cambewarra .135
The land knows fire. It is an old and terrible acquaintance. But there are fires that are different, fires that burn so hot they scar the memory of the country itself. In those moments, when the sky is red and the world is reduced to ash and flame, you see the true character of a people. You see the ordinary man who stands his ground, the stranger who becomes a brother, the community that refuses to break. It is a lesson that the hottest fires forge the strongest hearts. And that in the aftermath of devastation, in the black silence of the ash, the seeds of hope, and courage, and an unbreakable community are the first things to grow back.
from the fire we rise
A poignant tribute to resilience and renewal, crafted in the wake of the devastating Australian bushfires. Distilled from grains harvested from the scorched earth of Cambewarra, this whiskey is aged in barrels charred by the very fires that ravaged the land, imparting a deep, smoky flavor that is both intense and reflective.
Aged and released in limited batches, Cambewarra .135 is not just a whiskey; it’s a symbol of hope and the enduring human spirit. Each bottle sold supports ongoing recovery efforts, making it a meaningful contribution to the healing of both land and people. It’s a powerful reminder of what can bloom from the ashes, dedicated to those who stand tall and fight on, no matter the odds.
Red skies and black smoke hung over towns. Ash fell like snow, blanketing the earth, while flames tore through forests, fields, and homes. Ordinary people stood shoulder to shoulder, wielding courage like a shield. Families bound together, communities rallied, and strangers became lifelines. In the face of unimaginable destruction, one message echoed across the land: We will not give up.
This whiskey was born of fire. In the summer of 2019-2020, Australia burned. Red skies, black smoke, and ash like snow. Millions of hectares lost, a billion creatures gone, and thirty-four lives cut short. But in the face of that inferno, heroes stood up. Ordinary people, families, and communities who refused to give up. This whiskey is a tribute to them. It is named for the Cambewarra range—a place whose very name means “Mountain on Fire”—and it is crafted using charred wood from the edge of the fire-scarred land, combined with our signature white oak. It is more than a spirit; it is a promise. Released in batches over five years, every cent of profit is donated to the families, firefighters, and wildlife who need help long after the flames have died. It is our way of helping our country heal. It is a promise to never forget.
the build
The Land’s Contribution:
- The charred wood from the fire grounds of Cambewarra, carrying the memory of the smoke and the heat. The strength of the American White Oak that provides its backbone. The resilient spirit of the Australian people.
The Ledger:
- A single, 30ml measure of the Cambewarra .135.
- A clean, unadorned tasting glass.
- A moment of silence.
The Work:
- The Pour: Pour a small measure into the glass. This is not a whiskey for a party. It is a whiskey for remembrance.
- The Colour: Hold it to the light. It has a deep, reddish, amber hue. It is the colour of a fire’s heart, of a sunset seen through a veil of smoke.
- The Scent: Bring the glass to your nose. You will find the smoke first. It is not a peat smoke, not an artificial smoke. It is the unmistakable, honest smoke of the Australian bush. Beneath it, there is the sweetness of the grain and the vanilla of the oak. It is the scent of devastation and survival, intertwined.
- The Sip: Take a small sip. Let it rest on your tongue. It is complex. It is smoky, it is rich, and it has a long, warming finish that speaks of a fire’s enduring heat.
- The Contemplation: This is a drink of remembrance. It is for honouring the fallen, for thanking the heroes, and for acknowledging the resilience of the land and its people. Before you drink, take a moment. Remember the red skies. Then raise your glass to the ones who stood against the flames, and to the land that is, slowly, healing.
This is our promise: to honor the bravery of those who fought, to support the lives forever changed, and to stand as stewards of the land we love.
