There is a distinct cricket and Tasmanian appeal to the drops that should be finding their way onto your shelf this month.
Ponting Wines 2019 Mowbray Boy Pinot Noir
Ponting Wines is a collaboration between one of Australia’s most celebrated modern-day cricketers (and talented golfer) in Ricky Ponting and Ben Riggs, an award-winning Australian winemaker known for his uncompromising, high-quality wines. Off the back of an excellent 2019 vintage, this wine has aromatic structure with a hint of spiciness. A solid Pinot Noir that has plenty of flavour and fruit across the board. Certainly one of the better wines we have had the pleasure to taste recently from Tasmania. RRP: $33 (alcohol 13.5%).
Shane Warne SevenZeroEight Gin
The SevenZeroEight Gin Collection, founded by cricketing royalty Shane Warne, is produced in Western Australia with the finest botanicals. It has already picked up several awards and it is easy to see why. Like many things our greatest ever leg spinner touches, this is certainly one for the collection and doesn’t miss the mark when it comes to quality. This gin has a great smooth finish with subtle hints of citrus and thyme. The perfect choice for that classic G&T. RRP $85 (alcohol 43%).
Archie Rose Distillers Strength Gin
The Archie Rose Distiller’s Strength Gin is an overproof gin that will be an extension to their core range, for those who love bigger, bolder flavours. Each of the 15 botanicals is distilled separately which, albeit much more labour intensive, ensures absolute clarity when extracting the botanical flavours, while yielding a more intensely flavoured distillate. This differs from the more traditional ‘one-shot’ distillation method whereby all botanicals are loaded into the still and distilled in one run. RRP: $99 (alcohol 52.4%).
King Island Distillery Ruby Vodka
This handcrafted vodka (by Heidi Weitjens) located in Tasmania’s northernmost operational micro-distillery was described by Bill Lark as “clean and inviting with ruby grapefruit being the ideal superhero”. He wasn’t far off the mark. Infused with fresh ruby grapefruit and ginger distilled, this handcrafted vodka is smooth and one to enjoy for all occasions. Even better if you have just stepped off one of the great courses on Tasmania’s golf paradise that is King Island. King Island Distillery Ruby Vodka is a great way to end a world-class day of golf. RRP: $70 (alcohol 42%).
