Luke McCarthy

Luke Mccarthy is the founder and publisher of oz whisky review.

The latest

First Look: Backspace Bar Brings a Neighbourhood Feel to the Paris End

First Look: Backspace Bar Brings a Neighbourhood Feel to the Paris End

The Whisky Den team and a former Nomad Group bartender have opened a new laid-back local in the CBD. Find seriously refreshing highballs, a retro rum and pineapple creation and “one of the coldest beers in Melbourne”.

With Bakery Hill in the Mix, Kensington Is Becoming a Hub for Craft Producers

With Bakery Hill in the Mix, Kensington Is Becoming a Hub for Craft Producers

The distillery has finally moved from its Bayswater North home after nearly 25 years. Book a tour, visit the Sly Grog Shop for a dram or two and join the Kenzo Crawl.

First Look: Box Hill Was a Dry Zone for Decades. It Finally Has a Neighbourhood Bar

First Look: Box Hill Was a Dry Zone for Decades. It Finally Has a Neighbourhood Bar

The husband-and-wife-run Bar Nearby marks a new era for the neighbourhood. Order delivery from local restaurants or BYO food to enjoy with easy drinks, including local beers on tap and summery Pina Coladas.

Thirty Years On, Sullivans Cove Whisky Is Better Than Ever

Thirty Years On, Sullivans Cove Whisky Is Better Than Ever

The operation that put Australia firmly on the global whisky map has unveiled a groundbreaking new distillery – one that will enhance its already fastidious processes. asdfsadfs

First Look: A Former Medical Scientist Opens Subculture Brewing in Brunswick

First Look: A Former Medical Scientist Opens Subculture Brewing in Brunswick

Bring in a slice of pizza from nearby Madonna Electric and listen to the tunes playing on vinyl while you sip on local beers. And fit in a game of ’90s classic Street Fighter II on the arcade cabinet while you’re there.

Melbourne’s First Laneway Bar Meyers Place Was Relocated Piece-By-Piece and Is Now Bard’s Apothecary

Melbourne’s First Laneway Bar Meyers Place Was Relocated Piece-By-Piece and Is Now Bard’s Apothecary

Meyers Place was transplanted to its present location on Crossley Street. The piece of Melbourne history closed during Covid, but new owners have saved it and renamed it Bard’s Apothecary.

A Go-Your-Own-Way Whisky Tour of Tasmania for Winter

A Go-Your-Own-Way Whisky Tour of Tasmania for Winter

Warm your cockles this Off Season with a trip to some of Tasmania’s finest distilleries. In partnership with Tourism Tasmania, we take a look at six leading distilleries using the island’s native botanicals and waterways to produce distinctive whiskies.

First Look: Starward Whisky’s Port Melbourne Distillery Gets a Glam Refresh

First Look: Starward Whisky’s Port Melbourne Distillery Gets a Glam Refresh

There’s a new bar and kitchen where everything on the menu gets a dram of the good stuff. Plus, there’s a fill-your-own-bottle option and tours with whisky experts.

Boom to Bust: Why Are So Many Australian Craft Breweries Struggling?

Boom to Bust: Why Are So Many Australian Craft Breweries Struggling?

In the last 12 months, more than a dozen independent local brewers – including heavy hitters like Wayward, Hawkers and Akasha – have entered voluntary administration. How did our booming craft beer industry start to go bust? And how can you help?

First Look: It’s Pure Brewmanity at Former Melbourne Football Club Captain David Neitz’s Rooftop Bar

First Look: It’s Pure Brewmanity at Former Melbourne Football Club Captain David Neitz’s Rooftop Bar

The brewer has raised nearly $1 million for Fight MND since it launched in 2015. Its new venue will bring its “modern twists on traditional beer styles” to South Melbourne when it opens on Friday. Plus, the team has plenty of fundraisers and events planned for the space.

Now Open: Adelaide’s Pirate Life Opens Its First Melbourne Taproom

Now Open: Adelaide’s Pirate Life Opens Its First Melbourne Taproom

The South Melbourne taproom has a flame-licked elevated food offering influenced by its market neighbour, 16 taps and an express lunch menu for office workers and market dwellers.

Now Open: Hobart Craft Brewery Fox Friday Opens Its First Melbourne Taproom, in Richmond

Now Open: Hobart Craft Brewery Fox Friday Opens Its First Melbourne Taproom, in Richmond

The new 200-person space is part of the brand’s plans to expand across the country and brings a new player to Melbourne’s already booming brewery scene.