Ten Whiskies Made In Unexpected Places

Including a number from our very own Australian distilleries.

By Nicolas Stecher 02/12/2020

While we’re now enjoying the looser restrictions and states are looking to open up before the Christmas period, we still yearn for that overseas trip. But even if we’re limited by where our bodies can physically roam, that doesn’t mean we can’t travel with our palates – especially for those who call whisky their vice of choice.

Most lovers of complex whiskies are already well-versed in the foundational homes of their favourite spirit—i.e. Scotland, Ireland, and Japan—but there are now world-class distilleries popping up in previously unexpected locales across the world. From Tel Aviv to Tasmania to Taiwan, cultures previously unassociated with the brown stuff are crafting some of the best small-batch spirits on the market… and grabbing up awards along the way. Here are 10 of the best bottles we’ve found coming from unanticipated corners of the planet to enjoy from the comforts of your home bar.

Lark Distilling C0. PARA50 Vintage Tawny Cask, Tasmania Australia

Tasmania’s Lark Distilling Co. has launched its latest rare cask – the PARA50 Vintage Tawny Cask – which sees a rich single malt finished in 50-year old casks that once held Australian winemaker Seppeltsfield’s Para Vintage Tawny. Landing at 51% ABV, the nose brings dark fruits and antique oak along with leathery notes and toasted chestnuts. The palate sees Tasmanian apples, fruits dipped in toffee and treacle in a long and rich finish.

$550; larkdistillery.com.au

Gouden Carolus Single Malt, Belgium

Gouden Carolus Single Malt

Photo: Courtesy of Gouden Carolus

Belgium is renowned for making some of the world’s best beer, but whisky? Not so much. Of course, it makes sense when you find out the nation’s best whisky is born from a mash of Gouden Carolus’s Tripel beer—aka “Golden Charles” named after the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. This medieval golden blond beer dates back more than half a millennium when it was originally brewed for the Knights of the Golden Fleece in 1491. The crew at the De Molenberg Distillery take this full-bodied beer and double distil it in Scottish copper pots (the first hand-hammered stills in Belgium) into white dog, and then age it in virgin American bourbon casks for a minimum of three years. The final touch is a second maturation in its own ex-wine oak casks scraped and charred to its own specs. The result is a balanced single malt with whiffs of fruit, vanilla and crème brûlée that scored 92 points and was a named a Finalist in the 2020 Ultimate Spirits Challenge.

Approx. $99; caskers.com

Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt, India

Rampur Double Cask

Photo: Courtesy of Rampur

One of India’s oldest distillers (established in 1943), Radico Khaitan has been making a Select Single Malt and PX Sherry Whisky under the Rampur label for over a quarter of a century. Now it has elevated things to the next step with Rampur Double Cask Indian Single Malt. After maturing its whisky in bourbon barrels for two-thirds of its life, the Himalayan distillery fills Sherry Oloroso casks for the final third to add caramel and dried dark fruit to the vanilla notes drawn from the American white oak.

Approx. $110; thewhiskyexchange.com

Milk & Honey Elements Peated, Israel

Milk & Honey Elements Peated

Photo: courtesy Israel Catalog

Not normally renowned for its spirit game, nonetheless Tel Aviv has long established itself as a hub of tech entrepreneurship. This innovation is seen in the relatively new Milk & Honey Distillery (operating since 2014, first product in 2016) launched under the guidance of the late Dr Jim Swan, a cask maturation expert who also helped launch both Penderyn and Kavalan in this roundup. Under Dr Swan’s tutelage, M&H pays meticulous attention to its cask selection and credits Tel Aviv’s torrid Mediterranean climate with an accelerated aging and wood interaction. Its M&H Classic might be easier to find (winner of The FiftyBest 2020) but its limited-edition M&H Elements Peated is worth seeking out for those with a leaning towards Islay’s best.

$130; thewhiskycompany.com.au

Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky, Mexico

Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky

Photo: Courtesy of Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky

Abasolo takes its name from the campesinos of Jilotepec de Abasolo who grow the ancient Cacahuazintle corn used in the whisky, which isn’t roasted but rather cooked via nixtamalization, a 4,000-year-old alkaline-cooking process used by ancient Aztecs and Mayans. The white dog is then double-distilled in copper pot stills and aged in oak to create some truly delicious stuff, but of this list the least whisky-ish of all—imagine almost a corn mezcal in flavour and scent. An extremely unique spirit.

$60; mastersofmalt.com

Penderyn Peated Single Malt Whisky, Wales

Penderyn

Photo: Courtesy of Penderyn

When you talk whiskey from the British Isles you, of course, think Scotland and Ireland, countries that invented the artform. Penderyn Whisky aims to insert Wales in the conversation. And as improbable as that may sound the distillery—founded by a circle of proud Welsh friends after a night imbibing at the famed Glancynon Inn—is quickly, and loudly, stating its case. Recently winning Gold with its Madeira, Myth and Celt offerings, the bottles were all outperformed by Penderyn Peated Single Malt which just scored Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year. Interestingly the whiffs of smoke don’t come from the malt itself, but rather the Islay casks the single malt is finished in (rumoured to be Laphroiag Quarter casks).

$130; nicks.com.au

Kavalan Sherry Oak, Taiwan

Kavalan Whiskey

While Japan understandably takes most the attention when people look to East Asia’s finest whisky, Taiwan’s Kavalan is by now well-known to true whisky enthusiasts. Since releasing its first expression in 2008, Kavalan has racked up awards and attention largely thanks to master blender Ian Chang and Dr Jim Swan. Utilising nearby spring water and Forsyths Scottish copper pot stills in combination with Holstein stills, Kavalan embraces Scottish techniques while taking advantage of Taiwan’s sub-tropical climate and its effects on barrel aging. The distillery’s newest and aptly named Sherry Oak expression is matured exclusively in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, earning a Gold Medal at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

$180; nicks.com.au

Starward Solera, Australia

Starward Solera

Photo: Courtesy of Starward

Starward quickly built a name for itself in its native Australia since launching in 2016 (winning World Whiskies Awards’ “Best Australian Single Malt” in 2016 and 2017). The Melbourne distillery distinguishes itself from all other whiskies by claiming to be the only brown in the world matured entirely in un-charred Australian red wine barrels. All sourced from nearby wineries and wet-filled, Starward whiskies take on the big flavours from the barrels’ tannins. Instead of Nova’s Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir barrels, its Solera expression is aged in casks that housed an Australian Sherry-like fortified wine called Apera that lends its spirit a long dry spice finish.

$125; starward.com.au

Nomad Outland, Spain

Nomad Outland Whisky

Photo: Courtesy of Nomad

This one’s a bit of an asterisk as NoMad—a portmanteau of No Man’s Land—is actually distilled in one of the most traditional cornerstones of whisky: Scotland. Together master distiller Richard Paterson and master blender Antonio Flores select 30 different whiskies (mostly Speyside) aged five to eight years old, and pour them into Oloroso sherry casks where the already mature liquid marries for another three years. When that’s done the whisky is shipped to Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain for its last stage, where it’s aged in Pedro Ximenez Sherry butts for a full year in the Gonzalez Vallez vineyard cellars. There it transforms into NoMad Outland—a celebration of Scotland and Spain’s long heritage in spirits.

$99; danmurphys.com

Sullivans Cove American Oak Single Cask, Tasmania Australia

Sullivans Cove Single Cask

Photo: Courtesy of Sullivans Cove

Located just off the coast of Australia, the island of Tasmania is no runt when it comes to whisky-making. Several distilleries wrought tasty juice from local barley, but Sullivans Cove is the nation’s most lauded (and likely available). As the two most critical ingredients in top-notch whisky are grain and water, Tasmania’s bounty in both lays the foundation for all Sullivans Cove: the Hobart distillery uses some of the cleanest water in the world and 100 per cent locally grown malted barley. All its whiskies are distilled in its 2,500-litre brandy still lovingly referred to as Myrtleaged in American oak ex-bourbon or French oak ex-tawny barrels and are then sold as single cask expressions. Sullivans Cove’s ethos is to not use age statements (although that can be found handwritten on every bottle), preferring instead to bottle a cask only when it is unquestionably ready for consumption—as is the case with American Oak Single Cask, its most awarded expression. Sullivans Cove’s attention to each cask shines through in the finished product of every bottle.

$350; sullivanscove.com.au

Alfred Giraud Heritage French Malt, France

Alfred Giraud Heritage french whisky

Photo: courtesy Alfred Giraud

With cognac the art of the spirit comes not in the distilling of the eau de vie but rather in the selection of barrels, precise aging techniques and then blending of the finished spirit. Unlike most alcohols such as whisky or agaves, the vineyards themselves normally do its own distilling and then sell the raw eau de vie to the House to do its magic. It’s why the mastermind behind a cognac is dubbed master blender, not master distiller. French malt whisky maker Alfred Giraud taps cognac virtuoso Georges Clot as master blender of its two signature Heritage and Harmonie expressions. For decades the master blender of Rémy Martin—meaning he was the man responsible for Louis XIII—Clot’s wizardry comes from the careful marrying of the best distillates sourced across France with Giraud’s own single malts made at the historic Distillerie de Saint-Palais where it has been making cognac for almost two centuries.

$279; kentstreetcellars.com.au

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Escape from the Ordinary

Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean.

By Robb Report Team 19/02/2024

Not all cruises are created equally. Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the pristine Greek Islands, the narrow Corinth Canal to the picturesque Dalmatian coast, historic Istanbul and beguiling Malaga, each destination is a unique adventure waiting to be unravelled. With Ponant, these aren’t just locations on a map; they’re experiences that come alive with the intimate knowledge and insight that their expert guides provide.

Ponant’s luxury cruises are renowned for their individuality, with no two journeys the same. This is not by chance. Itineraries are scrupulously designed to ensure that each passenger is left with a feeling of having embarked on a journey unlike any other.

Athens-Venise. Photograph by N.Matheus. ©PONANT

In 2025, their fleet will set sail for a combined 56 departures from March to October, exploring the dreamy locales of Greece and the Greek Islands, Malta, Italy (including Venice and Sicily), Croatia, France, Turkey, Spain and Portugal. These European Journeys offer an intimate encounter with the Mediterranean, its people and culture. As you cruise in luxury, you’ll dive deep into the heart of each destination, exploring historic sites, engaging with locals, sampling scrumptious cuisine and soaking in the vibrant atmospheres.

The company’s small, sustainable ships, which can accommodate from as few as 32 to 264 guests, have the exclusive ability to sail into ports inaccessible to larger cruise liners, affording privileged entry into some of the world’s most treasured alcoves. Picture sailing under London’s iconic Tower Bridge, crossing the Corinth Canal, or disembarking directly onto the sidewalk during ports of call in culturally rich cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice and Venice, among others.

Photo by Tamar Sarkissian. ©PONANT

This singular closeness is further enriched by destination experts who unravel the tapestry of each locale’s history and traditions.

Onboard their luxurious ships, every guest is a VIP and treated to refined service and amenities akin to sailing on a private yacht. Whether at sea or ashore, their destination experts guarantee a fascinating experience, immersing you in the rich cultural and historical diversity of each region.

Indulge in the finest gastronomy at sea, inspired by none other than gastronomic virtuoso and Ponant partner, Alain Ducasse. Each voyage offers an expertly crafted dining experience, from a-la-carte meals with perfectly matched wines by the onboard Sommelier at dinner and lunch, to a French-inspired buffet breakfast, featuring all the favourite pastries, fresh bread and quality produce.

Chef Mickael Legrand. Photograph by NickRains. ©PONANT

For a more intimate discovery, consider Le Ponant, with its 16 high-class staterooms and suites—perfect for private charter—sailing eight exclusive routes between Greece and Croatia, offering guests unparalleled experiences both onboard and ashore. Ponant’s commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences extends beyond itineraries. Aboard their ships, the luxury is in every detail. Unwind in opulent cabins and suites, each offering private balconies and breathtaking views of the azure water and destinations beyond.

Ponant’s upcoming European Journeys are more than just cruises—they’re your passport to a world of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and unrivalled luxury. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on the voyage of a lifetime: the Mediterranean is calling.

To book European 2025 sailings visit au.ponant.com; call 1300 737 178 (AU) or 0800 767 018 (NZ) or contact your preferred travel agent.

 

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Saint Laurent Just Opened a New Bookstore in Paris. Here’s a Look Inside.

The chic new outpost is located on the city’s arty Left Bank.

By Rachel Cormack 14/02/2024

Saint Laurent is taking over even more of Paris.

The French fashion house, which only just opened an epic new flagship on Champs-Élysées, has launched a chic new bookstore on the Left Bank. Located in the 7th arrondissement, Saint Laurent Babylone is a mecca of art, music, literature, and, of course, fashion.

The new outpost is a tribute to the connection that Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé had to the Rue Babylone, according to Women’s Wear Daily. (In 1970, the pair moved to a 6,500-square-foot duplex on the street.) It is also inspired by the house’s original ready-to-wear boutique, Saint Laurent Rive Guache, which opened in the 6th arrondissement in 1966.

The exposed concrete in contrasted by sleek marble accents. SAINT LAURENT

With a minimalist, art gallery-like aesthetic, the space is anchored by a hefty marble bench and large black shelves. The raw, textured concrete on the walls is juxtaposed by a soft blue and white rug, a wooden Pierre Jeanneret desk, and sleek Donald Judd stools.

The wares within Saint Laurent Babylone are the most important part, of course. Curated by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the collection includes everything from photos by British artist Rose Finn-Kelcey to books published by Saint Laurent itself. Some tomes on offer are so rare that white gloves are required for handling.

The store also offers an enviable selection of records that are no longer being pressed. Highlights include Sade’s Promise, Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, and the debut studio album of electronic band Kraftwerk.

Other notable items on the shelves include Leica cameras, chocolates made in collaboration with pastry chef François Daubinet, prints by Juergen Teller, and brass skull sculptures. You’ll also find an assortment of YSL merch, including pens, lighters, and cups.

To top it off, Saint Laurent Babylone will double as an event space, hosting live music sessions, DJ sets, book readings, and author signings over the coming months.

Saint Laurent’s latest endeavor isn’t exactly surprising. With Vaccarello at the helm, the Kering-owned fashion house has entered new cultural realms. Only last year, the label established a film production company and debuted its first movie at Cannes.

The space is fitted with a Pierre Jeanneret desk and Donald Judd stools.
SAINT LAURENT

Perhaps Saint Laurent film reels and movie posters will soon be available at Babylone, too.

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The Best Watches at the Grammys, From Maluma’s Jacob & Co. to Jon Batiste’s Vacheron Constantin

Music’s biggest names sported some outstanding watches on Sunday evening.

By Rachel Mccormack 08/02/2024

Weird yet wonderful watches punctuated this year’s Grammys.

The woman of the moment, Taylor Swift, who made history by winning Album of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time, wore an unconventional Lorraine Schwartz choker watch to the annual awards ceremony on Sunday night. That was just the tip of the horological iceberg, though.

Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma elevated a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds, while American musician Jon Batiste topped off a stylish Versace ensemble with a sleek Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon. Not to be outdone, rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for the occasion.

There was more understated wrist candy on display, too, such as Jack Antonoff’s Cartier Tank LC and Noah Kahan’s Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo.

For the rest of the best watches we saw on the Grammys 2024 red carpet, read on.

Maluma: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

Maluma busted out some truly spectacular bling for this year’s Grammys. The Colombian singer-songwriter paired a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds. The sculptural wrist candy sees a four-arm movement floating in front of a breathtaking dial adorned with no less than 257 rubies. For added pizzaz, the lugs of the 18-karat rose-gold case are invisibly set with 80 baguette-cut white diamonds. Limited to just nine examples, the rarity is priced at $1.5 million.

Asake: Hublot Big Bang Essential Grey

Nigerian singer-songwriter Asake may not have won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance for “Amapiano,” but did wear a winning Hublot Big Bang at Sunday’s proceedings. Released in 2023, the Essential Grey model is made purely of titanium for a sleek, uniform feel. The 42 mm timepiece was limited to just 100 pieces and cost $37,000 a pop.

John Legend: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding

Multihyphenate John Legend wore a legendary Audemars Piguet with silky Saint Laurent on Sunday evening. The self-winding Royal Oak in question features a 34 mm black ceramic case, a black grande tapisserie dial, and striking pink gold accents. The watchmaker’s signature is also displayed in gold under the sapphire crystal. The piece will set you back $81,000.

Jon Batiste: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon

American musician Jon Batiste received four nominations but no wins at this year’s Grammys. The “Butterfly” singer can take solace in the fact that he looked ultra-sharp in Versace and Vacheron Constantin. A tribute to the spirit of travel, the Overseas Tourbillon features a 42.5 mm white-gold case, a bezel set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, and a blue dial featuring a dazzling tourbillon cage inspired by the Maltese cross. Price upon request, naturally.

Fireboy DML: Cartier Santos

Fireboy DML’s outfit was straight fire on Sunday night. The Nigerian singer paired an MCM wool jacket with a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, several iced-out rings, and a sleek Cartier Santos. The timepiece features a steel case, a graduated blue dial with steel sword-shaped hands, and a seven-sided crown with synthetic faceted blue spinel.

Noah Kahan: Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo

Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan wore one of Panerai’s best new watches to Sunday’s festivities. The Luminor Quaranta BiTempo features a 40 mm polished steel case and a black dial with luminous numerals and hour markers, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. The timepiece can be yours for $14,000.

Busta Rhymes: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a chic Audemars Piguet for this year’s Grammys. The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in question is distinguished by a 42 mm rose-gold case and a matching pink méga tapisserie dial with an outer flange for the tachymeter scale. The face is fitted with three black subdials, large black numerals, and a black date display at 3 o’clock. You can expect to pay around $61,200 for the chronograph on the secondary market.

Jack Antonoff: Cartier Tank Louis Cartier

Producer of the year Jack Antonoff took to the red carpet with a stylish Cartier on his wrist. The Tank Louis Cartier in question appears to be a large 33.7 mm example that features an 18-carat rose-gold case, a silvered dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands, a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, and a brown alligator strap. It’ll set you back $19,900.

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This 44-Foot Carbon-Fiber Speedboat Can Rocket to 177 KMPH

The new Mayla GT is available with a range of different powertrains, too.

By Rachel Cormack 03/02/2024

We knew the Mayla GT would be one of the most exciting boats at Boot Düsseldorf, but a deep dive into the specs shows it could be downright revolutionary.

The brainchild of German start-up Mayla, the 44-footer brings you the blistering performance of a speedboat and the luxe amenities of a motor yacht in one neat carbon-fiber package.

Inspired by the go-fast boats of the 1970s and ‘80s, the GT sports an angular, retro-futuristic body and the sleek lines of a rocket ship. Tipping the scales at just 4500 kilograms, the lightweight design features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors that help it slice through the waves with ease. In fact, Mayla says the deflectors decrease energy usage by up to 35 percent while ensuring a more efficient planing.

The range-topping GT can reach 185 kph. MAYLA

The GT is also capable of soaring at breakneck speeds, with the option of a gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid powertrain. The range-topping GTR-R model packs dual gas-powered engines that can churn out 3,100 hp for a top speed of more than 100 knots (185 kph). At the other, more sustainable end of the spectrum, the E-GT is fitted with an electric powertrain that can produce 2,200 horses for a max speed of 50 knots. The hybrid E-GTR pairs that same electric powertrain with a 294 kilowatt diesel engine for a top speed of 60 knots (111 km/h/69 mph). (The GT in the water at Boot sported two entry-level V8s good for 650 hp and a top speed of over 70 knots.)

The GT is suitable for more than just high-speed jaunts, of course. The multipurpose cockpit, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, features a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table for alfresco entertaining. Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door.

The garage has an electric transom door. MAYLA

The GT is even fit for overnight stays. Below deck lies a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en suite. You can also expect a high-tech entertainment system with TVs and premium audio.

As for price, the GT with the entry-level powertrain will cost between $2.7 million and $2.9, depending on the final configuration. (You can fine-tune the layout, hull color, and interiors, naturally.) Interested buyers can set up a sea trial with Mayla, with test-drives set to begin this spring in Europe.

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Red Centre

First Nations artist Shaun Daniel Allen joins forces with Chopard to create a timepiece inspired by the Australian landscape.

By Horacio Silva 29/01/2024

Shaun Daniel Allen does not look like your typical collaborator on a prestige watch. For one, Shal, as he prefers to be known (“There are many Shauns but only one Shal,” he explains), is more heavily tattooed than your average roadie. His youthful appearance, bad-boy ink and all, belies his 38 years and leads to a disconnect. 

He recounts being recognised on the street recently by a journalist, who, unable to remember his name, shouted out, “Chopard!” “I was with a friend,” Shal says, holding court in his apartment in Sydney’s inner city, “and he’s, like, ‘What the hell? Does that happen to you often?’”

Perhaps because of his body art, he reasons, “People don’t put me and Chopard together.” It’s not hard to understand the confusion, Shal adds; even he was taken aback when Chopard reached out to him about a potential collaboration a little more than a year ago. “When I first went in to see them, I was, like, I don’t know if I’m your guy. I’m not used to being in those rooms and having those conversations.”

He’ll have to adapt quickly to his new reality. Last month Chopard released Shal’s interpretation of the Swiss brand’s storied Alpine Eagle model, which in itself was a redo of the St. Moritz, the first watch creation by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (now Co-President of Chopard) in the late 1970s. 

Previewed at Sydney’s About Time watch fair in September, to not insignificant interest, and officially known as the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt, the exclusive timepiece—issued in a limited edition of 20—arrives as a stainless steel 41 mm with a 60-hour power reserve and a burnt red dial that brings to mind the searing Outback sun. Its see-through caseback features one of Shal’s artworks painted on sapphire glass.

When the reputable Swiss luxury brand approached Shal, they already had the red dial—a nod to the rich ochre hues of the Australian soil at different times of the day and gradated so that the shades become darker around the edges—locked in as a lure for Australian customers.

Shal was charged with designing an artful caseback and collectible hand-painted sustainable wooden case. After presenting a handful of paintings, each with his signature abstract motifs that pertain to indigenous emblems, tattoos and music, both parties landed on a serpentine image that evoked the coursing of rivers. “I have been painting a lot of water in this last body of work and the image we chose refers to the rivers at home,” he says, alluding to formative years spent at his grandfather’s, just outside of Casino.

It says a lot about Chopard, Shal points out, that they wanted to donate to a charity of his choosing. “Like everything else on this project,” he explains, “they were open to listening and taking new ideas on board and it actually felt like a collaboration, like they weren’t steering me into any corner.”

In another nice touch, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the watch will go to funding programs of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation—an organisation, established in 1995 by Bundjalung elders, whose work Shal saw firsthand after the 2022 eastern Australia flood disasters ravaged their area. “Seeing Ngunya Jarjum suffer from the floods,” he says, “and knowing how much they do for the community on Bundjalung Country was heartbreaking. I want to see Bundjalung families thriving and supported.”

So what’s it been like for this booster of Australian waterways to be swimming in the luxury end of the pool? “I’ve done a few things with brands,” he offers, referring to the Louis Vuitton project earlier this year at an art gallery in Brisbane, “but nothing on this scale. It’s definitely fancier than I’m used to but I’m not complaining.” Neither are watch aficionados.

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