Upcoming Events
Brisbane has many unique whisky-based events, including
whiskey tastings, dinners, and distillery tours.
Here you will find many such events for you to explore.
Whispers of The Macallan: Whisky Dinner
Join us for an unparalleled evening at Emporium Hotel South Bank, where the legacy of The Macallan takes center stage. Hosted by whisky connoisseur Jack Creighton, this exclusive dinner offers a rare opportunity to indulge in some of the most exceptional single malt whiskies, each paired with a meticulously curated menu.
Kilkerran Tasting
Join us for an engaging Kilkerran Tasting event, thoughtfully hosted by the knowledgeable Tim Grant. Attendees will enjoy a delightful selection of artisan charcuterie paired with 15ml servings of a curated array of Kilkerran whiskies, including:
Kilkerran 12-year-old
Kilkerran 16-year-old from 2021
Kilkerran 8-year-old Cask Strength sherry cask from 2021
Kilkerran 8-year-old Cask Strength port cask from 2022
Kilkerran 8-year-old Cask Strength sherry cask from 2024
Kilkerran Heavily Peated Batch 10.
This promises to be an enjoyable experience for both new and seasoned whisky enthusiasts alike.
Cape Byron Whisky Dinner
Join Cape Byron Distillery founder Eddie Brook at Cobbler West End for an intimate evening celebrating the launch of their first Heavily Peated single malt whisky, "Serendipity,". Tickets are $150pp and include five Cape Byron single malt whiskies, plus their decadent Bourbon barrel-aged Mac liqueur, all paired with mouth watering small plates by Northern Rivers Chef Evan White.
Bourbon and Rye Tasting
Carmen Hartwich will lead us through the world of Bourbon & Rye whiskies. Carmen is 1 of only 7 Masters of Bourbon worldwide, and the only female one in this elite group. Samples on the night will include Woodford Reserve, Old Forester and Jack Daniels, and as always we will have a meal as well.
Savile Row Partner Bar Launch
Cat’s out of the bag! Introducing Savile Row in Brisbane as our latest SMWS Partner Bar — and we’re hosting an incredible Gathering tasting to celebrate its launch!
If you’ve ever been to Savile Row in Fortitude Valley, then you’ll know what an absolute arthouse the venue is; a stately and luxe setting with appealing furnishings and gorgeous hardware (not to mention the incredible chandelier suspended on the ceiling). We are so excited to have them on board as a Partner Bar and host this incredible tasting experience.
After the initial welcome drink, we will be tasting through 5x tasty single-cask, cask-strength Society whiskies (including the 2024 Aussie Gathering bottling Cask 59.86 The beneficence of bees) and enjoying some tasty Japanese snacks provided by Bird’s Nest across the road. This will be a hybrid presentation/cocktail-style event with 6pm – 7pm acting as a formal tasting before some more relaxed mingling can take place (with additional drinks being able to be purchased from the bar).
Amber Lane Whisky Tasting
Amber Lane has become one of Australia’s most awarded distilleries, winning national and/or international gold medals for 11 releases in a row between September 2022 and June this year. Join Rod Berry, CEO and Cellar Master of Amber Lane, who will explain how the Alchemical series represents Amber Lane’s next great adventure, taking their spirit to even greater heights.
Join us for an unforgettable evening in Brisbane this October as we delve into the alchemical magic of Amber Lane's newest and most exclusive whisky range, The Alchemical Series. This 5-expression series masterfully explores the transformation of single malt whisky through various maturation techniques, each representing a different element—Earth, Water, Air, Fire, and Quintessence.
Whisky Whisky 2024
Set beneath the train tracks of South Brisbane’s Fish Lane, WHISKY WHISKY will table more than 100 Australian and international whiskies from 30+ brands for an afternoon of good times, dream drams, delicious lunch, and great hits.
Brisbane Cognac Dinner
Fine Spirits and Cocktail Expo presents an innaugural Brisbane Cocktail Dinner at the prestigious Emporium Hotel South Bank.
This exclusive event offers a dining experience where the esteemed culinary team at Signature Restaurant will craft a five-course meal. Each course will be thoughtfully paired with a selection of fine cognacs from some of France's smaller Cognac houses.
The evening will be guided by your host, who will provide insightful commentary on each cognac and its interplay with the meal. The event will commence with a signature cognac cocktail, setting the tone for memorable dining experience.
Join us for an evening set to be enjoyed by connoisseurs of both fine spirit and gourmet cuisine.
Brisbane Fine Spirits & Cocktail Expo 2024
The Fine Spirits & Cocktail Expo is a must-attend event for lovers of premium spirits and delicious cocktails! The range and quality of spirits will entice both the enthusiast and adventurous - there's something for everyone!
Masahiro Distillery Tasting
This month we are presenting Japanese whiskies from the Masahiro Distillery in Itoman, Okinawa.
As usual, we will be offering 6 whisky samples and a meal as well.
Special Event - 25+ Year Old Whisky
This is the big one for the year again. 6 whiskies between 25 and 31 years old are on the menu. We will also have a 2 course dinner and every ticket holder will have an automatic entry to our raffle to win a bottle of Glenfarclas 25.
The Whisky Show - Brisbane
Your ticket includes 70+ different whiskies from all over the world including Scotland, USA, Australia and World Whiskies. Each session is 3-hours long, with plenty of time to browse each exhibitor, learn about each distillery and try their whiskies.
NEW & EXCLUSIVE WHISKIES:
There will be heaps of new, exclusive and limited edition whiskies available to taste, along with a few show favourites so there will be something for everyone!
Westward - Meet the Maker
This is the Queensland launch of Westward Whiskey latest creation, a collaboration with Melbourne's Stomping Ground Brewery and Proud Mary Coffee.
Hosted by Miles Munroe, the Westward Master Blender, this is an event not to be missed.
It includes some whiskey samples, Wood Fire Pizza and Live Music.
Callington Mill
Some of Australia’s finest whiskies are on the menu for this exceptional event. Hosted by Rizk Mawass, the general manager for Callington Mill, we will be tasting 6 single malts and have a great meal as well.
The sound of Bonded
Who knew you could taste through sound?!
Well, that's not exactly right, but Jack Daniel's The Sound of Bonded event will provide a new tasting experience unlike anything we've seen at Stratton before - by using scientifically composed music to enhance the flavour of their super premium Bonded whiskey!
A cocktail style event where roaming canapes, cocktails and bourbon tastings are all included in your ticket price, with our DJ spinning southern blues and funk to really take you where JD wants you. Groups will take turns entering the immersive auditory tasting experience, guided by none other than Carmen Hartwich - who is not only the first female Master of Bourbon in the entire world, but Australia's first Master too! No-one else can do it like Carmen can.
This is a genuine steal at only $99pp. We hope to see you there!
Thursday 12th September / 6:30pm / $99pp
SMWS X Basik Chocolate Live
One night in Brisbane — Krsna Rajalingam of BASIK Chocolates will present a flavour pairing experience like no other.
Join Krsna and your local State Ambassador Scott Mansfield at Common Vice for the only in-person SMWS x BASIK Chocolates pairing experience of 2024! Guests will be treated to 5x single-cask, cask-strength Society drams and 5x different handmade chocolate bonbons (two of each flavour for a total of 10x bonbons per person), as well as a welcome drink and some tasty small plates from Common Vice’s Asian-fusion kitchen.
For those unfamiliar with Krsna and his work, he has this incredible ability to craft the most insane flavours into bite-sized chocolate delights using ingredients you thought you would never see in chocolate. This is a unique experience to see Krsna work his magic and discuss flavour up close and personal — an event not to be missed and one that some members have joined the Society exclusively for!
Boilermaker Evening At Archive
ntroducing Archive Beer Boutiques first Boilermaker evening featuring Starward and Range Brewing.
The ultimate Fathers Day Present!
Enjoy a curated menu to appreciate the essence of Starward with matched speciality brewed beers from Range Brewing with 5 Plates, 5 Whiskies and 5 Beers!
You will have the opportunity to purchase any of the whiskies and beers at the end of the evening at a discounted price.
Tickets are $99 and seats are limited so purchase today!
*Menu to be announced.
Benriach X QMWS
A Brown-Forman tasting experience with Carmen
We are excited to be welcoming Carmen Hartwich, the worlds first female Master of Bourbon, and all round great human to our tasting session, with selection from the Brown-Forman Portfolio.
The lineup will be confirmed on the night, get ready to enjoy some great drams and learn a thing or two about whisky. Save your spot now, this one will be a sellout.
RSVP now to save your seat for this event.
Attendance $25 for members
$45 for guests
Paid at the venue
RSVP to reserve your place.
How the Masters Blend American Whiskey - Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition
Brisbane tasting includes 6 x Kentucky Owl whiskeys, welcome cocktail and sanga from Joe’s Deli.
Have you ever thought that distillers seem to get all the credit when it comes to making whiskey? While it’s true the spirit would never make it to maturity without careful distilling and maturation, there’s a whole part of the process the distillers often don’t get involved with - blending! Join us as we celebrate Master Blenders from around the world for the release of Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition Bourbon Whiskey.
Gaelic for “Master”, the Maighstir Edition highlights the skills and palate of an undeniable legend in the Scottish Whisky industry, Master Blender Maureen Robinson. Recognised as a Keeper of the Quaich in 2012, Maureen has been involved in producing some of the world's most famous blends of Scottish Whisky, and she has brought a completely fresh perspective to marrying casks of Bourbon together to create a deliciously layered whiskey experience.
Through six whiskeys we’ll explore how Master Blenders build a batch of whiskey, from selecting casks, combining flavours and finding the perfect proof, it’s quite an art!
Presented by TWL’s very own American Whiskey Specialist Scott Allan as he shares insights from Maureen Robinson, Nagahama Whisky’s Yusuke Yahisa (creator of Kentucky Owl Takumi), and many more whisk(e)y blenders from around the world!
Tasting includes: Kentucky Owl Wiseman Rye cocktail on arrival and Joe’s Deli Sanga’s included in your ticket price. Stick around after the tasting for more Kentucky Owl drinks specials!
Get your tickets now!
Whiskies on Taste
Kentucky Owl Wiseman Bourbon - 45.4% ABV
Kentucky Owl Wiseman Rye - 50.4% ABV
Kentucky Owl Confiscated - 48.2% ABV
Kentucky Owl Maighstir Edition - 50% ABV
Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition - 50% ABV
Kentucky Owl Batch #12 - 57.9% ABV
Benriach Dinner
Experience the rich heritage of Benriach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Dive into our Levantine menu with expertly paired whiskies. Gain insights and stories from whisky connoisseur, Carmen Hartwich. Enjoy the perfect setting for whisky enthusiasts and food lovers alike
Westward Whiskey Masterclass
Join us for an extraordinary night with Westward Whiskey founder Thomas Mooney at Sense of Taste Portside!
When: Wednesday, 28th August
Time: Arrive at 6:30pm for a 6:45pm start
Where: Sense of Taste Portside
Cost: $30 per person
Cheese and charcuterie platters will be served.
This event offers a unique opportunity to engage with Thomas Mooney, the founder of Westward Whiskey. Learn firsthand how he built one of America’s leading single-malt whiskey brands and brought it to life.
The Westward Whiskeys on tasting will include:
Westward Original
Westward Pinot Cask
Westward Stout Cask
Westward Bridgeport Brewing
Westward Two Malt
Westward Sense of Taste Single Barrel Pick
Special pricing will be available for those wishing to purchase on the night!
Please note: The location was changed from Hotel West End due to unforeseen circumstances.
Starward X The Gresham
STARWARD WHISKY X THE GRESHAM'S SINGLE CASK
A collaboration between Starward Whisky and The Gresham to celebrate the launch of our very own single cask whisky. Light snacks, tasting lineup and drink on arrival included in ticket price. Hosted by Starward Founder Dave Vitale and Australian Brand Ambassador, Lachie Beange.
EXPRESSIONS
Starward Nova
Starward 100 Proof
Starward Solera
Starward Boubon Cask #2
Starward x The Gresham Single Barrel Muscat Cask
Cheese & Charcuterie will be served
The American Whisky Show - Sydney
4 HOURS TO TASTE WHISKEY:
Your ticket includes 100+ different whiskeys from all over USA, Canada and North America. All your favourite brands and distilleries will be there along with a number of bottlings new to the Australian market. Each session spans 4 hours, giving you plenty of time to browse all the exhibitors, learn about each distillery and try their whiskeys, relax in our pop-up bar area with beer, the band and offerings from a food truck!
NEW & EXCLUSIVE WHISKEYS:
Get the opportunity to try brands and whiskeys never-before-seen in Australia, alongside all your favourites, and who knows, you may find a new one!
Starward Whisky Tasting
Join us for an Exclusive Starward Whisky Master Class on Friday,
Your experience will include an arrival cocktail, a grazing table and canapés, six whisky tastings, and the unveiling of one brand-new release whisky. Enjoy great retail pricing on whiskies and discover the rich and diverse flavors of Starward Whisky in a curated master class led by experts.
This event is perfect for whisky enthusiasts and those looking to deepen their appreciation for fine spirits. Limited spots are available, so book now to secure your place!
BasiK Chocolate x SMWS Virtual
We’re celebrating five years of Krsna Rajalingam from BASIK Chocolates hosting the ultimate whisky & chocolate pairings for SMWS.
For those who are new to Krsna’s wild creations: imagine a flavour explosion in your mouth, made from cocoa and other ingredients that will challenge your perception of what chocolate even is, expertly created around five different single-cask SMWS offerings. 30mls of each whisky, 5 bonbons, 2x of each bonbon. Perfect for sharing.
The Whisky Lounge
Join us for our Masterclasses, held every four weeks. Each session delves into a unique theme, offering an educational and enjoyable experience. You will sample five exquisite whiskies and enjoy a selection of delicious canapés. It's a fantastic evening that promises to enhance your appreciation of fine spirits and create lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this great night!
Stilmaker's & Son's Distillery Tasting
Meet Mike and Sandy, the makers of Sunshine Coast's newest and only whisky focused distillery for an exclusive tasting session.
We are talking artisan small batch Single Malt Whisky proudly made and aged in Montville, where the cold south westerly winds and the summer ocean breezes meet the rolling green hills.
Hear stories about how they came to be, learn about their refined distillation processes, and be the first to try some truly delicious elixirs that are yet to be released to the public.
Winter Whisky Feast 2024
Join us for the Winter Whisky Feast 2024 on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the Highwayman HQ, located at 6/4 Banksia Drive, Byron Bay. For just $99 per person, you can enjoy a two-hour session available at 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm, or 6:30 pm.
The event includes a cocktail on arrival, a distillery tour, an in-depth Whisky Masterclass hosted by Dan, and a feast of smoked local meats with sides. Be among the first to experience the launch of our new Highwayman Whisky and our Barrel Aged Hot Sauce. Additional options include bottling your own 200ml from the barrel, purchasing previously sold-out batches, Highwayman merchandise and clothing, and the new unreleased Highwayman batch.
Don't miss the chance to purchase our new hot sauce and much more.
Bruichladdich X The Gresham
BRUICHLADDICH APPRECIATION NIGHT
Since Bruichladdich's resurrection in 2001, their ambitions have gone beyond the simple idea of making and selling single malt scotch whisky. The goal was to be an antidote to the in- dustry norm.
We will be joined by Jack Creighton, QLD Brand Ambassador of Spirits Platform, who will be showing us their expressions, including the incredibly hard to find, 30 Year Old - The only bottle in QLD.
Saturday July 27 | 6-8pm | $220pp
Full Details & Tickets - thegresham.com.au
Rare Whisky Night
Indulge in an unforgettable evening at our Rare Whisky Night.
Sample 8 special release rare Scotch whiskys, including Oban, Glenkinchie, Talisker, Singleton, Mortlach, Lagavulin, Roseisle, and Clynelish, paired with a delicious 4 course meal.
Hosted by Diageo, it will be a night of sophistication and discovery.
Book your seat now for an extraordinary experience!
Brisbane Gin Festival
Calling all connoisseurs of exceptional gin – this is the event you’ve been waiting for!
Prepare for an unforgettable adventure at the third edition of our Brisbane Gin Festival!
Step into the enchanting world of juniper as Gin Events brings together 30 of Australia’s most exceptional craft distillers under the one roof. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a large range of Aussie gins to sip and sample or try a perfectly crafted G&T with complimentary Long Rays Tonic.
All gin samples are included in the ticket price.
Rye July Gospel Tasting
We’re lucky to have the The Gospel’s co-founder, Andrew Fitzgerald, visiting us for a session of all things Rye. Learn a little, and taste some beautiful whiskey. Plus there’s a couple of new limited releases to celebrate Rye July.
Tickets $20pp, includes Rye Whiskey tastings, charcuterie platters and good times.
Laphroaig Tales X Agnes Restaurant
Laphroaig Tales of Fire: Agnes x Jake Kellie (arkhé)
For one night only, Jake Kellie, the Head Chef and co-owner of arkhé lights up the Agnes woodfire kitchen for a special collaboration with Ben Williamson and Laphroaig whisky.
Starward Tasting X Whisky Lounge
Starward Tasting
Multi award winning Starward is on the menu this month.
As usual, we will be tasting 6 different samples and have a meal as well.
We offer a standard ticket for the tasting only, or a ticket that includes a take home bottle of Starward Whisky.
M&H Distillery X The Whisky List (Meet the Distiller)
Founded in 2014, The M&H Distillery located in Tel Aviv, is the first whisky distillery established in Israel. They have quickly stamped their mark on the world stage, winning Best Single Malt at the 2023 World Whisky Awards.
Tomer Goren, Master Distiller, and Tal Chotiner, VP International Sales, will be in Australia for a few days, and will be joining us to share their story. Whisky production is not traditionally associated with hot climates, so traditional techniques needed to be adapted for Mediterranean conditions. M&H is now available in over 40 countries.
Whiskey + Wagyu
On American Independence Day, what better way to celebrate the amazing amber elixir we all love from Westward Whiskey. Join us for an unforgettable evening discovering the pinnacle of American Single Malt Whiskey, Westward. For nearly two decades, Westward have brought something new, unique, and relevant to whiskey, and they are proud to serve as a leading voice for American Single Malts. At Westward, there are no shortcuts, and therein lies the beauty. They pursue perfection by creating flavour in every step of their long, slow process. With a rich history in brewing, they begin by making an artisanal American Ale from scratch, using locally malted barley. They're known for their alternative barrel sourcing, unafraid to push the limits... however, always executed in small batches to achieve Westward’s signature flavour profile – balanced and bold.
An evening with Nosferatu
Church Mouse Cheese welcomes Nosferatu to the Private Room at Malt Street Traders, South Bank where we will take you on a Journey of Nosferatu and showcase GINcredible gins, whisky & liquor for a night of indulgence with paired cheeses and a shared grazing platter to enjoy.
Grab your friends or take someone out on that special date - this is going to be one fun night.
If you fancy yourself a gin and cheese connoisseur join us on Friday 28th June and learn the incredible story of Nosferatu Distillery, who have incredible Awards such as the prize for BEST GIN BOTTLE IN AUSTRALIA at the Australian Gin Awards in 2018 for Nosferatu Blood Orange Gin. We will talk through our favourite cheese pairings and your tastebuds will be thanking you for a great night out.
On the night you will learn all about the distillery process, the story behind each gin and pick up some industry secrets along the way.
The night will include:
✨ Cocktail on arrival with a canapé
✨ Boutique Nosferatu Gins paired perfectly with Cheese
✨ Nosferatu newly launched Rye Whisky and their delicious Coffee Liquor paired perfectly with Cheese
✨ Sharing platters for each table to fill those tummies
✨ Paired cheeses by own own Head Turophile, Belinda Hains
✨ Lucky door prizes with a double ticket to the next event, merch and your favourite pairing to take home
There will be Merch and a minis quiz with some prizes along the way! This night is going to be fun!
Join us and arrive by 6:00pm with Belinda from Church Mouse Cheese while we take you on a journey of gin, cheese and a whole lot of fun.
Whisky Live Brisbane
WHISKY LIVE is Brisbane’s premiere whisky sampling event, showcasing high-quality whiskies to discover and taste. All styles of whisky will be on show. Explore the different brands and styles of whisky in the market – Scotch, Irish, Australian, Japanese, peated, non-peated, sherry cask aged and more.
There will be short classes during each session, presented by distillers and ambassadors to give an in-depth understanding and sample a special whisky that’s not on tasting in the main event. If you are new to whisky, be sure to attend our first class which gives a good introduction to whisky. Classes run for about 15 minutes and are free to attend.
An important part of Whisky Live is the buffet of food to graze while you are tasting. This can refresh your palate and help reduce the effects of alcohol.
Whisky or Whisk(e)y Tasting at the Lawn
Whether you're a seasoned whisky aficionado or new to the world of fine spirits, this event promises an enriching and enjoyable journey through the fascinating realm of whisky. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your palate and deepen your appreciation for one of the world's most beloved libations.
Laphroaig X The Cheeseboard Tasting
LAPHROAIG X THE CHEESEBOARD TASTING
Salt, Peat & Fire
Laphroaig is not about tasting notes but tasting stories. Tales of peat, tales of salt & tales of Fire. Glenn Morgan from The Exchange & Wendy Downes from The Cheeseboard to present the evening.
EXPRESSIONS
Laphroaig 10YO Sherry Cask
Laphroaig Lore Laphroaig 10YO Cask Strength
Laphroaig Francis Mallmann
Cheese Pairings
Grandvewe Sheep Cheddar to represent peat with Laphroaig 10YO Cask Strength
Long Paddock Cheese Silver Wattle to represent fire with Laphroaig 10YO Sherry Cask
Blue Cone made with Berry's Creek Gourmet Cheese Tarwin Blue to represent salt with Laphroaig Lore
Starward Bourbon Cask Launch
The release of the new @starwardwhisky bourbon barrel !
The team is putting a 3 course dinner, with their respective cocktail to celebrate the launch of the new whisky 🥃
Come along for a night of good food and good booze, and to try the new juice (duh)
Book on the link through OpenTable 👇