It’s been almost 40 years since James Halliday penned the first edition of his eponymous Wine Companion.
The guide has evolved in many ways over the decades – the introduction of the Tasting Team, and the immediate digital publishing of notes among them – but there’s one thing that will never change: the Halliday Wine Companion is, and will always be, the definitive and most trusted guide to Australian wine.
From May 2025, the Halliday Wine Companion will expand its expertise into the world of spirits. Alongside the latest wine tasting notes, you’ll now find comprehensive reviews and ratings of both Australian-made and international (if they are available here) whiskies, gins, rums and more.
Fred Siggins, a Melbourne-based drinks expert with over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality and drinks industry, and Jess Clayfield, a gin specialist and respected category judge, have joined the Halliday Tasting Team to exclusively rate and review spirits across the following categories: gin, vodka, brandy, whisky, vermouth, amaro, agave spirit, cane spirit (including rum), and liqueur.
Spirits are scored according to the international 100-point system, to ensure clarity and consistency, and as with wineries, distilleries are assigned star ratings based on the scores they’ve achieved for their products throughout the year.
“We want to familiarise Australian drinkers with the supply of amazing spirits being made here, and what the intent behind those spirits is,” says Fred.
“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,” he adds. “As the Halliday Spirits database grows, you’ll be able to see everything a distillery has produced, whether core products or specific special releases, and see what the score is for that whole distillery.”
Each distillery's profile page will also feature key details including opening hours, tasting experiences, music and events, and whether they are family- or pet-friendly.
“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,” says Sandy Grant, Chief Executive of Hardie Grant.
The guide has evolved in many ways over the decades – the introduction of the Tasting Team, and the immediate digital publishing of notes among them – but there’s one thing that will never change: the Halliday Wine Companion is, and will always be, the definitive and most trusted guide to Australian wine.
From May 2025, the Halliday Wine Companion will expand its expertise into the world of spirits. Alongside the latest wine tasting notes, you’ll now find comprehensive reviews and ratings of both Australian-made and international (if they are available here) whiskies, gins, rums and more.
Fred Siggins, a Melbourne-based drinks expert with over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality and drinks industry, and Jess Clayfield, a gin specialist and respected category judge, have joined the Halliday Tasting Team to exclusively rate and review spirits across the following categories: gin, vodka, brandy, whisky, vermouth, amaro, agave spirit, cane spirit (including rum), and liqueur.
Spirits are scored according to the international 100-point system, to ensure clarity and consistency, and as with wineries, distilleries are assigned star ratings based on the scores they’ve achieved for their products throughout the year.
“We want to familiarise Australian drinkers with the supply of amazing spirits being made here, and what the intent behind those spirits is,” says Fred.
“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,” he adds. “As the Halliday Spirits database grows, you’ll be able to see everything a distillery has produced, whether core products or specific special releases, and see what the score is for that whole distillery.”
Each distillery's profile page will also feature key details including opening hours, tasting experiences, music and events, and whether they are family- or pet-friendly.
“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,” says Sandy Grant, Chief Executive of Hardie Grant.
