Fuji Single Malt Whisky now available in Aus
Japan’s Fuji Gotemba Distillery has announced the addition of Fuji Single Malt Whisky to its permanent Australian portfolio, to be distributed through Vanguard Luxury Brands.
The Fuji Single Malt starts with a base whisky that draws inspiration from Scottish single malts prior to receiving a contemporary Japanese makeover made using a combination of ex-bourbon, beer, and red-wine French oak casks.
According to Master Distiller and Blender Jota Tanaka, “Fuji Single Malt has aromas of ripe apples and Crème Brûlée while the palate takes on luscious ripe white peaches and fruit tart flavours. The finish is sweet, complex and surprisingly long.”
The release also deliberately coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Gotemba Distillery. Since being established in 1973, Fuji’s Gotemba Distillery has sought to adopt methods and technology from all leading whisk(e)y regions worldwide. Or, as Tanaka describes it, Fuji Gotemba is “the world’s only distillery that crafts, mashes, ages and bottles malt and three styles of grain whisky.”
In addition to being inducted into the Whisky Magazine Icons of Whisky Hall of Fame, Jota Tanaka is also only the second person in Japan’s history to earn the title of Master Blender. Tanaka has been in charge of the Mt Fuji Distillery since 2017 and has more than 30 years of whisky industry experience.
The new single malt release will join Fuji’s two existing Australian core range whiskies, the Fuji Single Grain Japanese Whiskey and the Fuji Single Blended Japanese Whisky. All three are distributed in Australia by Vanguard Luxury Brands.
For more information visit fujiwhisky.com.
Krondorf launches its 2024 Collection
Krondorf Wines has today unveiled its 2024 collection. Included in the release is Krondorf’s 121 Settlers Shiraz 2020, Stone Altar Grenache 2022, Stone Altar Shiraz 2022, and Kingship Cabernet Sauvignon 2022.
According to Chief Winemaker Nick Badrice, “our 2024 collection is a snapshot of our finest wines right now while also being a celebration of the Krondorf legacy. The wines encompass the 2020 and 2022 vintage seasons, two years that gave low yields but fantastic fruit quality.”
The 121 Settlers Old Vine Shiraz retails at $110, the Stone Altar Shiraz and Grenache at $65 each, and the Kingship Cabernet Sauvignon at $38. Collectively, Badrice described the wines “as deep, generous, and brimming with Barossa character and whilst drinking beautifully now they will continue to reward with time in the cellar.”
Krondorf’s 2024 annual collection is available for purchase via its online store, select Dan Murphy’s stores, and at Krondorf Wines Barossa Valley Cellar Door & Wine Bar.
More information is available here.
James Squire MasterChef Australia limited edition XPA
James Squire has unveiled a new limited edition XPA to celebrate two years as a partner of MasterChef Australia.
The new James Squire XPA has an abv of 4% and is made to be refreshing and approachable, with tropical fruit aromas dominant.
Lion’s Brand Director – Premium Albertus Lombard said: “when the team was tasked with developing a limited edition XPA for our MasterChef partnership, we were immediately excited to create a product that would blend our craftsmanship with all round deliciousness – the perfect companion for a cooking show!”
For the duration of the release, the James Squire XPA will be exclusively available in Coles Group stores of Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars, at a RRP of $22 per 6-pack and $58 per case of 24.
Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years
Benriach Distillery has unveiled its oldest and most exclusive whisky to date: the Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years.
The new release has been made from a single bourbon cask that was filled with unpeated Benriach spirit on 21 September 1966.
“I am proud to present Benriach 1966 Cask Aged 50 Years as our ultimate treasure,” said Dr Rachel Barrie, Benriach’s Master Blender.
“Sip 50 years of opulent refinement with notes of sublime honeyed dates and delicate oak spices in harmony with the lingering finesse of apple, pear and traces of grapefruit.”
Only 37 limited edition bottles have been released, with an extremely limited number to be made available for purchase in Australia. Each bottle will sell at an RRP of $48,000.
Underground Spirits launches Natalie Anne Caramel Vodka Espresso Martini
Underground Spirits has released a Caramel Vodka Espresso Martini made in collaboration with The Grounds Roastery and with the support of hair artist Natalie Anne.
“The Natalie Caramel Vodka Espresso Martini is crafted with only the finest ingredients, featuring The Grounds Roastery Coffee—a well-balanced blend of single-origin beans renowned for its rich aroma and flavour—paired with our award-winning Underground Spirits Caramel Vodka,” said Underground Spirits Australia CEO Claudia Roughley.
Underground Spirits is hopeful that its partnership with Natalie Anne will help the brand expand into the fashion industry’s ‘tradition’ of having a cocktail while getting ready for an evening out.
“By partnering with Natalie Anne, we are able to deliver a professional-quality cocktail to hair salon customers, at-home stylists, and anyone who seeks effortless elegance and enjoys a night out,” said Roughley.
Each 700ml bottle serves up seven espresso martinis and sells for $59.
More information can be found here.
Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition collab bourbon
Kentucky Owl has released a new limited edition collaboration bourbon that saw ex-Johnnie Walker Scotch Master Blender Maureen Robinson collaborate alongside John Rhea, Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender.
The Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition is a blend of 4 year old, 5 year old, 8 year old and 9 year old Kentucky straight bourbons with mash bills containing corn, wheat, and malted barley.
According to Robinson, “the Maighstir Project was a bit of an experiment. One that was incredibly enjoyable to be immersed in, and I think the final product really speaks to our combined creativity and love of dark spirits.”
Expect the Maighstir Edition to give off aromas of sweet small grains such as wheat and barley, mixed in with a hint of caramel and vanilla. The palate leads with warmth and spice from the rye before a transition towards more citrus-forward flavours of orange and grapefruit.
The Maighstir Edition is available in Australia in extremely limited quantities at around $249.90 per bottle.
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