After a recent trip to Brissie, Bartender heard that some local lads were blending up their own whisky at the Laneway, so we chatted to Perryn Collier about what he was up to. “Blending whisky is by no stretch of the imagination a new idea,” Collier stated. “We decided to blend our own in house whiskey as a way of offering our patrons an interesting whisky experience that is unique to our venue, something that is unattainable elsewhere.”
News
The latest bar and bartender news.
You’ve heard of pop-up bars, but what about pop-up menus? Well the team at Lui Bar lead by David Nguyen-Luu (ex-Rockpool Bar & Grill, Sydney & Perth) and consulted by cocktailian extraordinaire Sebastian Raeburn have unveiled plans for their new look menu.
Are you a Sydney bartender? Just create a cocktail using Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur and a complimentary canapé, for the total set price of $20 per person.
David Broom is a man whose business it is to get around the world of whisk(e)y and he recently launched theworldmasterclass.com so that he might share his vast knowledge with those who dare. “The aim of The World Masterclass of Whisky is simple,” Broom told Bartender. “To educate people around the world about spirits! And whisky is just the start!”
It’s an encouraging sign when any operator can open one bar in any state or suburb, let alone two. However Perth entrepreneur Tony Tricarico (Malt Supper Club and Duchess) is on the verge of a small empire with his third venue, Lost Society, set to have just launched.
You don’t need to be a wizard to see that Mexican themed bars and agave spirits are on the rise in Australia. With Touché Hombre opening recently in Melbourne, El Publico in Perth and Tio’s Cervecería in Sydney, never has Australia had a better selection of joints to sip on a tequila e sangrita.
March has seen the launch of the Global Bartender Exchange an online network that connects international bartending communities. The project is the brain child of Fraser Campbell – an expat Scottish bartender – and Hannah Keirl who are both working at Melbourne’s The Alchemist.
James Packer (chairman of Crown), Shane Warne and Joe Hachem recently launched Melbourne’s ultra-exclusive night spot – Club 23. The opulent venue is set to set the standard for high-end tippling and with stunning panoramic views to boot it will be hard to top this venue when it comes offering a touch of luxury.
Maz Salt, Director of Melbourne’s Office of Public Works (behind Section 8, Baba and Southpaw) has unveiled plans for a new cocktail bar that should be serving up well-chilled drinks by the time this magazine arrives in your lap.
Ferdydurke, as the venue will be named, is located directly next to Section 8 on Tattersalls lane in Chinatown. At present Salt isn’t giving away a lot about his new venture though he is letting us know it will be an artistic driven venue
Perth is continuing to hot up with El Publico set to be up and running by the time this issue is doing the rounds. The new contemporary style Mexican venue is a collaboration from Paul Aron (ex-Greehouse), Michael Ford (ex-Der Raum & Catina 663) and Alex Cuccovia (ex-Cantina 663) and will look to bring a fun, up-tempo
Dave Beatty recently took on the role as National Brand Ambassador for Ketel One vodka, his appointment announced during Ketel One Global Ambassador Justin Smyth’s (pictured above left with Beatty) recent Australian visit.
Smyth was impressed by the local industry, stating: “Australia’s bartending scene is inspiring, on-trend and with a local spin.
Match Bar (Bar of the Year Australian Bar Awards 2011) has closed its doors after a three year tenure. “We would like to thank you all for your patronage and friendship for the last three years,” said bar manager Russ McFadden, and the Match team, when confirming the news recently.