The trusted authority on wine for almost 40 years, Halliday Wine Companion has expanded its tasting expertise into the world of spirits.
Launching on 13 May 2025, Halliday Spirits oEers comprehensive reviews and ratings of Australian-made and international spirits, aiming to elevate the industry with the same dedication to quality and insight that has defined Halliday's legacy in wine.
Sandy Grant, Chief Executive of Hardie Grant, says, “This is the first time spirits have been reviewed in this way for the consumer. Halliday’s expansion into the industry is a testament to the brand’s passion for discovery, its dedication to providing valuable insights to consumers, and commitment to helping distilleries gain cut-through with customers.”
In its pilot year, Halliday Spirits will focus on reviewing gin, vodka, brandy, whisky, vermouth, amaro, agave spirit, cane spirit (including rum), and liqueur. Spirits are scored according to the international 100-point system, ensuring clarity and consistency across all reviews.
Distillers will be assigned annual star ratings, based on scores achieved throughout the year. The Halliday website, winecompanion.com.au, will also house Australia’s first directory of distillery profiles, featuring key details including their opening hours, tasting experiences, music and events, and whether they are family or pet friendly.
Fred Siggins, a Melbourne-based drinks expert with 25 years in the hospitality and drinks industry, will be acting as lead taster. Fred's extensive experience as a chef, bartender, venue manager, and spirits judge makes him an invaluable asset to the Halliday Tasting Team. Joining him is Jess Clayfield, a gin specialist with a profound understanding of Australian botanicals and a respected judge in the Australian Contemporary Gin category.
“We want to familiarise Australian drinkers with the supply of amazing spirits being made here, and what the intent behind those spirits is” Fred said.
“It’s not something that’s been done before in a comprehensive way and I’m excited to be a part of creating a permanent online catalogue that people can look to for years to come. As the Halliday Spirits database grows, you’ll be able to see everything a distillery has produced, whether core products or specific special
Scores, tasting notes, and distillery profiles are now live on winecompanion.com.au. The site currently features 100 tasting notes across 30 distilleries, with many more to come.
Halliday Wine Companion is now reviewing spirits from:
Amber Lane Distillery | Archie Rose | Bass & Flinders Distillery | Callington Mill | Cuthill Distillery | Furneaux Distillery | Hellyers Road Distillery | Hickson House Distilling Co. | Imperial Measures | King Island Distillery | LARK | Maison Audry | Marionette | Melbourne Gin Company | Millsheds | Morris of Rutherglen | Never Never Distilling | Robbers Dog Distillery | Sandy Gray Whiskey Company | Schnapps Idea Distillery | St Agnes Distillery | Starward Whisky | Sullivans Cove | The Canberra Distillery | The Gospel Whiskey | Timboon Railway Shed Distillery | White Possum | Meritt Distilling.
Visit winecompanion.com.au/spirits to view the latest tasting notes. For more, follow @winecompanion
ENDS
Media Release: May 2025
About Halliday
For nearly 40 years, Halliday Wine Companion has been the definitive guide to Australian wine. Each year, our expert tasting team reviews around 8,000 wines, contributing to a collection of more than 180,000 tasting notes from over 3,500 wineries on winecompanion.com.au – Australia’s most comprehensive wine review platform.
Published quarterly, Halliday magazine oEers an accessible and engaging take on wine, spirits, food, and travel. In 2022, we introduced Halliday Wine Club and Halliday Wine Academy to further support the Australian wine community. Our tasting remit expanded to include New Zealand wines in 2024, and in 2025, Halliday became the new home of Halliday Spirits.
We also publish the annual Halliday Wine Companion, the industry’s leading guide that sets the benchmark for winemakers, collectors, and wine lovers alike. With Halliday, you’ll always find the right bottle.
About Fred Siggins
Fred Siggins is a freelance writer and drinks expert based in Melbourne. A 25-year veteran of the hospitality and drinks industry, Fred has worked as a chef, bartender, venue manager, brand executive and educator, including time at iconic Melbourne venues The Black Pearl and Whisky & Alement. He has also been a spirits judge and panel chair at The Australian Distilled Spirits Awards since 2016. His writing can be found in various national and international publications including T Magazine Australia, Punch, Halliday magazine and Broadsheet Melbourne. Fred is also a co- owner of cocktail and whiskey bar – Goodwater.
About Jess Clayfield
Currently you'll find her at Black Kite Commune – a bar renowned for its focus on Australian spirits. Jess enjoys sharing knowledge of the unique flavours that distinguish Australia's gin and broader spirits landscape. Her in-depth knowledge and perspective extend beyond the bar. Jess has been a judge for the Australian Contemporary Gin category at the Melbourne Royal Distilled Spirits Awards for several years, shaping the future of Australian gin. In addition, she contributed her insights as a writer and taster for The Guide to Australian Gin, which was published in 2022.
For more information, images, and media enquiries please contact Taylah English: [email protected] or 03 8520 6444.
