Australia’s largest whiskey marketplace, The Whisky List, is expanding operations and establishing a new distribution team that will look to supply bars around the country with a range of premium whiskies.
In addition TWL is partnering with Distell Group to have Bunnahabhain, Tobermory, Deanston and Ledaig as flagship brands in the distribution portfolio. TWL will also represent a select group of premium whiskies from Australia, Scotland and the United States.
The distribution business will supply hospitality and retail trade, as well as support local Australian distilleries with Sydney-based warehousing and logistics.
Chris Ross, Co-Founder of TWL, said: “The heart and soul of TWL is sharing great whisky with others. With the new team in place, we now have the opportunity to champion a select few of our absolute favourites, and in the process, help support our great Aussie independent retailers with whisky that their customers will love.”
As well as premium and limited expressions of the Distell brands, TWL’s portfolio will include Tasmanian independent whisky bottler, Remnant Whisky Co., which has helped hundreds of small investors since the collapse of the Nant Distilling Co. Additionally, TWL will be importing and distributing whisky from US-based Reservoir Distillery, and boutique Scottish Independent Bottlers; Highlander Inn and Dram Mor, with further brands to be announced in the coming months.
Oliver Maruda, Co-Founder of TWL added: “Long before we even dreamed of partnering with Distell, we personally championed these brands, simply because their products were worth talking about, so we are ecstatic about being able to officially import and distribute their premium and limited edition ranges in Australia.
“We share the same values. World-class product, at reasonable prices. We just really love Bunnahabhain Whisky and their sister distilleries, and want to see their delicious product in great Aussie independent shops and bars.”
Guirec Danno, Managing Director for Distell for Asia Pacific, said: “With the team at The Whisky List we share the same passion and love for exceptional whiskies. The Whisky List unique e-commerce experience and their connections with Australian whisky enthusiasts provide an excellent platform for our single malts to continue their strong growth in Australia.”
The expansion has seen TWL make two new hires in Larry Aronson coming on-board as Head of Sales and Distribution along with Emma Cookson who joins as Whisky Specialist and Editor.
Aronson has spent over 20 years working in the liquor industry in South Africa and Australia and founded Australia’s first specialised whisky store, World of Whisky, alongside David Ligoff and Ivan Myers.
He said: “I am super excited to be joining The Whisky List team. TWL have done an amazing job so far helping consumers quench their thirst (pun intended) for knowledge about all things whisky, whilst making whisky more accessible to the masses, particularly with the addition of virtual tastings last year when everyone was stuck at home due to lockdowns. It’s really great to see the popularity of this virtual format continue on as things open up as we can now reach people in even the most remote parts of the country.
“With me joining, we will provide our partner retailers, hospitality, and general trade customers across Australia access to some exciting, quality, new and popular whisky.”
Cookson is an award-winning Australian bartender who joins from one of Australia’s best whisky bars, Whisky & Alement and she will be hosting TWL’s popular virtual whisky tastings, both for consumer and corporate tastings, alongside other responsibilities.
“This will definitely be a different experience to working behind a bar and having that unique connection with customers in person, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take my whisky knowledge to the next level, sharing drams with thousands of Australians each month, albeit virtually now.
“I have a huge passion for all things whisky, I love visiting distilleries, meeting people and hearing the stories behind the journey from grain to glass that make it more than just a liquid. I’m looking forward to the future and delivering that same experience people know me for in my new role.”
For all trade sales and distribution enquiries, contact larry@thewhiskylist.com.au for pricing and portfolio availability.
