’s of Coonawarra winery and assets. The financial terms of the sale are commercial in confidence and include the purchase of the Brand’s winery, cellar door and brand IP. Commenting on the sale, McWilliam’s Wines CEO, Rob Blackwell said: “The sale of Brand’s was a very difficult decision to make but is consistent with our objective ...

The Australian Mens Water Polo team played host to Italy on Sydney Harbour this weekend, watched by 500 invited guests floating alongside on Starship Sydney, anchored in Campbell’s Cove. The International Cruise Ship Terminal, Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge provided the backdrop for drinks industry guests (principally Sydney on-trade) enjoying Champagne Taittinger and 42 Below Vodka, plenty of sunshine and the chance to ‘bump’ into some elite European ...

The Australian Liquor Stores Association today announced the winner of the inaugural Young Retailer of the Year, recognising exceptional young liquor retailers from across the country. The winner is Krystal Hall from Western Australia. “Krystal made an exceptional impression on the judging panel with her energetic and innovative approach to liquor retailing and demonstrated that she is a worthy winner'” commented the association today. Krystal will now be invited to ...

An IGA south of Sydney in Yarrawarrah has had its liquor licence suspended for 14 days after being caught selling alcohol to a minor. Police caught the liquor store selling a 17-year-old a pack of bourbon and cola back in June. A secondary supply incident was also recorded by police at the same store a few months later. As a result, the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) has ...

A case involving an employee of a large South Australian wine producer last month should have caught the attention of everyone in the drinks trade, because it involved that ever-present industry hazard of an employee being over the limit in the workplace. By Walter MacCallum, Director, Aitken Lawyers The employer had recently implemented a trial workplace drug and alcohol policy at one of its plants in Berri. The policy aimed to maintain a safe environment, compliant with ...

Diageo Australia has launched a new responsible drinking campaign that tells consumers to ‘Know Your Standards’. The campaign will be displayed through high impact posters, drink coasters and digital screens in pubs, bars and clubs in Sydney’s CBD and parts of Queensland from Christmas. The aim of the campaign is to help young adults calculate the level of alcohol in their drink of choice. To do so, campaign visuals will show the ...

Producer of Starward whisky, New World Whisky Distillery, has received $10 million to expand production at its Melbourne site from a number of local and international investors, including Diageo. Diageo decided to invest in the distillery earlier this year through its Distill Ventures scheme; a scheme that supports the development of new spirits brands. As a result, Diageo now has a minority stake in the business, but the distillery will still remain as ...

Tequila Herradura has unveiled the fourth release from its ‘house’ series, Coleccion de la Casa, Reserva 2015. The new tequila, Directo de Alambique, has been crafted from 100 per cent blue agave and fermented with natural yeast. In addition, Master Distiller Maria Teresa Lara chose to bottle this tequila without any prior barrel ageing to retain fresh tequila flavour; Directo de Alambique translating to “Direct from the Still”. The result is a crystal-clear tequila ...