Fire, Smoke and the Art of the Cut: May – July 2026
Welcome to Vol. 1 of The Seasonal Edit. In this series, we go behind the pass to explore the signature dishes and culinary philosophies currently defining the Dining Rewards Club. This season, we’re contrasting the patient, technical mastery of butter-ageing at The Meat & Wine Co with the raw, open-flame energy of the Skewered program at Hunter & Barrel.
The Mastery: AGED Smoked Bacardi Reserva Ocho
Venue: The Meat & Wine Co
At The Meat & Wine Co, we believe that even a perfect steak can be elevated. Our AGED program is a dedicated pursuit of flavour that follows a rigorous process, turning premium Australian beef into a rare, buttery masterpiece.
The Science of Tenderness
The journey of the Smoked Bacardi Reserva Ocho begins long before it reaches the grill. To achieve its signature profile, the team utilise a specialised butter-ageing technique that balances moisture loss with intense flavour infusion.
- The Pre-Age: The process starts in specialised dry-ageing fridges, where the meat is held for 1-3 weeks to develop a natural protective crust.
- The Infusion: The cut is then encased in artisan beef-dripping butter. For this feature, the butter is infused with the complex notes of Reserva Ocho 8. This coating protects the meat from oxygen while allowing natural enzymes to break down fibres, resulting in a texture that is unparalleled in tenderness.
- The Visual: You can often spot these cuts maturing in the on-site “Meat Library” fridges. You’ll notice the deepened, rich burgundy hue of the beef – a hallmark of the ageing process and a visual testament to the time invested in every bite.
- The Palate: look for the signature “AGED” flavour profile: notes of buttered popcorn and concentrated beef, finished with the sophisticated, lingering smoke of the Reserva Ocho 8 infusion.
The Primal: SKEWERED Soy & Honey Beef Steak
Venue: Hunter & Barrel
While The Meat & Wine Co leans into the cellar, Hunter & Barrel looks to the hearth. Our Skewered program is a homage to our ancestors – a celebration of simple, sustainable ingredients cooked over an open flame and shared among friends.
The Philosophy: Better By Fire
The Soy & Honey Beef Steak Skewer is a masterclass in the “Hunter” way. Starting with the premium beef, hand-cut into cubes to maximise the surface area exposed to the charcoal.
- The Baste: As the skewer rotates over the open fire, it is basted in a balanced glaze of salty soy and wild honey. The high heat caramelises the sugars, creating a sticky, charred “bark” while the centre remains succulent and dripping with aromatic juices.
- The Ritual: This is “messy” dining at its finest. Served still on the rod to your table, it is a meal designed for the senses. Choose to enjoy it as a standalone dish or build a true hunter’s feast with the accompanying sides.
- The Pairing: The 2024 Wirra Wrria Church Block Grenache Shiraz, McLaren Vale, SA.
The Choice: Ageing or Ember?
It really comes down to the kind of evening you’re chasing. If you’re in the mood for something more refined – where ingredients have been patiently curated over weeks, and the flavour is all about technical precision – then a table at The Meat & Wine Co is waiting for you. It’s the kind of meal where time and temperature do the heavy lifting, resulting in a steak that’s as much a conversation starter as it is a dinner.
On the other hand, if you’re craving something more authentic and social, you can’t go past Hunter & Barrel. There’s just something about the crackle of an open flame and that unmistakable scent of the charcoal that sets the mood for a great night out. It’s a primal, shared experience where the sizzle of the basting and a great drink among friends take centre stage. Whichever way you venture, both of these seasonal features are waiting for you.
The Member Advantage: Your Seasonal Reward
As a curated highlight of the Dining Rewards Club, both the Smoked Bacardi Reserva Ocho and the Soy & Honey Beef Skewer are fully eligible for member benefits.
Whether you are indulging in the complexity of our butter-aged program or the primal craft of the hearth, ensure your DRC app is at hand to secure your 5% Cashback (depending on your tier). These seasonal features represent the pinnacle of our current menu—experience them while they remain in the cellar and on the grill.
