Spirited Discussions

This week, Lachlan is diving into the rich biodiversity of Australia's flora in spirits while welcoming a favourite guest, Luke McCarthy, with special guest and co-producer, Lindsay Marriott. Discover how indigenous botanicals like lemon myrtle, finger lime, and Tasmanian pepperberry are transforming the landscape of mixology and spirits in Australia. If you think you've heard all of the creative...

The phrase that changed everything - "Shaken; not stirred". Making waves as a consultant and slinging cocktails at the infamous Black Pearl cocktail bar in Melbourne, Kayla Reid, "a huge martini drinker" herself, brings her extensive hospitality experience into the studio this week to discuss the finesse and delicacies of the perfect martini with Lachlan. From the origins of this timeless cocktail...

The demand for bars and restaurants to have perfectly balanced, non-alcoholic drinks on their menu in 2024 has skyrocketed! To understand this industry and hype better, Lachlan invited Priscilla Leong and Paul Hammond into the studio. While being allergic to alcohol itself, Priscilla never let that stop her love of the industry and won the prestigious title of 2022 Australian Bartender of the Year...

Join our host, Lachlan, in the studio with Clare Harmon this week as they travel through the diverse landscape of Australian wine. An expert distiller and viticulturist, Clare made a name for herself in the Melbourne hospitality industry before furthering her education regarding all things grape. From the iconic Shiraz of the Barossa Valley to the crisp Sauvignon Blancs of the Margaret River regio...

Strap in while co-owners of Marionette Liqueurs, Nick Tesar and Hugh Leech, have a chat with Lachlan this week about Liqueurs and Amari. Originally created to preserve fruits and herbs, Liqueurs and Amari are now a staple behind any home or business bar. Listen now to find out where they come from, how they're made, and the best way to start exploring these bartender favourite spirits and expandin...

Largely the most overlooked, underrated spirit, Vodka has a rich history and we've got Sebastian Reyburn in the studio this week to tell us all about it. Seb is a passionate distiller (starting and owning multiple in his life!) and history buff, who cut his teeth at the best cocktail bars in London in the 90's before coming back to Melbourne. Lachlan and Seb will take you through the misconception...

Throw on an Aloha shirt and have some fun with us this week as we explore the world of Tropicana Drinks with Fred Siggins. Fred is a Melbourne based drinks expert, writer and co-owner of Goodwater Bar in Northcote, Victoria with over 20 years of experience in spirits and the hospitality industry. He also really likes Mai Tais and Piña Coladas, which make him the perfect guest for this adventurous...

We're popping the cork on 2024 and Season Two with all things bubbly wine! Your favourite awkward host, Lachlan Watt, is back with special guest and bubbly expert Wiremu Andrews. Hailing from New Zealand and falling in love with wine to become a sommelier and viticulturist, Wiremu joins us to discuss the differences, complexities and nuances of Champagne, Prosecco, Pet Nat and more. Sabre your fav...

In our last episode of Season 1, Lachlan has Brooke Hayman in the studio to finally chat about the whisky industry. Brooke started a bar in 2010 with her partner, Julian White, in Melbourne where they wanted to make whisky accessible to the masses. With Whisky and Alement, they achieved that goal, and year after year have received awards and accolades for the incredible bar and culture they create...

This week Lachlan is joined by wine enthusiast and lover, Bonnie Spain, to talk you through some of their favourite fortified wines - and what fortified wine really means. Bonnie's extensive knowledge grew from her passion for the hospitality industry, as well as her time working for our favourite Spanish wine importer, The Spanish Acquisition. Through this insightful conversation, discover how th...

Do you understand the difference in Junmai vs. Zojoshu vs. Daiginjo and more? On this week's episode, our favourite T-Rex armed host, Lachlan, talks through all things Japanese Spirits with the master himself, Kelvin Low. Kelvin is the owner of Elysian Whisky Bar and co-owner of Kura sake and yakitori restaurant, both in Melbourne, and was one of Lachlan's early mentors in the industry. Discover t...

On this week's episode, Lachlan takes you on a frothy and flavourful journey with Cassie O'Neill, one of Australia's first cicerones who's thirst for knowledge started from the beloved Stone & Wood's Pacific Ale. The humble beer is an intricate artistry with diverse styles and a rich history that goes well beyond it being most people's first experience with alcohol. So pour yourself a pint, an...

This week, Lachlan is setting sail with Sai Merchant, rum lover, hospitality giant and winner of the 2015 Diplomatico World Tournament. Together, they dive into the rich history of rum's origins, to its roots as a coveted prize among pirates to its transformation into a cornerstone of exotic tiki concoctions! Join Lachlan and Sai as they raise a glass, venture across time and continents, and expla...

On today's episode, Lachlan is exploring the fascinating world of gin with the multi-talented Joey Tai. Joey's love of gin goes beyond the martini, as she has also distilled numerous Australian gins that you may have consumed. Together they dive into the history, production and diverse flavours of gin, one of the most beloved and versatile spirits in the world. From its history as the "mother's ru...

This week, Lachlan talks through American Whiskey with Tom Scott, the international bar manager who is currently the Brand Ambassador for Beam Suntory. Listen in to learn about the unique production methods that distinguish rye, bourbon, and Tennessee whiskey, each with its distinct character and taste profile. Join Lachlan and Tom as they venture into the heart of whiskey country, where time-hono...

Join us as we embark on a historical journey through the fascinating world of spirit distillation, and learn how our favourite rustic spirits come to life. We're privileged to be joined this week by the passionate Matt Bailey, the National Brand Manager for the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in Australia. Together, Matt and Lachlan discuss rustic spirits including poitin, uisce beatha, tsipouro, grapp...

This week, we take a look at the humble agave and what makes tequila and mezcal so unique. We're joined by Melbourne hospitality titan, Laura Thomason, as she gives her unique perspective from her time at an agave farm in Oaxaca to managing Australia's first agave exclusive bar. Listen now to learn more about everyone's favourite bad memory spirit, and why you should be giving it another shot (pun...

In the first episode of Spirited Discussions, join Lachlan as he explores the fascinating world of Australian spirits with special guest, Luke McCarthy, the Editor of Oz Whisky Review . Together, they embark on a journey through time to uncover the rich and storied history of spirits in the land Down Under. Luke McCarthy, a renowned expert in Australian spirits and author of The Australian Spirits...

Welcome to Spirited Discussions, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of alcohol, uncovering its fascinating history, exploring its diverse range of flavours, and engaging in thought-provoking conversations with industry experts. In our debut episode, join us as we introduce your spirited host, Lachlan Watt, a renowned enthusiast and connoisseur of all things alcohol-related. Lachlan is n...