TheShout

24/04/2025

Grace Irwin is making her mark on the beer industry, blending a passion for community with a drive for inclusivity. As Marketing Manager at Hop Products Australia, she champions diverse voices and encourages connection through initiatives like the Pink Boots Society. Her journey from Tassie roots to industry leadership is an inspiring example of how authenticity and purpose can shape a stronger, more inclusive future for beer.

Grace Irwin shares her vision for encouraging more women to pursue careers in brewing and other roles within the industry.

22/04/2025

Wednesday Women is a series here at The Shout that is all about showcasing the stories of inspiring women within liquor industry all year round - not just on international women's day.

Last week we spoke to Bec Bullen, founder of Darwin Distilling Co., Top End Gin Fest and hospitality venues Stone House Wine Bar and Charlie’s of Darwin.

In this series, Bec Bullen shares her experience as Darwin’s first female distiller, bar operator and Top End Gin Fest organiser.

04/02/2025

JUST IN: NED Whisky has unveiled Single Barrel 21C-137, the inaugural release in its new Vault Series which will showcase a range of single barrels selected for their high-end quality. Described as "the first real showcase of the NED spirit in its purest form" Single Barrel 21C-137 was distilled in Melbourne in 2021 and aged in an American oak barrel. With only 261 individually numbered bottles capped at 58 per cent ABV, 21C-137 is NED Whisky’s strongest release yet. Tasting notes describe aromas of treacle, vanilla essence, and brown sugar, a palate of cinnamon spices and caramel, with a firm and structured finish, the whisky showcases NED’s quality craftmanship.

Single Barrel 21C-137 is the first release in a new series of rare and exceptional whiskies, with just 261 bottles available.

18/10/2024

A year since Suntory Oceania was announced, the drinks giant invited industry partners to immerse themselves in its 125-year legacy at the Suntory House experience while offering a glimpse into the company’s bold ambitions for the future.

The exclusive activation made its debut at SXSW Sydney, attended by more than 350 of Suntory’s partners in Oceania and bringing the Suntory spirit to life like never before.

Visitors to Suntory House were guided through five immersive spaces including the Light Waterfall, Streets of Tokyo and Spirits Reimagined – The Founders Way, all showcasing Suntory’s ambitions for the ANZ region, the legacy behind the portfolio and its sustainability commitments. Experiences included a Japanese omakase-style menu, vibrant streetscapes, an intimate bar, and a digital garden, representing everything from the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to traditional Japanese architecture.

Ahead of the official launch of Suntory Oceania’s $3bn partnership, Suntory House offers a glimpse into the brand’s philosophy and its bold future in Australia.

01/08/2024

Yesterday, Billson's Brewery proprietors Nathan Cowan and Felicity Cottrill announced that the business has been placed into voluntary administration. The husband-and-wife duo announced the decision in a statement on Facebook, explaining that the business has made some mistakes while scaling and does not have the systems or processes in place to keep pace with growth.

Husband-and-wife team Nathan Cowan and Felicity Cottrill say Billson's systems and processes have failed to keep up with business growth.

22/07/2024

BREAKING: Following months of speculation surrounding Mighty Craft’s debt, divestment and restructuring efforts, the brakes have been put on the craft industry accelerator as it enters voluntary administration.

Following months of speculation surrounding itss debt, divestment and restructuring, Mighty Craft has entered voluntary administration.

05/07/2024

Located in Sydney’s Inner West, the historic Red Lion pub is set to unveil the brand-new Bistro Led Rion by Manu, with celebrity chef Manu Feildel occupying the upper level. Set to open on Friday 12 July, the 120-seat bistro marks Feildel's return to a restaurant kitchen for the first time in four years, joined by Laundy Hotels group executive chef Jamie Gannon. The bistro is a blend of Parsisian charm and contemporary Sydney style, with a French-leaning menu that adopts recipes from Feildel’s family archives.

The pub has undergone a $1.5 million renovation, including the addition of Bistro Red Lion by Manu under the celebrity chef.

04/07/2024

Under challenging market conditions, Australia’s bars and pubs have seen a decline in spirits sales, but despite a negative outlook for key spirits categories, rum has gained share of the on-premise spirits market. While gin, whisky and vodka have all seen a drop in sales volumes, data from CGA by NIQ indicates that there are still pockets of growth opportunities, particularly in golden rum, which is currently the most popular rum style on-premise.

Despite a downward trend in spirits sales, rum has gained share of the spirits market in Australia's pubs and bars.

13/06/2024

Voting is now open for the 2024 Australian Liquor Industry Awards (ALIA), giving you the opportunity to vote for your favourite brands, venues and people over the last 12 months.

01/05/2024

Exciting news from South Australia with Asahi Beverages looking to raise the Australian premium gin category through its new partnership with Never Never Distilling Co. Congratulations to all involved.

Premium Australian gin Never Never has been bought by Asahi, in a move that aims to drive growth and fully unleash the brand’s potential.

12/03/2024

The past year has been one of great change for Fever-Tree in the Australian market. Speaking to National Liquor News, Andy Gaunt, Fever-Tree’s Managing Director for ANZ, described it as “pivotal”, and with good reason.

Andy Gaunt, Managing Director for ANZ, reflects on a huge but positive year for Fever-Tree, and how the brand will build on this in 2024.

12/03/2024

Despite the economic challenges of 2023, Independent Liquor Group (ILG) was able to mark its fifth record-breaking year, with continued growth in sales, volume and membership across all of the cooperative’s states of operation. In the Leaders Forum issue of National Liquor News, ILG CEO Paul Esposito spoke about everything from growing membership and logistical shifts, to new digital initiatives.

ILG’s CEO, Paul Esposito, discusses how the cooperative is continuing to support and sustain a growing and successful membership.

11/03/2024

Last week, De Bortoli Wines hosted a lavish celebration of art, fashion, and wine in collaboration with visionary designer Viceta Wang and the 2024 PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival’s Independent Programme. The day was filled with glamour, sophistication and sensory delights, and at the heart of the event was De Bortoli Wines’ iconic La Bohème wine range 🌺

De Bortoli Wines hosted a lavish celebration of art, fashion, and wine in collaboration with visionary designer Viceta Wang.

11/03/2024

Though 2023 was a challenging period for the entire beer industry, Coopers was still able to welcome solid performance with several bright spots. General Manager, Michael Shearer, noted his top two highlights as being a rebound in key sales in the on-premise, alongside the incredibly successful launch of a new beer, Coopers Australian Lager. In the 2024 Leaders Forum issue of National Liquor News, Shearer spoke about the outlook for Coopers in 2024, balancing tradition with innovation and more 🍻

Michael Shearer, General Manager, says Coopers’ local credentials are a key point of difference in an exciting year for the brand.

07/03/2024

International Women’s Day is held on 8 March every year as a day to celebrate women’s strengths and to continue the fight for gender equality, and in celebration, National Liquor News spoke to influential women across the Australian liquor industry about their experiences and achievements. As part of this series, Kathleen Davies, Founder of Nip of Courage, speaks about the places that her career has taken her, and the challenges women often face when advancing their careers.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, Kathleen Davies speaks about the places that her career has taken her.

06/03/2024

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day on 8 March, Australian Hotelier is showcasing some of the outstanding women in the pub industry, who are reflecting on their experiences within the sector. This series continues with Sabrina Medcalf, group operations and entertainment manager for Odd Culture Group.

This series continues with Sabrina Medcalf, group operations and entertainment manager for Odd Culture Group.