Guides and tasting notes
Falernum Explained: Liqueur or Syrup, and What to Mix It With
Falernum is the Barbadian lime and almond flavouring behind the Corn 'n' Oil, the Zombie and the Test Pilot. What it is, why the liqueur and the syrup are not the same thing, and what to make with a bottle.
French Apple Brandy Explained: Calvados, Pommeau and the Spirits of Normandy
Normandy is too far north for wine grapes, so it distils apples instead. A plain guide to Calvados: the three appellations, the age words, cask finishes, Pommeau, and the apple grown inside the bottle.
Mezcal Explained: How It Differs From Tequila, and What to Buy in Australia
Mezcal is not just smoky tequila. A plain guide to the agave, the pit roast, the artesanal tiers and the label wording, with a starting bottle for every kind of drinker.
How to Choose a Rosé: A Buyer's Guide for Australian Spring
Two bottles that look identical on the shelf can come from completely different places and rules. A shortlist of rose worth buying, from Bandol and Rioja through to Margaret River, the Mornington Peninsula, the Barossa and the Canberra District, plus the four things to check before you order online.
The Best Italian Wines to Buy in Australia Right Now
Not another tour of twenty regions. A shortlist of Italian wine sorted by what you are actually going to do with the bottle, with the label rules explained so you can choose for yourself.
Demerara Rum Explained: Guyana's Wooden Stills and El Dorado
Demerara rum comes from one country and, today, one distillery. What makes it unlike any other rum is a set of wooden stills rescued from estates that closed generations ago.
What Is Navy Rum? Pusser's, the Daily Tot and Black Tot Day
Navy rum is not a marketing term. It refers to a specific blend, a specific strength and a ration that ended on 31 July 1970. Here is what the label actually means.
Port Wine Styles Explained: Ruby, Tawny, LBV and Colheita
Six words on a Port label do most of the work. Here is what Ruby, Reserve, LBV, Tawny, Colheita and White actually mean, and which one suits the way you drink.
Rhum Agricole: The Australian Guide to Martinique's Cane Juice Rum
Rhum agricole is distilled from fresh sugarcane juice rather than molasses, and it tastes nothing like the rum most Australians know. What the AOC means, how to read the label, and how to make a proper Ti Punch.
How to Drink Absinthe: The Ritual, the Kit, and the Australian Rules
Absinthe is legal in Australia, it does not make you hallucinate, and the ritual is chemistry rather than theatre. What the law says, what you need, and how to pour a proper louche.
Birth Year Spirits: The Australian Guide to Buying a Bottle From the Year You Were Born
A bottle distilled in the year someone was born is one of the few gifts that cannot be bought off a shelf. Here is what is actually available in Australia, why Armagnac beats whisky for this, and how to check a vintage bottle is genuine.
Discover the Rich Heritage and masterful Craft of JM Rhum Vieux Vo Terr Volcan Rum
In the world of premium spirits, few can capture the blend of tradition, authenticity, and craftsmanship quite like the JM Rhum Vieux Vo Terr Volcan Rum. Originating from the idyllic...
The 10 Best Whiskies to Try in 2025: Liquor Wine Cave’s Expert Guide
As the world of whisky continues to evolve, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for both seasoned connoisseurs and enthusiastic newcomers. From innovative cask finishes to longstanding...
Holiday Gift Guide: Liquor for Every Personality
Finding the perfect Christmas gift can be tricky, but liquor is a fail-safe option that combines luxury and thoughtfulness. This year, take your gift-giving to the next level by matching...
Top 11 Rums to Try in 2024
As we step into 2024, it’s the perfect time to explore some of the finest rums available at Liquor Wine Cave. Whether you’re a seasoned rum enthusiast or a newcomer...
What Makes Clase Azul Tequila So Special? The Ultimate Guide
Introduction to Clase Azul Tequila Clase Azul Tequila is a name synonymous with luxury, elegance, and exceptional craftsmanship in the world of tequila. Originating from Mexico, this premium tequila brand...