Wild Aussie release for Chinese New Year

Two Aussie distilleries have gone all out this Chinese New Year — releasing some mind-blowing new drops.

Two Aussie distilleries have gone all out this Chinese New Year — releasing some mind-blowing new drops.

South Australia’s 23rd St Distillery launched its exclusive Year of the Snake Whisky, an

single malt crafted to honour the 2025 Lunar New Year.

Limited to just 3,600 bottles worldwide, it is crafted with the purest Kangaroo Island barley, known for its depth of flavour, and distilled in a century-old copper pot still.

“This whisky is a tribute not only to the Year of the Snake but to the skill and dedication that drive our work at 23rd St,” said Paul Burnett, Distiller at 23rd St Distillery. “Each sip reveals a balance of indulgent toffee, ripe raisins, and a subtle warmth of spice – an experience crafted to evoke the richness of our heritage and the artistry behind every detail.”

The bottle and packaging, adorned with exclusive artwork by Sydney-based artist Chris Yee, are mind-blowing. A proud representative of the Asian-Australian creative identity, Yee’s

intricate designs are known for their cultural resonance and imaginative detail.

Hectic.

“Water is symbolised throughout the artwork to represent migration, journey, and transformation — much like the refinement of the Snake,” Yee explains. “With a blend of traditional Chinese colours, linework, flora, and modern design, I wanted the artwork to mirror the journey of creating this exquisite whisky. The rich red signifies the Australian soil, where communities and produce have thrived, adding depth and grounding to the piece.”

Australia’s oldest operating distillery, Beenleigh, has also released of its limited-edition

Year of the Snake Rum, crafted to mark the 2025 Lunar New Year.

With only 2,700 individually numbered bottles produced from just three barrels, this rare release honours Beenleigh’s 140-year legacy and is designed for serious rum collectors seeking a true piece of Australian craftsmanship.

Created from premium Australian sugarcane molasses, the Year of the Snake Rum has been

hand-selected by Beenleigh’s master distiller from aged rum parcels matured up to eight years. Aged in historic ex-brandy vats and ex-bourbon barrels.

“When selecting only three barrels, you need to ensure every drop is of the highest quality. You’re not just making rum; you’re capturing the distillery’s essence,” says Paul Kassebaum, Beenleigh Operations Director. “But after 140 years of honing our craft, we know a thing or two about letting a good rum tell its own story, and this one’s no exception. It’s the kind of rum you sit back with, take your time, and really appreciate.”

Beenleigh is also getting in on the action.

The bottle and gift box feature exclusive artwork by renowned, independent female illustrator

QingFeng Che. Known for her intricate, expressive style, Che’s design elegantly blends traditional Chinese motifs with refined detail, featuring the coiled Snake to symbolise wisdom, change, and resilience.

“With the Year of the Snake, I wanted the artwork to reflect both tradition and movement,” says Che.

“The Water Field Pattern speaks to unity and blessings from many, while the ribbons, flowers, and coins symbolise wishes for prosperity and family reunion. These elements connect the Year of the Dragon to the Year of the Snake, carrying love and fortune from us to you.”

Whiskey details:

● RRP: $225 AUD

● ABV: 41.8%

● Availability: Limited to 3,600 bottles globally, available through select Australian retailers,

duty-free outlets in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, and online via Sippify.

Rum details:

● RRP: $150 AUD

● ABV: 40%

● Availability: Limited to 2,700 bottles worldwide, available at the Beenleigh Rum Distillery,

select Australian retailers, duty-free outlets in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide,

and online via Sippify.

Originally published as Wild Aussie release for Chinese New Year