There are very few stories in the world of wine that are more important to tell than that of Bruno Giacosa. A man’s legacy etched into lore, and with such gravitas that it is still felt today in his native Piemonte by almost all the producers in the region. Born in 1929 in Neive where the winery remains, Bruno Giacosa spent his formative teenage years working with his father Carlo as a ‘commerciante’ or grape broker. This very important but often overlooked part of Giacosa’s history is perhaps the key to understanding his unrivalled ability to select fruit, even that which he hadn’t grown himself. The family’s income at that time revolved solely around the ability to sell fruit to winemakers, and taking any fruit to Vinify themselves would have been a conflict of interest. In fact, his father so vehemently opposed the young Bruno’s intention to bottle his own wine in the early 1960’s, that he had to do so without the blessing of the family. The first vintage wearing the label Bruno Giacosa was 1961, a single Barbaresco bottling from a mixture of vineyards as was custom at the time. It was the prominent wine author and critic Luigi Veronelli who at the time was crusading for Piedmont’s adoption of the French ‘cru’ classification of vineyard that convinced Giacosa to bottle and (importantly) label single vineyard wines soon after his first vintage. The first labelled cru bottling was the 1964 Barbaresco Vigna Santo Stefano, but it is possible that even the first wine used fruit exclusively from there. While the obsession with site continued and strengthened throughout Bruno Giacosa’s career, so did the predilection to purchase fruit from growers rather than buy vineyards himself. Though Giacosa was not the only winemaker somewhat late to the party in buying land in the Langhe, it is regarded as his greatest missed opportunity. Some of Italy’s greatest wines ever were Giacosa’s red label bottlings from Santo Stefano di Neive, Villero and Collina Rionda, none of which are produced today by the estate. In vinous literacy, it is impossible to read about the Langhe without reading about Giacosa and his contemporary Angelo Gaja. While Gaja was a willing frontman for the region, Giacosa continued to toil in the background. Both leading from the front and each producing the region’s best wines. Winemaking involves a great many small decisions, each affecting the next. One can only hope to get them right, to capture what there was in the grapes to begin with. - Bruno Giacosa Very few wines in the world come close to matching the complexity and presence of red label ‘Vigna Le Rocche’. In the vintages this plot is kept as a Riserva, the acidity, tannin and above all the balance must be in complete harmony due to the rigorous demands of both extended barrel ageing and the potential for a half-century in bottle. In their youth, Le Rocche Riserva is an immense wine. It is not forthcoming with its fruit when young, but nor is it disjointed in alcohol or tannin at any point. A rare kind of wine that seems carved from billet rather than made up of different parts. A cohesive wine of the tallest order, with some vintages vying for greatest wine of Italy. Intense red garnet colour with orange hints. The bouquet is complex and elegant, with notes of small ripe red fruit, blackcurrants, pomegranate and raspberries. On the palate it is full bodied, with an excellent tannic structure, the tannins are silky that give an excellent persistence to the wine.

Doña Celia is a premium tequila brand named after La Catrina, a respected and influential woman in the Mexican town of Atotonilco, Jalisco, where the tequila is produced using traditional techniques and the finest ingredients. This artwork "La Calavera Catrina" was a zinc etching originally created around 1910-1913 by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada who was known for his images of political and social satire. The engraving mocked those who pretended to be of a higher class even if it meant starving or going without flesh. La Catrina soon became a symbolic figure during the time of the Mexican Revolution being associated with Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a pre-Colombian Meso-American festival of the observance of death and life that is celebrated on November 2nd in all of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula and parts of Central America. To this day, Catrina continues to be a significant figure and she is one of the symbols regarding the Day of the Dead however she is also found to be in many books, cartoons, posters, figurines and artwork spanning over 100 years and is globally recognisable. The detailed ceramic bottle of each tequila is reminiscent of her and as a striking display of her elegance and broad-brimmed hat. She lives on and through her story, continues to make footprints of her legacy for all those around her to follow. One look at the beautifully colourful bottle tells you exactly where the tequila is from. Celia Maestri created this brand of artisanal tequilas and hand painted bottles in honour of her elegant and hardworking mother Mrs. Celia Barragan de Villanueva "Case Maestri's grandmother." This Limited Edition 100% de Agave Añejo Tequila is truly one of a kind. It's stand-out bottle is carefully hand crafted and made out of ceramic material. Produced at the Casa Maestri distillery, it’s aged in white oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months resulting in a rich and complex flavour that is sweet and woody. It gives notes of roasted bell pepper, fudge, and brandied cherries with a smooth finish. They utilise traditional slow baking in brick ovens and autoclaves to cook the blue agave hearts, and traditional mills (molinos) to extract the juices from the Agave. This extraordinary Añejo tequila comes from the most awarded tequila distillery in Mexico.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. The Singleton of Glendullan 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in refill American and European oak, then finished in ex-wine casks. The nose on this is soft, delicate, and complex. Given time and patience, it grows and expands into a kaleidoscope of aromas that are as diverse as they are many. Grassy, floral, fruity, malty, sweet, and even a touch of oak – it’s all here. And that’s just the nose! On the palate, the whisky has that classic highland Glen Ord austerity, with the wine cask influence introducing some drying tannins and fruitiness.

The 2022 Diageo Special & Rare collection is known as "Elusive Expressions", drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting, legendary distilleries and curated by Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson, portrays the otherworldly beings which have fiercely protected the heartlands of remote Scottish distilleries for an eternity, according to our ancient fables and the mythical creatures come to life revealing their true characters. This year each bottle has its own unique QR code which, when scanned, takes you on a multi-sensory experience that tells you the story of the whisky, the mythical creature behind the artwork, and gives you some tasting notes to prompt your nose and palate along the way. The label artwork follows almost as a sequel to the 2021 range, revolving once again around the theme of mythical beasts and stories. Illustrator, Ken Taylor, returns again and is joined this year by digital visualisation artist, Kevin Tong. Cardhu 16 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700ml (Special Release 2022) was matured in re-fill and re-charred American oak, then finished in Jamaican pot still rum-seasoned casks. A richer, fuller nose that has the hallmark traits of rum-finished whisky, there are soft fruits and pastry notes on the nose. The palate is spicier, certainly drier, and has hints of ginger, stone fruits, and perhaps some mint or eucalyptus.

The Heidsieck & Co Monopole Rosé Top Champagne NV is a sparkling sensation that captures the essence of luxury and celebration. Crafted by the expert hands of one of the most prestigious Champagne houses, this rose champagne is a delightful blend of grapes, carefully selected from the finest vineyards. Founded in 1785, Heidsieck & Co Monopole is the 4th oldest champagne house. Heidsieck & Co. Monopole was one of the leading Champagne brands in the beginning of the 20th century, and was a supplier by Royal Appointment of several European courts: King of Prussia and Emperor of Germany, the English Court, Swedish Court & the Court of Tsar Nicolas II. Between 1825 and 1830, a cargo galley sank with more than 150 bottles of champagne from different brands on board, including Heidsieck & Co Monopole. In November 2010, oenologists who examined the cargo reported that the bottles included the oldest known vintages of the Heidsieck & Co Monopole brand. Behind Heidsieck's range they have preserved the excellence of grapes, guaranteeing the quality and finesse of their champagnes. For a number of years, Heidsieck & Co Monopole have crafted reserve wines used in the production of their vintages. These wines play an important role in the blending process for the vintages, representing more than half of their composition. This champagne is a blend of 20% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier and 70% Pinot Noir. With a luscious salmon pink colour and fine, persistent bubbles, this champagne exudes an aroma of fresh red berries, raspberries, wild strawberries and subtle hints of violet alongside other delicate floral notes. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious balance of fruity and floral flavours, underscored by a subtle minerality and a long, refreshing finish. Its fine, elegant flavours consist of small red fruits that dominate throughout with hints of raspberry and redcurrant. The mouth exhibits a delightful, freshness with a slightly tart finish. This light, vivacious champagne is a delicious rosé aperitif that comes in an elegant bottle with a stylish rose gold foil and a sleek design that embodies the spirit of modern luxury.

Established in 1998, Shadowfax is a boutique winery located just 30 minutes from Melbourne in the heart of Werribee Park. Dedicated to creating high-quality and handcrafted wines, Shadowfax is renowned for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Shiraz, as well as a selection of highly limited, single-vineyard wines. The winery takes its name from J.R.R. Tolkien's classic, The Lord of the Rings, where Shadowfax was chief among horses. Contemporary in design and function, Shadowfax's unique architecture reflects an attempt to create a harmony between the winery and its natural surroundings. Designed by award-winning architects Wood Marsh, the winery's rusted sheet metal exterior and terracotta interior evoke the best of Australian wine heritage. At Shadowfax, the team is passionate about allowing each vineyard site to express its unique character, with the grapes grown reflecting the site and telling their own story. The vineyards are grown depending on their own requests, with the team always listening and tasting to ensure the vineyard's needs and wants are met. Shadowfax is not afraid of new ideas, experimentation, trials and tribulations, all while having fun doing so. The vineyard is allowed to do the talking, using the wine glass as its stage. Shadowfax is a winery that truly cares about the land and the wines it produces, resulting in some of the most exceptional wines in the region. Shadowfax Wines is a premium winery with vineyards located in some of the most unique and sought-after regions in Australia. The Little Hampton single vineyard site near Trentham sits at 730m above sea level, making it one of the coolest in the Macedon Ranges. The deep red volcanic loams over hard basalt outcrops give Little Hampton a unique balance between aromatics and power, producing exceptional fruit, particularly Pinot Noir, which forms the flagship Little Hampton Pinot Noir. Other vineyards include Straws Lane, planted in the 1980s to Pinot Noir and Gewurztraminer near Hesket, Midhill, with slightly acidic and well-drained red volcanic soils and Werribee, which produces powerful and robust K Road Shiraz and unadulterated Minnow wines. The Pyrenees vineyard produces Shiraz with natural spicy aromas, a full palate and long fine tannins, thanks to the inland location at the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountain range. Shadowfax Wines' commitment to minimal intervention in the winery and precision farming results in wines that are vibrant, pure and drinkable. The Shadowfax Pyrenees Shiraz 2018 is a bold wine that boasts a dark red to black color with a ruby hue. The aroma showcases white pepper spice, dark plums and fig fruit with hints of cinnamon spice. On the palate, satsuma plums and blackcurrant fruits explode onto the front palate, with pepper spices and cinnamon adding further intrigue. The fine but firm tannins build through the palate, leading to a crescendo of flavors that resonate with the drinker long after the wine has left one's lips. This is a full-bodied wine with great length and depth, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy a bold and complex Shiraz. This wine pairs well with roast duck, Schezuan chicken and rump steak. The carefully hand-harvested fruit was picked in the cool of the morning to retain vibrancy. The fruit was destemmed into small open fermenters, where wild yeast performed their magic. The wine was then pressed and left to rest in 20% new French barrels, allowing it to develop its full flavor profile and complexity.

The Glenmorangie distillery is located in the beautiful Scottish Highlands and is famous for its outstanding single malt whiskies. Glenmorangie, derived from the Gaelic language of Scotland, translates to "Valley of Tranquillity." A true testament to craftsmanship and tradition, Glenmorangie has been captivating whisky enthusiasts around the world for centuries. The story of Glenmorangie begins with its founder, William Matheson, who established the distillery in 1843. Situated near the tranquil Dornoch Firth, the distillery benefits from the region's pristine water source and the gentle sea breezes that caress the aging casks. These natural elements play a vital role in shaping the character of Glenmorangie whiskies, adding a touch of Highland magic to every bottle. One of the hallmarks of Glenmorangie is its commitment to the art of cask maturation. The distillery boasts the tallest copper pot stills in Scotland, which allow for a purer and more refined spirit. This, combined with the use of the finest American white oak barrels, results in whiskies that are smooth, complex and full of character. Glenmorangie takes pride in its dedication to innovation constantly pushing the boundaries of whisky production. The distillery is known for its "Extra Matured" range, where whiskies are finished in a variety of cask types, such as sherry, port and wine, to create unique flavour profiles. This experimentation has garnered Glenmorangie a loyal following of whisky connoisseurs who appreciate the diversity and complexity of their offerings. One of Glenmorangie's most iconic expressions is the Glenmorangie Original, a flagship whisky that embodies the essence of the distillery. For those seeking a more indulgent experience, Glenmorangie offers a range of limited edition releases and prestigious expressions. From the award-winning Glenmorangie Signet, with its rich chocolate and coffee flavors, to the rare Glenmorangie Pride 1978, aged for 41 years and exuding elegance and opulence, these whiskies are a testament to the distillery's unwavering commitment to excellence. Beyond crafting exceptional whiskies, Glenmorangie is deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The distillery is dedicated to minimizing its carbon footprint and protecting the natural resources that make their whiskies so special. From the use of renewable energy sources to the restoration of local wetlands, Glenmorangie strives to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy their whiskies while preserving the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Lush and invitingly herbaceous, Glenmorangie A Tale of the Forest is Glenmorangie’s first whisky crafted from barley kilned with woodland botanicals. Inspired by the ever changing natural wonder he encounters while wandering in the forest near his home, Glenmorangie’s Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, brought back an ancient method of kilning barley with botanicals. In this case, he chose juniper berries, birch bark and heather flowers. A whisky, infused with natural botanicals (juniper berries, birch wood and heather) during the kilning process ̶ bringing flavours of peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus, pine, wood sap, angelica, bitter orange and a hint of aromatic wood smoke. Evoking the scents, sounds and sights of the forest, the single malt surrounds your senses with aromas of pine, juniper and coriander, laced with wisps of smoke. Then tastes of deep-green eucalyptus, lit by rays of bitter orange, drift to a slow, gently oaky finish. The whisky’s fragrant, wooded depths have inspired illustrator Pomme Chan to dream up her own fantastical forest. Celebrating the whisky’s flavours, her artwork is showcased on the whisky’s pack.

The Gospel is more than just a whiskey brand. It's a testament to the passion and dedication of a small team of fanatics in Melbourne who have a fierce love for deliciously unpretentious rye whiskey. Led by their Master Distiller, Ian Thorn, The Gospel is Australia's only dedicated rye whiskey distillery. Ian is the boss of all things booze, and his expertise is evident in every bottle of The Gospel. Crafted and distilled from 100% Australian unmalted rye, The Gospel is a unique whiskey with a distinct flavour profile. The rye is cultivated and nurtured by a single farmer in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia, chosen specifically for its harsh climate and small, dense grains. This rye imparts deep, spicy flavours of vanilla, cinnamon and dried fruit, with developing notes of pepper, grass and grain. But The Gospel is more than just a great whiskey. The team behind it is passionate about standing up for what they believe in and supporting the community. They recognize their responsibility to operate in a responsible manner and to be conscious of their social impact and environmental footprint. That's why The Gospel uses 100% recyclable packaging, diverts their spent waste from landfill and donates 2.5% of net profit to their partner charities. Set in the backstreets of Melbourne's eclectic inner north, The Gospel distillery was designed and built by Ben and Andrew with the help of family and friends. It features a six-meter-high continuous column still, designed and built in-house, as well as a bespoke Copper Pot still. The Gospel wider team are an experienced group of booze industry experts, all of whom have a fierce love for deliciously unpretentious rye whiskey. The Gospel Solera Rye is a whiskey like no other. Made using 100% Australian grown unmalted rye from a single farm in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia, it's renowned for its distinct, extraordinary flavour that's unmatched by rye from other areas. The harsh climate and small, dense grains of the rye produce a unique terroir that imparts resilient rye grain flavours onto the palate. Double distilled and aged in a five-tiered bespoke solera system of new American oak, second fill American oak, and Australian red wine barrels, The Gospel Solera Rye utilizes ancient technology that has been used for centuries to perfect sherry, port, and even beer. The rye spirit moves through this unique system, resulting in a distinctively flavourful spirit that perfectly balances sweet and savoury. On the nose, you'll detect baking spices, rich caramel sweetness and stewed plum with port wine. The palate is characterized by sweet oak, orchard fruits, dark toffee, brown sugar and bright spices. The finish is rich and long, carrying dried fruits and fresh spice. The Gospel Solera Rye is perfect for modern cocktails and no-nonsense mixers. It's a rye that brings you whiskey flavours without dominating your drink, letting you get on with enjoying better drinks in good company. From shot glass to tall and bubbly highballs, Solera Rye is a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion. The Gospel Solera Rye is the perfect whiskey for everyday enjoyment. It's not just a display piece, but an essential spirit for every home bar. This whiskey embodies classic rye flavours in an approachable, soft and smooth way, making it an accessible rye with more character than anyone would expect. What sets The Gospel Solera Rye apart is Gospel's unique solera maturation system, which delivers an American-style rye whiskey with a unique easy-going Australian attitude. The whiskey perfectly balances sweet and savoury, making it ideal for sipping on its own or in your favourite cocktail. The Gospel Solera Rye has been recognized for its quality and unique character, winning silver at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the highest awarded medal for an Australian Rye Whiskey. If you're looking for a whiskey that's approachable, smooth and full of character, The Gospel Solera Rye is the perfect choice. It's versatile and perfect for any occasion, whether you're enjoying a quiet night in or a lively gathering with friends.

Camille Giroud, a Swiss wine merchant, marries Miss Deschamps and takes over her family's wine trade firm, which he renames Maison Giroud Deschamps. In 1903, the company becomes known as Camille Giroud and establishes its premises in Beaune. Unlike other wine merchants, Camille only buys musts and finished wines, relying on his talent as a wine maturer to establish the reputation of his company. After Camille's death, his youngest son, Lucien, takes over and maintains the family tradition. In the 1990s, the company faces financial difficulties and Bernard and François Giroud begin to buy grapes instead of purchasing wine. David Croix joins the Maison in 2001, launching new projects and building a new vat house. In 2002, Ann Colgin and other investors take over the company, with David Croix named as Manager in 2007. The Maison remains exclusive and pursues new projects under the leadership of Carel Voorhuis. Pommard is a village located between Beaune and Volnay in the Côte de Beaune region of France. It is situated in the middle of the slope, in the heart of its grouping vineyard, which is at an altitude between 240 and 380 meters, facing East/South-East. Pommard is known for its full-bodied and tannic red wines made from Pinot Noir, which have been highlighted since the middle ages. The name Pommard is derived from the ancient goddess Pomone, who was venerated by the first inhabitants of Pommard. In 2004, the village was called Polmareum, which later became Pomareum, derived from the Latin word "pomarium" meaning orchard. Camille Giroud Pommard Les Cras 2020 comes from 35-year-old vines located in Pommard, facing East/South-East and at an altitude between 280 and 320 meters. These vines are planted in limestone soil. Camille Giroud Pommard Les Cras 2020 has a fruity and elegant aroma with a beautiful finesse in its power, intensity, grain and complexity. It reveals notes of wild cassis, juicy quetsche plum, wild strawberry, cherry, rose, lily, pepper and cinnamon. The palate is elegant, juicy, fresh and has a racy minerality, tension and a finely tight grain. The wine expresses notes of cherry, cassis, small red berries, lily, rose, blackberry, rosewood and sweet spices. It is a beautiful, full-bodied and dynamic wine with a persistent hint of chocolate. Camille Giroud Pommard Les Cras 2020 is a perfect match for beef, veal, game and poultry dishes.

Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils is located in the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, has built a solid reputation over the years as producing rich, ripe red wines, so it's interesting to see that Thierry Usseglio and his son, Gregory, are experimenting with the use of whole bunches and an entirely new wine style that combines a large proportion of white grapes and use of amphorae. Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils Lirac 2020 vintage is produced with 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah. The fruit selected is from 40 year old vines. They harvested manually and completely destemmed. The fermentation is followed by thermoregulation, lasting about 20 to 30 days. The wines are then aged in concrete and demi-muids vats over a period of 12 months. Loads of black raspberry and spice, medium to full body and a lush, ripe, yet seamless mouthfeel.