The Aussie Spirit Auction has opened online bidding, with a collection of almost 200 products on offer.
The auction is a joint effort from many Australian craft distillers, with the idea originally coming from Craig at Craft Works Distillery. David Pearse from 5Nines Distilling then jumped on board to lead a team of volunteers including Amy at Wright Event, Robbie from Round Oak Barrel, craft spirits fan David T and Sarah from DrinkMelbourne.
The products available to bid on include bottles of brand new, rare or unbuyable craft spirits, unique distillery experiences, and exclusive memberships, all contributed by the Australian industry. There’s also a range of fine art prints that celebrate distilling.
It’s all for a good cause too, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to Rural Aid who supply crucial financial assistance, water and counselling to farmers in times of drought and fire.
Pearse said: “This auction is about the little guy helping other little guys – that’s our idea of the Aussie spirit. We also want to show some love for the craft spirits scene along the way.”
While online bidding is open now, there is also a huge live auction event coming up at the end of this month in Sydney. It will see a three course gala dinner, accompanied by a charity auction and an opportunity to meet with distillers and other craft spirits fans.
To be held at Dockside Darling Harbour, the Dockside Group donated the space and catering, which will mean all ticket purchases go to the cause as well.
On the night, the most premium, unique and rare items of the online auction will be part of a live auction, giving guests the exclusive access to make a final bid.
Some rare wonders you’ll find in the auction include:
- A premium whisky tasting for eight people at The Oak Barrel, Sydney, one of the country’s oldest and most iconic independent bottle shops, and three time winner of ALIA Liquor Store of the Year.
- A first release, hand-stitched leather gift box from Adams Distillery, including a 700ml bottle of their Single Malt Whisky, an engraved crystal decanter, two engraved glasses, a paired cigar, and more. It’s one of 50 ever made available to the public.
- A single malt, single cask whisky from Lark Distillery, donated from Bill Lark’s personal collection. The 500ml bottle was one of the first distilled by Bill’s daughter Kristy, now founder of Killara Distillery.
- A Batch 001 Museum Release bottle of Southern Coast Whisky single malt. The 700ml bottle from the now closed distillery is a collectors item, being bottle 147 of 170, and was donated by Tin Shed Distilling.
This is just a taste of what you can get your hands on. Get access to the online or live auction by checking out the Aussie Spirit Auction Facebook page here.