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Walsh Whiskey appoints Amber Beverage Australia as distributor of The Irishman & Writers’ Tears super-premium whiskey ranges Frog’s Hollow Saloon opens in Brisbane CBD

Walsh Whiskey appoints Amber Beverage Australia as distributor of The Irishman & Writers’ Tears superpremium whiskey ranges.

Amber Beverage Australia (previously Think Spirits) has been appointed by Walsh Whiskey as the exclusive Australian distributor of the Irish whiskey ranges: The Irishman® and Writers’ Tears®. The appointment came into effect in February this year.

Amber Beverage Australia will distribute four expressions in The Irishman range (The Harvest, Single Malt, 12 Year Old Single Malt, Vintage Cask Strength) and six from the Writers’ Tears portfolio (Copper Pot, Double Oak, Red Head, Vintage Cask Strength, Japanese Mizunara Finish, Florio Marsala Finish).

Announcing the partnership with Amber Beverage Australia, Walsh Whiskey co-founder Bernard Walsh said: “Irish whiskey sales in Australia have more than doubled in the last five years, and given the double-digit growth of the category internationally for all bar one year in the last 30 years, I am sure that will continue under the expertise of the Amber Beverage Australia team.”

Amber Beverage Australia distributes a portfolio of premium spirits and liqueurs Australia-wide and boasts local representation in all six states and the two territories of Australia.

Patrick Borg, Managing Director of Amber Beverage Australia, said: “We’re thrilled to be distributing Walsh Whisky and have no doubt The Irishman and Writer’s Tears will fit in seamlessly into Amber Beverage Australia’s portfolio of premium spirits and liqueurs – with the unique taste profiles both brands offer through their portfolios. Amber Beverage Australia has a proven track record of building brands through planned consumer and trade marketing and we look forward to working with Walsh Whisky to grow these iconic brands here in Australia.”

These triple-distilled super-premium whiskeys have amassed a swathe of international awards over the years. 2021 saw the portfolio accumulate no fewer than 19 awards across 14 expressions from San Francisco to Tokyo (taking the long way round). Peter Hollands (formally The Gresham, Bacardi National Brand Ambassador) and Nick Winter (formally Bianca Restaurant, The Gresham, Mjolner Melbourne) have combined to open their own whisky bar, Frog’s Hollow Saloon, which they hope to be Brisbane’s first, true, saloon style venue.

Frog’s Hollow Saloon is in the John Reid & Nephews building at 26 Charlotte St sporting a heritage façade with brick work and double sash windows of early Brisbane, complemented inside with 50-year-old floorboards and exposed ceilings.

“Brisbane, after a couple of Covid years is looking for somewhere easy to gather with friends. Along with building a beautiful venue we wanted a space that was easy just to come on in, walk up to the bar and get a drink. We’ve got one of the strongest teams I’ve ever worked with, and we believe our offering is going to be unique to the Brisbane bar scene.” Peter Hollands.

“Service should be fun! I’m a huge believer in hiring based on personality and passion. We got extremely lucky that our team is also incredibly talented. Talent and personality make for amazing service, and we can’t wait to share that with Brisbane!” said Nick Winter.

Frog’s Hollow Saloon will trade seven days a week from 3pm to 1am.