Fast-growing distributor SipWell Brands is to represent independent Australian distiller Archie Rose – known for its whiskies, gins and vodkas – in the global travel retail channel.
The agreement, which takes effect this month, aims to break Archie Rose products into key global hub and top-tier airports outside its home country for the first time, with a focus on the distiller’s core range of whiskies and gins.
Archie Rose has received over 400 awards since the business was established in Sydney in 2014. These include World’s Best Rye at the 2020 World Whisky Awards as well as multiple accolades for its spirits, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The distiller ages its single malt whiskies predominantly in apera casks (Australia’s equivalent of sherry) and champions locally grown malts and native botanicals in its spirits production.
SipWell adds the Australian brand to a portfolio that includes whiskies Fable (read our extensive feature on the brand here), Kilchoman, Stauning, The Glenturret, Finn Thomson Private Single Cask Collection, Port Askaig, Westward Whiskies and Japanese single malt Karuizawa from Elixir Distillers.
The drinks agency also represents Caribbean rum Black Tot and Scotland’s Lind & Lime Gin.
Archie Rose Founder Will Edwards said: “We have been operating successfully in Australian travel retail outlets for some time. Having significantly expanded whisky production with the move to our Botany Distillery [pictured above], we’re now ready to take our whiskies and other spirits into international markets.
“We currently have the largest maturing inventory of single malt and rye malt whisky of any Australian distillery and, as we expand internationally, it’s great to have the SipWell team as a partner with their understanding of our values and vision for the future of Archie Rose.”
SipWell Brands Director Andrew Torrance said: “There is a real clamour for Australian spirits around the world right now and Archie Rose’s planning and attention to detail to upscale its output to respond to that demand is so impressive.
“Their Botany distillery combines cutting-edge innovations and flexibility with incredible capacity, on a site just a few kilometres from central Sydney.”
Torrance’s fellow Director Calum Lawrie added: “The innovation going on at Archie Rose spans everything from unusual small-batch trials to brand collaborations with Sydney Opera House, a local gelato maker and Australia’s premier coffee roaster.
“They have operated a successful bar and cellar door next to their original Rosebery distillery since the start and therefore truly understand the power of experiences in spirits promotion and education – both virtually and face-to-face. We want to use these experiences in our international outreach.” 
