10 Years of Gourmantic: 2009 to 2019 Retrospective #10YEARSOFGOURMANTIC

In the lead up to Gourmantic’s 10th Birthday on 26 June 2019, today we’re kicking off a daily year by year countdown showcasing 10 years of Gourmantic.

Each day, we’ll be releasing a snapshot of one year which includes the key highlights, what we were writing about at the time, and local and international legends we’ve met along the way. Step into our time machine, as we start the year by year countdown of #10YEARSOFGOURMANTIC.

Year 1: 26 June 2009 to 25 June 2010 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

Gourmantic Original Logo

Key Highlights…

won the Grantourismo global travel & food writing competition
contributed to Best Kept Travel Secrets global campaign to bring fresh water to an Ethiopian village

We were writing about…

Le Jules Verne: Dining at 125m Above Paris
A Taste of Luxury: Petrossian Caviar and Vodka
The Norias of Hama in Syria
Manjimup & Perigord Truffles Compared
St Pancras: The London Station for Foodies
Sake Tasting at Ultimo Wine Centre
The Masterchef Influence
Afternoon Tea at Burj Al Arab
Globalisation and the Changing Face of Travel
Vesper Martini

We met…

nobody… we were shy and we were anonymous!

Year 1 Facebook photo gallery here.

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Year 2: 26 June 2010 to 25 June 2011 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

Bill Lark – Gourmantic 2011

Highlights…

Attended our very first media event
Our Monbana Chocolatier article was forwarded by France to their client Chef René Redzepi, of Noma Restaurant
Visited Eau de Vie Bar which sparked the passion for writing about bars, cocktails and spirits
Nominated in Best Australian Blogs 2011 Competition
Wrote guest post on Trains on the Brain website
Wrote guest post on The Urban Grocer website
Launched new website, Degustinations

We were writing about…

Bordeaux: Chateau Lafite Rothschild Visit
The Ugly Side of Venice
Annual Champagne Tasting at Ultimo Wine Centre
Where to Eat in Paris: Restaurant and Bistro Guide
Flight Review: Emirates A380
The Dish of Aleppo: Kabab Bil Karaz (Cherry Kabab)
Lark Whisky Masterclass with Bill Lark
Hotel Metropole Suisse, Lake Como: A Room with a View
Grace Wines Masterclass with Ayana Misawa
Eau-de-Vie Bar in Darlinghurst

We met… International Legends

Ayana Misawa, Grace Wines Winemaker, Japan

We met… Local Legends

Bill Lark, the Godfather of Australian whisky
Chef Chris Cranswick-Smith of Emmilou
Chef Justin North
Philip Moore, Master Distiller at Distillery Botanica
Chef Stephane Jegat (sadly, no longer with us)
Barry Chalmers, Luke Redington, Max Greco & Phil Gandevia (aka Dr Phil) of Eau de Vie bar
Simon McGoram, Hugh Payten Smith at Schweppes Elixir Launch Party

Year 2 Facebook photo gallery here.

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Year 3: 26 June 2011 to 25 June 2012 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

Gourmantic Lights Up Coca-Cola Sign at Kings Cross

Key Highlights…

Featured in NEW YORK TIMES feature article on Toby Smith of Toby’s Estate “An Australian Import Speaks to Brooklyn”
Featured in NEW YORK TIMES article “Parisian Wine Celebrated in Montmartre Festival”
Featured in USA Today Travel on “What to Wear on the Beach in Dubai”
First interview: Chris Cranswick-Smith, the Man Behind the Chef of Emmilou Tapas Bar
Attended first Bar Show 2011
Gourmantic Lights Up Coca-Cola Sign at Kings Cross
Launched the Gourmantic newsletter

We were writing about….

Champagne Bureau Tasting 2011 – Comité Champagne CIVC
The Singleton of Glen Ord: Single Malt Whisky Tasting at Eau-de-Vie Bar
Men & Martini: What His Choice of Martini Reveals About Him
Interview with Toby Smith: The Man Behind the Coffee Bean
Sam Ross of Milk & Honey Talks Cocktail Families
Champagne Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1985 Tasting Notes
Johnnie Walker Double Black Launch
Cocktail Island
Cigar Appreciation Seminar with Samuel Spurr at La Bodeguita del Medio
Locanda dell’Isola Comacina: Lunch in the Middle of Lake Como

We met… International Legends

Brian Nation, Jameson Irish Whiskey
Sam Ross, Milk & Honey
Don Francisco Hajnal Alfaro, José Cuervo Tequila
John Campbell, Laphroaig Distillery Manager at Laphroaig Live
Ludovic Ducrocq, Grant’s Global Brand Ambassador
Ron Jeremy, Ron de Jeremy Rum, Pornstar
Jeff Arnett, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller
Per Even Allaire, HINE Cognac
Francesco Lafranconi

We met… Local Legends

Ben Davidson at ABSOLUT Tune launch
John Noble Elisabeth Drysdale at Champagne Bureau Tasting
Sven Almenning, Laura Hay & Chris Middleton at The Singleton of Glen Ord launch
Amy Cooper at Bars March
James France, Vanguard Luxury Brands
James Buntin at Royal Salute Whisky at Sydney Polo Club
Mikey Enright at Palmer & Co
Dan Woolley at the Sydney Whisky Fair
Sarah Miller, Pez Collier, Collin Perillo, Jason Williams at World Class Finals
Stuart Reeves, Woodford Reserve Masters Collection Workshop
Mauro Ribeiro, Cerbaco
Ben Taouss & Mischa Bonova at Pocket Bar
Mitch Bushell, Mark Little, Peter Stevens, Steve Cipriani, Joe Sinagra, SouthTrade and many many more at Cocktail Island
John Susman, Yarra Valley Caviar Launch at Cloudy Bay Fish Co
Haylee Morison, Sean Forsyth, Loy Catada, Jean Munos and many more at Taste of Sydney 2012
Ivan Myers and David Ligoff of World of Whisky at the Ardbeg Day islay-limpics
Tom Bulmer, Reece Griffiths, George Goto, Jason Williams, Dre Walters
Tim Phibs, graffiti artist

Year 3 Facebook photo gallery here.

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Year 4: 26 June 2012 to 25 June 2013 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

Dita Von Teese for Cointreau at The Victoria Room

Key Highlights…

Featured in Sydney Morning Herald for Glenmorangie Secret Society in “Speak: not so easy”
Featured in HARPERS Wine & Spirits Magazine for Champagne Summit
Featured in Wikipedia for: Australian Film Walk of Fame, Champagne Stemware, Wedding Cake Island
Judged my first cocktail competition, Lairds Applejack

We were writing about…

Glenmorangie Secret Society Dinner at Black by Ezard
GQ Men of the Year Awards 2012 with Chivas
Vin de Champagne Awards 2012
Interview with Jill Dupleix and Terry Durack: Kings Cross Festival Food Curators
Oysters at the House, Guide to Sydney Rock Oysters, Pacific and Angasi
The Taste of Moutai: China’s Luxury Spirit
Pacifico Go Go & Australian Bartender Magazine’s 150th Issue Party
Chartreuse Masterclass with Chevalier Nathan Bradbery
Gourmantic & Best Kept Travel Secrets Campaign Bring Fresh Water to Ethiopian Village
Dîner en Blanc Sydney

We met… International Legends

Dita Von Teese for Cointreau
Dr Bill Lumsden, Glenmorangie
Didier Mariotti, Champagne G. H. Mumm
Ago Perrone, Galliano
Raj Nagra, Bombay Sapphire Gin Flavour Experience
Sam Galsworthy, Sipsmith Gin
Chef Heinz Beck, La Pergola, Italy
Sophie Decobecq, Founder and Master Distiller of Calle 23 Tequila
Brian Kinsman, Glenfiddich
Charles Vexenat, Pernod Absinthe
Sergio Mendoza, Don Fulano Tequila
Charles Maclean & Alex Bruce, Adelphi Whisky
Ron Cooper, Del Maguey Mezcal
Audrey Delagarde, Lillet

We met… Local Legends

Patrick Maguire, Sullivans Cove Whisky Master Distiller
Ross Brown, Brown Brothers
Yukino Ochiai, Deja Vu Sake
Karel Papi Reyes, Havana Club
Manuel Terron, Midori Global Ambassador
Richard Feyn, Sydney Brewery
Marco Faraone, Stefano Catino, Bourbon Street Party at Cockatoo Island
Daniele Pirotta, Sam Egerton, Jamie Chesher at Appleton Estate Rum Australian Bartender Challenge Final 2012
Cristiano Beretta, Taka Shino, Kevin Peters, Dan Noble, and many many more

Year 4 Facebook photo gallery here.

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Year 5: 26 June 2013 to 25 June 2014 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

Women in Whisky: Laura Hay, Jane Overeem, Corinne Mossati

Key Highlights…

Named in Australian Bartender Most Influential List 2013
Judged the Australasian Whisky Awards
Joined the Academy that votes for World’s 50 Best Bars
Media partner for Omnivore Sydney 2014 food festival
Featured in S#!t People Say To Aussie Bartenders video
Celebrated 5th birthday with a Progressive Bar & Restaurant Tour in 5 venues then a party at Hello Sailor
Travelled to Turkey, London, Paris & New Zealand on a media famil

We were writing about…

Women in Whisky: The Girl from Glenlivet, The Ambassador & The Writer
Bartender Profile Series (Natalie Ng, Mischa Bonova, Anai Rocha, Katherine Wasiel, Rinna Kato, Sheena Cullan, Luke Hanzlicek, Michael Nouri, Ben Blair, Reece Griffiths, Tom Bulmer, Luke Redington)
GQ Men of the Year Awards 2013 with Chivas
Rare and Impossible Lunch with 3 Winos and a Fishtale
Airline Review: Turkish Airlines Business Class Bangkok-Istanbul
The Glenlivet: The Guardians’ Chapter & Dinner at Tetsuya’s
London Food Tour: Brixton & Borough Market
Australia’s Top Food & Travel Bloggers’ Secrets
Jacob’s Creek Australia’s Longest Reserve Table
Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2013

We met… International Legends

Ger Buckley, Master Cooper Jameson Irish Whiskey
Dr Jim Swan, Kavalan Whisky
Graham Coull, Glen Moray Whisky
Martine Nouet, Whisky Live Dinner
Bill Samuels Jr, Maker’s Mark 46,
Max Warner, Chivas Brothers
Sam Simmons, The Balvenie Global Ambassador
Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka
Chef Sven Chartier, Saturne (Paris)
Chef Anjum Anand, Spice Tailor
Mike Miyamoto, Suntory Whisky
Gordon Dundas, Bowmore
Clovis Taittinger, Champagne Taittinger
Guillermo Erickson Sauza, Tequila Fortaleza
Simon Ford, 86 Co Spirits
Jonathan Scott, Glengoyne
Andy Dawson, Broker’s Gin
Douglas Cook, Glendronach
Alfred Cointreau, Cointreau

We met… Local Legends

Tom Baker, Mr Black Coffee Liqueur
Baz Luhrmann at ABSOLUT OZ Launch
Dan Hong at Insider Guide to Haymarket Sydney
and many many more!

Year 5 Facebook photo gallery here.

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Year 6: 26 June 2014 to 25 June 2015 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

10 Years of Gourmantic With Jim McEwan, Bruichladdic Master Distiller

With Jim McEwan, Bruichladdich Master Distiller

Key Highlights…

Gourmantic was Sponsor of the Best Bar Food Award in the Australian Bartender Awards 2014
Speaker at Publicity & Media Workshop during Bar Week 2014
Featured in Hotel Club’s Australia’s Top Food Blogs for 2014 with Gourmantic being awarded the title of Best Online Foodie Magazine 2014
Joined the Academy that votes for World’s 50 Best Bars
Changed logo from suitcase to circle

We were writing about…

Le Mary Celeste, Paris
Interview with Jim McEwan, Bruichladdich Master Distiller
Mix It to Fix It All-Female Cocktail Competition
Interview with Jared Brown, Sipsmith Gin Master Distiller
Top 10 Australian Craft Spirits
Chivas Regal Extra with Colin Scott, Master Blender
Voyager of the Seas New Staterooms
Yasa Caviar
John Walker & Sons Private Collection 2015 Edition
The Glenlivet Winchester Collection Vintage 1964

We met… International Legends

Jim McEwan, Bruichladdich
Dave Broom, Whisky Expert
Jared Brown, Sipsmith Gin
Colin Scott, Chivas Master Blender
Tim Stones, Beefeater Global Ambassador
Chris Noth, Chivas Extra
Leslie Gracie, Master Distiller Hendrick’s Gin
John Quinn, Tullamore DEW
Joe McCanta, Grey Goose Global Ambassador
Asbel Morales, Havana Club Maximo Extra Anejo
Phillip Duff, for Gin 1495
Sean Muldoon & Jack McGarry, The Dead Rabbit NYC
Arturo Lomeli, Clase Azul Tequila Master Distiller
Jaime Orendain, Tequila Arete
Rusty Cerven, Bols Genever
Enrique Comas, Bacardi family member and Global Brand Manager
Phil Ward, Mayahuel NYC
Julio Bermejo, Tommy’s
Tomas Estes, Tequila Ocho
David Suro, Agave Love
Houston Eaves, Agave Love
Esteban Morales Garbi, Agave Love
Naren Young, Dante NYC
Jesus Hernandez, Olmeca Tequila
Sergio Mendoza, Don Fulano Tequila

We met… Local Legends

David Vitale, Starward
and so many more from the hospitality family!

Year 6 Facebook photo gallery here.

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Year 7: 26 June 2015 to 25 June 2016 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

10 Years of Gourmantic Champagne Mumm Brunch

Champagne Mumm & Caviar Brunch in an Igloo at Thredbo

Key Highlights…

Celebrated 7 years with 7 bars creating bespoke cocktails over 7 days
Named in Australian Bartender Top 100 Most Influential List 2015
Launched Cocktails & Bars website in August
On selection panel for Top 25 Bartenders by Drinks World Australia
Published on Executive Style by Fairfax
Joined the Academy that votes for World’s 50 Best Bars

We were writing about…

How to Pair Champagne & Caviar: Champagne Mumm Brunch at Thredbo
The Great Whisk(e)y Rumble
Boutique Wines Awards
Keepers of the Quaich: Ben Davidson & Sven Almenning
Aus Gin Day
Interview with Diplomatico Rum: Jose Ballesteros, Tito Cordero & Patrick Rabion
Mortlach Rare Old & 2.81 Distillation Process with Georgie Bell
Guide to Canberra: Where to Eat, Drink & Stay
Wuliangye Chinese Liquor Gala Dinner
Tukka Restaurant, Brisbane

We met… International Legends

Jimmy & Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey
Peter Wills, Kilchoman
Kirsten Grant Miekle, William Grant & Sons
Mike Miyamoto, Suntory Whisky
Fred Noe, Jim Beam
Dan Tullio, Canadian Club
Jose Ballesteros, Tito Cordero & Patrick Rabion, Diplomatico Rum
Matt Magliocco, Michter’s Distillery
Chris Morris, Woodford Reserve Master Distiller
Georgie Bell, Mortlach
Alex Kratena, ex Artesian
Don Livermore, JP Wiser’s Master Blender
Ryan Magarian, Aviation Gin
Cihan Anadologlu, Circle
Chris Fletcher, Assistant Master Distiller Jack Daniel’s
Dan Aykroyd, Crystal Head Vodka

We met… Local Legends

Reg Papps, Ironbark Distillery
Sue Hodder, Senior Winemaker Wynns
Judith Kennedy, AM
Andrea Gualdi, Maybe Frank

Year 7 Facebook photo gallery here.

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Year 8: 26 June 2016 to 25 June 2017 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

Gourmantic’s 8th Birthday Origins Dinner

Key Highlights…

Celebrated Gourmantic’s 8th Birthday with Gourmantic Origins Dinner
Released Gourmantic Birthday Gin 2017
Was a Guest Speaker for Business 101: Late Starters – Keeping the Doors Open for Night Time Trade
Quoted in book “If Venice Dies” by Salvatore Settis from “The Ugly Side of Venice” article
Joined the Academy that votes for World’s 50 Best Bars

We were writing about….

Interview with David Stewart MBE, The Balvenie’s Malt Master
Vin de Champagne Awards 2016
Business 101 Seminar: Corinne Mossati on Night Time Trade
EXCLUSIVE: Behind the Scenes at Cape Byron Distillery with Eddie Brook and Jim McEwan
Restaurant Hubert, Sydney
How to Spot a Whisky Nerd in 12 Easy Steps
Gourmantic Origins Dinner
Mjolner: Viking Themed Restaurant & Bar Opens in Redfern
Pino’s Vino e Cucina Alexandria
Cocktails & Bars Launches International Bars Directory

We met… International Legends

David Stewart MBE, The Balvenie’s Malt Master
Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s
Emmanuel Delafon, Chartreuse CEO
Paul John, Paul John Whisky
Daniyel Jones, Angostura Global Ambassador
Nico de Soto, Mace NYC
Pamela Heilmann, Michter’s Master Distiller
Sietse Offringa, The Macallan Brand Ambassador
Sophie Decobecq, Founder and Master Distiller of Calle 23 Tequila
Guillermo Erickson Sauza, Tequila Fortaleza
Ruben Aceves, Master Taster and Global Ambassador of Tequila Herradura
Stewart Buchanan, BenRiach
Eddie Russell, Wild Turkey
Martin Hudak, American Bar at the Savoy
Ben Branson, Seedlip
Marian Beke, The Gibson, London

We met… Local Legends

way too many to list from this point forward!

Year 8 Facebook photo gallery here.

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Year 9: 26 June 2017 to 25 June 2018 – 10 Years of Gourmantic

The Balvenie Hammer Dinner at Mjolner with Alex Dahlenburg

Key Highlights…

Named in Australian Bartender Top 100 Most Influential List 2017
Gourmantic Gets a Brand New Look

We were writing about…

Bar Tapa Brings a Taste of Spain to Darlinghurst
The Balvenie Hammer Dinner with Sam Bloomfield and Ross Blainey
Everything You Need to Know about Mars Whisky
All You Need to Know about Korean Tea Ceremony
The Duke of Clarence Sydney
Yukino Ochiai Appointed Australia’s First Female Sake Samurai
Moutai Unveils Limited Edition Australia Bottle at Gala Dinner
Carbon Mexican: Agave Cocktails & Wood-Fired Cuisine Comes to Bondi
I Am George Wines Launches with Film Series as a Tribute to George Wyndham
Mode Kitchen & Bar Sydney

We met… International Legends

Jeff Beachbum Berry
Kazuto Hombo, President of Hombo Shuzo Co Ltd, Koki Takehira, Distillery Manager of Mars Whisky
Ben Branson, Seedlip Founder
Fairfax Hal, Sipsmith Co-Founder
Simon Ford, Fords Gin
Charles Maxwell, Thames Distillers
Thierry Arnold, Remy Martin International Ambassador
Nils Boese, Jägermeister Global Brand Ambassador
Martin Markvardsen, Highland Park Ambassador
Ralph Hochar, Chateau Musar

We met… Local Legends