EVENTS

Over 350 guests gathered at a large marquee on the grounds of the Cypress Lakes resort last month to celebrate the Legends of the Hunter Valley Awards. The Awards celebrated wine excellence in the HunterValley, and also placed a renewed focus on the tourism operators that support the region. Read our full report on the awards at: https://bit.ly/3wL1wN0

The Whisky Show returned to Sydney in May, with two packed-out rooms at the Sir Stamford Hotel at Circular Quay. Drinkers were treated to a fantastic selection of whiskies from Australia and around the world, with a rare whisky bar that also served up particularly hard-to-find drams.

Coopers is celebrating 160 years in 2022, with a range of activities marking the occasion. Following the release of a special anniversary beer, plus the announcement of a $50 million investment at itsRegency Park site (including a microbrewery and a whisky distillery)the brand recently hosted an industry gala dinner in Adelaide. It also unveiled a 170-meter-long billboard in Sydney, specifically calling out the Cooper's history from 1862 until now.

The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular (GABS) returned to Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne last month, with 117 brand new festival beers created by a huge range of breweries especially for the occasion. The lineup of brewers involved this year was bigger than ever, and the exhibitors took things to a whole new level with a range of activations, including the Balter ‘Tins of Glory’ tinnie hurling competition, the Bentpoke roller racing challenge, the Ballistic paint and sip workshop and much more.GABS will be making its way to Auckland on 25 June.