Wild Turkey is always happy to showcase their amazing whiskey in fun ways – and their event series, Spirit of the Wild, does just that. Aussies are invited to come on board and get to know this iconic brand during a series of masterclasses throughout the country.
There are events ranging from masterclasses in barbeque, to how to make cocktails with native ingredients — to a one-night-only camping event.
To launch 2019’s Spirit of the Wild, The Plus Ones were invited to the Terminus Hotel in Pyrmont for an evening of masterclasses, great food, and interesting conversations.
Attendees got to hear from fraternal twins Cam and Chris Grant, the founders of Unyoked. Unyoked is an off-grid cabin movement that places tiny home/cabins across the country on private properties. There are currently three in NSW and three in VIC, with huge expansion plans — but only in the most amazing of places.
The Unyoked team have a dedicated staff member we got to speak with, who searches for the ‘wow’ factor that means a piece of land is Unyoked-worthy. Talk about cool.
Unyoked’s founders
Spirit of the Wild this year is partnering with Darren Robertson, the chef behind Three Blue Ducks and Rocker. All about sustainability, Darren is well-known for incorporating foraged and native ingredients into his kitchens.
Working with Vicki Uriarte, founder of Urban Cooking Collective, we got to learn how to make a smoker. Out of what? Items you can purchase at your local Bunnings! Combining meat — or even sea salt — with coals, and then a layer of gum leaves, we saw firsthand how memorable a meal you can make.
Not to be outdone, the team from Wild Turkey took us through a guided masterclass. We were able to compare the Longbranch — famously made by spokesperson Matthew McConaughey — along with the Wild Turkey 101.
Cocktails on offer included the Wild Turkey Rye with fresh apple juice, the Long Way Home (Longbranch with Grapefruit, Agave, and PS40 Lemon Myrtle Soda), Wattle You Waiting For (Wild Turkey 101, 1757 Extra Dry Vermouth, Wattle See, Burnt lemon & Honey), the Saltbush Spirit (Wild Turkey Rye, Cinzano Bianco Vermouth, Saltbush, and Lemon).
Attendees left with full tummies and bottles of Breakfast At Barry’s (Wild turkey 101, Culture Butter, cynar, Vegemite & Orange Bitters), along with gorgeous tin mugs. I’m waiting for our next camping trip — or perhaps night in one of Unyoked’s properties — to sip the cocktail… preferably around an open fire under the stars.
– Theresa
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Theresa can’t wait to someday visit the Wild Turkey distillery in person.
Spirit of the Wild events
On-premise Spirit of the Wild masterclasses:
Dates: 22 August, 29 August, 4 September 2019
Location: The Terminus, Pyrmont
Guests at the on-premise events will have the chance to win a night in an Unyoked cabin. Limited places at the masterclass series are available at a cost of $49 per person. Book now.
Other Spirit of the Wild masterclasses will be taking place across Australia in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. See more info.
Spirit of the Wild camping masterclass:
Date: Saturday, 21 September 2019
Location: Glenworth Valley, NSW
10 x double passes are available at a cost of $175 per person. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go to an Australian charity partner working for wilderness preservation. Book now.
