The best

• red wine
• white wine
• champagne
• rosé
• whisky
• spirits
• beer

deals in Australia

Yuza Distillery was established in 2018 and to date has released just two single malts (The First Edition has already picked up Gold at the San Francisco International Spirits Challenge) and is well on the way to becoming one of the country’s newest cult distilleries. Sitting at the base of Mount Chōkai in the heart of Japan’s snow country, Yuza is the first Whisky distillery in the country’s Yamagata prefecture. Operational since November 2018, from day one, Masaharu Sasaki and his young team have drawn on the example laid down by Chichibu’s Ichiro Akuto, to perfect an authentic Japanese Whisky that could compete with the world’s best, while remaining true to their sense of monozukuri and producing Whiskies that are uniquely Yuza. It’s early in the piece and yet all the signs — not least the meticulous attention to detail and limited production — point to Yuza becoming one of the brightest stars in Japan’s Whisky firmament. Yuza sits on the flats near the Sea of Japan and enjoys an abundance of soft water from snowmelt and underground springs fed by the sponge-like crevices of lava of the nearby volcano. Chosen for this purity of water and access to the port for their specialised equipment, the area also experiences a massive 40°C average temperature difference over the year. This is projected to super-charge the maturation of the Whiskies in barrel; Masaharu Sasaki estimates eight years maturing in Scotland will equate to just five years in Yamagata. To hone their craft, the Yuza Distillery team partnered from the start with Forsyths, world leaders in distillation equipment. Yuza’s entire distillery team is fresh to Whisky but nurtured and overseen by the Scottish still-makers, providing an essential blank slate to be moulded to a completely new formula, key to Yuza’s dedication to an unfettered style. Facility equipment is centred around five Canadian Douglas Fir washbacks and two stills, including a Glendronach-inspired spirits still with an extended line arm, designed for more surface contact to give cleaner flavours with fewer sulphites. Dedicated only to Single Malt production, this small operation (the distillery covers just 620 square meters) has passed up the opportunity to release any ‘newborn’ expressions. The wash is currently 100% barley from Crisp Maltings with plans to eventually include a local option. Early bottlings point to a non-peated house style, but several heavily-peated batches have also been laid down. While Yuza’s barrel program remains secretive - even when touring the facility, you’ll find all the barrelheads are painted over - the early signs pointed to a preference for ex-Bourbon barrels. Now there is a portion of Sherry cask in the mix and Masaharu Sasaki has spoken of his desire to increase his inventory, picking up stock whenever he can. This cask strength Whisky was carefully selected from barrels from the first season at Yuza Distillery from February to July 2019. It’s estimated, that this selection could contain up to 80% ex-Sherry barrels. As distinct from the First Edition - a very bright expression raised in ex-Bourbon cask - the Second Edition was blended for more complexity, depth and luxurious flavour. This has a very old-world flavour profile (slightly reminiscent of top-shelf Speyside) and the alcohol sits in excellent balance with the complexity of the spirit. There’s a whisper of peat on the nose, with fragrant cereal notes before a progression towards deeper stone fruits and fig. It’s luscious and oily in the mouth, round and slightly earthy with spice and oat notes. It finishes dry with traces of liquorice and a mineral tang.

Mr. Ken Usami, the master blender at the Shinobu Distillery, selects the selected finest malt whiskies and finish them in casks made of Japanese Oak, Mizunara Wood to create the Shin Malt Whisky range. Shin stands for integrity; one of the core principles of Samurai tradition. Shin Malt Whiskies are well balanced between the woody flavor and incense of sandalwood from Mizunara Oak and the bold aged maltiness, which brings The Shin Malt Whisky a fruit forward and with a bit pepper and spice aftertaste. Significant wood aroma, Mizunara Oak, dark ripe fruit like blueberry, cinnamon. Sweet malty note with significant woody flavor like sandalwood, that brings out different level of spices. All natural without colouring. Non-chill filtered.

The Suntory Royal Whisky Limited Edition 2025 – Snake is a rare tribute to the art of Japanese whisky-making, blending elegance with the symbolism of the Year of the Snake. Crafted with a deep respect for tradition, this limited-edition whisky celebrates Suntory's century-old legacy of blending expertise. With its meticulous attention to detail, this release reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship and is designed for whisky connoisseurs seeking both exceptional flavour and elegant presentation. A rich and harmonious whisky, Suntory Royal Whisky 2025 – Snake delivers complex layers of aroma and taste. The nose opens with delicate floral notes, mingling with ripe fruit, honey, and a whisper of oak. On the palate, the whisky reveals a smooth, velvety texture, offering a balanced fusion of sweet vanilla, orchard fruits, and subtle spices. The refined depth of mature oak completes the experience, with each sip evolving to unveil even more nuances. Encased in a beautifully designed ceramic bottle adorned with intricate patterns of the Snake zodiac, this whisky is a collector's item that combines artistry with craftsmanship. The limited-edition release is a perfect gift, symbolising wisdom, elegance, and transformation for the Year of the Snake. Serving Suggestions Suntory Royal Whisky Year of the Snake is perfect served neat or with a small splash of water to unlock its complex flavours. It also works beautifully in cocktails, especially with a hint of citrus or as the base for a Japanese Highball. Food Pairing Pair this whisky with rich dishes such as wagyu beef, grilled meats, or sushi. It also complements creamy cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, or light pastries for a refined and indulgent pairing. Nose Floral and Fruity Elegance The nose greets you with a harmonious blend of delicate floral notes, ripe fruits, and honey, with a whisper of oak rounding out the aroma. The fragrance is refined, giving an inviting complexity to the first encounter. Palate Smooth and Rich Balance On the palate, Suntory Royal Whisky Year of the Snake reveals a smooth, velvety texture, offering layers of sweet vanilla, orchard fruits, and subtle spices. The whisky’s rich depth is balanced with the nuanced presence of mature oak, creating a sophisticated drinking experience. Finish Long, Refined, and Subtle The finish is long and lingering, with the delicate spices and hints of oak providing a graceful end. A touch of warmth and smoothness completes the whisky’s elegant character, leaving a lasting impression of harmony and balance.

Leading Japanese Whisky with aromas of dried fruit and honey. It has a delicate, mellow taste with a lingering woody dry finish. For Scotch drinkers looking for something different.

Crafted in the heart of Speyside and contains five of the most precious signature single malts, Chivas Regal Ultis is the first blended malt Whisky from the House of Chivas Regal. It pays homage to five generations of Master Blenders in what is an exceptional luxury whisky with complex flavours, a glorious golden hue and a commanding, rich aroma.

Inspired by Signature Range, The Spice Tree brings older components and a significant portion of sherry-cask aged malt whisky back to life. It is a spicy, rich and elegant whisky with a depth of flavour and complexity.

Like Sullivans Cove Single Cask whiskies, XO Single Cask Brandy is bottled one cask at a time, allowing each to express its own unique character and producing only a very few bottles of rare quality. This brandy will strike a chord with single malt whisky drinkers due to its intense depth, rich complexity and balanced elegance.

On the Eye: Deep gold & brassy On the Nose: Intense aromatics, fruit chocolates, caramel, butterscotch, turkish delight, crème brulee, plum pudding rum soaked raisins, hint of cider On the Palate: Creamy texture, sweet and delicately spicy, fruitcake, caramel, liquorice & sweet malt. The Finish: Long. Vanilla bean laced with spiced raisins.

The nose is drawn to delicate citrus tones of lemon and orange, while the palate is enveloped in a vanilla sweetness that lingers like a boiled sweet before retreating to a warm, soothing finish. A delightfully rewarding single malt experience, further enhanced by its time in the cask.

The Macallan Double Cask 15 Years Old is a balanced single malt whisky created by bringing the perfect harmony of two oaks into one exceptional single malt whisky. Sherry seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.