World Whisk(e)y Fest

Rock your taste buds at the World Whiskey Fest—a lineup of the finest whiskey headliners from five corners of the globe! Grab your glass and settle into the front row because this is a show you definitely won't want to miss. 

First up, Fujimi The 7 Virtues Blended Japanese Whisky takes the stage, channelling the Samurai's eternal strength and control. Though its origins are rooted in Scotland, this whiskey finds its soul in Japan at the Matsui Shuzo Distillery. Aged in American white oak barrels, it delivers smooth and oaky notes worthy of a headliner.

Turning up the volume, Starward Solera Single Malt Australian Whisky brings sunny Melbourne vibes to the Fest, with 100% Australian malt barley aged in iconic Apera wine barrels. The Solera ageing technique guarantees harmony in every pour, layering warm, fruity notes into an epic anthem.

Now introducing the timeless elegance of Spain. Haran 12 Year Old Traditional Spanish Whiskey hails from a distilling dynasty in the beautiful Basque Country, and Haran’s 12-year oak-barrel aging is proof they know how to make a showstopper. Fruity, creamy, and endlessly approachable, this act bridges classic and contemporary.

France brings some serious festival vibes with two unforgettable sets. First up, Rozelieures Origine Collection Single Malt French Whisky—bold, spicy, and bursting with character. Double distilled in Lorraine and aged in sherry casks, this whiskey hits every note with power and elegance, leaving a never-ending finish encore.

For the final act, Bellevoye Bleu Triple Malt Whisky—a three-malt masterpiece. Crafted from spirits sourced in Brittany, Alsace, and Cognac, it’s smooth, balanced, and perfectly polished. Aged up to nine years in French oak, this act’s all about showing off its all-French credentials, proving elegance never goes out of style.

Let the festival begin!

Smartass Corner

1. In 2017, there were more than 120 distilleries operating in Australia - 31 of them in Tasmania.

2. Although perhaps more famous for beer, Australia is an important wine-producing country. On average, Australia produces ~5% of the world’s wine depending on the quality of the harvest from year to year.

3. Whisky or whiskey? The spelling differs geographically. In Scotland, Japan, Australia and some other parts of the world, distilleries usually spell it whisky; in Ireland and the USA, they spell it whiskey.

4. Japanese whisky is connected to both Scotch and bourbon. It’s a Scotch-style spirit that’s matured in climates similar to Kentucky’s.

5. It’s not uncommon for Japanese whisky to be aged in mizunara (Japanese oak) casks. Suntory conducted research on how mizunara oak influences whisky flavour and found out it adds coconut and sandalwood notes to it.

6. Fujimi means 'Immortal' in Japanese, echoing the spirit of the Samurai. Fujimi 7 whiskey honours the 7 Samurai virtues—honour, courage, loyalty, compassion, integrity, respect, and rigour.

7. 'Haran' means 'valley' in Basque, a nod to its birthplace in the stunning Ayala Valley. Crafted by Destilerías Acha, family-run since 1831, it carries a legacy as rich as its flavour!

8. Rozelieures Whisky owes its bold character to the mineral-rich volcanic soil, pure 500m-deep Vittel well water, and peated malts. 

9. Bellevoye, the all-French Whisky, takes its name from a hidden road to dreamland. Created in 2013 by two visionaries, Alexandre and Jean, it proves France isn’t just for Champagne—it's a true whiskey haven!