Thirst quenchers, slow sippers, and all things beverage related.
An unexpected croiss-over
Not one for sticking with convention, the team at Four Pillars has debuted a collaborative gin with none other than Lune. Clarified butter has been distilled with almonds, wattle seed, nutmeg, juniper, organic oranges, nuts, and other botanicals, resulting in a gin that’s best suited for espresso martinis or a classic G&T. “I’ve never been thirsty for a croissant before, but once you taste this gin, you’ll understand what I mean,” says Lune Founder Kate Reid. Croissant gin is available for $80 from select Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores as well as from Four Pillars. fourpillarsgin.com
Electric feel
RTD brand Nak has created a line of electrolyte-infused drinks the team promises are “like nothing you’ve ever tasted”. The Australian-made, naturally sweetened drinks are a blend of vodka, soda, magnesium, sodium, and potassium flavoured with either watermelon or lemon and lime. The 330ml cans sit at 77 and 75 calories respectively, making them an appealing option for consumers. “Nak celebrates connection, providing a refreshing beverage perfect for making every moment extraordinary,” says Bryce Scoullar, co-director. nakdrinks.com
Cool runnings
Bird in Hand is showcasing Tasmania via a new range of Riesling and Pinot Noir. Each wine has been crafted to showcase the terroir and cool climate the state is revered for. “We’ve focused on highlighting the clarity of the fruit and the distinct character of the region,” says Senior Winemaker Sarah Burvill. The 2024 Tasmanian Series Riesling ($35) features notes of green apple, lemon, and floral while the Nouveau Pinot Noir ($35) has a light body with fresh red berries and subtle spice on the palate. birdinhand.com.au
Good as gold
Pirie sparkling wine is crafted from 100 per cent Tasmanian grapes grown in the Tamar Valley and produced according to the traditional method. The cool-climate fruit is perfect for sparkling wine, so much so, the NV recently received a gold medal at the 2024 Melbourne Royal Wine Awards. Pirie NV ($35) has aromas of crisp apple and citrus and is a refreshing, vibrant option for drinkers to enjoy as is or with a seafood platter. pirietasmania.com.au
A rare find
Bill Lark’s time in Japan served as the inspiration behind Lark’s second Mizunara launch. The process started with a single malt from the Cambridge distillery made from 100 per cent Tasmanian malt smoked with 100kg of peat. Two distillations took place before the whisky was transferred to small casks for maturation, a five- to seven-year process. The whisky’s final maturation took place in Mizunara oak casks, resulting in the development of notes including sandalwood, exotic spices, and coconut. Mizunara casks are crafted from trees that take up to 200 years to mature, making the new release one to savour. Mizunara Rare Cask retails for $1,000 and is available from larkdistillery.com
This story was originally published in the March – April 2025 edition of Hospitality Magazine. Subscribe to newsletter or print.
