The Glenfiddich Whisky Wanderer bus includes a full-service bar, lounge area, and seated tasting and dining facilities under a raised roof. Photo: Whisky Wanderer.
There was a time when a father might celebrate the birth of a new baby with a celebratory cigar. And naturally, there would often be a wee dram of whisky thrown in for good measure.
Well, just in time for Father’s Day this year, a dedicated whisky bar has rolled into Canberra. And yes, rolled is the word for it.
The ‘Whisky Wanderer’ is a 1972 double-decker vintage Leyland bus converted into a mobile whisky experience by the makers of the world’s most awarded single-malt Scotch whisky, Glenfiddich.
It includes a full-service bar, lounge area, and seated tasting and dining facilities under a raised roof.
Officially launched in 2019, the bus has been an unmissable feature at several of Australia’s best food and wine shows, when it’s not touring the rest of the country, stopping along its journey for “intimate tastings, delectable food pairings and chats about all things whisky”.
It first pulled up in Canberra for two weeks in March last year outside the discreet entrance to the Molly speakeasy bar in Odgers Lane. But prompted by the sell-out success, it’s back for four weeks this year – from 29 August to 24 September.
“There’s an undeniable and growing interest in whisky throughout Australia, so we want to bring a touch of the Glenfiddich distillery experience to Canberra,” Glenfiddich brand ambassador for Australia and New Zealand Ross Blainey said.
“The Whisky Wanderer is the perfect accompaniment for our wonderful liquid, and in true Glenfiddich style, we wanted to do something with a difference.”
Not only is it open for walk-ins and bookings from 4 pm every day, but there are also a series of masterclasses held on board. These either offer an “ideal introduction for those beginning their whisky journey” or “something new for whisky enthusiasts”.
At the cost of $180 per person for the 6 pm sittings, you’ll be guided through the 12, 14, 15 and 18-year options, while those who fork out $200 for the 8 pm sittings will be treated to the 21-year-old ‘Grand Reserva’ and a full bottle of 14-year Glenfiddich to take home.
That’s not all: for the ‘Grande Father’s Day Masterclass’ on Sunday (3 September), Ross Blainley’s Scottish accent will take you through the seriously top-shelf whisky including the 29-year-old ‘Grand Yozakura’ (to put that in perspective, that was bottled in 1994, when Harrison Ford was playing Jack Ryan).
Tickets are $240 per person, and include a cocktail on arrival and a charcuterie platter for grazing throughout the session.
The masterclasses include tastings of some of Glenfiddich’s oldest Scotch. Photo: Whisky Wanderer.
The pop-up is hosted by the Lala Hospitality Group, which owns Molly, as well as Cabo, 88 MPH, Bleachers Sports Bar and Highball.
“The Glenfiddich Whisky Wanderer is the ultimate whisky lounge on wheels and the team at Molly are thrilled to be able to bring this awesome experience back to the people of Canberra,” Lala Hospitality Group’s Jess Arena said.
Visit the Molly website for more information or to book.
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