Curated cocktail-related articles, local and international spirit and bar news, new bars and recommended reads.
Old Mate’s Rooftop – Photo Credit: Supplied
Old Mate’s Place Rooftop
After opening in August 2018, Old Mate’s Place by owners Dre Walters (exf The Lobo Plantation, Kittyhawk), Gabrielle Walters (BarGeek) and Daniel Noble (ex Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern) has revealed their completed rooftop bar. Guests now have the choice of enjoying the same cocktail list throughout the whole venue.In line with the new rooftop, the opening hours at Old Mate’s Place have been extended into the daytime from Thursday to Sunday (12pm-2am). Old Mate’s Place is located on Level 4, 199 Clarence Street, Sydney.
Cape Byron Distillery Whisky
Cape Byron Distillery in Byron Bay NSW has revealed that it has commenced whisky production. Watch our video with industry legend, Jim McEwan and Cape Byron Distiller Eddie Brook on location as they discuss the next chapter for the distillery.
Cantina OK!
The team behind Tio’s Cerveceria in Surry Hills have opened Cantina OK!, in the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The 20px venue down an alleyway has a solid focus on Mezcal. Read more about Cantina OK! in our feature article here.
Joe Schofield
Joe Schofield, International Bartender of the Year at Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards 2018 and winner of Bartender’s Bartender at World’s 50 Best Bars 2018 held a Bar Takeover at The Duke of Clarence and a trade masterclass at The Barber Shop in Sydney. Joe shared insights into Classic vs Contemporary Cocktails, his beverage philosophies and cocktail recipe from his upcoming bar, Schofield’s in Manchester. Follow our instagram page @cocktails_bars for the recipes.
Japanese Whisky
In Japanese whisky, Yamazaki and Nikka have announced that they will discontinue more releases. After the demise of Hibiki 17 yo and Hakushu 12 yo in May 2018, Shirokaku’s 700ml, 1.92l, 2.7l and 4l bottles, single grain Chita’s 350ml bottles, and blended whisky Kakubin’s 450ml bottles will be culled. Nikka will discontinue Nikka 12 yo, as well as the Coffey Grain and Malt whiskies. (source)
In Australia, Suntory has released Toki whisky, designed or highballs and cocktails. Meanwhile, for the Japanese market, Suntory Yamazaki are capturing the ‘Essence of Spain’ with the release of ‘The Essence of Suntory bottlings with Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki Spanish Oak, Montilla Wine Cask, and Re-Fill Sherry Cask. (source)
Salt-Flavoured Vodka
Flavoured vodkas are certainly not what they used to be with more adult-flavours into the mix. Capitalising on salt as a flavour enhancer in cocktails, Sazerac Company has released Saltworks Property Himalayan Pink Salt vodka and Saltworks Property Smoked Sea Salt vodka. Anyone for a Bloody Mary? (source)
Saline Solution Library
And while on the subject of salt, ex Aviary bartender Michael Kudra of Michelin-starred Quince restaurant in San Francisco has taken salt to another level. He makes solutions out of Himalayan pink salt, black volcanic salt, matcha salt, smoked bourbon barrel salt, and his own blend with a ration of 80 millilitres of water to 20 grams of salt. (source)
Opening a new cocktail bar soon? Contact us here, and don’t forget to check our Bars Directory and updated Australian Distillery Directory.
