New Zealand Whisky: Delivering True Provenance

Across the ditch, there's a whisky industry with a similar modern history to Australia's. The story involves small producers often taking a Scottish production regime, then procuring or building stills (often with their own hands) and slowly building an identity. As with much of the New World Whisky industry, climate and local resources dictate the development of the whisky, and we are excited to share these nuances with you. 

Last week, Jules was fortunate to tour four New Zealand whisky distilleries on both the north and south island, including Pokeno's purpose built cooperage and attending Cardrona's 11th anniversary event. Eager to dig into the DNA of what makes New Zealand whisky unique, he has returned with a bunch of distillery exclusives, milestone releases and interesting drams to share in what will be the most comprehensive Kiwi lineup at Whisky & Alement

Historical Willowbank single malt will set the scene followed by Thomson and Pokeno. We'll traverse the idyllic Waiheke island and their special work before digging into the South Island's Cardrona and Auld distilleries, New Zealand's first and only paddock to bottle whisky distillery. End the evening with a Thomson Honey and Ginger highball downstairs at Whisky & Alement. We hope you can join us for a very special lineup of New Zealand's latest bottlings.

On Tasting:

• 15ml x New Zealand Whisky Company 30yr Willowbank 1987 44.7% 
• 15ml x Pokeno Sauternes Single cask #229 5 years 52.4%
• 15ml x Thomson Cask Martin Pinot Noir cask 46%
• 15ml x Auld Farm Distillery Single Malt Whisky. Ex-Bourbon cask 46% 
• 15ml x Waiheke Whisky Gravity's Rainbow 48%
• 15ml x The Cardrona PX Single cask 11th Anniversary Special 53%
• 15ml x Waiheke Whisky Altered Carbon 46% (yet to be released)
• Plus a Thomson Honey and Ginger highball to end the evening downstairs in the main bar

When? Where?

Tuesday 24th of November, 2026

Doors open at 6:45pm for a 7pm start

Whisky & Alement, 270 Russell Street, Melbourne 

Want to sit with your friends?

Please indicate in the comments if you would like to be seated with anyone in particular. 

Changes & Cancellations

Please refer to the FAQ's page on our website for full details about change of date and cancellations.

Change of date is available with a minimum of 7 days notice. 

No cancellations or refunds for any product. Tickets can be gifted to friends or family without notifying the venue.

Disabled Access

Disabled Access is available on the ground level, but is not available for our tasting room. Please contact us before booking and we'll do our best to accommodate.

Other T&C's

All participants must be over the legal age of 18 years in order to participate and consume alcohol.

We reserve the right to refuse service without refund, to any persons displaying intoxicated or inappropriate behaviour.

Photography and videography - By purchasing a ticket to an event, you acknowledge that the event may be filmed or photographed and give consent for the film or photographs to be published on any platform by Whisky and Alement or by any other entity used for promotion. Films and photographs may be used occasionally for other marketing purposes.