Whisky and fire on the Bellarine

THE Bellarine Distillery is turning up the heat next weekend when its annual Whisky and Fire night returns.

To be held on July 12, the night will include live music from The Stovies, a special menu, fire, whisky barrel firing demonstration and an address to a Haggis.

“It’s all about embracing winter, embracing really good quality products, good people and everyone loves the fire and loves to be around a bonfire,” Bellarine Distillery general manager Paul West said.

“The Bellarine community, I find is incredibly good at coming together and embracing each other.

“I’ve been quite amazed at that sense of community that’s around, it’s really quite amazing.”

Mr West said after running for several years, the Whisky and Fire Night is a chance for people to come together during the winter, enjoy the fire and offerings of the award-winning distillery.

The barrel firing demonstration and haggis component are new to the event, with Mr West saying they are exciting additions.

“The boys have come up and done some training themselves on the barrel charring.

“We’ll do the Ode to Haggis, which is a traditional poem or speech to celebrate the Haggis, we’ll have some of that floating around for people to try too.”

If the haggis isn’t everyone’s thing, chef Keegan will be in the kitchen for the evening, cooking up smoked brisket burgers, pizzas and other bites.

“We certainly have a beautiful range of food available as well,” Mr West said.

“It’s a great opportunity to come and try our different range of whiskys without having to commit to a massive amount of money, so it makes it affordable.”

People heading along are encouraged to grab their kilts or tartans, with a prize on offer for the best dressed.

For tickets and more information, head to bellarinedistillery.com.au