This February, The Macallan Whisky is hosting an evening of decanters and decadence at Aria Restaurant (Sydney) in their exquisite Harbour Room.

Having released their double cask range in July, this will be the first public event in Sydney where guests will have a chance to taste and discuss.

The dinner includes 6-courses matched with whisky tastings and exclusive gift. All ticket proceeds go to Matt Moran’s charity ‘Thankful4farmers’.

Hosting the event will be the National Brand Ambassador and whisky expert, Josh O’Brien. Under his guidance, you will explore tastings of four whiskies, so as to get a better understanding of their unique flavour profiles and stories.

Indulge your senses with a tasting of Macallan Double Cask range and the exceptional Rare Cask, paired perfectly with a 6-course exclusive menu from Aria’s Executive Chef Joel Bickford, all whilst enjoying Opera House views.

For the first time in its history, the famed American Bar at the Savoy in London will actually have an American as its head bartender.

Tebay is a seven-year veteran of the renowned bar Death & Company in New York and will begin her tenure at the American Bar in August. Tebay will be the first woman to hold the position since famed bartender Ada Coleman, who served the venue from 1903 to 1924.

Tebay said: “Becoming head bartender at the American Bar is not just the professional opportunity of a lifetime, it’s also an opportunity to continue building the bar’s legacy as a beacon of innovation and quality – in both the way we create our drinks and in how we deliver our service.”

Tebay studied at the French Culinary Institute and has a background in pastry, which she has applied to her cocktail-making technique. She said she aims to reassess some of the processes of the American Bar, which first opened in 1893.

“I hope to honour the historical significance of the American Bar and modernise bartending culture within the community at large, championing under-represented perspectives and re-evaluating best practices in order to maximise sustainability,” she explained.

Franck Arnold, managing director of The Savoy, commented: “We’re really excited to be welcoming Shannon to The Savoy. We admire her vision and her focus on teamwork. We’re looking forward to seeing her reopen the American Bar with a menu that will display her reverence for the bar’s history, and showcase the creativity and talent of the team as a whole.”

For more information on American Bar, go to thesavoylondon.com

Hornitos Tequila Seltzer and acclaimed celebrity nail artist, Chaun Legend, have joined forces to rescue canned seltzer fans from nail-cracking catastrophes this summer with a few helpful tips that will keep those Instagram-worthy nails in sensational condition all seltzer season long.

“As someone who sculpts works of art onto the hands of entertainment’s biggest stars, I will stop at nothing to avoid those unnecessary cracks, chips and dents associated with everyday mishaps,” said Chaun Legend.

“I jumped at the chance to work with Hornitos and share foolproof tricks for preserving the masterpieces of my fellow nail artists across the country against the side effects of seltzer can opening. Simply put, there’s no need to sit out seltzer season just because of a fabulous set!”

Top tips include:

• The side finger – avoid the sideways glances at your cracked acrylics by using the side of your finger to flip open the tab of a cold Hornitos Tequila Seltzer. Simple, but effective.
• The filing method – slide a nail file under the pull tab and push up from both sides of the board to spare your summer neon nails – also a great way to put those nail files collecting dust at the bottom of your purse to work!
• The buddy system – Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is best enjoyed with friends, so get “some buddy” else to open it. Spare your fresh fill by having another tequila lover fill in for you!

PIN IT

“Cracking a Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is perfect for those moments when you feel ready to step out with friends and have a fun night out,” said Beth Krigel, Senior Marketing Director of Tequila at Beam Suntory. “Ahead of National Tequila Day, we’re thrilled to partner with a creator like Chaun Legend to have a little fun and make sure you look and feel your best – all the way down to those bold nails – when you crack a seltzer this summer.”

Hornitos Tequila Seltzer combines real Plata tequila with refreshing seltzer, resulting in the perfect choice for those seeking out a ready-made cocktail for any party occasion. Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is available in two natural flavours – Lime and Mango – without any artificial sweeteners.

For more information, go to hornitostequila.com or follow along with Hornitos Tequila on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Due to lockdowns and COVID restrictions, the Plantation Rum Cup has extended its judging deadline for Australia & New Zealand until late August.

While COVID closure will be taken into account, competing venues are being encouraged to promote their cocktails until late August, including how they could feature on take away menus if restrictions continue.

The list of finalists will now be announced on September 1st via the Plantation Rum Asia Pacific Facebook & Instagram accounts.

On Monday, 20 September, the finalist teams will compete against each other for the first major title of Plantation Rum’s kind, a luxury experience provided in the winners’ home location and a ‘Welcome to Summer’ Party in the winning venue on 1 December.

The full list of participating venues are:

South Australia & Northern Territory

Maybe Mae, Westward & Chandelier Bar, Fumo Blu, Remy’s Deep Dish Pizza Bar, Ounce Bar, Memphis Slim’s House of Blues, BRKLYN, Hains & Co, Clever Little Tailor

Queensland

The Woods, Cobbler, Electric Avenue, Canvas, The Walrus Club, The Gresham, Osbourne Hotel, The Captains Daughter, Santé Cocktail Bar, Maker, Suzie Wong’s Good Time Bar, Savile Row, Backlane Bar & Street Food

New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory

Rum Diary Bar Newcastle, Neighbourhood Bondi, Jacoby’s Tiki Bar, Blue Kahunas, Cantina OK!, The Lobo, Grain, Old Mates Place, Marble Bar, The Exchange Hotel, Loft Byron Bay, Shorty’s

Victoria & Tasmania

1806, Moosehead Whisky and Blues Bar, Union Electric, Sherbini Bar, Evolve Spirits Bar, Wheelers Food Trucks and Bar, The Rum Diary Bar, Black Pearl, Curious Bar, La Madonna, Bar Clara, Collection Bar

Western Australia

Tiki as Fk

Auckland & surrounds

Liquorette, Bedford Soda & Liquor, Baduzzi, Ghost Donkey, Saxon + Parole, The Poni Room, The Bramble, Rooftop at QT Hotel, Bellini Bar at Hilton , Fitzroy Lounge Bar

Queenstown, Christchurch & surrounds

Cork Bar, Reds, Zanzibar Dunedin, Harbar, Mama Cod, LaLaLand Lounge Bar, Casa Publica

Wellington & surrounds

Hawthorn Lounge, Bitters & love

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s small-batch, handmade Teremana Tequila, has announced it’s taking to the road with The Great American Mana Mobile Road Trip.

Inspired by The Rock’s famous phrase “MANA. GRATITUDE. TEQUILA.”, the Mana Mobile will travel the country, visiting towns, communities, and cities to “Bring the Mana.”

The celebratory Mana Mobile will stop by military bases, firehouses, hospitals, and other locations to share gratitude towards the nation’s first responders.  It will also stop at main streets across America to help encourage all to come out and support local businesses.

Road trip stops will showcase delicious Teremana Tequila cocktails (where allowed) shaken up by the Mana Ohana mixologists and delicious treats such as “DJ’s” cheat-meal favourites (his prized brioche French toast with Teremana Tequila-infused maple syrup) amongst others.

“I created Teremana to bring people together and I can’t think of a better way to bring people together than bringing the Mana Mobile directly to them.  Our Mana Mobile will deliver delicious Teremana cocktails, fresh and amazing eats and a whole lotta gratitude to people, towns and cities across North America,” says Teremana Founder, Dwayne Johnson.

“Our Teremana is proudly crafted by hand at our distillery in a small town in Jalisco and has truly become the “Tequila of the People”.  So keep an eye out for the Mana Mobile in your neck of the country and let the Teremana adventures begin!”

For more information, including The Great American Mana Mobile Road Trip stops, go to teremana.com

The founders of Los Angeles-based craft mezcal brand, El Silencio Mezcal, are set to opening a new boutique hotel in Oaxaca, called Casa Silencio. Set on 16 acres near the archaeological ruins of Mitla, the hotel has been inspired by Oaxaca’s natural landscape.

Located approximately 45 miles southeast of the city of Oaxaca, the hotel has been designed by architect Alejandro D’Acosta and interior designer Martina D’Acosta. The new boutique hotel will feature just six suites and is set to open in August.

The chic, modern, rustic decor has been inspired by the surrounding landscape and indoor/outdoor living. Its muted tones will see the use of steel, wood and stone, alongside textiles from local artisans. Wood burning fireplaces, bespoke art pieces and one-of-a-kind items make the rooms as comfortable and luxurious as possible.

But, of course, no mezcal inspired venue would be complete without tastings and the ability for visitors to increase their Mezcal knowledge. Immersive guest experiences including information about ancient Oaxcan mythology relating to the creation of the smoky spirit. There will also be distillery tours at the nearby El Silencio distillery.

The restaurant and cocktail bar will offer classic Oaxacan dishes, cocktails by the Mezcal El Silencio team (think Mezcal spins on Mules, Margaritas and Negronis), and pop-up experiences with world-renowned Chefs.

The surrounding area offers a plethora of cultural experiences, from the archaeological ruins of Mitla to hiking through the Pueblos Mancomunados to exploring Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca or shopping the authentic Mercado Benito Juárez.

To find out more information, or make a reservation, go to Casa Silencio’s official website.