Eat, drink and be Merry! With our Christmas Gift Guide well underway we have you covered for what to buy. Now we bring you the latest releases in wines, spirits and beer to enjoy over the holiday season
Strange Nature Gin – A twist from the ordinary
This is a good looking gin that breaks the mold and has just been awarded 98/100 ‘Gold Outstanding’ at the International Wines & Spirits Competition in London, along with design awards in LA for its beautifuful bottle. Crafted from New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, it is a grape-based gin which offers something a little different. It has a playful blend of tropical and zesty notes, with by herbaceous undertones thanks to the use of a single botanical, juniper allowing the natural flavors to shine through. We love its sustainability creds: The gin is made from a by-product of winemaking, and the bottles are part of a hospitality recycling program, reducing waste. RRP $89.99 https://www.strangenaturegin.com/ and Dan Murphys.
Yellowstone Select Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey
Founded in 1872, this isn’t a streaming TV series involving cowboys and Kevin Costner, but it does hero the heritage of American bourbon. Hand-picked by Paul and Steve Beam, and is a blend of two high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon whiskies, one aged four years and another aged seven years, making it perfect for sipping or mixing. It’s oh so easy drinking. I really like its toasty, vanilla, caramel nose with a touch of cinamon and allspice. Taste wise think soft peaches, toffee and caramel which give it lovely warm tones. Available at Dan Murphy’s, RRP: $108.99.null
Underground Spirits Unveils ‘Let’s Get Loud(ish) Summer Gin’
After the smashing success of last year’s “Quite Please Gin,” award-winning Underground Spirits Australia is back, turning up the volume with their new “Let’s Get Loud(ish) Summer Gin” teaming up with ACT’s premier summer sporting event, the Workday Canberra International, and the dynamic, inclusive Pink Tennis community. This limited-edition gin is crafted to embody the vibrant spirit of Australia’s longest-continuously running LGBTQIA+ sports club. It is infused with locally inspired botanicals Tennis Ball Banksia and the floral Super Dooper Boronia with a bright, zesty finish of pink grapefruit, it’s the perfect companion for summer festivities. RRP $75 at Underground Spirits.
We Smoky – Single Grain Scotch Whisky
Well, this ain’t no ordinary branding, or whisky bottle. It’s a hell-of-a-lotta-fun with neon pink branding and a cobalt blue bottle. You couldn’t get further from a Scottish kilt even though it’s made in Edinburgh. This single-grain whisky is finished in peated casks, giving it a unique smoky character. It has a lovely aroma from the light peat smoke, subtle fruitiness, and a hum of vanilla. It has a more complex flavor profile than I expected with a smooth and fruity flavour with lovely ripe berries. It’s a cracker in a cocktail such as smoky paloma (salt rim, 60ml wee smoky, squeeze of lime and capi grapefruit soda – yumo!). See Liquorland RRP $79.00
Hendricks’ Cabinet of Curiosities – Grand Cabaret Gin
The latest Limited Edition release from Hendricks’ Cabinet of Curiosities range is the Grand Cabaret. This is a fruit and floral forward number both in terms of the nose and palate. Think delicate and soft with berries and stone fruits highlighting the sweeter elements rather than the more traditional botanical focused gins. It evokes cozy winter cocktails at home with your romantic partner and equally lends itself to lazy summer afternoons with friends generously poured into a jug with tonic, cucumber and ice. The beautiful purple and lavender bottle looks gorgeous on my drinks trolley too! Get yours whilst it lasts at Dan Murphys $78.95
Glen Moray Sherry Cask Finish: A Delightful Speyside Gem
Value for money I think this is a standout single malt whisky from the Speyside region of Scotland. It’s first matured in American oak barrels then finished in fine Oloroso sherry casks sourced from Jerez in Spain, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile. The aroma is dried fruit, cinnamon, and toffee, with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate. The sherry influence adds a savory nuttiness and it has flavors of sweet vanilla, dark chocolate, and oriental spices. The sherry finish adds depth with a smooth finish.
Available at both Dan Murphy’s, and BWS RRP from $65.99
Best’s Wines 2024 Blanc de Noir – made from Shiraz grapes
If you are a bubble lover, the traditional champagne blend is chardonnay, pinot noir & a touch of pinot meunier, then there is Blanc de Blanc, meaning white of white or 100% chardonnay, but less often you see a Blanc de Noir meaning a sparkling white wine made from red grapes … confused yet? Last year was the first time they made this cuvee. This vintage is from Sugarloaf Creek vineyard where they had an excess of grapes. Rather than it go to waste this cuvee is born! This year has been is influenced by a wet spring and early-harvest 100% Shiraz grapes, resulting in a dry, citrus crisp white wine. It has notes of apricots, orange citrus, and stone fruits. The palate is bright with citrus flavors, finishing with a zesty lemon finish. Best’s Cellar Door and select fine wine retailers. RRP $30
Drop of Sunshine – Reese Witherspoon x Treasury Wine Estate
Reese Witherspoon’s multi-media company Hello Sunshine has been changing the narrative for women through acclaimed film, television, music projects, and beloved brands like Reese’s Book Club, The Home Edit, and The Bright Side putting women into the leading roles. They have collaborated with Treasury Wine Estates to create a premium wine range developed by women, for women. I am currently drinking their Pinot Grigio – it’s richer than most, and might convert chardy lovers with stone fruit falvours, some spice and honey, it has a nice structure and acidity with a creamy mouthfeel. Add that to it’s other BFF’s in the range Prosecco and Sauvignon Blanc and you have a great party. So raise a glass to celebrate your girlfriends and celebrate “…true collaboration, created with care to inspire bright moments of celebration and togetherness.” Buy here from $19.99
Casillero del Diablo Reserva Privada Carmenere
Casillero Del Diablo has earned B Corp certification for its social and environmental impact commitment. Using 100% renewable energy, the winery is dedicated to zero carbon emissions and holds the Wines of Chile Sustainability Code accreditation. Additionally, 98% of its waste is reused, composted, or recycled. This is a vibrant wine and has a nose filled with cherries. On the palate, it has a lovely burst of ripe cherries and plums with soft earthy spices, cofee and a smooth, mid length finish thanks to the minimal use of oak. Buy at Dan Murphy’s for $26.99.
Redman Wines 2023 Sangiovese: A Taste of Italy in Australia
“Sangiovese” comes from a Latin term meaning “the blood of Jove,” a reference to the Roman god Jupiter. It is a classic Italian varietal, but Redman uses the beautiful soils of the Limestone Coast, South Australia
Limestone Coast with minimal intervention. It’s scented with red berry aromas, hints of earthiness, and a touch of smoke. Its a mid-lightweight wine (if you like pinot) with smooth fruit flavors light on tannins. Italy in a glass minus the carbon miles! RRP $30 at Redman Wines.
and for something different…
Scarborough Wine Co.’s New Range of Wines in a Can
Full disclosure. I LOVE this winery. One of my first romantic weekends to the Hunter saw me fall in love with my partner, and their Chardonnay. Today their cellar door wine tasting is better than most, with a sit down experience with cheese and biccies! It is a beautiful tasting room in the original house of Ian Scarborough and his wife. So I was a bit sceptical about the ‘wine in a can range’. This innovative collection includes a White Spritz Vermentino, Rosé Spritz Pinot Noir, Light White Chardonnay, and Light Red Tempranillo Joven. Each can is made from wines fom their Offshoot range. The White Spritz Vermentino bursts with fruity and floral notes, with a touch of bubbles which is really lovely. The Rosé Spritz Pinot Noir is crisp and watermelon-like, with a hint of effervescence and the quality comes through. The Light White Chardonnay doesnt’ have the bold flavour profile of its signature ‘yellow bottle range’ but it is elegant with citrus and lemon flavors, while the Light Red Tempranillo Joven is smooth and easy-drinking. These wines are not only delicious but recyclable, convenient for picnics, beach days, or simply enjoying a casual evening at home when you don’t want a whole bottle. RRP$36 for four cans at Scarborough Wines
And at the end of the day, or a start of new one: Hydralyte
As a bonus to help you recover this season: Hydralyte is a game-changer for staying hydrated! This electrolyte solution is perfect for athletes, busy professionals, and anyone needing a hydration boost. It’s a great way to recover after a workout, a long day, or even a night out. The benefits are clear: it helps replenish vital electrolytes and fluids, supports energy levels, and aids in rapid recovery. With Hydralyte, you’re not just drinking water—you’re optimizing your body’s hydration with science-backed benefits. Say goodbye to fatigue and hello to feeling revitalised with Hydralyte!
