By Larissa Nicholson
Australian Nant Distillery operations manager Ryan Macleod at the Canberra Whisky Live at Albert Hall on Saturday.Credit: Jay Cronan
LOCAL whisky-lovers descended on Albert Hall on Saturday to test their favourite tipple.
It was the first time a Whisky Live promotional event has been held in Canberra and about 30 stall-holders were looking to promote their brands and businesses. Ryan Macleod, operations manager for Nant Distilling Company in Tasmania, said whisky was becoming more popular in Australia, particularly high-end varieties.
''[It's] the story,'' he said. ''People are going away from just going into a pub and drinking until they fall over, they want a story, they want a taste, they like the fact that the distillery has a distinct story.
''There's many variants, I think that's why people like it.''
Joe Condemi of Gungahlin Cellars Liquor, a store which specialises in high-end spirits and beers, said whisky was gaining a profile in Canberra similar to the drink's profile in countries such as France.
Australians were becoming aware of the high-quality whiskies being made in Wales, India and Taiwan, he said.
''It's becoming crazy-popular, a lot of people are starting to drink it every day,'' he said.
Mr Macleod said there was no right way to enjoy whisky. He drinks it neat or with some water or ice.
He said his trip to the capital had been well worthwhile.
''We've been going since 2008 and releasing since 2010, so we're really starting to get a lot of product out to the public.''