National Liquor News August 2021 by The Intermedia Group

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING LIQUOR INDUSTRY MAGAZINE

vol. 40 no. 7 - August 2021

If you’re not reading

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National Liquor News is the only independent, impartial, trade journal published in our industry today. In these tough times, more than ever, it’s critical to keep the lines of communication open and National Liquor News has both the readership and the journalistic integrity to achieve this.” CHRIS O’BRIEN G E N E R A L M A N AG E R , L I Q U O R B A R O N S

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National Liquor News is a great source of information as it brings together all the stories and issues from across this great industry. It packages up special interest, consumer trends, new product innovation, and current affairs all into the one easy-to-read format.” ANDREW WILSMORE C E O , A LC O H O L B E V E R AG E S A U S T R A L I A

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National Liquor News really is the fastest way to get your message across to the whole Australian liquor industry. It’s as important to our members as the Financial Review is to the business community. When you’re looking for answers on any liquor issue then it’s always the first port of call. Basically if it’s happening in the liquor industry then you can guarantee they are across it.” PETER PECK C E O , L I Q U O R S T O R E S AS S O C I AT I O N O F W E S T E R N A U S T R A L I A

then you’re not up to speed on the latest trends, NPD, new releases and best practice running a liquor store, but don’t take our word for it…we asked some of the industry what they think.

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National Liquor News delivers multiple purpose for me. The topical content on market trends and industry news helps us all to keep in touch with important information and in some cases, validates our promotional plans. It’s also a great platform to read the thoughts and opinions of our industry leaders on various topics across the national market.” VA U G H A N P E T E R S N AT I O N A L T R A D E M A N AG E R , L I Q U O R L E G E N D S

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We find National Liquor News to be a forum of valuable expertise between industry colleagues, inspiring each other in the journey to successful achievements. It is an effective medium to foster the co-operative’s mission with the publication’s extensive and esteemed following.” PA U L E S P O S I T O CEO, INDEPENDENT LIQUOR GROUP

S U B S C R I B E : shop.nationalliquornews.com.au A DV E R T I S E : Shane T Williams – stwilliams@intermedia.com.au E D I T O R I A L : Brydie Allen – ballen@intermedia.com.au

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Editor’s note

WE ENCOURAGE RESPONSIBLE DRINKING Get the facts DrinkWise.org.au

Welcome to the August issue of National

a look into the best ways for retailers to get on

Liquor News.

board with the action – check it out from page 40.

Writing this from Sydney’s lockdown, I hope

Meanwhile, with the cold not forecast to let up any

that everything is going well in your neck of the

time soon, red wine continues to be a popular choice

woods in this last month of winter.

for shoppers. From page 34, our friends at IRI have

Whether you’re in lockdown or not, it

offered their insights about what this means for the

continues to be incredibly important to be

market, while our wine experts (remotely) sipped

thinking about how to better your business in

their way through a diverse range of Shiraz blends.

this ‘new normal’ we find ourselves trading in.

In this issue we’ve also got all the latest news,

One of our biggest goals at National Liquor News

insight and analysis from our fabulous regular

is to help you accomplish this.

contributors Retail Drinks Australia, Alcohol

This month we’ve explored a range of topics

Beverages Australia, Strikeforce, Wine Australia,

that will be useful heading into this month and

Perfectly Rieslingable, BrightSide, DrinkWise, and

beyond. For example there’s the Rosé Report

the wonderful Norrelle Goldring.

from page 36, which analyses the opportunity of the rosé category. Although the warmer months

Stay safe wherever you are, and we’ll see you next month!

traditionally bring peak pink consumption time, most of the suppliers we spoke to for this story

Cheers,

said the wine is becoming less seasonal, and gave

Brydie Brydie Allen, Editor

Another category we’ve explored this month is American Whiskey. Australia is a key export

Publisher: Paul Wootton pwootton@intermedia.com.au Editor: Brydie Allen ballen@intermedia.com.au General Manager Sales – Liquor & Hospitality Group: Shane T. Williams stwilliams@intermedia.com.au Group Art Director – Liquor and Hospitality: Kea Thorburn kthorburn@intermedia.com.au Prepress: Tony Willson tony@intermedia.com.au Production Manager: Jacqui Cooper jacqui@intermedia.com.au Subscription Rates 1yr (11 issues) for $70.00 (inc GST) 2yrs (22 issues)for $112.00 (inc GST) – Saving 20% 3yrs (33 issues) for $147.00 (inc GST) – Saving 30%

their tips on how to capitalise on the year-round opportunity this brings.

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market for whiskey distillers in the US, so we took

Sponsored Content

New business name for ALM Owned and Exclusive Brands The company has announced the name of their Owned and Exclusive Brands portfolio will be Independent Beverage Partners (IBP). Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM), the country’s largest liquor supplier to independently owned liquor retailers and the largest broad range liquor wholesaler, has announced Independent Beverage Partners (IBP) will be the new business name for its Owned & Exclusive portfolio. IBP will use ALM’s existing cost-effective and efficient supply chain, and will be responsible for the distribution of the Owned & Exclusive portfolio, dedicated exclusively to growing the brands within the independent liquor network. IBP’s vision is to provide independent retailers with products that exceed retailer and shopper expectations, with the promise to over-deliver on quality, value and margin every day. Put simply, ALM describes this as superior quality products that represent great value for the shopper and deliver margin benefits to the retailer. The IBP business is headed up by Murray Riemann, the General Manager of Owned & Exclusive Brands. Riemann has been with ALM

“We get out of bed each day in the passionate pursuit of championing successful independents. That’s what IBP is all about.” Murray Riemann

for 10 years and managed the acquisition of the private label portfolio

General Manager – Owned & Exclusive Brands Australian Liquor Marketers

from Kollaras & Co last year, which at the time was explained by ALM CEO Chris Baddock as: “a key focus and a key accelerator of Australian Liquor Marketer’s private label growth strategy.” The team also comprises of James Somerset as Brand and Portfolio Manager, Nevil Shah as Sourcing and Compliance Manager, Georgia Kollaras as Senior Marketing Manager and Chani Madhurangi as Demand and Supply Planner. Riemann said: “This small team, each bringing specialised skills, has allowed the business to execute a long list of deliverables quite cleanly and quickly.

award-winning products that guarantee exceptional benefits across the entire value chain.” The exciting new IBP business has so far this year launched the

“The existing brands within the IBP portfolio are a great

highly anticipated Five Judges 2L cask range, the value-end Jumpin’

demonstration of our wonderful ability to create, represent and

Jack wines, and has already hinted about even more announcements

nurture products that are loved by both retailers and shoppers alike.

for an impressive line-up of new local and international brands.

These include successful brands like Two Truths Wines, Molly’s Irish

“Quality, value and margin is what we strive to deliver every day,

Cream Liqueur, Tovaritch! Vodka, and Broo Beer just to name a few.

it instils confidence and pride in our retailers, and delivers a sense

“IBP has been designed to address a large market opportunity

of delight, discovery, excitement, and enjoyment for shoppers,”

across wines, beers, and spirits with the mandate to partner with top wineries, breweries and distilleries in Australia and around the globe, to provide shoppers and retailers with enjoyable, multi-

Riemann said. “We get out of bed each day in the passionate pursuit of championing successful independents. That’s what IBP is all about.”

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August 2021 | 23

Retail Drinks Australia

Leading the way in age verification for online alcohol sale and delivery A proactive approach has made Retail Drinks a leader in an important space during changes in legislation, writes Michael Waters, CEO of Retail Drinks Australia.

At the start of July 2021, the vast majority of the NSW Government’s changes to same-day alcohol delivery laws came into effect. Whilst these changes included minimum requirements closely based on the Retail Drinks Online Alcohol Sale & Delivery

“Retail Drinks and its various members involved in this space are excited to be at the forefront of innovation and technology in the retail liquor industry.”

Code of Conduct, such as delivery driver training

industry, and offering a wider selection of digital

and education, the second tranche of these reforms

identity products.

will require age to be verified at the point of sale and

Retail Drinks and its various members involved

at the point of delivery, and for same-day delivery

in this space are excited to be at the forefront of

providers operating in NSW to adopt online age

innovation and technology in the retail liquor

verification procedures.

industry, whilst also demonstrating a proactive

Whilst these age verification requirements will not be coming into effect until June 2022, Retail

commitment towards minimising risk in the sameday online alcohol delivery space.

Drinks has taken a proactive approach as part of

It is important to point out that to ensure the

our role as trusted adviser to both industry and

reputation of our sector and assist our members,

government, holding a successful initial trial of

Retail Drinks continues to promote standards of

online age verification technology in conjunction

operation for its members beyond the required

with industry partners ConnectID (eftpos) and Yoti

standards of legal compliance, and has implemented

Michael Waters

Australia in late April/early May this year. This trial,

a range of voluntary product and service control

CEO Retail Drinks Australia

which also involved other Retail Drinks members,

initiatives which are widely adopted by members

sought to test the robustness and customer useability

and the broader retail liquor industry, including our

of age verification technology in the same-day alcohol

Online Code, ID25, Don’t Buy It For Them, and our

delivery space. Following its completion, the trial

recently launched industry responsibility initiative

received significant media attention as an industry-

Choose to DrinkWise, in partnership with social

first initiative lead by Retail Drinks highlighting its

change organisation DrinkWise.

24 | National Liquor News

success, and has helped inform the development of

We look forward to continuing to work in close

the regulations and our ongoing engagement with the

collaboration with the NSW Government to ensure

NSW Government.

the seamless implementation of all same-day alcohol

We are currently planning an expanded second

delivery laws, including online age verification

phase of the trial in the coming months. Whilst the

requirements, across the entire industry. We envision

focus will continue to be on the useability of the

that our proactive work in this space will continue to

technology, the trial will be conducted on a larger

help inform other states, territories and countries on

scale than Phase One. Retail Drinks is also currently

the responsible online sale and delivery of alcohol, age

in discussions with more of its members in regards

verification, and how to successfully roll-out digital

to expanding the scope of this trial to the broader

identity solutions.

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Recruitment

Recruiting in a candidate-tight market Checking some important boxes will give you the best chance to find the best talent in the current job market, writes Sue Lauritz and Amber King, Directors at BrightSide. There has been a noticeable shift in the job market

recruitment process. Are your key internal

over the past few months, and clients are reaching

stakeholders available for interview when required? If

out for our support after failing to attract candidates

working with an external recruiter partner, ensure

through their own recruitment efforts.

their own search processes and timelines marry up

Demand outweighs supply and great talent is

with yours.

moving quicker than we have seen before. Candidates remain risk averse to changing roles in such a volatile

Be decisive

market. Most states have felt the impact of snap

Once you have a preferred candidate, make an offer!

lockdowns, the uncertainty that creates and the

Don’t unnecessarily delay the process by feeling

terrible impact to the hospitality sector. It is being

compelled to interview more people. Candidates are

felt nationally.

in high demand and usually have more than one job

So, what can you do to give your business the best

role on the go at once. Move with haste, because if

chance of finding and securing talent?

you don’t, someone else will.

Understand your internal recruitment process

Pay market rates

When you go to market, be ready to hire. We have

We’ve also noticed a shift in salaries for ‘in demand’

been briefed on roles, gone to market and shortlisted,

roles. We’re seeing an unprecedented demand for

only to be told that there are internal processes causing

exceptional sales talent. Chances are, your competitors

delay. Ensure key stakeholders are aligned and all the

are looking for the same superstars as you and if you

back-end work has taken place before you commence

can’t offer a competitive salary package, the challenge

the search.

is greater. While great candidates rarely change jobs purely for financial reasons, it’s also uncommon

Define the PD

in the current market to move without some financial

Not only is it critical for the business to agree on the

incentive. Understand market expectations and

dimensions of the role they’re recruiting, candidates

match these.

“In a competitive market, small things count.” Sue Lauritz and Amber King Directors BrightSide

also want to understand the scope of the role, the perks, and the career development opportunities. In

Look outside your pond

a competitive market small things count. A prepared

Clients are looking for a successful track record in

and well thought through PD will position your role

a similar role, with industry experience, therefore

in a more positive light than those that aren’t clearly

narrowing the pool of people they/we can attract.

defined or don’t exist at all.

Consider transferable skills from other industries and related functions. The fresh thinking and

Set agreed timelines

diversity this brings to the broader business can be

Timelines are an important part of your internal

invaluable.

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August 2021 | 25

DrinkWise

New partnership for older Australians Our partnership with Bowls Australia is geared towards helping older Australians drink more responsibly , writes Simon Strahan, CEO of DrinkWise. Simon Strahan

DrinkWise recently announced a multi-year partnership with Bowls Australia to remind consumers, particularly older Australians, about the importance of drinking alcohol responsibly. Recent research by the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA) found that an estimated 1.3 million Australians over the age of 50 are drinking at risky levels. With almost 2,000 clubs and over 693,000 participants Australia-wide – two thirds of which are aged 60 and over – this new partnership aims to educate bowls participants and supporters about the importance of drinking alcohol in moderation. A key element of the partnership will be to increase bowls participants’ knowledge of mid, low and zero strength products. We’re seeing a continued increase in the popularity of these products, with a recent IWSR study predicting a 30 per cent increase globally in the volume of zero and low alcohol products over the next three years. Despite their growing popularity, recent DrinkWise research indicates 72 per cent of Australians aged 50+ have not tried a lower strength alcohol product as a means of reducing their alcohol consumption. Encouraging participants to swap out some of their full-strength alcohol drinks for mid, low or zero strength products every week has the potential to make significant shifts in the amount of alcohol some older Australians are drinking. The launch of the partnership at the Australian Open on the Gold Coast in June received national media attention, with coverage across the Seven Network, Courier Mail, the ABC and trade media reaching over 1.6m people (cumulative) nationwide. DrinkWise branding was displayed at the finals and will be seen at the Bowls Premier League events and at the World Bowls Championship, in addition to targeted messaging at the 1,800+ local community bowls clubs around the country. The partnership provides an important platform to continue to educate Australians about making healthier and safer choices when choosing to drink alcohol. We are grateful for the enthusiastic support we have received from Bowls Australia and our contributors alike, who recognise the value of these lower strength alcohol alternatives as a powerful tool to further improving the Australian drinking culture.

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Sources: - Roche et el., NCETA: Ageing and Alcohol: Drinking Typologies among Older Adults, Journal of Ageing and Health, 2020. - IWSR Global Zero and Low Alcohol Strategic Study, January 2021. - 89 Degrees East, Health Wellness and Drinking Habits of over 50s, April 2021. 26 | National Liquor News

Liquor news straight to your inbox For the latest liquor retail news, subscribe to the National Liquor News e-newsletter

www.theshout.com.au/national-liquor-news

Matawhero Wines

Wine Insights

New Zealand wine in Australia: A market snapshot Natalie Grace

Natalie Grace, Founder of Perfectly Rieslingable, takes a look at how New Zealand wine is performing in the Australian off-premise market.

market for New Zealand wine. While

On-premise growth and the impact on off-premise

Australians prefer to consume local

One of the most reliable ways to grow

produce, New Zealand wine is a prominent

volume in the off-premise is to establish

alternative and one of the leading sources

a brand’s reputation in the on-premise.

of imported wine into Australia with a 38

Listings of New Zealand wine grew by four

per cent share of import value in 2019-20,

per cent during 2020, following a period of

down seven per cent on the previous year

stabilisation the previous year.

Australia is a mature and developed

to $315 million.

Founder Perfectly Rieslingable

Research by Wine Business Solutions

We wait with interest on ABS figures

indicates Sauvignon Blanc regained its

for 2020-21 indicating any bounce back

position from Chardonnay during the year

that may be seen due to the impacts of

as Australia’s most listed white wine style

COVID-19. New Zealand Winegrowers

at 19.5 per cent, for which New Zealand –

export statistics show that in the 12 months

primarily Marlborough – has a 43.2 per cent

to pre-pandemic behaviour, four per

to May 2021, New Zealand producers

share. Pinot Noir is now the most listed wine

cent purchased more New Zealand wine

shipped 67.3 million litres of wine at an

style in Australia and listings of New Zealand

compared to pre-pandemic behaviour and

FOB value of NZ$385m across the ditch, an

Pinot Noir in the Australian on-premise

11 per cent purchased less other imported

increase of six per cent by value and almost

have never been stronger, increasing to just

wine compared to pre-pandemic behaviour,

10 per cent by volume on the previous year.

over 20 per cent in 2020. Marlborough,

indicating Australia and New Zealand both

Central Otago and Martinborough all grew

benefited from the notion of localism, a

Key varieties

strongly at 17 per cent, 17 per cent and 28

reflection of the close relationship between

Sauvignon Blanc accounts for 75 per cent of

per cent respectively.

the two countries.

New Zealand’s export volume to Australia

Key varieties of NZ wine in Australia (data source: New Zealand Winegrowers May 2021)

With a decrease in supply due to the

and 85 per cent of the country’s total export

Drink local (or New Zealand)

smaller 2021 harvest, Australian wine lovers

volume globally. Additional lead varieties

In 2020 the IWSR predicted that as a

will be hoping that strong relationship ensures

exported to Australia are Pinot Gris (nine

result of COVID-19, local products would

their cellars remain full. It is expected New

per cent), Pinot Noir (six per cent), sparkling

increase in popularity, accelerated by travel

Zealand producers will face significant supply

(four per cent), rosé (two per cent) and

restrictions and closed borders during the

and demand tension and tough decisions on

Chardonnay (two per cent). All major

pandemic. Wine Intelligence found there

who they can supply in their key markets over

varieties saw an increase in volume shipped

was a strong sense of localism where 30 per

the next year, with the shortfall in the crop

from the previous year, with Pinot Gris and

cent of Australian regular wine drinkers

equivalent to roughly seven million nine litre

sparkling wine faring particularly well.

purchased more Australian wine compared

cases of New Zealand wine.

28 | National Liquor News

■

Sustainable Shopping

Certifiable sustainability Consumers are making more sustainable choices than ever, and this is influencing the off-premise industry, writes Stephen Wilson, Category and Insights Manager at Strikeforce. Sustainability has been a hot topic for a few years now

suppliers have demonstrated a willingness to align

and has been driven by households looking to reduce

product with drinkers’ expectations in this area.

their impact on the environment through unnecessary and excessive non-recyclable packaging. There are two drivers of shopper behaviour that fall into the sustainability bucket:

Brands have been ‘ditching’ plastic packaging by replacing six-pack rings with biodegradable material or removing them altogether. Biodegradable beer bottles that can be recycled

• Surroundings – understanding what impact

like cardboard or newspapers and will decompose

consumption has on the environment, reduced

naturally have been experimented with as part of a

consumption, waste and energy use.

brand’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint.

• Value – rejection of excessive and unsustainable

Brands, both local and international, have

consumption. A more mindful approach to

replaced shrink wrap with recyclable and

spending and consumption.

biodegradable cardboard.

Consider the following: • 660 thousand tonnes of plastic waste are generated by Australians every year. • Australia is one of the most wasteful countries in the developed world. • 85 per cent of soft plastics and bags end up in landfill.

The sustainability theme stretches further to other areas of the supply chain. Point of sale is now produced using recyclable display materials that are 100 per cent environmentally friendly. As recently as this week, a major beer brand announced that deliveries across Melbourne will be

Major brands are responding to community concerns

made via an all-electric truck to reduce emissions

about how packaging on FMCG food and beverage

with the same brand communicating that it has been

products is having a negative impact on the planet.

brewed using 100 per cent offset solar power.

Major Australian supermarket brands all have

These are just a few examples of the initiatives that

sustainability policies in place and are in the process

organisations are taking to ensure that they are moving

of phasing out or reducing harmful plastics and

towards drinkers’ expectations of not only providing

packaging from their shelves.

great product but doing it in a sustainable manner.

Well aware of the impact of discarded beverage

The messaging from these initiatives is that “we

containers, state governments introduced container

hear you and are offering product that not only meets

deposit schemes with varying levels of success.

your expectations but also lets us do our bit to help

So, what about off-premise liquor?

Stephen Wilson Category and Insights Manager Strikeforce

save the planet.”

Local and global brands have been active in this

Suppliers need to align to this mantra or

space and are keen to offer solutions that align with

risk deletion either through failing to provide

community expectations.

environmentally friendly containers and packaging

The beer category is a great example of where

“Major brands are responding to community concerns about how packaging on FMCG food and beverage products is having a negative impact on the planet.”

or shoppers rejecting products that are not ‘green.’

■

August 2021 | 29

Wine Australia

Vintage 2021: Big and beautiful Australia’s 2021 ‘unicorn’ vintage has broken crush records and means good things for industry and consumers, writes Sandy Hathaway, Senior Wine Analyst at Wine Australia. The Wine Australia National Vintage

and increased its share of the crush to

Report 2021 has been released and its

27 per cent, with a record crush of over

official – this year’s vintage was a record

half a million tonnes. Chardonnay was

crush, estimated at 2.03 million tonnes.

second but lost ground to Shiraz; it was

In good news for consumers, the

up by 33 per cent to 385,000 tonnes.

2021 Australian wine grape harvest

The whites generally did not increase

has been described as a ‘unicorn’

by as much as the reds – but in good

vintage, with a rare combination of

news for Sauvignon Blanc lovers, that

near-perfect growing and ripening

variety was up by 15 per cent and is

conditions across most states and

well-placed to supply the market in the

regions ensuring exceptional quality

context of a low New Zealand crop.

as well as quantity of wine grapes.

Sandy Hathaway Senior Analyst Wine Australia

Above: Crush from 2005-2021

The larger crop balanced out the two

Varieties to watch

previous below-average vintages,

While the ‘big five’ varieties – Shiraz,

enabling the replenishment of stocks

Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon,

and taking the pressure off wine supply.

Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc –

Below: Location of crush in 2021

dominate the crush by volume, some

Where did the crush come from?

minor varieties are showing strong

South Australia accounted for the

growth in relative terms.

largest share of the crush, with an

The white varieties whose crush has

estimated 1,055,265 tonnes (52 per cent

increased most dramatically in the past

of the total), followed by New South

five years are Grüner Veltliner, Prosecco,

Wales (29 per cent) and Victoria (17

Pinot Gris/Grigio, Fiano and Roussanne.

per cent). Regions showing particularly

White varieties in decline over the same

big increases after the low-yielding

timeframe are Gewürztraminer, Riesling,

2020 vintage include: King Valley,

Vermentino, Viognier and Marsanne.

Yarra Valley, Orange, Hunter, Barossa

In the red varieties, the strongest

Valley, Adelaide Hills, Langhorne

growth since 2016 has been in Durif,

Creek and Granite Belt.

Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Mataro/ Mourvedre and Touriga Nacional.

What were the main varieties?

Only Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo

Shiraz was once again the largest variety

have declined over that timeframe.

30 | National Liquor News

■

The National Vintage Report 2021 is available on the Wine Australia website. All data can be accessed on the Interactive Insight’s Vintage Survey Dashboard. Contact market.insights@wineaustralia.com for more information.

Craft Beer Tourism

Craft beer oases in the parched northwest As the impact of the pandemic continues to be felt across the industry, exploring what Australian breweries have to offer goes a long way in helping the recovery. Here, Norrelle Goldring reflects on a trip to the far northwest of Western Australia, to find that remoteness doesn’t impact the quality of local brewers.

“Overall the breweries in the northwest of WA were a pleasant surprise and well worth supporting.” Norrelle Goldring

We narrowly avoided lockdown on our trip to

The staff are casually professional and there is a

Western Australia a few months ago, where we drove

blackboarded pizza-only menu, but the pizza is good,

from Perth to Broome and back again. Along the way

served on wooden planches and square cut. Branded

we stopped at a number of regional craft breweries in

merchandise (hats, t-shirts, hoodies, fleeces, beanies,

the state’s northwest, between Exmouth and Broome.

stickers, stubby holders and growlers) is available in cube

Below is a roundup of four breweries we visited in

shelving inside the shed near the bar. Live entertainment

WA’s northwest. In short, although the craft breweries

is available occasionally, but not on the day we visited.

may be few and far between (think 600km in between),

So, to the beverages.

WA is Australia writ large – the remoteness hasn’t

There were only a couple of wines available and

impacted the quality and professionalism.

Outback apple cider. At the time of our visit the

While varying COVID restrictions impact many of

beer styles available on tap included a session ale,

our abilities to travel the country, these prove a great

lager, wheat beer, pale ale, IPA, ginger beer, and a

case to support local brewers and explore what they

stout (interesting for the climate). And perhaps more

have to offer when the time is right.

interestingly, a sour weisse and a Jameson Whiskey/ ginger beer. Some of these have changed since to

Whalebone Brewing, Exmouth

include Flensing Ales and amber ales.

For context, Exmouth is 1,250 km north of Perth on

Eight beers were available in cans. ‘Yes we can’

the Coral Coast, just under halfway to Broome if you’re

signs were evident around the brewery, but some

heading around the coast. It’s a low-key tourist town of

(IPA, stout) were out of stock at the brewery the day

around 3,000 people and the jumping-off point for tours

we visited, although available online.

of Ningaloo Reef and swimming with the whale sharks. Founded in 2016 and run by two local families,

32 | National Liquor News

Froth, Exmouth

Whalebone Brewing has the classic ‘local’ craft

Located in the middle of town, Froth bills itself as

brewery setting on an industrial estate on the edge

“WA’s favourite new award winning family-friendly

of town, and the associated authentic, rustic feel

restaurant, microbrewery, and live music venue.” So, it

to go with it. Located in a renovated tin shed with

might have won a bunch of tourism awards, but for us

a somewhat exposed outdoor area, it obviously has

it was just too touristy. Perhaps the outback paintings

a following as it started filling up five minutes after

on the pillars were the giveaway. Or maybe we’ve just

opening at 5pm on the day we visited.

been to too many industrial estate craft breweries.

Craft Beer Tourism

The proprietary food naming conventions

community rather than tourists, it lacks a

year-round population of 15,000 to 45,000

on the menu – ‘gunnaravtoo’ and ‘korma

website but leverages its Facebook page hard.

during the tourist season.

eileen’ just two examples – got in the way of

The brewery is quite big with a large,

Despite being ‘the most remote brewery in

understanding what the dishes actually were.

astro-turfed verandah BBQ area, an arcade

Australia’, 2000-founded Matso’s is probably

There were two bars, both operational

games room, as well as the dining and bar

the most well-known of the four breweries

areas and the brewery itself.

we visited due to its national distribution

and adjacent one of which was the by-now usual range of branded merchandise, most

The venue aims to cater for everybody.

including in Dan Murphy’s, thanks in part

of it on racks.The evening we visited, a

A jungle gym speaks to young families.

Saturday night, the place was packed with

Live entertainment is frequent and heavily

A destination in its own right in Broome

the hipster beard and backpacker crowds.

promoted throughout the venue and on socials.

due to its breezy Key West-style ambience

There were 14 beers available on tap, also

A decent range of wines (for a brewery) and

and extensive food menu, it’s also renowned

with ‘quirky’ names, the most interesting

some Capi sodas talks to women (on our visit,

for its ginger and mango beers, for which my

being a mango sour and a gose.

to its ownership by Gage Roads.

the table next to us were a group of women

partner made a beeline (and had several). It

It’s obviously doing well with its millennial

celebrating a combined hens do and baby

has live music on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

target market, given it was founded in

shower – admittedly nursing beers). The food

At the time of our visit, staff were

2017 and plans to open another outpost in

was excellent, among the best seafood tostadas

professional and friendly and the food was

Bunbury, south of Perth, later this year.

I’ve ever had and certainly not expected in a

of a high standard, albeit the merchandise

‘mining town.’

section was surprisingly small for one of the

North West Brewing, Karratha

Given the hot arid climate and the mining

bigger brands in the region.

Around 550km or so east of Exmouth,

clientele, most of the tap beers, of which there

The ten beers and ginger beers on the

Karratha in the Pilbara is a town of around

were eight at our time of visit, are low ABV,

drinks list included a number of chilli and

17,000 with (mining and resources) money;

generally between 3.2 per cent and 5.2 per

mango options as well as a hard lemon.

modern midrise office buildings, shopping

cent. Styles were on the lighter side of the

Given the climate, the only dark beer

centres and new cars. We were informed that

spectrum – pale ales, IPAs, amber ales, red

represented was a dark lager.

Council is apparently attempting to make it

ales, Kolsch, lager. My partner had an IPA that

a ‘liveable city beyond mining’ (unlike Port

he rated. He also brought back to Sydney the

Summary

Hedland, another 240km up the road, the

takeaway Altbier in cans.

Overall the breweries in the northwest of

centre for mining rail and shipping and a

WA were a pleasant surprise and well worth

Matso’s, Broome

supporting; professionally run, good quality

Established in 2017, North West Brewing

Some 830km east of Karratha, tropical

food and beverage products catering to a

is located in Karratha’s industrial estate south

Broome is the heart of the West Kimberley.

cross section of locals, FIFOs and tourists

of town just off the main highway. It is the

Originally a pearling town, it now thrives

with a variety of offers. No dinky one-man-

antithesis of Froth; geared around local

on tourism and its numbers triple from the

band outfits here.

relic of the 1970s).

■

August 2021 | 33

IRI

Australians red-y for winter Bottled red wine is particularly popular throughout winter, with a number of factors driving shoppers this year, writes Kim Yuan, Client Insights Graduate at IRI. Australians continue to gravitate towards

Classics versus new varietals

habits. As we were restricted in exploring

red bottled wine during the colder months,

Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

different environments, we did so with our

with a third of 2020’s red bottled sales

were the top three performing varietals last

tastebuds. The experimentation movement

occurring in the winter period. Last

winter, in terms of actual dollar growth

is particularly evident when looking at the

winter, shoppers brought home an extra

generated. The three classics contributed

rapid acceleration of smaller varietals like

432 million litres of red wine (+14.7 per

over three times more growth than the

Tempranillo and blends, Grenache, Sangiovese

cent), equating to an incremental of $78.2

other varietals combined, generating

and Nebbiolo – all of which are delivering

million compared to only $23.0 million the

incremental revenues of $26.9M, $18.9M

growth close to, or over, 50 per cent.

year prior.

and $13.5M, respectively.

Love for local

As demonstrated during winter 2020,

While dominating sales of bottled reds for

brands that outperform are those capturing

this period (with 71 per cent combined share),

Last year reinforced the importance of

the experimental shopper through unique

other challengers are emerging. After all, 2020

supporting domestic brands and products,

experiences or by aligning with their current

saw an adoption of different lifestyles and that

with the ‘love for local’ campaign gaining

flavour and wellbeing affinities.

change also translated into our consumption

greater traction through the pandemic.

34 | National Liquor News

IRI

This shift positively impacted smaller,

Concierge beyond the Barossa winery

Australian brands. Four of the top 10

into the virtual world. Through the

largest growing brands posted over a

platform, club members are privy

million dollars growth which is over

to bespoke wine tasting sessions,

five times more than the year prior.

private consultations with the Chief

Their notable rise can also be attributed to their alignment in key

Winemaker and the ability to create personalised cellaring plans.

sustainability and wellbeing trends. For example, Tread Softly is targeting a new

International exploration

generation of health-conscious drinkers

With international travel likely off-limits

with its lower ABV wines and plants a

for another year, Australians may look

tree for every twelve bottles sold.

to transport themselves by recreating

Brands doing things differently

winter warmer for Australia as it has

become more apparent in the last 12

long been loved internationally. It has

months. This is evident in the creation

already appeared in multiple articles

of new products and the manner in

and blogs, with Dan Murphy’s even

which brands engage with consumers.

creating a dedicated landing page on

Brands that executed this mix

its website.

successfully reaped large sales growth,

This winter Jam Shed wines has

particularly during the winter period.

launched a mulled wine mix and jam jar

When 19 Crimes launched in 2017, the brand was able to create a point of difference in the market with its virtual reality label. By offering shoppers a unique brand experience, it brought something new and exciting to what is typically perceived as a formal category that is bound by tradition. The recent arrival of the Snoop Dogg series has the potential to extend the brand’s popularity further. A different example is how Penfolds recognised the demand to experiment,

Kim Yuan Client Insights Graduate IRI

Mulled wine could be the new

The importance of innovation has

An example of this is 19 Crimes.

“As demonstrated during winter 2020, brands that outperform are those capturing the experimental shopper through unique experiences or by aligning with their current flavour and wellbeing affinities.”

popular destination drinks locally.

launching an interactive masterclass experience in their Barossa Valley HQ. During the 45 minute masterclass, attendees simultaneously learn about the Penfolds history and processes whilst mixing their own red blend which they get to take home at the end of the session. Another brand adapting to the times is St Hugo. Propelled by the closure of on-premise and travel restrictions, St Hugo expanded their Cellaring

throughout Australian liquor retailers. The release aims to tap into the growing sweet tooth of consumers and the brand hopes it can emulate its UK success. Conversely for those wishing they were enjoying the European summer, they may seek lighter, fruitier reds like Sangria and Lambrusco.

Converging of the known and unknown As consumers have demonstrated an appetite to experiment with different flavours, there may be a wider adoption of brands that combine wine with other liquor categories such as glass spirits. Some have already started, such as Jacobs Creek using Scotch whisky barrels to put a twist of flavour in its Shiraz or Squealing Pig combining gin and rosé.

■

Sources: IRI Market Edge. Australia Liquor Weighted. Jun-Aug 2020 v YA. IRI Market Edge. Australia Liquor Weighted. MAT to 07/06/20 August 2021 | 35

The Rosé Report

Pretty in pink Rosé is increasingly becoming less seasonal as consumers embrace its versatility. Brydie Allen reports on making the most of this, all year round.

A new day for rosé

Already one of the top performing categories in

One of the biggest influences on the continued

wine, rosé has been continuing its strong trajectory

success of rosé is the increasing amount of year-

We asked Anoushka

through the past year, with even greater heights

round sales, not just in the warmer months that

Szlagowska, Founder of

to come.

have usually been ‘peak pink time.’

soon to be released Tart,

According to IRI data, rosé records increased

Vince Gurciullo, Sales Operations Manager

growth each year, and in 2020, it even beat

– Australia, at De Bortoli Wines, said: “We don’t

we can expect from the

powerhouse varieties like Prosecco and Shiraz.

see the popularity of rosé with the Australian

new brand

for a sneak peek of what

“In the previous MAT to 07/06/20 Shiraz nearly

consumer declining any time soon, in fact, we are

tripled rosé volume growth actual. This turnaround

not only seeing double digit growth during spring

daytime rosé. It is

(with rosé now the number one varietal for volume

and summer, but also through the colder months

not merely a format

growth) has been substantial and suggests there are

with our own brands as well as our imported

extension of an existing

still further growth opportunities to unlock for this

agency rosé from France and Italy.”

bottle version, it is

“Tart is the original

varietal,” said Delphine Lambert, Consultant at IRI.

A similar phenomenon is noted at Brown

Such explosive results are a different world to a

Family Wine Group, where Marketing Manager

built for wine in can

decade ago, over which time the rosé category has

Emma Brown said the wine is becoming less

format from cultural

continued to develop in Australia to set the stage

seasonal each year.

insights from around

for an incredible future in the local market.

“Given rosé’s versatility, we feel people are

purposely, methodically

the world, trends within

Inge Fransen, CEO of Vranken-Pommery

becoming more confident to pair rosé with food

the category and

Australia, which imports a range of French rosé

occasions as well as relaxing at home, whereby

passionately built from

into the country, said: “In the 10 years that I have

it was consumed more in social settings out and

my core beliefs. There

been looking after Australasia, the category of rosé

about previously,” Brown said.

is currently no rosé on

wine has been the most interesting to experience.

That versatility has also been noted as one of

the market that can

“The initial perceptions in the market were

the big drivers for enduring future success of rosé,

authentically claim all

surprisingly different, almost negative may I say.

according to Ben Culligan, Director Marketing and

of these attributes and

And what a revolution the category has known.”

Category at Treasury Premium Brands.

benefits,” she said.

36 | National Liquor News

The Rosé Report

“Consumers’ love affair with rosé is showing no signs of waning. The category growth is forecasted to continue, in particular for rosés priced $15-$20, which are projected to grow $68M over the next three years. The approachability and versatility of rosé mean that it will continue to be a part of innovation trends and wine recruitment in the years to come,” Culligan said.

In style Rosé is an incredibly wide and busy category, and one that gets more so every year. So how can you navigate which types will do the best in-store? According to Guillaume Bladocha, Asia Pacific

“While Pinot Noir based rosés continue to perform really well, we are starting to see more consumer interest in a range of rosé varietals, particularly Grenache and other lighter, refreshing styles.” Ben Culligan Director Marketing and Category Treasury Premium Brands

Export Director for the Castel Group (which has Barton & Guestier in its portfolio): “The trend is definitely on the dry rosé wine. “This is a style that you can find in any importer portfolio as it is matching perfectly the aroma profile that the Australian consumer is expecting and enjoying when drinking rosé.” This trend is also evident for Australian producers like Angove Family Winemakers, where Marketing Manager Matt Redin said: “it has been about fresh, crisp, dry rosés that still pack a load of flavour.” For companies that distribute both local and international brands, growth in dry rosé is coming from all areas at a fairly steady rate. For example, Brown said: “We are seeing growth come from both Australian produced dry rosé (+15.1 per cent) and French dry rosé (+16.6 per cent).” There is also a consumer appetite for refreshing and light rosé (both in flavour and colour) as well as interesting varietals. Andrew Calabria, Sales and Marketing Manager at Calabria Family Wines, said: “Since more and more producers have come into the category, we’re seeing a lot of diverse styles, blends and varieties coming into the mix, giving rosé drinkers a lot of choices to explore.” Culligan noted some of the specific types of rosé that see great results in the Treasury Premium Brands portfolio, which includes powerhouse pink producer Squealing Pig. “While Pinot Noir based rosés continue to perform really well, we are starting to see more August 2021 | 37

The Rosé Report

consumer interest in a range of rosé varietals, particularly Grenache and other lighter, refreshing styles,” Culligan said. These varieties are popular with the De Bortoli portfolio too, especially as they complement a huge range of foods and drinking occasions. “Today’s rosé styles are palatable and popular all year round due to their versatility,” Gurciullo said. “We continue to see a large preference by consumers for pale dry rosé styles that are made using interesting grape varieties such as Grenache, Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.”

Innovation cements future According to IRI data predictions, future growth of rosé will largely be driven by innovation. “Rosé will continue to grow… with an increasing number of NPD which is starting to disrupt traditional category norms,” Lambert said. Such innovation comes in the form of cross category

“Fresh is best. Frown on brown. Stock nice, bright fruitful wines that will move through your store quickly – don’t over commit to stock just because the deal is too good to refuse.” Matt Redin Marketing Manager Angove Family Winemakers

integration, alternative packaging formats like cans, no and low alcohol products, organic and sustainable production and even rosé-based RTD cocktails. One of the biggest innovators in rosé right now is Treasury Premium Brands, with products like the rosé gin and rosé ginsecco from Squealing Pig, and a rosé-based seltzer from St Huberts The Stag. Culligan said the company recognises the importance of this kind of innovation, as it provides an entry point for new consumers. “Wine innovation in adjacent categories such as gin, seltzers, and RTDs opens doors to consumers who otherwise may not have wine on their radar – it plays a fundamental role in growing not only the rosé category, but the wine category as a whole,” Culligan said. It’s not just other categories that rosé is blending well with for great results, but also other wine varietals. For example, Brown said that Prosecco rosé is doing great things for both types of wine. “Prosecco rosé offers a new and interesting way to enjoy an every-day sparkling occasion and we believe this will be the summer of seeing exponential growth of Prosecco rosé,” she said. Newcomers to the market are also tapping into the innovation opportunity, including soon to be launched Tart, which is a lower light and bubbly rosé in a can. Founder Anoushka Szlagowska said: “Wine in a can has suffered from being one of those ‘too hard basket’ victims… it has historically sat on ambient shelves getting lost in the sea of bottled wine. “The shopper insights suggest that one of the compelling insights of wine in can is that it is portable. This opens up a whole new world for wine and when you add rosé to the mix, you are just swimming with the current.”

38 | National Liquor News

The Rosé Report

Make the most of rosé this year Suppliers in this article give their top tips for retailing rosé right now. • “A shelf tag can be very useful to highlight the wine of the month or the new item you just listed. In areas where the rosé trend is not as strong, then in-store tasting is definitely the option to go with. Also, placing a few bottles of your favourite rosé in the fridge, close to the cashier, will help move stock without any doubt.” – Guillaume Bladocha, Castel Group. • “Fresh is best. Frown on brown. Stock nice, bright fruitful wines that will move through your store quickly – don’t over commit to stock just because the deal is too good to refuse.” – Matt Redin, Angove Family Winemakers. • “Retailers need to increase their share of space for rosé to meet demand [and] help educate consumers about the different rosé varietals, styles and regions.” – Ben Culligan, Treasury Premium Brands. • “Offer a range of rosés for different palates and ensure there’s a range of choice available cold for

“Given rosé’s versatility, we feel people are becoming more confident to pair rosé with food occasions as well as relaxing at home, whereby it was consumed more in social settings out and about previously.” Emma Brown Marketing Manager Brown Family Wine Group

immediate consumption.” – Emma Brown, Brown Family Wine Group. • “Weed out any products that are really slow in selling off your shelves and introduce new rosés that fit the popular profile of what the Australian consumer is looking for.” – Vince Gurciullo, De Bortoli. • “We believe customers shopping for rosé prioritise wine colour before the finer details of the wine, looking for a wine with that signature light salmon pink hue (so making sure these wines are in a space with plenty of light will be key). After that, we’d recommend covering the spectrum of options for wine drinkers to choose from.” – Andrew Calabria, Calabria Family Wines. • “Guide the consumer with recommendations as to food pairing or explaining sustainable viticulture through shelf talkers and in-store tastings (these never get old and allow the consumer to gain knowledge and trust). Rosé also allows beautiful and appealing displays which draw the attention and contribute to the in-store experience. Make it fun!” – Inge Fransen, Vranken-Pommery. • “I would love to see an overhaul of the way wine in a can is merchandised. In my opinion, based on what I have seen in the US, ranging in a cold door next to RTDs would really create retailer value.” - Anoushka Szlagowska, Tart.

■

August 2021 | 39

American Whiskey

The spirit of

America

American whiskey shoppers are exploring the category and trading up more than ever, offering a substantial opportunity for the retail market.

One of the things that is helping drive this is the ‘softening’ of barriers in the whiskey channel, according to Scott Fitzsimons, Whisk(e)y and Spirits Educator at The Oak Barrel in Sydney. “You’ve got bourbon drinkers and you’ve got Scotch drinkers and never the two shall meet. But there’s been a few brands that have started softening those hard battle lines,” Fitzsimons told National Liquor News. “A big part of that softening is some of the importers and wholesalers actually working with us, so we can build the category as well… going back five or six

For international whisk(e)y producers, Australia is a key export market. Suppliers

years, we didn’t really get access to a huge amount of

the world over recognise the opportunity that our local consumers provide, for big

the stuff we wanted. We’re now getting access and it’s

brands and smaller craft brands alike.

growing. It’s helped some of the importers break out

One of these regions of whiskey that is doing well at the moment in Australia is the US. According to IRI, the American whiskey category is ranked number three

of that very one lane urban American whiskey thing to open it up to a new audience.”

of all glass spirit categories, a ranking it has maintained over the last three years. Thomas Mooney, Co-founder and CEO of Westward Whiskey from Oregon,

The curious shopper

said: “Australia is one of the best markets for North American whiskey, in part

The American whiskey category is currently benefitting

because it’s one of the best markets in the world for high quality whiskey of any kind.

from the exploratory nature of Australian shoppers,

“For Westward, it was our first export market. It was and continues to be our

which has been boosted by the increased amount of

largest export market by a pretty wide margin. In the first six months of this year,

consumers trying new drinks experiences in the home

Australia has contributed about 20 per cent of the total brands volume. So it’s a

since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

market that we love in every possible way.”

“I think of Australian consumers as curious

It’s a similar story across the market, as some of the biggest distributors in the

explorers… More than any country we do business in,

space including Brown-Forman, Campari Australia and SouthTrade International

including our home in the US, we find that consumers

have all noted continued value and volume growth.

are open-minded and knowledgeable and really eager

40 | National Liquor News

American Whiskey

to try something that surprises them,” Mooney said.

Australia, said this is something that hasn’t

Jessica Bullock, Brand Manager at Brown-Forman,

happened much in American whiskey before, and

said this is illustrated in the growth of all different

one that is allowing consumers to feel confident

price points and flavour profiles in the Brown-Forman

branching out across the offerings of brands like

American whiskey portfolio.

Wild Turkey.

“Australians are drinking more at home and we see

“We see that consumer knowledge is increasing and

a trend of consumers wanting to explore whiskey and

people are understanding the differences in quality

learn more about it. Within American whiskey there

which is relatively new for bourbon. Consumers

are so many different flavour profiles: from Gentleman

are experimenting more, looking for more super

Jack that is double mellowed for extra smoothness, to

premium offerings in both glass and RTD to reward

Woodford Reserve which comprises more than 200

themselves at home,” Marinoni said.

detectable flavour notes, to Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel where every barrel is unique,” Bullock said.

This demand is also reflected in the actions of the brands too, according to Andrew Milne, Brand

“We have also seen growth in flavoured whiskey,

Manager at SouthTrade International, which has an

providing an entry point for consumers looking to get

American whiskey portfolio that includes Buffalo

into the whiskey category or giving existing drinkers

Trace and Sazerac, among others.

an opportunity to explore something different.” Paolo Marinoni, Marketing Director at Campari

“The whole category is continuing to open up, with new brands continuing to emerge in Australia.

“Australians are drinking more at home and we see a trend of consumers wanting to explore whiskey and learn more about it.” Jessica Bullock Brand Manager Brown-Forman

August 2021 | 41

American Whiskey

A booming industry Just like we’ve seen in Australia in recent years, the American distilling industry has gone through an explosion, evident in the growing number of American whiskey products now being imported here. “In the US, over the last 15 years, we’ve gone from fewer than 50 distilleries to more than 2000 distilleries. There are whiskey distilleries in every state in the US,” Mooney said. Fitzsimons said: “There’s so much American whiskey, you look at one of those maps with the distilleries on it and you can’t see the country anymore because there’s so many red dots where the distilleries are.”

There’s a real thirst for more variety here from both established and emerging brands,” Milne said. “There is definitely much more to come from America. Innovation and experimentation still seems to be front and centre at Buffalo Trace Distillery and many others.”

Marinoni said the opportunity stems from what is accomplished with a growing number of exploring shoppers. “What is really encouraging for the category is the growth in the super premium segment in both glass and RTD,” Marinoni said. “No longer is bourbon being consumed just with cola, people

Through all of this, the American whiskey category is increasingly

are now spending over $100 on a bottle as they appreciate the

able to buck what Fitzsimons labelled as an incorrect ‘flippant’

nuances and flavours this category offers and we predict these

remark usually heard from those who aren’t educated about the

trends will continue.”

category yet – that all American whiskey tastes the same. “I think it’s a very exciting time for American whiskey and it’s fueled by that experimentation,” Fitzsimons said.

Similar results are noted by Bullock who said: “It is an exciting time for American whiskey as we see consumers trading up to premium offerings but also willing to try it in different ways.

“People are not hitting that glass ceiling of – ‘I’m interested in

“Shopper Intelligence in Australia has seen the importance of

American whiskey and I’ve tried everything in Australia, where do

premium brands increase by three per cent versus pre-pandemic,

I go from here?’ There’s now enough for your real hardcore whiskey

which highlights that consumers are willing to pay more for quality

lovers to get into it.”

and responsible drinking experiences.” While super premium is in growth, Fitzsimons said its also important

Premiumisation drives growth

to not forget those at the more entry level price point in the category,

With more consumers exploring the breadth and possibilities of

as without them there won’t be a future market of premium drinkers.

the category, a greater number of shoppers are also trading up, and premiumisation is a key area for growth. James France, Managing Director at Vanguard Luxury Brands, said: “It’s doing very well indeed, especially in the premium area. IWSR lists North American whiskey (including Canadian) as a key growth category, along with Irish and Japanese.” 42 | National Liquor News

“This is a stab at all spirits, not just whiskey - there’s only so many times you can put something in a crystal decanter with a gold stopper and charge an extra zero on the end of it, that’s not a sustainable model,” he said. “Experimentation and flavor is always going to be the biggest point... The key is getting that great $80 daily drinker.”

American Whiskey

Retail right

with a bit of flair is always helpful, according to Bullock.

There’s a lot of excitement in the American whiskey

“American whiskey shoppers are also looking for

category right now, so aligning your store to what

theatre and excitement in-store and if we can help

category shoppers are looking for is key to getting

them find what they are looking for, this will increase

your piece of the action. According to IRI Consultant

their shopper satisfaction,” she said.

Delphine Lambert: “A key issue at the moment is

Lambert said this engagement can also come

attracting new shoppers and building penetration,”

from outside the store, and recommends: “Focusing

so getting things right in-store is extremely valuable.

on building engagement online via social media

Milne said one strategy that SouthTrade has seen

platforms and direct to consumer channels that can

great results with is communicating the benefits of

generate lasting and positive customer experiences

products in the category, and then having the range to

and build brand loyalty.”

funnel these interested consumers into more options.

Finally, Marinoni makes a note of the importance

“Merchandising and range is the most important in my

of being cautious when it comes to taking shelf space

view. Since launching our ‘Critically Acclaimed’ campaign

away from American whiskey in favour of other

with neck tags on every Buffalo Trace bottle, the rate of

trends in lighter spirits.

purchase has surged in store, easily communicating the brands credentials to consumers,” Milne said.

“Shopper data tells us there are more bourbon shoppers than other categories and they have a

France described a similar approach and said: “The

higher basket spend. Our advice to retailers would

more information about the brands you can provide,

be to ensure bourbon retains its strong positioning

the better. People are just as thirsty for information as

and visibility within their stores,” Marinoni said.

they are for the liquid itself (well, almost).” Tastings are one way to get people involved, but where this isn’t possible, presenting the information

“American whiskey will continue to boom as knowledge and thirst continues to drive interaction with the category.”

■

“More than any country we do business in, including our home in the US, we find that consumers are open-minded and knowledgeable and really eager to try something that surprises them.” Thomas Mooney Co-founder and CEO Westward Whiskey

August 2021 | 43

O AS N

From 16 outstanding panel picks to 70* more reviews, the Beer and Brewer Winter Brew Review is brimming with the latest and recent releases that you’ll want to try at home.

The Brew Review CUS

What’s our Seasonal Focus? Winter warmers *Not all submissions to our tasting panel are featured here. This could be because we had too many to sample or the product did not meet our panel’s requirements. We are not in the business of running any one down, and if there is a chance to speak with a brewery about issues that may have arisen during a tasting, then we will endeavour to pass that information on in the interest of transparency.

The Panel Jono Outred, WA

Justin Fox, VIC

Ian Kingham, NSW

Based in Margaret River, Jono is a beer writer that predominantly covers the South West of WA. He’s been involved in the state’s beer industry in various capacities since 2011.

Currently head of sales at Bintani, Justin has had a long and decorated career in the beer industry – from the likes of heading up Colonial’s brewing to appearing on many a beer judging panel.

That Beer Bloke, Ian’s decorated beer career has included judging at the Australian Craft Beer Show, Royal Perth Beer Show and the Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Award.

David Ward, ACT Head of sales for BentSpoke Brewing Co and with over 10 years’ experience working in the craft beer industry, David is constantly on the lookout for new beers to try and trends to watch.

Scott Hargrave, NSW/QLD Scott is Balter Brewing’s multiaward winning head brewer and a regular on some of Australia’s and the world’s most prestigious judging panels including the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup.

Tina Panoutsos, VIC One of Australia’s leading beer judges, Tina is a beer sensory expert with over 30 years’ experience in the brewing industry in roles across technical and commercial functions.

Tiffany Waldron, VIC A Certified Cicerone® and Pink Boots President, Tiffany is focused on making changes in the world of beer through education and furthering beer culture beyond standard boundaries.

Neal Cameron, NSW A champion of the industry, Neal, amongst many achievements, has built 20 breweries nationally with brewery supplier Brewtique plus was chief judge at the Sydney Royal Beer and Cider Show.

Liam Pereira, NSW

Michael Capaldo, NSW A sales rep at Hop Products Australia, Michael is a qualified and experienced brewer and an accomplished beer judge (GABS, World Beer Cup, Indies, AIBA etc).

Sean Symons , WA

Liam is the group venue manager for Sydney’s Batch Brewing Co. A Certified Cicerone® and BJCP judge, he was previously general manager of Sydney Beer Week.

Founder and head brewer at White Lakes Brewing, Sean’s decorated beer career includes five years as Chief Judge of the Perth Royal Beer Show where he currently serves on the committee.

Rosemary Lilburne-Fini, NSW

Jamie Webb-Smith, NSW

Now calling Sydney home, Certified Cicerone® Rosemary has spent the last five years working in premium beer outlets in both the on-premise and retail channels.

Previously a brewer at The Australian Brewery, Jamie is currently head brewer at Yulli’s Brews in Sydney. He’s a home brewer turned pro, who completed the NSW TAFE microbrewing course.

Josh Quantrill, NSW Currently Beerfarm’s head of sales, Josh is a Certified Cicerone® who’s had a long and varied beer career. He strives to help grow and expand the footprint of Australian craft beer.

As published in Beer and Brewer Winter 2021

44 | National Liquor News

O AS N

CUS

Wilson Brewing Dirty Oar

Wilson Brewing Lost Sailor

Nowhereman Crate Digger

ABV: 6.2% Style: Brown Ale

ABV: 5.3% Style: Dark Ale

ABV: 5.4% Style: Pale Ale

This is a classic Brown – well until all the extra hops are added that is! A warming and moreish contrast of rich caramel and bready malt character cut with fresh, citrusy and grapefruit characters. A modest IBU is the perfect match for the medium, malt driven body while fresh hops lift vibrancy and offer a fresh edge not often seen in the style. A slightly estery yeast profile and a lasting finish boost complexity.

A text book offering from the Albany brewers who don’t shy from brewing malt driven beers. It’s big on complex malt flavours, like brown sugar, maple and dried fruit, but has been cleverly brewed for ease of drinking too. A lighter style body and matched carbonation pair well with the modest 30 IBUs and a touch of grassy hop character. Rich and malty by design but a refreshing choice no matter the season.

A well executed classic and its oh so easy drinking make it a recommended fridge filler. It stands up well in the glass with well rounded carbonation showcasing bright orange and tangerine notes while the clean hop aroma and balanced flavour fulfils all the ambition on the can. And full marks to the Nowhereman team for the egg hunt to find these beers as well – top entertainment!

Food: Cheese & cured meats

Food: Chocolate & fresh berries

nowhereman.com.au

Food: Fruit & custard

Food: Choc-mint ice cream

blackbrewingco.com.au

wilsonbrewing.com.au

Food: Pork knuckle

O AS N

L CUS

In collab with Kuld Creamery this is a decadent offering perfectly suited to colder weather and slower sipping. It’s a rich, roasted malt driven Porter that is loaded with vanilla and chocolate flavour and laced with an underlying sweet mint character. A viscous, long lasting body carries the well-integrated flavours through to a longlasting finish. Undoubtedly a dessert in a glass.

O AS N

A staple in the Black Brewing Co line-up, it’s a much loved offering from the Caves Road stalwarts. Rich chocolate flavours dominate with a generous but balanced sweetness from lactose. A modest bitterness keeps balance in check while Caramalt and dark malts add complex flavour and aromas like coffee, toast and burnt sugar. A clean yeast profile, slick mouthfeel and a long finish allows lasting enjoyment with each sip.

ABV: 5.0% Style: Porter

ABV: 4.5% Style: Milk Stout

Black Brewing Co Choc Miint Ice Cream Porter

O AS N

CUS

Black Brewing Co Bao Bao

O AS N

CUS

O AS N

The Brew Review

CUS

Boston Brewing The Right

Boston Brewing Shark Eye

La Sirène Funq IPA

Stomping Ground Into the Wood

Stomping Ground PRIDElweiss

ABV: 5.7% Style: Nut Brown Ale

ABV: 5.6% Style: Oak Aged Stout

ABV: 5.8% Style: Farmhouse IPA

ABV: 6.5% Style: Cherry Saison

ABV: 4.4% Style: Wheat Ale

We put it down to elevation, or perhaps the rarefied air down south, that left the cans just a tad squishy. However, aside from a stylistically appropriate lower carbonation, the beer was in great shape showing only a mild roundness in oxidation. Good balance of biscuity malt base and choice of hops to offset the malt sweetness. A robust 5.7% makes this an appropriate warmer for the colder months.

This oak aged oatmeal Stout is inky in its blackness. The carbonation was a little low on our examples but underneath was the makings of a nice balanced Stout. Clean fermentation with notes of milk chocolate and vanilla rounding out the roast profile. A great rendition from the team in Denmark.

Exceptional quality with a definite twist. Practically dripping tropical fruit is met by a grassy nose reminiscent of pineapple leaves and coriander stems. A gorgeous phenolic note of candied banana, fresh vanilla and clove sets it apart. The plush, hazy body is supported by a strong malt backbone imparting a soft sweetness with traces of limestone minerality lengthening the beer. Perfectly balanced.

Pouring pale amber with a pinkish plum tinge, a bold acidity punches through the nose with a combination of cherry and lime juice (and pith) with a tart and sweet balsamic note. Flaked oats add a softness to the palate with rye malt delivering a zip of spice. Mouthfeel is moreish, dry and not as acidic as it smells while barrel characters are pretty restrained in the drinking experience.

Pale and cloudy with a satisfyingly prominent and long-lasting all white head, aromas are soft and inviting with a delicate and complex mix of green melon, faint citrus with pepper and spice balanced by some gentle vanilla sweetness. A fresh, lemony-lime citrus body delivers a seriously refreshing, crisp drinking experience that’s only enhanced by its dry and snappy finish.

Food: Cooked breakfast with black pudding bostonbrewing.com.au

Food: Roast dinner

Food: Kingfish crudo

Food: Charcuterie board

Food: Smoked trout pâté

bostonbrewing.com.au

lasirene.com.au

stompingground.beer

August 2021 | 45

Wine Tasting Review

Shiraz Blends This month, the National Liquor News tasting panel explored a range of red blends that featured Shiraz. Here are their highest scoring wines across three price brackets.

Panels Picks

The Panel ➤

➤

E mmanuel Conde, Brand Ambassador, Cerbaco C hristine Ricketts, Wine Educator, Endeavour Group M ichael Park, Wine Merchant, Dan Murphy’s Kingsford B rian Chase Olson, Director, Blend Public Relations M ichael McIntosh, Fine Wine Brand Ambassador, Accolade Wines J onathan Leeming, Assistant Manager, Bayswater Fine Wines E d Peake, Key Account Manager, Penfolds S haryn Foulis, Wine Consultant D eb Jackson, Former Managing Editor, National Liquor News T om Czerski, Wine Educator

Kirrihill The

Thorn-Clarke

Pikes The

Gentleman of Clare

Shotfire GSM

Assemblage Shiraz

Shiraz Mataro

Region: Barossa

Region: Clare Valley

VIN: 2018 LUC: $17.89

Region: Clare Valley

VIN: 2018 LUC: $32.25

Distributed by: Mezzanine

VIN: 2019 LUC: $15.05

Distributed by:

The System 95-100 Classic: an exceptional wine 90-94 Outstanding: a wine of remarkable character 85-89 Very good: a wine with impressive qualities

46 | National Liquor News

Grenache Mourvedre

Kirrihill Wines

“This wine is no shrinking violet but it has a delightful integration of powerful youth with elegant layers adding interest.” – Christine Ricketts

Distributed by:

“Mild herbs and purple berry fruit with a slight hint of fennel spice. Intensity of flavour on the palate with warmth and richness. A huge wine with long term potential.” – Ed Peake

Oatley Fine Wine Merchants

“A lick of charry oak is followed by a fragrant burst of red fruits, plums and raspberries and finishes with a dash of earthiness. On the palate the blend is medium to full bodied. Well balanced.” – Sharyn Foulis

Wine Tasting Review

LUC over $26 Kirrihill The

Tempus Two Uno

Peacemaker of Clare

Series Pinot Shiraz

Cabernet Shiraz

Region: Hunter Valley

Region: Clare Valley

VIN: 2014 LUC: $45.15

VIN: 2018 LUC: $32.25

Distributed by:

Distributed by: Kirrihill Wines

Australian Vintage Limited

“This is a top quality wine, and a lot of considered winemaking went into this. There’s plenty to love here with the balance of varieties just right.” – Brian Chase Olson

“On the palate, black fruit flavours were underpinned by surprising notes of burnt orange peel, paprika, sour cherry and hints of pickle. This wine needs to be enjoyed with food.” – Jonathan Leeming

“Great to see a few wines out of the traditional Shiraz Cabernet equation. The ones that ranked highly were much more rounded and balanced.” Brian Chase Olson Director Blend Public Relations

Brown Brothers Shiraz Mondeuse

Calabria Saint Petri

Cabernet Sauvignon

Grenache Shiraz

Region: King Valley

Mataro

VIN: 2013 LUC: $54.83

Region: Barossa

Distributed by:

VIN: 2016 LUC: $46.25

Brown Family Wine Group

Distributed by: Calabria Family Wines

“Mature nose of desiccated fruit, mushrooms and forest floor. Developed medium bodied palate of restrained dark fruit, dominated by spice and perfume. Drink now.” – Michael Mcintosh

“A developed wine with great complexity, lovely med style.” – Tom Czerski

Food Pairing ➤

➤

Ferngrove Dragon Calabria Saint Petri Grenache Shiraz Mataro Region: Barossa VIN: 2016 LUC: $46.25 Distributed by: Calabria Family Wines

“Strawberry olive tapenade flavours with smooth velvety tannins.” – Deb Jackson

Reserve Cabernet Shiraz Region: Great Southern

➤

VIN: 2019 LUC: $60.00 Distributed by: Ferngrove Wines

“A beautiful deep ruby colour. Incredibly smooth and elegant, this wine glides across the tongue and has barely perceptible tannins. I loved this wine.” – Jonathan Leeming

➤

“ I know meat is the go-to for Shiraz, but I think a roast pumpkin soup with warm bread would be the non-meat pairing worth trying out.” – Brian Chase Olson “ Look towards root vegetables like parsnip or beetroot. The sweetness and earthiness will work well.” – Michael McIntosh “ Shiraz blends typically make great companions to anything off the BBQ - the smoke and char flavours complement the juicy red and black fruit, and the protein marries up to the tannins, softening the wine.” – Sharyn Foulis “ Something rich and meaty, like a fillet steak, beef roast, or lamb backstrap.” – Jonathan Leeming

August 2021 | 47

Wine Tasting Review

LUC $16-$26 d’Arenberg The

d’Arenberg The

Wild Pixie Shiraz

Laughing Magpie

Roussanne

“All had very juicy acidity, low and soft tannin and little or no oak influence, meaning the wines drink very well young, pair well with food and are crowd pleasing.” Michael Park

Shiraz Viognier

Region: McLaren Vale

VIN: 2018 LUC: $21.93

VIN: 2016 LUC: $21.93

Distributed by: Off The Vine

(WA), Empire Liquor (SA), Young

(WA), Empire Liquor (SA),

& Rashleigh (NSW/ACT), The

Young & Rashleigh (NSW/

Wine Company (VIC), The Wine

ACT), The Wine Company

Tradition (QLD)

(VIC), The Wine Tradition (QLD)

“On the nose is funky sour cherry, warm pretty summer fruit perfume. Hints of blueberry and cream but a very closed tight and woody palate.” – Michael Park

Wine Merchant Dan Murphy’s Kingsford

Wirra Wirra Church

“This is a big wine and I reckon it has some more time to go. High tannin and high acid, but there’s some fruit back there pushing through.” – Brian Chase Olson

Block Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot Region: McLaren Vale VIN: 2019 LUC: $22.00 Distributed by: Samuel Smith & Son

“Whilst being high in alcohol, fruit was so balanced that the wines appeared almost elegant and layered without having that sometimes painful aggression I often find in higher alcohol wines.” Christine Ricketts Wine Educator Endeavour Group

48 | National Liquor News

“Deep dark purple in colour, a brilliant appearance. The nose displays an inviting array of spices and dusty red fruit, currants and dried cranberries.” – Ed Peake

Yalumba Barossa Shiraz Cabernet Region: Barossa VIN: 2018 LUC: $16.13 Distributed by: Samuel Smith & Son

“Nice, fruit driven and drinking well now. Balanced with everything in proportion.” – Michael Park

Château Tanunda

O’Leary Walker

Grand Barossa GSM

Cabernet Shiraz

Region: Barossa

VIN: 2019 LUC: $25.00

VIN: 2020 LUC: $25.80

Distributed by:

Crush Wine and Drinks

O’Leary Walker Wines

“Smooth, oaky, full flavoured and well structured wine.” – Deb Jackson

“Rich wine with red berries and integrated oak notes.” – Emmanuel Conde

Wine Tasting Review

LUC $16 and under Pikes Los

Briar Ridge

Compañeros Shiraz

Tempranillo Shiraz

Tempranillo

Retail tips

Region: Hunter Valley/

Region: Clare Valley

Orange

VIN: 2018 LUC: $13.55

VIN: 2019 LUC: $14.00

Distributed by:

Oatley Fine Wines

Free Run Distributors

“The palate is juicy and moreish, showing raspberry and black plum, held in check by gentle tannins and a bright acid line running the length of the palate. Fun and very drinkable!” – Sharyn Foulis

“An elegant wine with some layers providing some complexity. Great food wine.” – Christine Ricketts

➤

Cockfighter’s Ghost Plan B! Shiraz

Single Vineyard ‘The

Tempranillo

Legend’ Blend

Region: Frankland River

Region: McLaren Vale/

VIN: 2017 LUC: $15.59

Wrattonbully

Distributed by: Agnew Wines

VIN: 2016 LUC: $14.87 Distributed by: Agnew Wines

“Mouth filling with an elegant harmony to the lingering finish.” – Christine Ricketts

“Restrained nose of dark fruit and warm spice. Medium bodied palate of juicy dark and red fruit and Christmas cake spices.” – Michael Mcintosh

➤

“ Let customers know Shiraz blends can offer everything they already enjoy in Shiraz wines, plus more besides, as other grapes can bring additional flavours, aromas and textures to the wine.” – Jonathan Leeming “ Tasting notes on shelf or third-party endorsement can be really helpful tools to telling customers why the blend is different than the singe varietal counterpart.” – Brian Chase Olson “ Really call out the experimentation in the Shiraz blends category, particularly in the affordable, medium bodied, easy drinking category.” – Sharyn Foulis “ Invite trial via tastings in-store of the more unusual blends, or offer bundles of new blends to try.” – Christine Ricketts

Brand & Sons Night Owls Shiraz Malbec Region: Coonawarra VIN: 2018 LUC: $15.59 Distributed by: Brand Group (SA), Fisher Fine Wine (NSW),

La Boheme Act 4 Syrah Gamay Region: Yarra Valley VIN: 2019 LUC: $15.73

Ascott Wine Services (VIC)

Distributed by: De Bortoli

“On the palate the wine is full bodied, well integrated, perhaps showing some early signs of development. The tannins are firm and full, holding a lush fruit core in place” – Sharyn Foulis

“Smooth, expressive wine. Nice depth as well.” – Emmanuel Conde

“All wines are very clean… I’d love to see more expressive Shiraz blends, showcasing their place of birth, telling their story with pride.” Emmanuel Conde Brand Ambassador Cerbaco

August 2021 | 49

Retailer Profile

Bermagui Cellars We catch up with Mick Trenerry of Bermagui Cellars NSW, part of the Independent Liquor Group (ILG) family, to hear about how the award-winning retail business stays at the top of its game.

Q - What’s the philosophy behind your outlet? Mick Trenerry: We like to keep it pretty simple. Look after your staff, they look after your customers, your customers look after you. The other key aspect is the relationships we have with ILG and other suppliers. We have some reps that have been calling on us for the majority of our 15 years in business, and we look at them as an extension of our team.

Q - How do you stand apart from your local competitors? MT: Our staff first and foremost. Being a family owned and operated business, you always hope that they come in and feel a part of what you are trying to achieve, and we have that with our staff. The Bermagui Cellars team takes enormous pride in their customer service and store presentation. The most common feedback we get from our customers is that there is always a positive vibe in our store and they enjoy coming in. Product knowledge is vital too. It is hard to sell products if you don’t know much about them.

We are forever challenging ourselves to stay relevant and asking

We are fortunate that we have staff that are passionate about the

ourselves how we can improve. Obviously the past 18 months have

industry, so they are always wanting to learn more and pass that

been a massive challenge to everyone – but for us, if we continue to

onto our customers.

self-evaluate, focus on what we are doing and not be looking over our shoulders, then we will be in a healthy position to ride out any

Q - What have been some of the successful innovations at your store?

bumps in the road as they appear.

MT: From the very first day of opening in 2006, we had a focus on product range. As an independent retailer, we work hard to support

Q - What are some of the best things about being part of the Independent Liquor Group banner?

independent producers. As a high tourist destination, we want to

MT: I really believe the reason ILG is such a good fit for us, is they

offer our customers products that they haven’t seen before. We don’t

treat us as their customer, the same way we try to treat our customers.

ever want the feeling of same-same. There are so many wonderful

There isn’t a one size fits all mentality with ILG, they really work hard

Australian small producers, over delivering in product quality and

to understand your business and then work with you to achieve your

value for money, and that is the product we want to bring to our

goals. ILG communication always references the ‘ILG family’, and

customers attention.

from the outside it may look like a good marketing line. When you’re on the inside though, you feel it – its true. They are as important to

Q - As an independent liquor retailer in NSW, what are some of the biggest challenges you face? MT: Complacency! We don’t see ourselves as having a ‘winning

our business and continued success as any other component already mentioned.

■

formula’, because if you took what we do and how we do it to

Bermagui Cellars this year won the Retail Drinks Liquor

another store in another location, it might not work. Understanding

Industry Award for Liquor Store of the Year. Read more

our community and our customers is key to the success we have

about how the store took out the title in our online story at:

enjoyed over the years, but if we ever become complacent, then

https://bit.ly/2VQZxGV

we risk losing it. 50 | National Liquor News

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