November 18, 2021

Viticulturist Allen Jenkins farewelled; Starward Whisky X Yalumba Wine; and Modus Operandi's Newcastle brewery

11 minutes

Wynns Coonawarra farewells viticulturist Allen Jenkins;

Starward Whisky and Yalumba Wines collaborate on a new single malt whisky; and

Modus Operandi Brewing launches green energy brewery in Newcastle.

A podcast for lovers of wine, beer, liquor (incl. whisky, whiskey, bourbon, gin, vodka, tequila etc) and cocktails, Drinks Adventures hosts wine makers, brewing and distilling experts, sommeliers, bartenders & more.
Founded in 2017 by Sean Baxter, George Georgiadis and Tim Boast, Never Never is undoubtedly one of the hottest distilleries in Australia at the moment.
The company was recently named Champion Australian Distiller for the second year running at the 2021 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards, as well as being a finalist alongside Four Pillars for the IWSC’s International Gin Producer Trophy.
And there’s been yet more accolades that you’ll hear about in today’s episode, as we meet co-founder Sean Baxter.
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Unlike other Australian gin distillers that have defined themselves based on our native botanicals, Never Never has made its name on excelling at gins that are very classically styled.
Today, Sean shares with you the benefits and challenges of this approach.
We also discuss the thorny issue of base spirit, and some of Never Never’s innovative products like Ginache – made using Grenache grapes from its home of McLaren Vale in South Australia – and its new Oyster Shell Gin.
And we revisit the April Fools' Day prank that got Sean into some hot water with his fellow distillers earlier this year, stoking industry fears about a potential juniper shortage.
That’s all coming up after I ask Sean about the significance of the Champion Distiller gong that Never Never took home for a second time on Wednesday December 1, 2021.
More must-listen episodes:

Two Paddocks wine with Sam Neill, pinot noir obsessive: S6E6

Wine critic Jancis Robinson on the changing world of wine: S4E4

Brewing historian Tara Nurin, and beer sensory expert Briony Liebich: S11E6

Cocktails meet coffee with Mr Black Spirits: S8E5

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