A Night out with Maker’s Mark: Launching Star Hill Farm Whisky

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the launch of a brand-new whisky from Maker’s Mark, hosted at Half Acre in Melbourne. This hidden gem delivered the perfect setting: intimate, warm, and with a team that went above and beyond to look after dietary needs (huge thank you to the crew for […]
Behind the Bar, Beyond the Borders: Travel Stories of a Bartender

Travel stories from bartenders might sound like a cliché, but in reality they play a huge role in our professional growth. Travelling overseas for work is exciting, formative, and often eye-opening. It is not about partying from one city to the next – save that for the backpackers – but rather about engaging with different […]
Patrón’s “Censored Truth” Campaign: A Clever Marketing Rebellion

What’s Going On? Patrón’s latest “Censored Truth” campaign is turning heads across the globe — from bartenders to everyday tequila lovers. In July 2025, the brand, part of Bacardi’s portfolio, took regulatory limitations and turned them into a bold, guerrilla-style marketing moment. If you’ve seen billboards or social media posts with blacked-out text, you’ve seen […]
Beyond the Bar: The Tools of the Trade

One of the first things that catches the eye of guests entering a bar—and visiting bartenders with a curious gaze—is the gleam and array of tools behind the bar. The tools of the trade speak volumes about the bar’s style, attention to detail, and even its personality. From the common and well-known to the stylish […]
23rd St Distillery Honors Lunar New Year with Year of the Snake Whisky

Refinement, elegance, and wisdom—the defining symbols of the Year of the Snake. These timeless qualities hold deep meaning in cultural traditions and personal journeys alike. To mark the 2025 Lunar New Year, 23rd St Distillery has unveiled a limited-edition Year of the Snake Whisky. A true masterpiece that blends artistry, heritage, and craftsmanship in a […]
Supasawa, Seriously Sour with Sweet Sustainability.

To continue our focus on sustainability, I’d like to introduce a product that has been gaining traction among experienced bartenders worldwide, and for good reason. Born in Belgium, in 2018, Supasawa quickly captured the attention of bartenders and operators locally, reaching over the years a distribution in over 50 countries around the globe. What is […]
Men’s Mental Health Week, a day for everyone.

This year, we observe the 30th anniversary of Men’s Mental Health Week—a crucial moment to acknowledge and reflect on the health challenges faced by men in our lives. Unfortunately, our society often stigmatises men’s struggles, labelling them as “weak”, “boring” and sometimes even “yucky”, making even the smallest struggles feel like a threat to one’s […]
“Meet the Maker”

Welcome to “Meet the Maker”, where we explore the stories behind artisans and producers. We’ll chat with them, sharing insights and asking questions. Whether you’re a savvy bartender or a curious spirit enthusiast, we’re here to spark your interest, so, sit back and relax! BRIX – Reinventing Australian Rum In this episode of Meet the […]
“Guest shifts, Tournées and the unspoken travelling game”

The concept of a “guest shift” in a bar, where a bartender from one establishment temporarily works at another venue, is challenging to attribute to a single originator. However, the practice gained popularity within the global bartending community over the past few decades as a way to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and promote camaraderie among […]
The secret recipe to Success!

We’ve all heard about the amazing achievements of that small bar from Sydney!A couple of celebrity bartenders kicking off, a top-notch location, sharp operators, good-looking crowd, and delicious cocktails. All incredibly crucial points! But what’s really their secret sauce? Well, let me tell you! Since the very beginning, I’ve been looking at them with incredible […]