Infinity Cocktails, Japan’s First Vermouth, Jack Daniel’s New Master Distiller, High Jinks Canberra Turns One, ADSA judging underway and more in this week’s industry news.
High Jinks Canberra – Photo Supplied
High Jinks Canberra Turns One
One year ago, owner and operator, Noriel Calub, opened High Jinks in Canberra as a space that would feel like everyone’s local. The venue has endured smokey skies and forced lockdowns and thanks to a loyal local following, the bar has made its way through this first year. To celebrate, the High Jinks team is putting on a week-long celebration from Monday 19 October to Saturday 24 October with big band tunes and a cocktail list of New Orleans Classics to transport visitors to the melting pot of The Big Easy.
Japan’s First Vermouth
Shochu producer Tsutsumi Distillery in Japan has launched Oka Kura Bermutto, a junmai sake fortified with rice shochu and infused with botanicals indigenous to Japan. The vermouth “pours a faint yellow, with some sediment left over from sake filtration, and leans toward the weight and profile of a dry vermouth—albeit with notes of yuzu, grapefruit, green apple, pear and peach.” (source)
Infinity Cocktails
You’ve heard of the infinity bottle, where whisky enthusiasts make their own blend by throwing together various whiskeys. The infinity cocktail shares similarities by combining various spirits with multiple modifiers and sweeteners which begs the question, would you drink it. (source)
Chris Fletcher Becomes Jack Daniel’s New Master Distiller
Following the departure of Jeff Arnett after 12 years as Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Brown-Forman has appointed Chris Fletcher as his replacement.
Fletcher, who visited Australia in 2016 for Jack Daniel’s 150th anniversary was born in Lynchburg and has served as assistant master distiller at Jack Daniel’s for six years before taking up the position. His new role involves maintaining the quality of Jack Daniel’s, overseeing innovation, serving as a global ambassador and managing the new Distillers in Training programme. (source)
Australian Distilled Spirits Awards 2020
The judging for the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (ADSA) 2020 is underway. Led by Bad Frankie bar owner, Seb Costello, the judging is held remotely with trophy judging taking place on 26 October followed by the virtual presentation on 12 November 2020.
Maybe Sammy Wins Art of Hospitality Award
In case you missed it, Sydney’s very own Maybe Sammy was named the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award as part of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2020. The full results will be announced in a digital countdown on 5th November, at 3pm UK time.
From Our Socials
- Ester Spirits Strong Gin: tasting notes and cocktails (source)
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