Spirited Discussions

This week, Lachlan is diving into the rich biodiversity of Australia's flora in spirits while welcoming a favourite guest, Luke McCarthy, with special guest and co-producer, Lindsay Marriott. Discover how indigenous botanicals like lemon myrtle, finger lime, and Tasmanian pepperberry are transforming the landscape of mixology and spirits in Australia. If you think you've heard all of the creative ways that Australia is coming up with new flavours, you're wrong. Buckle up, tune in and learn something new!Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussionsSHOW NOTES:Tasmanian Pepperberry - https://tuckerbush.com.au/pepperberry-tasmannia-lanceolata/Strawberry Gum - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_olidaRiver Red Gum - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eucalyptus_camaldulensisLemon Myrtle - https://www.bushfoodshop.com.au/lemon-myrtle/Kakadu Plum - https://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/discover/nature/plants/kakadu-plum/Davidson Plum - https://anfab.org.au/main.asp?_=Davidson%20PlumIllawarra Plum - https://tuckerbush.com.au/illawarra-plum-podocarpus-elatus/Quandong Plum - https://www.bushfoodshop.com.au/quandong/Lillypilly - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syzygium_smithiiFinger Lime - https://tuckerbush.com.au/finger-lime-citrus-australasica/Desert Lime - https://anfab.org.au/main.asp?_=Desert%20Lime Macadamia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacadamiaWeeping Grass - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microlaena_stipoidesBotanic Australis - https://www.botanicaustralis.com/Poor Toms - https://poortoms.com/Four Pillar “Modern Australia" - https://fourpillarsgin.com/products/modern-australian-ginKangaroo Island Spirits - https://kangarooislandspirits.com.au/Coastal Daisy Bush - https://tuckerbush.com.au/wild-rosemary-olearia-axillaris/Karkalla - https://tuckerbush.com.au/karkalla-carpobrotus-virescens-bain/Spring Bay Distillery - https://springbaydistillery.com.au/Dasher + Fisher - https://www.dasherandfisher.au/Seven Seasons - https://www.seven-seasons.com.au/78 Degrees - https://78degrees.com.au/Kinglake Distillery - https://kinglakedistillery.com.au/Archie Rose Distilling Co. “Heritage Red Gum Cask Single Malt Whisky” - https://archierose.com.au/shop/product/heritage-red-gum-cask-single-malt-whiskyHeadlands Distilling Co. “Illawarra Plum” - https://headlands.com.au/product-category/illawarra-plum/Cape Byron Distillery - https://capebyrondistillery.com/

The phrase that changed everything - "Shaken; not stirred". Making waves as a consultant and slinging cocktails at the infamous Black Pearl cocktail bar in Melbourne, Kayla Reid, "a huge martini drinker" herself, brings her extensive hospitality experience into the studio this week to discuss the finesse and delicacies of the perfect martini with Lachlan. From the origins of this timeless cocktail to modern twists and variations, join them as they uncover the secrets to crafting a drink that transcends mere mixology, becoming a true culinary experience. So grab your favourite gin or vodka, add a dash of vermouth and your garnish of choice and cheers us once again!Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussionsSHOW NOTES:Lychee Lounge - https://lychee-lounge.com.au/Leftys Music Hall -  https://leftysmusichall.com.au/Cobbler Bar - https://www.cobblerbar.com/Savile Row Bar - https://www.savilerowbar.com.au/Black Pearl - https://www.blackpearlbar.com.au/

The demand for bars and restaurants to have perfectly balanced, non-alcoholic drinks on their menu in 2024 has skyrocketed! To understand this industry and hype better, Lachlan invited Priscilla Leong and Paul Hammond into the studio. While being allergic to alcohol itself, Priscilla never let that stop her love of the industry and won the prestigious title of 2022 Australian Bartender of the Year. Her love of high-quality ingredients led her and her partner, Paul, to start Flowing Bowl; specialising in creative cocktails, consultancy and hospitality training. Open your fave non-alc drink, and tune into this incredible episode that will creatively expand your mind and allow you to enjoy Dry July better this year. Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussionsSHOW NOTES:Flowing Bowl: https://www.flowingbowl.com/Tea Leaves - https://www.tealeaves.com.au/Four Pillar’s Bandwagon Dry - https://fourpillarsgin.com/products/bandwagon-dryPalermo - https://bardinet.fr/en/alcohol-free/palermoThe Everleigh Bottling Co. - https://everleighbottling.com/Ten Minutes by Tractor - https://www.tenminutesbytractor.com.au/index.cfm?Non - https://www.non.world/Hop Nation Brewing Co. - https://hopnation.com.au/Heaps Normal - https://heapsnormal.com/

Join our host, Lachlan, in the studio with Clare Harmon this week as they travel through the diverse landscape of Australian wine. An expert distiller and viticulturist, Clare made a name for herself in the Melbourne hospitality industry before furthering her education regarding all things grape. From the iconic Shiraz of the Barossa Valley to the crisp Sauvignon Blancs of the Margaret River region, listen now to uncork the secrets behind the success of Australian winemaking. Enjoy!Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions Show Notes:Whisky & Alement - https://whiskyandale.com.au/Overeem Whisky - https://overeemwhisky.com/Barossa Valley (Wineries) - https://www.barossa.com/wine/our_wineriesMcLaren Vale - https://southaustralia.com/travel-blog/mclaren-vale-wineries-and-cellar-doorsAdelaide Hills - https://southaustralia.com/travel-blog/the-best-adelaide-hills-wineries-pubs-and-cellar-doorsClare Valley - https://southaustralia.com/travel-blog/clare-valley-wineries-and-cellar-doorsYarra Valley - https://www.visitmelbourne.com/regions/yarra-valley-and-dandenong-ranges/eat-and-drinkMcHenry Hohnen - https://www.mchenryhohnen.com.au/Brettanomyces - https://daily.sevenfifty.com/the-everything-guide-to-brettanomyces/Penfold Grange - https://www.penfolds.com/en-au/grangeBallycroft - https://www.ballycroft.com/Rieslingfreak - https://rieslingfreak.com/Clonakilla - https://clonakilla.com.au/Yangarra - https://www.yangarra.com/Pannell - https://pannell.com.au/Windows Estate - https://www.windowsestate.com/Mewstone - https://www.mewstonewines.com.au/Kalleske - https://www.kalleske.com/?v=6cc98ba2045f

Strap in while co-owners of Marionette Liqueurs, Nick Tesar and Hugh Leech, have a chat with Lachlan this week about Liqueurs and Amari. Originally created to preserve fruits and herbs, Liqueurs and Amari are now a staple behind any home or business bar. Listen now to find out where they come from, how they're made, and the best way to start exploring these bartender favourite spirits and expanding your knowledge. Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussionsShow Notes:Marionette Liqueurs - https://www.marionette.com.auFour Pillars - https://www.fourpillarsgin.comGin Palace - https://www.ginpalace.com.au/#Tamborine Mountain Distillery - https://tamborinemountaindistillery.comMr Black - https://www.mrblack.co/auMr West - https://mrwest.com.auBefore + After Bar - https://www.instagram.com/beforeandafterbar/ Vermuteria - https://www.instagram.com/beforeandafterbar/Sortilege Whisky - https://www.sortilegewhisky.com/en/Spirit Works Distillery - https://www.spiritworksdistillery.comBehind the Bar with Cara Devine - https://www.behindthebarwithcaradevine.comSteve the Bartender - https://stevethebartender.com.au

Largely the most overlooked, underrated spirit, Vodka has a rich history and we've got Sebastian Reyburn in the studio this week to tell us all about it. Seb is a passionate distiller (starting and owning multiple in his life!) and history buff, who cut his teeth at the best cocktail bars in London in the 90's before coming back to Melbourne. Lachlan and Seb will take you through the misconceptions around vodka and why you should be looking to this spirit with a better eye. Pour a glass of favourite frozen vodka, and get reacquainted with this spirit that, like us, you probably have some interesting memories of from when you were young.Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions Bars/Distilleries Mentioned in Ep:Top Shelf International (TSI) - http://www.topshelfgroup.com.auGrainshaker - https://www.grainshaker.com.auSaint Felix - https://saintfelix.com.auManly Spirits Co. - https://manlyspirits.com.auIntinerant Spirits - https://itinerantspirits.comSeven Seasons - https://www.seven-seasons.com.auHartshorn Distillery - https://hartshorndistillery.com.auAnther Distilleray - https://anther.com.auBar 1806 - https://www.1806.com.au

Throw on an Aloha shirt and have some fun with us this week as we explore the world of Tropicana Drinks with Fred Siggins. Fred is a Melbourne based drinks expert, writer and co-owner of Goodwater Bar in Northcote, Victoria with over 20 years of experience in spirits and the hospitality industry. He also really likes Mai Tais and Piña Coladas, which make him the perfect guest for this adventurous episode.  Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions  SHOW NOTESJeff "Beachbum" Berry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeff_Berry_(mixologist)Beachbum Berry's Sippin' Safari Book: https://www.amazon.com.au/Beachbum-Berrys-Sippin-Safari-Anniversary/dp/194119916X Donn Beach: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donn_BeachVictor Jules Bergeron Jr (Trader Vic): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trader_Vic%27s Bars Mentioned:Goodwater: https://goodwater.melbourneBlack Pearl: https://www.blackpearlbar.com.auSmuggler's Cove: https://www.smugglerscovesf.comTrailer Happiness: https://trailerh.com

We're popping the cork on 2024 and Season Two with all things bubbly wine! Your favourite awkward host, Lachlan Watt, is back with special guest and bubbly expert Wiremu Andrews. Hailing from New Zealand and falling in love with wine to become a sommelier and viticulturist, Wiremu joins us to discuss the differences, complexities and nuances of Champagne, Prosecco, Pet Nat and more. Sabre your favourite bottle and join us as we kick off Season Two with this sparkling episode! Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions

In our last episode of Season 1, Lachlan has Brooke Hayman in the studio to finally chat about the whisky industry. Brooke started a bar in 2010 with her partner, Julian White, in Melbourne where they wanted to make whisky accessible to the masses. With Whisky and Alement, they achieved that goal, and year after year have received awards and accolades for the incredible bar and culture they created. In this incredible chat, Lachlan and Brooke break down single malts, blended malts, scotch vs bourbon, and how the industry has expanded from Scotland throughout the rest of the world - with some amazing whiskies coming out of Australia! Pour yourself a dram, and get ready to hear her incredible story and learn more about this liquid gold that is beloved by so many. Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions  

This week Lachlan is joined by wine enthusiast and lover, Bonnie Spain, to talk you through some of their favourite fortified wines - and what fortified wine really means. Bonnie's extensive knowledge grew from her passion for the hospitality industry, as well as her time working for our favourite Spanish wine importer, The Spanish Acquisition. Through this insightful conversation, discover how the terroir, grape varieties, and climate shape the distinct profiles of Port, Sherry, Madeira, Mistelle and Marsala. Pour yourself a glass, and listen now to get a crash course in these rich, alluring elixirs!Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions 

Do you understand the difference in Junmai vs. Zojoshu vs. Daiginjo and more? On this week's episode, our favourite T-Rex armed host, Lachlan, talks through all things Japanese Spirits with the master himself, Kelvin Low. Kelvin is the owner of Elysian Whisky Bar and co-owner of Kura sake and yakitori restaurant, both in Melbourne, and was one of Lachlan's early mentors in the industry. Discover the craftsmanship, tradition and history that are intertwined with every sip of Japanese alcohols in this captivating episode!Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions  

On this week's episode, Lachlan takes you on a frothy and flavourful journey with Cassie O'Neill, one of Australia's first cicerones who's thirst for knowledge started from the beloved Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale. The humble beer is an intricate artistry with diverse styles and a rich history that goes well beyond it being most people's first experience with alcohol. So pour yourself a pint, and expand your knowledge as this chat takes you behind the magic of what happens within those barrels and tanks. Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions

This week, Lachlan is setting sail with Sai Merchant, rum lover, hospitality giant and winner of the 2015 Diplomatico World Tournament. Together, they dive into the rich history of rum's origins, to its roots as a coveted prize among pirates to its transformation into a cornerstone of exotic tiki concoctions! Join Lachlan and Sai as they raise a glass, venture across time and continents, and explain why you should add this "liquid candy" to your palette. Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions

On today's episode, Lachlan is exploring the fascinating world of gin with the multi-talented Joey Tai. Joey's love of gin goes beyond the martini, as she has also distilled numerous Australian gins that you may have consumed. Together they dive into the history, production and diverse flavours of gin, one of the most beloved and versatile spirits in the world. From its history as the "mother's ruin" to the gin-boom of the last 10 years, gin is amongst the fastest growing spirits industries globally. Pour yourself a gin & tonic, gin & juice or a straight up gin martini and get ready to journey through the botanical delights on this delicious episode!Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions

This week, Lachlan talks through American Whiskey with Tom Scott, the international bar manager who is currently the Brand Ambassador for Beam Suntory. Listen in to learn about the unique production methods that distinguish rye, bourbon, and Tennessee whiskey, each with its distinct character and taste profile. Join Lachlan and Tom as they venture into the heart of whiskey country, where time-honoured traditions meet modern innovations, and passionate distillers carry on the legacy of their ancestors. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or new to the world of brown spirits, this episode will leave you inspired by the craft, heritage and allure of American whiskey. So pour yourself a dram, sit back, and savour the flavours and tales of that make this an unforgettable conversation. Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions 

Join us as we embark on a historical journey through the fascinating world of spirit distillation, and learn how our favourite rustic spirits come to life. We're privileged to be joined this week by the passionate Matt Bailey, the National Brand Manager for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Australia. Together, Matt and Lachlan discuss rustic spirits including poitin, uisce beatha, tsipouro, grappa, rakia and moonshine. Listen now to discover their history, their refinement and if there's a small window into their revival. Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions 

This week, we take a look at the humble agave and what makes tequila and mezcal so unique. We're joined by Melbourne hospitality titan, Laura Thomason, as she gives her unique perspective from her time at an agave farm in Oaxaca to managing Australia's first agave exclusive bar. Listen now to learn more about everyone's favourite bad memory spirit, and why you should be giving it another shot (pun intended). Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions 

In the first episode of Spirited Discussions, join Lachlan as he explores the fascinating world of Australian spirits with special guest, Luke McCarthy, the Editor of Oz Whisky Review. Together, they embark on a journey through time to uncover the rich and storied history of spirits in the land Down Under.Luke McCarthy, a renowned expert in Australian spirits and author of The Australian Spirits Guide, delves into the origins and evolution of distilling traditions unique to Australia. From the early days of European settlement to the present-day craft distillery boom, Luke and Lachlan take us on a captivating exploration of the spirits that have shaped Australia's drinking culture.Join us as we explore the incredible craftsmanship behind beloved Australian spirits, the techniques employed, and the creative approaches that make them stand out in a global market.Please find below a helpful list of distilleries and companies that were discussed in this episode and hope that you will discover something new and exciting:Fleurieu Distillery, Husk Farm Distillery, Beenleigh Artisan Distillers, Hoochery Distillery, Bass & Flinders Distillery, Never Never Distillery Co., Jimmy Rum Distillery, Lord Byron Distillery, Hartshorn Distillery, Whipper Snapper Distillery, Archie Rose Distillery, King lake Distillery, Sullivans Cove Distillery, Four Pillars, Starboard, Morris, Lark Family, West Winds, St Agnes Distillery and Bundaberg.Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions 

Welcome to Spirited Discussions, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of alcohol, uncovering its fascinating history, exploring its diverse range of flavours, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations with industry experts. In our debut episode, join us as we introduce your spirited host, Lachlan Watt, a renowned enthusiast and connoisseur of all things alcohol-related.Lachlan is no stranger to the world of spirits, having spent years immersing himself in the rich tapestry of beverages that grace bars and shelves around the globe. With a refined palate and an insatiable curiosity, Lachlan has made it his mission to educate and entertain listeners by shedding light on the intricacies of the alcohol landscape.Listen now to learn more about Lachlan's reasons for starting Spirited Discussions, and learning more about him along the way. Follow us on Instagram: @spirited_discussions