Private Collectors Open Their Cellars at Top Shelf Festival Sydney 2026

Most whisky festivals in Australia focus on distilleries pouring their current ranges. Top Shelf Festival, returning to the Amora Hotel Jamison on Saturday 21 November, takes a different approach. It is organised around private collectors who are prepared to open bottles from their own cellars; some of which have rarely, if ever, been poured publicly in Australia.

Hosted by The Whisky List, the event has sold out in both previous years. The 2026 edition is again built on more than 400 rare and older whiskies, with the list expanding to include premium tequila, mezcal, rum, cognac and a curated selection of fine wines. Freshly shucked oysters from Buckley’s Oyster Bar and cheeses from Penny’s Cheese Shop are also new for this year.

What sets the festival apart is the direct invitation to collectors. Oliver Maruda, co-founder of The Whisky List, has said the concept was shaped by festivals such as WhiskyFair in Limburg, WhiskyNow! in Hong Kong, and the Chichibu and Tokyo whisky festivals, where the emphasis is on opening and sharing bottles that are otherwise difficult to access.

“We’ve travelled to some of the world’s best whisky festivals, where the whole idea is to open, taste and celebrate extraordinary bottles that you would otherwise never get the chance to try,” said Maruda. “Unlike traditional whisky festivals, which tend to focus on distilleries showcasing their latest releases, Top Shelf is about the bottles themselves.”

One of this year's more substantial contributions comes from Martin Eber of TimeforWhisky. Eber, who has covered the Australian and Asian whisky scenes for more than a decade and co-owns a whisky bar in Hong Kong, is bringing around 100 old and rare bottles from his personal collection. His involvement reflects the Hong Kong scene’s reputation for opening and sharing significant bottles, an approach Top Shelf is trying to bring to Sydney.

The broader lineup includes bottles that are rarely available through normal retail channels. The list includes a Glen Grant 50 Year Old, GlenDronach 40 Year Old, Port Ellen 1983 43 Year Old, Longmorn 1963 33 Year Old, Bunnahabhain 1979 32 Year Old, Springbank 26 Year Old, and Sullivans Cove 24 Year Old. Japanese offerings include Yamazaki 18, Hibiki 21, a rare 1981 Hakushu, and a Yamazaki 24 Year Old blend. Early-edition Octomores and a Macallan Elegancia distilled in 1991 are also noted, along with a wide range of independent bottlings from names such as Samaroli, WhiskySponge, Cadenhead’s, Gordon & MacPhail, Adelphi and others.

Brands such as The GlenDronach are participating by opening older and single-cask expressions rather than focusing solely on core range. The pricing model is pay-per-taste rather than an all-inclusive ticket. Spirit pours start at $6 for 10 ml, and wines start at $6 for a 60 ml glass, with festival pricing across the room. Tickets themselves are $50 for full access (12 pm–6 pm) or $30 for the later session (3 pm–6 pm). Both include a tasting glass. Attendees purchase food and drinks with Top Shelf Tokens, with discounted packages available in advance.

Scott Allan, Events Director at The Whisky List, has said the expansion beyond whisky came from feedback at previous events. Attendees wanted to bring partners or friends who were not primarily whisky drinkers, which led to the broader spirits, wine and food offering.

“Whether you’re hunting down a rare 50-year-old Scotch… exploring highly sought-after Japanese whisky, discovering a new mezcal or simply enjoying a beautiful glass of wine with friends, that’s what Top Shelf is all about,” he said.

This is a festival that prioritises access to bottles that usually stay in private collections. For those who have spent years tracking down older and rarer expressions, the chance to try them by the dram in Sydney, without committing to an entire bottle, is the main draw.

Event Details & Tickets Top Shelf Festival Sydney 2026

Saturday, 21 November 2026

Amora Hotel Jamison

11 Jamison Street, Sydney

Full Access – $50 per person 12:00pm – 6:00pm: explore the entire festival at your own pace.

Bite Sized Access – $30 per person 3:00pm – 6:00pm: three hours to enjoy the festival atmosphere.

All tickets include a premium whisky tasting glass to keep.

Food and drinks are available throughout the festival for purchase using Top Shelf Tokens

Discounted token packages available for those that pre-order.

Tickets and further information: https://thewhiskylist.com.au/events/top-shelf-festival-sydney-2026/