Vale Tomas Estes, Australian Cocktail Month launches, That Boutique-y Whisky Company Australia Series, experimental Baijiu-Style Spirit and more in industry news.
Tomas Estes, Sydney Bar Week 2016 – Photo © Cocktails & Bars
Tomas Estes
Tomas Estes, co-founder of Tequila Ocho and Café Pacifico in London has passed away. Tequila Ocho made the announcement on social media that he died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday 25 April 2021. Revered by many, Tequila Ocho has asked on those who knew him to share their memories by posting their favourite photo(s) or stories of him with the hashtag #RememberingTomas. Pictured above is Tomas Estes signing a copy of his book for us – The Tequila Ambassador – during his visit to Sydney in 2016 during Bar Week. Vale Tomas.
Australian Cocktail Month
Australian Cocktail Month founded by industry figure Penny Sippe launched last night at Hinchcliff House in Sydney marking a month of cocktails from 1 – 31 May in 72 bars across the 4 cities, namely Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. The month-long event is a celebration of cocktail culture and a way to encourage people back to bars after a difficult year. The $20 ticket allows guests access to a special menu of cocktails created exclusively for the month with cocktails priced at $14, and non-alcoholic options at $10. Take a look at the photos from the launch event here.
Jeff Arnett’s Distillery Project
Former Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller, Jeff Arnett has revealed plans to open a new distillery in Tennessee next year as part of a US$20 million investment to boost the US state’s whiskey industry. Company Distilling is set to open some of its facilities in autumn 2021 (USA), located in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. (source).
Baijiu-Style Spirit
Is Baijiu set to become the next popular spirit? Buffalo Trace is set to release an experimental Baijiu-style spirit in late April or early May (USA). The 45% ABV spirit was distilled like a whiskey and aged for 11 years in three separate casks: charred, uncharred, and toasted white oak. The release is said to have aromatic notes of chocolate and stone fruit. (source)
From Our Socials
- That Boutique-y Whisky Company Australia Series tasting notes (source)
- Sydney Rum Club Masterclass: The Sustainable Distillery (source)
- Sammy Junior offering a café by day and mini cocktails by night (source)
Opening a new cocktail bar or distillery? Contact us here.
