Get Drams of the World’s Rarest Whiskies Delivered Each Month – Sent by Some of Australia’s Best Bartenders

Photo: Courtesy Whisky Freaks

“Whisky is for everyone,” says Whisky Freaks co-owner Greg Sanderson. You can opt for one box or subscription tasting boxes chosen by three serious Scotch fans.

Whisky is one of the world’s most popular spirits. It’s also complex and, at times, confusing. “It’s quite intimidating getting into the world of whisky when you’re surrounded by people who are very vocal or educated,” says whisky subscription service Whisky Freaks co-owner Greg Sanderson.

The new subscription offering comes from the Speakeasy Group, which owns and operates popular cocktail bars Mjolner, Nick and Nora’s and Eau de Vie in Melbourne and Sydney). It aims to demystify the world of whisky appreciation via a selection of drams delivered to your door.

“We want to create an inclusive environment for people who are new to it,” Sanderson says. “We’re here for the love of whisky – not to act like any keeper of information.

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“A lot of whisky advertising is still white dudes with beards in front of a fireplace on a leather couch – but whisky is for everyone,” he says.

Sanderson and Speakeasy Group co-owner Sven Almenning came up with the idea last year, when their venues were shut and large parts of the country were locked down. Initially, they resisted the popular pivot to takeaway meals and cocktails, but Melbourne’s extended second lockdown forced them to give it a go.

“We’ve built a hospitality business over the last decade around the guest experience,” Sanderson says. “So to just chuck something in a box and send it to their couch went against everything we do. So the whole idea of Whisky Freaks came out of: how can we give someone a great whisky-drinking experience and talk to them – like in a whisky venue.”

Sanderson, Almenning and Speakeasy Group head of whisky Alex Woodmass pick the whiskies each month around different themes or regions of the world. There are four subscriptions to choose from: the VIF, the Recruit, the Enthusiast and the Aficionado, depending on how frequently you’d like to receive a box. Then, you can choose from either a selection of three whiskies from around the world (For the Love of Whisky Box) or three extremely rare whiskies (Baller Box). Each includes three 50-millimetre whisky tastings, along with tasting notes, a tasting journal and access to educational videos on the Whisky Freaks website.

July’s theme is “Sherry Bombs” – whiskies aged in sherry casks with mature notes of vanilla, coconut and clove. Future themes include “Fantastic Finishes” and “Freaky Fruits” – floral, fruit-forward whiskies from around the globe.

You can commit to as little as one box or up to a 12-month subscription. And, if you enjoyed your dram, a subscription grants you access to the online bottle shop, where you can order bottles of your favourites.

whiskyfreaks.com.au

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