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APRIL / MAY 2022 DRINKSBIZ.CO.NZ

APRIL / MAY 2022

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FROM THE EDITOR

Victoria Wells

Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

Ready for business DO YOU know what? It feels like we might be getting there. Big outdoor gatherings are back. QR code scanning is gone. The countdown is on to the borders opening up (albeit bit by bit) and businesses are preparing to roll out the welcome mats for long-awaited guests. Winter may be coming – but this year, so are the tourists. It has been a hell of a long road for so many, and businesses around the country certainly deserve some better times ahead. At the moment, it feels like the pieces are finally moving back into place for that to happen. With the school holidays approaching, fingers are crossed the usual hotspots will be busy again, and after the initial peak of Omicron it’s hopeful that more Kiwis will be keen to venture out. In the meantime, autumn is well and truly upon us. The nation’s wineries have

tackled another challenging harvest and the brewers have been busy ferrying fresh hops around the country for the slew of juicy fresh hop releases out there. You’ll

Businesses are preparing to roll out the welcome mats for long-awaited guests. Winter may be coming – but this year, so are the tourists. find a range of these in the Beer and Cider Report on page 48. In our feature story this issue, I take a look at the rise of NFTs in the drinks industry. Now, there’s a chance that some

of you reading this nodded knowingly at that last sentence, while others thought “The NF-what now?” If you fall into the latter camp you're certainly not alone. I’m not exactly working the cryptomarkets on the daily, but the digital world of NFTs is a rapidly growing area of opportunity for many industries, the liquor industry included, and it seems timely to examine what they are and how they’re being used. They’re a fascinating new addition to a brand’s offering, helping many to reach new audiences and deepen connections with existing customers. Find out how NFTs are fast gaining traction for drinks brands internationally, and here in New Zealand too, in ‘Rise of the NFTs’ on page 20. I'm off to check on my crypto. Enjoy the issue, Victoria

My picks 2020 Mission Gaia Project Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay Fragrant, fruit-forward aromas and juicy citrus character combine in this lip-smacking Chardonnay from Mission Estate. (Page 31) Sunshine Brewing Fresh Hop Pale Ale This pick has to be a fresh hop release, and I've gone with Sunshine Brewing's version, which uses Gisborne-grown Taiheke hops that the Sunshine crew gathered themselves. Lush, juicy and delicious. (Page 48) Peaked Organic Chilli Vodka This vodka from Queenstown distillery Peaked is guaranteed to warm up your autumn. Don't be fooled by its pale yellow hue, this spirit packs a deliciously fulsome chilli punch that lingers long after. (Page 63)

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 3

CONTENTS

APRIL / MAY 2022

PUBLISHER

Karen Boult karen@boult.co.nz +64 21 320 663 EDITOR

Victoria Wells victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz +64 27 575 9021 DESIGNER

Lewis Hurst lewis@hurstmedia.nz +64 21 146 6404 hurstmedia.nz

A DV E R T I S I N G

Roger Pierce advertising@drinksbiz.co.nz +64 274 335 354

BEER & CIDER

REGULARS

Diary Dates

Cover story – Astrolabe

Industry News

International News

Feature: Rise of the NFTs 20 Legal Notes

RTD News

Non-Alcoholic News

WINE

drinksbiz.co.nz

48 Beer & Cider Report

Opinion: Michael Donaldson 56 Beer & Cider News

SPIRITS

Associate Member (NZ) Drinksbiz is published every second month by Trade Media Limited, 300 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland,

New Zealand.

Wine Report: Chardonnay

Top Picks

Opinion: Joelle Thomson

Wine News

The contents of Drinksbiz

60 Spirits Report: Vodka

are copyright and may

Opinion: Dominic Roskrow 72 Spirits News

not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher. Please address all editorial, subscription and advertising enquiries to Trade Media

LAST ORDERS

4 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Limited, P O Box 37745,

Distributors

Last Orders: Matt Wilson

Parnell, Auckland.

WHAT’S ON

Diary Dates

As Drinksbiz went to print, restrictions on outdoor gatherings had just been lifted and many events were yet to confirm their plans. Events may therefore be subject to change. While details were correct at time of print, we recommend checking individual event websites for the latest updates.

UPCOMING SCHEDULED EVENTS APRIL

MAY

JULY

Saturday 23 April

Friday 20 – Saturday 21 May

Friday 1 – Saturday 2 July

Whitehaven GrapeRide - Marlborough

Winetopia – Auckland

Winetopia – Wellington

A popular bike ride in Renwick with course length options. graperide.co.nz

A consumer wine tasting event to be held at Shed 10 in downtown Auckland. Exhibitor info at lemongrassproductions. co.nz winetopia.co.nz

A consumer wine tasting event to be held at TSB Arena, Queens Wharf. Exhibitor info at lemongrassproductions. co.nz winetopia.co.nz

Saturday 30 April

JUNE

Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 July

NZ Brewers Fest

The Great NZ Food Show – Hamilton

A day of brewers and breweries at Brewtown in Upper Hutt. Featuring Brewtown’s resident brewers plus guest breweries from around New Zealand. brewtown.co.nz

Saturday 25 June

GABS Craft Beer Festival – Auckland The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular returns to Auckland for 2022. The event includes 60 Festival beers and ciders created especially for GABS, plus the best from brewers from around New Zealand and Australia, along with masterclasses and live entertainment. gabsfestival.com/auckland21-home

A consumer show dedicated to the latest in food and beverages, with masterclasses and more. For exhibitor details email info@coreevents.co.nz greatnzfoodshow.co.nz

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THE WORLDS MOST CONVENIENT COCKTAIL 99% SUGAR FREE

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@MANDATORYSPIRITCO

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INFO@BEVERAGEBROTHERS.CO.NZ +64 3390 1370

COVER STORY – ASTROLABE

Double celebration celebration at Astrolabe Astrolabe Astrolabe has a two-fold reason for celebration in 2022: the milestone of its 25th vintage and the success of its new Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé… ASTROLABE HAS just completed its 25th harvest in Marlborough, marking a quarter century for the family-owned winery. It’s no small feat in New Zealand’s relatively young wine industry, and is testament to the skill of Simon Waghorn, who founded Astrolabe in 1997 with wife Jane Forrest-Waghorn. Simon Waghorn says the winery was originally a bit of a “side hustle”. “It was a fun thing to do at the time, and I didn’t have long-term plans. Now we have a diverse offering of varieties we make and a wide range of customers all around the world. We are still making wine from Astrolabe Farm, but we have cast a broader net across Marlborough, looking for exciting growing areas and expanding my options for blending complexity.” In that time, Astrolabe has become known for its exceptional Marlborough 8 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Sauvignon Blanc, as well as more boutique varietals. The couple were joined in the business by daughters Arabella and Libby after Astrolabe became entirely family-owned in 2018.

“Now we have a diverse offering of varieties... and a wide range of customers all around the world.” Simon Waghorn says they’re grateful to have a business that has been going for so long and survived so well through such a changing environment. “We’re proud to have been part of the exciting transformation of the Marlborough landscape… [and] proud to still be true to

what we have been all along, which is a winemaker-directed and -run winery.” He says there are several highlights for him from the last quarter century of Astrolabe. “Seeing the first properly labelled Astrolabe bottle back in 1997... then 2004 was the year our Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc was put on the map internationally, taking out four trophies, including our first international one, which really marked the start of our wine going global.” Waghorn says the first time he walked into a restaurant overseas and saw people drinking his wine remains a strong memory too. “That’s a big highlight for any winemaker – to know you have sent a nicely packaged, beautifully made product to the other side of the world, and people are enjoying it.” 2022 is also a landmark year for Astrolabe in that it will see the release

COVER STORY – ASTROLABE

of the first BioGro-certified wines from the Waghorns’ home vineyard, which they converted to organics in 2012, including the new Astrolabe Farm Chardonnay 2021. “This will be the 25th release of an Astrolabe Chardonnay from our foundation vineyard,” explains Simon Waghorn. “We are currently in a Chardonnay renaissance, where high quality Chardonnay from New Zealand is being recognised, but the first Astrolabe Chardonnay was made in the days of ‘ABC’ [Anything But Chardonnay].” New Rosé shows strong growth

Meanwhile, one of Astrolabe’s newest wines is establishing itself as a ‘must-have’ on retail shelves and wine lists around the country. Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé is the second Rosé in the Astrolabe portfolio, having joined the single vineyard Comelybank Pinot Rosé in late 2021. It was created to help Astrolabe keep up with demand for its Rosé as the category continues to experience huge growth in New Zealand. “We were really excited to launch this wine just before Christmas, and we have been thrilled with the response from critics,” says Libby Waghorn Levett, general manager at Astrolabe. “It’s now competing with our Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as my favourite wine to drink.” Writing in his New Zealand Wines: Buyer’s Guide 2022, Michael Cooper awarded the Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé

2021 vintage 4.5 stars (“Excellent”) and said: “Already delicious… Pale pink, it is mouthfilling, with vibrant strawberry, peach and spice flavours, showing excellent delicacy and depth, and a smooth, fully dry finish.” Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé is a regional blend, mostly from the Awatere Valley, with 50/50 Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Winemaker Simon Waghorn says he loves this combination and believes it’s an ideal Marlborough Rosé style. “Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris have a natural affinity with one another. You get perfect colour and just the right balance of lifted aromatics and background weight from the Pinot Noir.”

One of Astrolabe’s newest wines is establishing itself as a ‘must-have’ on retail shelves and wine lists.

at their aromatic profiles. Astrolabe also helpfully includes sweetness indicators on the wines’ back labels, with both being completely dry. A focus on vintage 2022

For now, the focus is on this year’s vintage, including meeting growing demand for the Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé. Simon Waghorn says while COVID has impacted the harvest in terms of labour, he is optimistic that the crop looks bigger than normal. “That will be varied in terms of subregions and vineyards. Pinot Noir looks to be the trickiest variety to deal with this year. I am excited about the Chardonnay and some of the Pinot Gris and I think it will be a very flavoursome Sauvignon Blanc year.” astrolabewines.co.nz @astrolabewines

The new Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé has quickly built a strong following and now sits alongside the well-known Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc as a trade staple. In a category where so many wines are bought on looks alone, both Rosé offerings from Astrolabe have been designed to add beauty to any occasion. They are both presented in shapely bottles modelled after those of Provence, while evocative floral labels on each wine hint

The Waghorn family at Astrolabe: Arabella Waghorn, Simon Waghorn, Jane Forrest-Waghorn and Libby Waghorn Levett with Bob the dog.

Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé RRP $27.99

Astrolabe Comelybank Pinot Rosé RRP $31.99 Made for food

Rosé is a wine that is very easily matched to a lot of drinking occasions. Simon Waghorn has always crafted his Rosé with drinkability and food pairing in mind and says that this goes a long way to explaining its popularity. “My aim with Rosé is to make a dry, attractive, full-bodied food wine with a pretty colour and interesting texture. I’m looking for a bone-dry style with a savoury, mineral finish,” he says.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 9

INDUSTRY NEWS

NZ hospo on road to recovery, says CGA NEW RESEARCH from global on-premise data and insights consultancy CGA shows that consumers in New Zealand are feeling positive and ready to support the hospitality sector in 2022. The research comes as CGA launches in New Zealand and it is taken from its first monthly On Premise Consumer Pulse1, which surveyed around 500 New Zealand on-premise visitors to understand their recent behaviour, how they feel about the channel (including any COVID-related restrictions) and their intention for visits in the month ahead. Key findings:

• 89% of New Zealand consumers surveyed have visited on-premise already in 2022. While there are lingering concerns around COVID-19, the vast majority of these consumers are eager to get back to bars and restaurants – with 78% planning to visit the same or more often than they did in 2021. • 51% of New Zealand consumers would feel more comfortable visiting on-premise if social distancing was maintained, while mandatory masks (49%) and table service (32%) also ranked highly. • 21% intend to visit on-premise more over the months ahead than last year. CGA’s managing director, Americas and Asia Pacific, Scott Elliott said: “There is little doubt that the hospitality industry in New Zealand has been hit hard by the pandemic but this latest research suggests that consumers do want to come back and the tide is beginning to turn. Right now, the key to success for suppliers will be to take learning from other markets

a little further down this path. In other developed on-premise markets, the suppliers who have been able to best help their customers navigate a new guest path to purchase – especially in the areas of maximising visit spend via digital and server advocacy/upselling – have gained space, share and loyalty. “Now is the time though, not in 12 months. Based on our experience around the world, there is no doubt that once the hospitality sector has returned to

a more traditional trading pattern, the suppliers who were most proactive in their investment at this resurgent stage have seen the greatest benefits. These gains are proving hard to displace by the late-returners.” cgastrategy.com 1 New Zealand On Premise Consumer Pulse – CGA. Consumer research: Survey conducted over 9-14 February, 2022 of 503 respondents across New Zealand, who have visited On Premise venues since the start of 2022. The collection was a nationally representative sample of consumers across age, gender and region.

West Auckland Trusts pulls Russian stock over Ukraine THE WEST Auckland Trusts has stripped thousands of bottles of Russian vodka and beer from shelves in response to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. The Trusts, which is one of New Zealand’s largest alcohol retail chains, with 26 retail stores as well as hospitality venues throughout the region, stopped selling Russian-made products just days after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 10 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Allan Pollard, Trusts CEO, says the move is a response to Russia raising its nuclear alert level along with a growing groundswell of consumer sentiment. The ban includes those brands with Russia as their country of origin and includes: Ivanov, Russian Standard, Russkaya, Kristov Red vodkas, Gorkovskaya Vodka, JJ Whitley Rhubarb Vodka, Royal Bison Vodka, Russkaya Vodka,

Baltika Beer and Three Hills Pale Ale beer. The product has not been replaced with other brands and the empty shelf space instead displays a Ukrainian flag. Pollard says the immediate removal of Russian vodka and beer from sale is in line with similar actions taken by businesses in a number of other countries around the world including Canada, US and Australia.

“Vodka is Russia’s most high profile export product and our actions today are designed to show our support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. “While New Zealand is a comparatively small market individually, joining our counterparts in other countries around the world in boycotting the sale of these products is a statement of solidarity for the Ukrainian people,” said Pollard.

AUSTRALIA’S MOST HIGHLY AWARDED DISTILLERY NOW AVAILABLE IN NEW ZEALAND

Get in touch for more information including complimentary canvas gift bags, tasting stock, and marketing content. Nick Baxter - nick@archierose.com.au

ARCHIEROSE.COM.AU

INDUSTRY NEWS

NZIER report highlights innovation in alcohol industry THE NZ Alcohol Beverages Council says a new report shows that innovation around local skills, social change and sustainability has been key to the New Zealand alcohol industry’s significant contribution to the local economy. The NZ Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) report, Alcohol beverages industry: A thriving, durable industry adding value to New Zealand’s financial, environmental and social economies produced for NZABC, found that the

sector contributes $1.92 billion to GDP, pays $1.819 billion in excise tax and GST, spends $2.02 billion on local goods and services and generates $2.09 billion in exports. “The report shows that the 1,865 beer, wine, and spirits businesses employ around 10,200 people from boutique distilleries in rural areas, to specialty production in the regions, to head offices in city centres,” says Bridget MacDonald, NZABC’s Executive Director. “In addition, another 20,900 are employed indirectly from businesses in the supply chain, from yeast producers and hops growers to packaging, logistics and

shipping. As a supplier itself, the industry connects to the hospitality industry, which employs around 172,000 in cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels and events businesses.” The report also details how the industry and society have changed over the last couple of decades. MacDonald says that’s reflected in people becoming more moderate consumers, choosing higher quality products, or no- and lowalcohol options. She also cites a growing shift to supporting local producers and the growth of boutique wineries, distilleries and breweries, as well as more focus on sustainability. “It’s an exciting time for our industry – we are diversifying our product ranges in response to consumer demands and trends,” says MacDonald. “The challenges of today are becoming the opportunities for tomorrow, and this encourages innovation and investment in research and development right throughout the industry – from developing unique hops varieties for beer, embracing indigenous ingredients for spirits to refining viticulture practices to create lower alcohol wines.” See the full report at nzabc.org.nz

SHOWCASE

Growth time at No.8 Distillery NO.8 DISTILLERY was born in Dunedin during the March 2020 lockdown, but it draws on a legacy that dates back over four generations of treasured French family recipes and distilling knowledge. Established by Julien Delavoie and Michael Wilson, the distillery started life with a single still called “Therese”, sitting in the window of their Dunedin café and venue Dog with Two Tails. Two years later, No.8 Distillery has a new home in central Dunedin and the range includes awardwinning gins, absinthe and liqueurs, which are made by Delavoie. A former chef and pastry chef, he draws upon his flavour knowledge, and distillation experience making rum, calvados and cider with his grandparents in Normandy. Awards and a time of growth

No.8 Distillery has already enjoyed success locally and internationally with notable wins at the World Gin Awards this year, where its Horopito Fire Gin was named New Zealand’s Best Contemporary Style Gin, and a slew of Silver medals

12 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

across its range at the 2021 NZ Spirits Awards. The recognition and rapid growth prompted a move in January this year from the café to a new red brick building in the city centre where the new distillery is open to the public for tours and tastings, with a bar and retail shop selling their range of spirits and liqueurs (Delavoie says they will be the first bottle shop to sell spirits on tap too) as well as botanicals for those wishing to try distilling their own spirits. Workshops will also be available. Delavoie says it’s an exciting time. “We will soon have our new 300L Julien Delavoie still named ‘Jacquie’, to respond to the domestic demand and we’ll also increase production to export to the UK, Ireland and Germany, where discussion has started with distributors.” Sustainability is key to No.8’s operations – it has a zero waste target and has a nationwide programme to swap and refill its bottles with $5 cash back. no8distillery.com

Highlights at No.8 Horopito Gin: Eight botanicals offering a flash-bang of orange, cardamon and a hint of pepper. (Winner of NZ’s Best Contemporary Style Gin at World Gin Awards 2022) Dunners Dry Gin: New Zealand native and Mediterranean herbs combine for a herbaceous gin with a very smooth finish. Hibiscus Gin: A delicate floral note with a bittersweet marmalade taste. 1926 Absinthe: This little green fairy is ripped and an undisputed French MMA champion. A family recipe since 1926. Limoncello: A thick, liquid tangy lolly washes over your tongue with the sweet citrus of lemons.

DI S TR I BUTED BY FEDERAL ME RCHANT S & CO

INDUSTRY NEWS

CCEP NZ steps up for Tonga FOLLOWING THE recent volcanic eruption in Tonga, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) has provided just over $10,000 in financial relief plus additional support to the Tongan community.

CCEP launched a fundraising appeal following the eruption in mid-January and matched staff donations, resulting in a total donation of over $10,000 to the Vodafone Foundation/Redcross Pacific Tsunami Appeal on Give A Little.

The major volcanic eruption was followed by a tsunami that hit the island nation. Chris Litchfield, General Manager at CCEP NZ said, “Our immediate thoughts turned to our Tongan colleagues and their families, who were thankfully confirmed safe and healthy. We wanted to do all we could to provide swift support to the Tongan community.” In addition to its donation to the Give A Little page, CCEP NZ also provided significant aid and support to the community directly after the tsunami. To date, CCEP NZ has: • Donated 35,000 bottles of 1.5 Pure Drop water that was shipped to Tonga within the first week following the tsunami • Donated 100 metal drums, collectively worth $8,000, for the New Zealandbased Tongan community to fill with personal items to ship over to their families in Tonga.

SHOWCASE

Fever-Tree drives mixer growth in NZ liquor retail PREMIUM MIXER brand Fever-Tree is driving significant growth in the New Zealand market, with latest figures showing it holds a substantial market share. Data from Nielsen1 shows that New Zealand’s Total Carbonated Mixer Category is growing at +19% versus last year and Fever-Tree is growing ahead of the category at +32% versus last year.

It also shows that Fever-Tree’s total value share is now more than 36%, compared with its closest competitor whose value share is just 8%. • Fever-Tree has 14 of the top 25-selling mixer SKUs, which make up more than 80% of total category value • Fever-Tree’s six top-selling SKUs account for more than 20% of total category value • Fever-Tree is 4.8 times larger in value and 5.1 times larger in volume than its main competitor brand. New flavours and formats drive growth

• Fever-Tree Elderflower and Aromatic Tonics are up 24.5% in value versus last year • Fever-Tree’s 500ml range offers the largest opportunity for growth, with value growth of +44% versus last year across Premium Indian, Mediterranean, and Refreshingly Light Tonics • Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Cans are now a Top 16 selling SKU, growing at +369%. Thirsty Camel 1 Data Source: Nielsen Scan Track – Carbonated Mixers Category - Total Defined Liquor to 30/01/22

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Fever-Tree’s Top 12 Category SKUs at Liquor Retail #5 Fever-Tree Indian Tonic 200ml +7% #7 Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic 200ml +27% #8 Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Indian Tonic 200ml +35% #10 Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic 200ml +16% #11 Fever-Tree Aromatic Tonic 200ml +32% #12 Fever-Tree Indian Tonic 500ml +31% #14 Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic 500ml +48% #15 Fever-Tree Light Indian Tonic 500ml +53% #16 Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Cans +369% #18 Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda 200ml +361% #19 Fever-Tree Light Cucumber Tonic 200ml +789% #23 Fever-Tree Lime & Yuzu Soda 200ml +249%

INDUSTRY NEWS

New CEO for Lion Group

www.no8distillery.com

as our industry continues to navigate the impacts of the pandemic and Lion delivers a new mid-term plan to return to sustainable growth. His drive for performance and proven ability to lead with purpose and conviction will be invaluable as Lion enters this next chapter.” Sam Fischer will join Lion in July 2022, when current CEO Stuart Irvine will step down after nine years in the role.

NEW ZEALAND Winegrowers has welcomed New Zealand’s signing of an historic free trade deal with the United Kingdom. “The agreement is very positive for the New Zealand wine industry. This will help remove technical barriers to trade, and minimise burdens from certification and labelling requirements. It will also support future growth in the market, and encourage exporters to focus on the UK,” said Philip Gregan, CEO of New Zealand Winegrowers. “The UK is New Zealand’s second largest export market for wine, with exports valued at over $400 million over the past 12 months. The agreement will reduce trade barriers on New Zealand wine exports to the UK, which will make a big difference for many within our industry.”

Distribution by No8 Distillery 0224365045 - no8distillery@gmail.com

LION HAS announced the appointment of Sam Fischer as CEO of the Lion Group in Australia. Fischer joins Lion from Diageo, where he is President Asia Pacific and Global Travel, and a member of the Global Diageo Executive Committee. Prior to Diageo, he spent 15 years with Colgate-Palmolive, starting in Australia and moving on to hold senior commercial roles working across several markets in Europe and Asia. He is also currently a Non-Executive Director with the Burberry Group. Lion Chairman Sir Rod Eddington said: “On behalf of Kirin and the Lion Board I am thrilled to welcome Sam home to Australia and to Lion. Sam brings 30 years of global leadership experience, deep expertise in alcohol beverages and FMCG businesses and a strong track record in driving business growth. Sam joins Lion at a pivotal time,

Wine industry welcomes UK Free Trade Agreement

Gins

SHOWCASE

MARTINI joins Federal Merchants & Co THE STORY of MARTINI® is one of perfect combinations. From the unique partnership that led to MARTINI’s creation, to the style and taste it brings to any social occasion, MARTINI® stands for the idea that special things happen when people get together. Federal Merchants & Co has joined MARTINI® in a partnership as the new official distributor of MARTINI® in New Zealand. Kane Stanford, Commercial Director of Bacardi New Zealand is excited to work with Federal Merchants & Co for the first time on this portfolio. Head of Brand and Business strategy at Federal Merchants & Co, Michael Morton says, “We’re so excited to have MARTINI®, an iconic brand with such a rich history in our vermouth portfolio, including the Riserva Speciale Bitter, which is available in New Zealand for the first time.” Federal Merchants & Co will be distributing the following MARTINI® brands: MARTINI® ROSSO

The original MARTINI® recipe. A classic sweet red vermouth. Bittersweet and harmonious. Intensely herbal character through a complex selection of Italian herbs such as sage, savoury and dittany, balanced against bittersweet exotic woods. Highly perfumed with a sweet and sour taste and a herbal character, which makes it a naturally refreshing accompaniment. Food pairing: Mortadella, kalamata olives and pecorino cheese. Aroma: Rich, complex and intensely herbal. Taste: Bitter-sweet, wellbalanced, strong and persistent. 15% ABV, 750ml RRP $34.99

MARTINI® EXTRA DRY

MARTINI® BIANCO

The classic extra dry vermouth. Captured in every crisp drop of MARTINI® Extra Dry is the essence of orris, raspberry and citrus that make up the secret recipe. A pillar of the iconic cocktail that shares its name. Bright, with a pale gold colour and a delicate perfume. Food pairing: Fresh oysters, grilled scallops, chorizo, pepperoni. Aroma: Delicate and elegant with raspberry and lemon touches over a background of St John’s Wort and orris. Taste: Extra-dry, bright, and not bitter with a wellbalanced acidity. 18% ABV, 750ml RRP $34.99

Launched in 1910, MARTINI® BIANCO earned the name ‘Bianchissimo’ meaning “the most white”, referring to the purity of its colour. Floral and complex, at its heart lies a combination of herbs, sweet spices and floral notes that produce a softer style of vermouth; lighter and more delicate. Food pairing: Chargrilled prawns, red chilli, garlic bread and focaccia. Aroma: Intense, sweet, gentle, soft, with a touch of vanilla. Taste: Approachable with a well-balanced mixture of vanilla notes and aromatic herbs; both sweet and bitter notes. 15% ABV, 750ml RRP $34.99

MARTINI® RISERVA SPECIALE BITTER

Inspired by the original 1872 recipe and launched in 2017, the MARTINI Riserva Speciale Bitter is characterised by three rare botanicals: saffron, angostura and calumba. Complex and rich; this is a modern bitter aperitivo. Its unique complex bitter taste has been crafted to be the perfect complement to gin in the MARTINI® Negroni cocktail. Aroma: Intense notes of orange with gentle hints of rose. Taste: Complex and unique, the citrus taste is followed by a long-lasting, balanced bitter finish. 28.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $54.99

Available to order from Federal Merchants & Co on 09 578 1823.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 17

SHOWCASE

A modern twist on vintage ALWAYS AHEAD of design trends, French specialist glass company Saverglass has developed a unique and stunning reinterpretation of the hand-blown-glass sought out for the grand crus of yesteryear. Revisiting this tradition and applying the latest glassmaking technologies, Saverglass provides a modern twist inspired by vintage designs to create two unique models that re-interpret the iconic amphora and offer a fresh contemporary approach to authentic styles. Bordelaise and Bourgogne ANTIK models are modest in height and boast generous shoulders and a “boudine” in the punt. The Bourgogne ANTIK is also available with a BVS finish in both Flint and Antique Green Glass. Find out more about the Saverglass range today. 09 522 2990 saverglass.com

BVS BOURGOGNE ANTIK

A REINTERPRETATION OF BURGUNDY’S CLASSIC FORM

The BVS BOURGOGNE ANTIK is a reinterpretation of Burgundy’s classic form and exhibits a remarkable variation on this theme, a trace of times gone by and suitable for the most elegant tables. The BOURGOGNE ANTIK range, already available in 75 cl and 150 cl sizes, in extra-white flint or antique glass, is now equipped with screw finish for a wide use.

Saverglass (NZ) Limited | www.saverglass.com Haute Couture Glass | Tel +64 9 522 2990

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

CALLS FOR boycotts of Russian vodka following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen product removed from many shelves around the world and prompted Stoli Group to clarify that it has no operations in Russia and announce plans for a rebrand. In the US, some state-run liquor stores have been ordered to stop selling Russianmade vodka and distilled spirits, while some private businesses are following suit. International news sites and social media show there has been confusion among consumers as to which vodka brands are made in Russia, and Stoli Group swiftly published a statement on its website condemning Russia’s actions in Ukraine and clarifying that its Stoli Premium and Elit vodkas are manufactured and bottled in Latvia. The company also said that while it does not have any operations in Russia, it does in Ukraine and across bordering countries. Stoli Group has also announced it will rebrand and end use of the Stolichnaya name. “Stolichnaya” is a Russian adjective for “capital city”. Stoli Group said that in direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the vodka will exclusively be sold and marketed as Stoli based on its founder’s vehement position on the Putin regime; Stoli employees’ determination to take action; and the desire to accurately represent Stoli’s roots in Latvia.

“While I have been exiled from Russia since 2000 due to my opposition to Putin, I have remained proud of the Stolichnaya brand,” commented Yuri Shefler, Founder, Stoli Group. “We have made the decision to rebrand entirely as the name no longer represents our organisation. More than anything, I wish for ‘Stoli’ to represent peace in Europe and solidarity with Ukraine.” Since Shefler was exiled, Stoli Vodka’s production facilities have been located in Latvia where blending, charcoal column filtration, bottling, packaging and distribution are handled. Stoli says it will also engage exclusively with Slovakian sources to further ensure 100% non-Russian alpha grade spirit for its products. Meanwhile, Heineken and Carlsberg have both announced that they will be exiting Russia. It follows both companies reviewing their operations in the country. Heineken says it will guarantee the salaries of its employees in Russia will be paid until the end of 2022 and it will not profit from any transfer of ownership. Vodka brand Smirnoff has also been caught up in the debate. But while it had its origins in Russia, it is now owned by British spirits company Diageo and produced in a range of countries, not including Russia. It has also published a statement to that effect on its website.

PHOTO BY ZURA MODEBADZE FROM PEXELS

Russian brands under pressure over Ukraine

Data analytics firm GlobalData says that sanctions, such as those in the US on Russian-made vodka and distilled spirits, damage brand recognition of Russian suppliers while offering a spotlight to other producers. It says that while it is difficult to know what the long-term implications of the conflict are on the vodka market, as well as other commodities, if the situation escalates it may lead to an overhaul of European supply chains, creating more localised production in both Russia and the rest of Europe as companies pull out of the conflict zone, as well as increased trade to countries in Asia.

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FEATURE – RISE OF THE NFTS

Rise of the NFTs

NFTs are here and they’re set to shake up the drinks world, as Victoria Wells explains…

IF YOU think about consumer tech in the liquor industry then it might be a QR code on a bottle to unlock tasting notes that leaps to mind, or using an app to order home delivery for your gin, or maybe even augmented reality wine labels. But that was before NFTs. These digital assets may still be a relatively new phenomenon, but a wide range of industries, including the drinks world, are already exploring how they can use NFTs to open new opportunities and new audiences. Brands are looking to NFTs as a way to tap into a new, younger, digitalsavvy market; to build hype around new products; to sell physical product and – in the case of luxury wine and spirits – even as a way to protect rare releases. Despite their high-tech nature, NFTs aren’t the sole domain of emerging brands – heritage labels like Penfolds, 20 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Glenfiddich, The Dalmore, and Hennessy have all embraced NFTs, while New Zealand drinks company Invivo held its first NFT auction in late 2021, with plans for a second later this year. NFTs are a rapidly growing market and only set to get bigger. So, let’s get the tricky bit out of the way. WTF is an NFT? NFT 101

NFT stands for “non-fungible token”. They are essentially a one-of-a-kind digital

BlockBar.com aims to provide consumers with the opportunity to exchange NFTs for unique physical wines and spirits.

receipt for a digital asset purchased using cryptocurrency. “Fungible” is a legal description for goods that can be interchanged with other identical items. The fact an NFT is nonfungible, means it is completely unique. Once an NFT has been purchased (using one of the many NFT platforms around like OpenSea or Rarible), the NFT and a link to the asset it represents are stored on a public blockchain. This is a secure, digitally distributed decentralised ledger of transactions that exists across a network of computers. Think of blockchain like a digital list pinned to a noticeboard – the ‘list’ verifies and updates transactions in real time and everyone who can view that noticeboard can see who owns what but can’t edit anything. Blockchain is a secure way of verifying authenticity and ownership of assets.

FEATURE – RISE OF THE NFTS NFTs can be on-sold, and because each NFT is unique they become collectors’ items as well. Many NFTs have been bought to represent ownership of assets like digital artworks, video or music files, or even tweets. In March 2021, Twitter founder Jack Dorsey sold the NFT for the first tweet he ever sent for US$2.9 million. More recently, there has been a shift to tying NFTs to a physical product as well – and that’s where the liquor industry can see huge potential. Why use NFTs?

One of the biggest challenges facing the drinks industry today is how to engage with a younger, tech-savvy market – many of whom are choosing to drink less, or choosing more premium products when they do. Making NFTs part of a brand’s offering can build engagement and expose this audience to products that might not otherwise make it onto their radar through traditional retail channels or in their social media feeds. The uniqueness of NFTs also appeals to collectors, and the additional benefits, such as exclusive memberships, are a way of attracting new fans and deepening connections with existing brand loyalists. In October 2021, two cousins with a family background in the US duty-free industry launched the world’s first NFT marketplace connecting consumers and collectors with the owners of luxury wine and spirits brands. BlockBar.com was the creation of Sam and Dov Falic, whose aim is to provide consumers with the opportunity to exchange NFTs for unique physical wine and spirits products. In an interview with Future Drinks Expo (an event scheduled for May in San Francisco) the pair said that BlockBar.com is a simple concept. “We wanted to find a role for NFTs to solve a real problem within the industry – transparency, authenticity, accessibility, quality assurance, and storage. We also wanted to introduce luxury wines and spirits to a wider global demographic and provide access to the collecting and gifting aspect, which before NFTs would not be possible. BlockBar.com allows everyone, anywhere in the world to participate in the purchasing of wines and spirits.” BlockBar uses a bonded secure facility in Singapore to store product for consumers who purchase NFTs. When a consumer buys an NFT through BlockBar, they own the physical product

it represents and the NFT verifies their ownership and the authenticity of the product. They can choose to re-sell or transfer that NFT through the BlockBar platform, or they can redeem the NFT (known as “burning”) and the physical product is delivered to them. In the world of fine wine and spirits, this is a way of guaranteeing a product’s quality is maintained as it is shipped just once from the brand owner to the BlockBar facility, where it remains until its corresponding NFT is redeemed. Glenfiddich was the first luxury brand off the block in late 2021, launching a series of 15 limited edition liquor NFTs on BlockBar.com, each one corresponding to a physical bottle of a 1973 46-year-old Armagnac cask finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky that is sold by Glenfiddich. As William Grant & Sons Chief Commercial Officer, Doug Bagley, commented at the time: “Glenfiddich continues to push boundaries in whisky innovation and this mindset

transcends to those we partner with. BlockBar brings a heightened level of authenticity to our brand via its proprietary NFT platform and creates an elite club of distinguished collectors with whom we’re excited to build long-term relationships.” Sam and Dov Falic say that BlockBar is a way for consumers to invest in highend spirits without the worry of correct storage and care, and can easily prove authenticity via blockchain. “We’re democratising the traditional wines and spirits industry and allowing everyone, anywhere in the world to participate, as well as introducing a younger demographic to the purchasing of wines and spirits. Our audience consumer set right now is skewed to 25to 34-year-olds.” NFTs in New Zealand

In New Zealand, beverage company Invivo launched its first NFTs around its Graham Norton HE-DEVIL wine range late last year. Invivo sold 10 HE-DEVIL

“Some of our NFT owners might not be familiar with Burgundy, but they will understand what ‘blockchain’ means.” – Tim Lightbourne, Invivo

Invivo co-founders Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne

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FEATURE – RISE OF THE NFTS

In April, new Christchurchbased luxury gin brand YEN released 100 NFTs on Rarible. NFTs on the OpenSea platform, with each one unlocking an annual “first release” bottle of new wines, a physical static print of their artwork signed by the Invivo co-founders and membership to the Invivo Federation of Friends (IFF), which gives access to exclusive virtual wine tastings, discounts and special experiences. As an added bonus, one of the editions was eligible to unlock a surprise live, virtual, one-on-one celebrity tasting experience with Graham Norton, with net proceeds of this NFT given to charity. A second collection of NFTs is planned for later this year and, among other assets, include the Sarah Jessica Parker X label artwork in a digital form. Invivo co-founder Tim Lightbourne says the NFT space is one they plan to do more in. “We see our long-term NFT strategy as a part of our business, building value in the digital world and creating an exclusive community with the IFF, who will be eligible for Invivo surprises over the coming years. This is about continuing to innovate in the wine world. Some of our NFT owners might not be familiar with Burgundy, but they will understand what ‘blockchain’ means. “Future plans could include the metaverse,” adds Lightbourne. “We’re currently exploring opening a virtual wine store in a metaverse virtual mall, where an avatar purchase of a bottle in the digital world can transfer to receiving a physical bottle delivered to your home anywhere in the world. Invivo NFT token holders could be eligible for exclusive access to the shop opening in the metaverse.” In April, new Christchurch-based gin brand YEN released 100 NFTs on Rarible. Positioning itself as a luxury brand out to disrupt the traditional gin market, YEN has been created by Luke Dawkins (co-owner of Christchurch bar gin gin) and creative director Blue-Monte Hamel. The pair say they are passionate about the potential of NFTs as technology that reflects and appeals to the interests of mostly millennial and Gen Z drinkers and 22 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

YEN creators Blue-Monte Hamel and Luke Dawkins

investors, offering them a more appealing way to purchase. There are 100 first edition YEN Gin Genesis NFTs available on Rarible for 0.1ETH. Each NFT is tokenised to its physical twin YEN Gin bottle, a distinctive, sleek collectable, which is hand-signed by the creators to mark which NFT ticket has been minted, starting from #1/100. Unlike BlockBar, the purchase of the YEN NFT automatically includes shipping of a bottle of the debut spirit. Luke Dawkins says the NFT offers on-going value through its exclusive membership club, which includes special benefits and other planned unique experiences. Dawkins spent a year developing the recipe for YEN, which is distilled at The Spirits Workshop in Christchurch. He describes it as a classic London Dry with

a New Zealand twist; using kawakawa in the range of botanicals. He says YEN will be available to buy online from mid-late April and in selected on-premise, with plans for retail down the track. Where to from here?

As brands seek to connect with consumers more deeply and create paths for community-building, NFTs represent a new way to reach and gather like-minded people, even when geographical distance or pandemic restrictions might otherwise be an issue. Certainly, it is a developing space, and growing trust in cryptocurrency will be key to reaching a wider market, but judging by the swift moves of the big brands it is very much a space to watch.

LEGAL NOTES

Pervinder Kaur

Associate at Harkness Henry specialising in alcohol licensing and resource management law pervinder.kaur@harkness.co.nz harknesshenry.co.nz

All good in the ’hood? It’s important to understand how a locality can impact alcohol licensing applications, says alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur… OVER MY last two columns, I’ve explained some of the criteria that decision-makers must take into account when assessing alcohol licence applications. Having discussed the suitability of the candidate and local alcohol policy as two of those, the next area of consideration is the “amenity and good order” of the locality and its relevance in the application. The legal test (s 105(1)(h)) requires a district licensing committee to form an opinion as to whether the amenity and good order of the locality “would be likely” to be reduced by “more than a minor extent” by the effects of the issue of the licence. Essentially, this looks at whether the granting of an alcohol licence in a particular place would have a negative impact on the area. This can include consideration of issues such as noise and vandalism, and may also factor in the number of other licensed premises in the area. It is therefore necessary to determine the extent of the locality, its character as a receiving environment, the likelihood of any potential adverse effects, and then finally, whether any likely effects reach the required threshold (more than minor). Understanding definitions

“Locality” is not defined in the Act. However, it is generally accepted that locality will be that area of land that is likely to be affected by the operation of the licence. How far “the locality” extends is a matter for factual determination in each case. The Act defines “amenity and good order” as the extent to which, and ways in 24 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

which, the locality in which the premises concerned are situated is pleasant and agreeable. The expression is slightly different to that under s 2 of the Resource Management Act 1991 which defines “amenity values” as “those natural or physical qualities and characteristics of an area that contribute to people’s appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic, coherence, and cultural and recreational attributes.”

This looks at whether the granting of an alcohol licence in a particular place would have a negative impact on the area. The Court of Appeal in Port Nelson Ltd v Commerce Commission [1996] 3 NZLR 554 has discussed the meaning of “likely” and held that the appropriate level is above mere possibility and is best expressed as real and substantial risk. This essentially means that the stated harm or risk of harm is a real and appreciable possibility that cannot be dismissed or ignored as being remote or fanciful. Whether the effects are “more than minor” depends on the present state of the receiving environment. The Authority has held that where the receiving environment is already a noisy area, then that must be taken into account when deciding whether the effects are acceptable.

What is considered

Section 105(1)(i) sets out the issues for consideration when deciding whether the issuing of a licence is likely to reduce the amenity and good order of a locality by more than a minor extent and, includes matters such as current and future levels of noise, nuisance, and vandalism. The Authority has also previously recognised that the proliferation of licensed premises is relevant to an assessment of amenity and good order. In Re Venus NZ Ltd [2015] NZHC 1377, Justice Heath said that the question of whether amenity and good order will not be materially reduced is one on which a judgment must be formed by the Authority on the facts of a specific case, as opposed to something that an applicant is required to prove on a balance of probabilities. Section 105(1)(h) and (i) of the Act both deal with the amenity and good order considerations and require the Authority or Committee to form an ‘opinion’. As Justice Heath noted in Re Venus, the need for a judicial body to form an independent opinion is conceptually different from a decision that is based on whether or not an applicant has established that a relevant fact has been proved. It is important to seek legal advice if your application is opposed on the amenity and good order of the locality ground, as there are many factors that require consideration under this criterion. While it is the applicant’s responsibility to put their “best foot forward” when they apply for an alcohol licence, they aren’t required to prove that operating their premises won’t adversely affect the locality’s amenity and good order.

RTD NEWS

Batched adds Margarita and Whiskey Sour

Scapegrace launches new Gin & Soda RTD NEW ZEALAND’S largest gin distillery has launched its first gin-based RTD in a can. Scapegrace Ruby Red Grapefruit & Hibiscus Gin & Soda (5% ABV) comes in a 330ml can and uses premium, hand-crafted distilled gin straight from Scapegrace’s still in Canterbury. The new release has a balanced sweet, yet tangy profile, followed by a slightly tart finish. After the success of its vodka RTD can range at the end of 2021, Scapegrace co-founder and Marketing Director Mark Neal says a gin can was the natural next step for the company. “We were blown away at the response we had for the vodka RTDs. After picking up two double Gold medals in the recent International Beverage Institute Awards for the vodka RTDs, we were so excited to finally add a gin varietal to the mix.” Hancocks

PREMIUM PRE-MIXED cocktail range Batched has added two new cocktails to its line-up with Salted Grapefruit Margarita and Classic Whiskey Sour. The new additions join the existing Espresso Martini and Gin Sour. All four pre-mixed cocktails are 13.9% ABV, and a 725ml bottle makes six cocktails. “Five years ago premixed, ready-made cocktails weren’t readily available and what was on the shelf was lacklustre in taste, outdated flavours and made with low-quality ingredients,” says Kate Smith,

CMO of Premium Liquor Co., which distributes the Batched range. “Batched Premium Cocktails offers the flavour profile you’d find in a glass at your favourite cocktail bar. Made by mixologists using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, our innovative technology ensures every glass has the signature cocktail foam top, with a simple shake and pour.” Batched Premium Cocktails – 725ml RRP $44.99

New flavour from Long White Vodka

Lush Strawberry & Lemon joins Vodka Cruiser range

ASAHI NZ has added a new flavour to its Long White Vodka range with Peach and Pineapple – described as a “perfect pairing of delicate peach sweetness combined with the tropical freshness of pineapple.” As with the rest of the Long White Vodka range, the new addition is made with no added sugar, preservatives, artificial colours or flavours. 320ml 10-pack (4.8% ABV) RRP $29.99 Asahi NZ 26 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Premium Liquor Co.

RTD VODKA Cruiser has launched a new Lush Strawberry & Lemon flavour. The new variant is available in 12 x 250ml bottles (5% ABV) and 12 x 250ml cans (7% ABV). Both formats are RRP $25.99. Asahi NZ

Guarana boost for KGB RTD VODKA RTD KGB has released a new variant with the arrival of KGB Vodka Tropical with Guarana. Asahi NZ says this ready-mixed vodka with tropical flavours and Guarana is aimed at the growing flavoured energy RTD segment. KGB Vodka Tropical with Guarana is available in 12 x 250ml cans at RRP $25.99 and 4 x 250ml cans at RRP $10.99. Asahi NZ

NEW ZEALAND'S WHISKY SPECIALISTS E: trade@whiskygalore.co.nz | P: 0800 WHISKY (944 759) 834 Colombo Street, Christchurch

NON-ALCOHOLIC NEWS

Can do at Good Buzz TAURANGA-BASED KOMBUCHA producer Good Buzz has launched three of its signature flavours in a new 250ml slimline can. The four-packs are available in: Blueberry Peach; Passionfruit Guava; and Pineapple Mango. As with the rest of the Good Buzz range, the new canned drinks are BioGro certified organic and small batch brewed (not made from concentrates). Ryan Christensen, CEO at Good Buzz, says: “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to offer kombucha drinkers a new way of enjoying our Good Buzz brews. As a company that’s certified by New Zealand’s leading organic certification company, BioGro, we are committed to producing drinks that are organic in ingredients and practices.” 250ml 4-pack is RRP $9.99. Good Buzz

First hop lemonade from Pete’s Natural MOTUEKA-BASED NATURAL beverage company Pete’s Natural has released a limited edition hop lemonade to mark the annual hop harvest. Each bottle of Pete’s Natural Limited Edition Hop Lemonade contains a fresh hop cone sourced from a hop farm in nearby Tapawera in the Tasman District. Each of the 5,500 bottles made is individually numbered. Pete’s Natural co-founder, Marleen Suy, says the drink is a natural progression in their range. “Mr Pete (Pete Suy) has been helping with the drying of the hops during the hop harvest at Hinetai Hops for about ten years, so including this beautiful and distinctive ingredient for which the Nelson-Tasman region is famous is a natural next step.” Pete’s Natural Limited Edition Hop Lemonade contains lightly sparkling water, organic fair trade raw sugar, freshly squeezed lemon juice from New Zealand-grown lemons, hops, and a fresh hop cone. The Suys will also donate 10% of the sales of the new release to the Help for Hospo fund, which supports struggling hospitality businesses. Pete’s Natural Limited Edition Hop Lemonade 300ml is RRP $5 or 12-pack RRP $49. Pete’s Natural 28 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

The Apple Press goes big with Pink Lady HAWKE’S BAY beverage company The Apple Press has launched its popular Pink Lady® apple juice in an 800ml pack size. The Apple Press bottles each apple variety individually to retain their distinctive taste characteristics – its range includes JAZZ, Royal Gala, Envy, and for a limited time only each year the popular Granny Smith. Pink Lady has been a limited addition to the range and previously available only in 350ml. Ross Beaton, Co-Founder of The Apple Press says consumers have been asking for Pink Lady in a larger size for some time. “People love being able to select and enjoy their favourite apples pressed into a juice and Pink Lady is a very popular apple. The first trees to blossom and the last to be harvested, Pink Lady apples spend extra long hours in the sun, developing their uniquely refreshing taste.” The Apple Press

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

GREAT WHITES Chardonnay has it all, says Joelle Thomson, and rounds up some excellent local examples to prove it.

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WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

Under RRP $20

RRP $20 - $29.99

2018 Mansion House Bay Chardonnay

2021 Wairau River Estate Chardonnay

RRP $18.99 Whitehaven Wines

RRP $20 Federal Merchants

Mansion House Bay Chardonnay is the little sibling of Whitehaven Chardonnay, one of Marlborough’s best dry whites. It has a medium body and dry, fresh flavours intertwined with a creamy mouthfeel and long, juicy finish. These qualities give this incredibly well-priced wine its broad appeal with Chardonnay lovers of both persuasions: those who love their favourite whites to taste big, soft and buttery, and those who enjoy refreshing modern whites. 17.5/20

Chardonnay is one of Marlborough’s best-kept secrets thanks to the region’s hot summer days and cool nights, which provide close to ideal growing conditions for this great white grape. Warm, ripe stonefruit flavours of peach and citrus combine with hints of juicy, ruby grapefruit flavour, which add balance to this medium-bodied, great value, dry Chardonnay. 17.5/20

2021 The Ned Chardonnay

RRP $20.99 Tony Bish Wines

RRP $18.99 Marisco

Big, bold and buttery in aroma, this Chardonnay tastes appealingly creamy and rich with its smooth, full body that will soften the hardest aromatic white wine lover, winning them over to Chardonnay’s charms. Bright acidity adds length to every flavoursome sip. 17.5/20

2020 Tony Bish Fat & Sassy Chardonnay Another tasty Chardonnay under the cheeky Fat & Sassy name. This wine is defined by delicious barrel ferment characters, which add creamy, caramel and nutty aromas to its rounded full body, supported by zesty notes of lemon, ripe grapefruit zest and white peach on the finish. A great gateway to the Chardonnays that Tony Bish makes at his Urban Winery in Napier. 17.5/20

2020 Te Mata Estate Chardonnay RRP $21.99 EuroVintage

This fragrant Chardonnay is a fusion of traditional and modern winemaking techniques, including whole bunch pressing, barrel fermentation and barrel maturation. These all add the creamy notes that are supported by malolactic fermentation. On the fruit side, the nose and palate provide notes of lemon, white peach and toasted cashews, which all linger on the juicy finish of this flavoursome dry white. 17.5/20 2020 Mission Gaia Project Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay RRP $22 Mission Estate

This Chardonnay is my favourite of the new Gaia range from Mission Estate, which was launched in 2021. It’s made with grapes grown on 20-year-old vines in Hawke’s Bay, and the juice was inoculated with aromatic yeasts to accentuate fragrant fruit-forward aromas and the citrusy, refreshing flavours in this creamy, textured wine. It was fermented and aged in French oak for 10 months. 17.5/20

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WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2020 Paritua Stone Paddock Chardonnay

2020 Esk Valley Artisanal Chardonnay

RRP $22.99 Mineral

RRP $24.99 Villa Maria

Stone Paddock is from Hawke’s Bay winery Paritua and the range offers outstanding wines at super-affordable prices, such as this full-bodied, dry Chardonnay made in a lightly-oaked style. Ripe tropical fruit and peach aromas combine with grapefruit notes and the hint of oak, which adds complexity in taste and texture. 18.5/20

An outstanding new addition to the well-known and much loved Esk Valley stable. This elegant wine has all the big, buttery Chardonnay notes, combined with rich, nutty flavours and strong creamy appeal from 50% malolactic fermentation, with lees stirring to accentuate and lift aromas. 18.5/20

2020 Clearview White Caps Chardonnay RRP $23.99 Clearview Estate

Winemakers Tim Turvey and Matt Kirby are fans of the big, buttery Chardonnay style, which comes through with bells on in this evocatively-named Hawke’s Bay wine. It’s big on body with rich, buttery flavours and a lingering finish. Great value for money. 18.5/20

2019 Trinity Hill White Label Chardonnay RRP $24.99 Lion

Trinity Hill winemaker Damien Fischer blends Chardonnay grapes grown in five different sub regions of Hawke’s Bay to make this fresh, dry, full-bodied, crisp and creamy wine. Citrus aromas and buttery notes give immediate appeal to the nose, with a full body and ripe stonefruit flavours adding depth and length. 17.5/20

Stone Paddock is from Hawke’s Bay winery Paritua and the range offers outstanding wines at superaffordable prices.

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2019 Neudorf Tiritiri Chardonnay RRP $27.99 EuroVintage

Moutere clay soils are home to the flavoursome grapes grown on three different sites that go into this lively South Island Chardonnay. They combine to create a smooth, silky wine with zesty bright, juicy acidity that adds freshness to the rich, creamy aromas and smooth texture. A great white from one of the country’s leading Chardonnay producers. 18.5/20 2020 Whitehaven Marlborough Chardonnay RRP $27.99 Whitehaven Wines

Winemaker Peter Jackson makes this delicious Marlborough Chardonnay in the mould of a far more expensive wine. He blends grapes from a wide range of sites to gain complexity, with dialled-up malolactic fermentation balancing the nervy freshness of drive and acidity. This lively Chardonnay overdelivers massively on the quality-price ratio. 18.5/20

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2020 The King’s Bastard Chardonnay RRP $28.99 Marisco

Winemaker Brent Marris makes this wine to highlight the ‘other’ great white from Marlborough. The beautifully refined elegance of this Chardonnay shines through in its dry, full-bodied style thanks to zesty, citrusy acidity adding depth, nerve and length to every richly flavoursome sip. 18.5/20 2020 Mission Reserve Chardonnay RRP $29 Mission Estate

Hawke’s Bay’s oldest winery makes this great Chardonnay from two vineyards: Ohiti Road and its Taradale home block. The wine is creamy, full-bodied and smooth, thanks to 10 months of maturation in French oak. It’s a stunning new vintage from a well-established brand. 18.5/20 2020 Nga Waka Chardonnay RRP $29.99 Hancocks

A big white wine from a small wine region. This full-bodied, intensely smooth and textural Chardonnay is made by Roger Parkinson, one of the first six winemakers in Martinborough and a dab hand at making dry white wines. Fresh citrus aromas of lemon juice and grapefruit zest are balanced by creamy notes, succulent zingy acidity, a full body and a long, refreshing finish. 18.5/20

RRP $30 - $39.99 2021 Wairau River Reserve Chardonnay RRP $30 Federal Merchants

Hand-picked grapes grown on stony soils in Marlborough were fermented and aged for 11 months in French oak barrels for this wine. Its great fruit concentration is supported by complex aromas of vanilla and hints of cedar. Balance comes from bright citrus zest, which provides fresh acidity and great length to every succulent sip of this dry, full-bodied Chardonnay. 18.5/20 2020 Mount Edward Central Otago Chardonnay RRP $31.99 Mineral

This is one of Central Otago’s great whites from Mount Edward Wines, which is based in the Gibbston Valley but sources grapes from several sub regions in Otago. It’s a full-bodied, bone-dry Chardonnay that is creamy and super concentrated with flavours of ripe grapefruit and lemon curd, zingy acidity, a nervy freshness and flavours that linger long after the last sip. Native yeast fermentation and full malolactic fermentation sit in harmony in this beautifully balanced, affordably priced Chardonnay. 19/20

2019 Astrolabe Marlborough Chardonnay RRP $32 Astrolabe

Marlborough winemaker Simon Waghorn loves Chardonnay and felt an affinity with it long before he began the Astrolabe brand 25 years ago. He brings this passion and his decades of winemaking experience to bear in this accessibly priced dry Chardonnay, which is a blend of grapes from four different sub regions: the lower Wairau Valley, the Wrekin Vineyard, the Southern Valleys and the Windmill Block in the cooler, windier Awatere Valley. Wild yeast fermentation, lees ageing in 500 litre French oak puncheons and bright citrus flavours all build complexity and body into this lovely, satisfying Chardonnay. 18.5/20 2020 Craggy Range Gimblett Chardonnay RRP $34.99 Vintners

Craggy Range makes a trio of high-hitting Chardonnays – this subtle little number overdelivers with its rounded, fleshy body and pristine ripe stonefruit flavours of white peach and nectarine. A complex, weighty wine that puts Hawke’s Bay’s best white wine foot forward. 18.5/20

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WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2020 Nautilus Marlborough Chardonnay

2020 Tony Bish Heartwood Chardonnay

RRP $40 - $49.99

RRP $34.99 Negociants

RRP $34.99 Tony Bish Wines

2020 Palliser Estate Chardonnay

Nautilus Chardonnay is one of Marlborough’s most age-worthy white wines and a delicious drink right now, thanks to superlative winemaking by Clive Jones. He produces small volumes of this concentrated, powerful wine with its nutty flavours and complex notes of spice, cream, hints of caramel and smooth texture. Drinks beautifully now and has great ability to age, for up to 10 years. 18.5/20

A beautiful expression of Chardonnay from its full body and creamy, smooth, dry flavours to its complex nutty notes. Winemaker Tony Bish makes this wine from hand-picked grapes grown in the Upper Dartmoor Valley and at Bay View, north of Napier. Fermentation was nearly all in barrel with 5% in a new French oak ovum. The wine was aged for 12 months in Taransaud oak, 25% new, with regular lees stirring to enhance the creamy flavours in this big, bold, beautifully balanced Chardonnay. 19/20

Hand-picked grapes and wild yeast ferment accentuate the oatmeal and savoury flavours in this full-bodied Chardonnay and support the fresh nectarine and peach aromas. Its textural mouthfeel highlights barrel ferment characters of creaminess and zingy acidity adds flow with energy, concentration and a rounded core carrying to a long, creamy, nutty finish. 18.5/20

2020 Te Kano Life Series Chardonnay RRP $34.99 Te Kano Estate

A dry, rich and creamy Chardonnay made from a blend of grapes grown on Te Kano’s Estate vineyards at Bannockburn and Northburn in Central Otago. This wine has a complex, creamy texture and savoury flavours. Barrel fermentation with extended lees stirring enhances its depth of flavour, freshness and textural full body. 17.5/20

34 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

2020 Carrick Organic Chardonnay Bannockburn RRP $36 EuroVintage

Here’s a Chardonnay with intensity and power. It’s made from Mendoza clone Chardonnay grapes (also known as ‘hen and chicken’ because the bunches are characterised by small and large grapes), which add balance, richness and concentration. Fermentation with wild yeasts and French oak ageing for 14 months adds body and weight with just 15% new oak, a relatively small portion that allows the bright acidity in this wine to shine in every juicy, lingering sip. 18.5/20

RRP $42.99 Negociants

2020 Te Mata Estate Elston Chardonnay RRP $42.99 EuroVintage

This dry, weighty, citrusy and creamy smooth Chardonnay is a great wine to enjoy now and to keep for the long haul, in optimal cellar conditions. Elston is Te Mata Estate’s top Chardonnay and has a full body with aromas of cream, hazelnuts and almonds leading into a rich, citrusy, textural dry white wine. Elston takes its name from the ancestral home of Charles Darwin, Elston Hall, in Nottinghamshire in the United Kingdom. 18.5/20

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2020 Clearview Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay was named Champion Wine of the Show at the New Zealand International Wine Show 2021. 2020 Clearview Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay

2019 Astrolabe Wrekin Vineyard Chardonnay

RRP $44.99 Clearview Estate

RRP $45 Astrolabe

This reserve Chardonnay is a rich, fullflavoured style with creamy, buttery notes to the fore and a full body adding to its crowd-pleasing appeal. If you love big buttery styles of Chardonnay, look no further than this tasty drop from the long established Clearview on the coast at Te Awanga. It was named Champion Wine of the Show at the NZ International Wine Show 2021. 18.5/20

This great Chardonnay comes from one of Marlborough’s greatest hillside vineyards, which is in the process of organic certification with BioGro NZ. It’s an elegant wine with huge creamy flavours balanced by great acidity. This youthful wine drinks well now and can age for the medium- to long-term. 18.5/20

2019 Astrolabe The Farm Chardonnay

RRP $45 Felton Road

RRP $45 Astrolabe

Creamy, full-bodied, dry and smooth thanks to dry-farmed, low-cropped, hand-picked grapes grown on old vines. Full malolactic adds a creamy texture and subtle hints of buttery taste, which are enhanced by spicy notes due to maturation for 10 months in French oak puncheons. The result is outstanding. 18.5/20

2020 Felton Road Bannockurn Chardonnay Winemaker Blair Walter has an unwavering focus on the great classic Chardonnays of the world. This plays a key role in his thinking when producing this outstandingly well-balanced wine, which rocks with a full body, savoury oatmeal aromas and creamy texture. Hand-picked grapes were whole bunch pressed with the juice put in barrel for indigenous yeast fermentation in French oak and less than 10% new oak used. This provides depth and smoothness without overt wood influence. The wine spent 11 months in oak, softening the acidity and adding roundness to this impressive full-bodied white. 18.5/20

2019 Novum Marlborough Chardonnay RRP $46.99 Mineral

A new and relatively small-scale wine brand from Marlborough winemaker William Hoare, who brings traditional winemaking philosophy to bear in this beautiful, full-bodied, smooth and satisfyingly complex Chardonnay. Novum is a great wine for now and much later; a keeper in a good wine cellar. 19/20 2020 Lime Hill Wairarapa Chardonnay RRP $46.99 Lime Hill

An outstanding full-bodied, crisp and silky Chardonnay made from a small lime-clay hillside vineyard on the road to Castlepoint in a remote corner of the Wairarapa. This wine is creamy and smooth with zesty acidity adding nerve and drive to every succulent sip. 19/20

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 35

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2019 Pegasus Bay Chardonnay RRP $47.99 EuroVintage

This is one of the South Island’s most powerful, full-bodied, dry and rewardingly complex Chardonnays with its flavours of ripe citrus, honeydew melon and peach. Flinty notes add complexity, which comes from both cool climate high acidity and lees contact from ageing in the barrel. The flavours are elegant and focused with a lingering finish. 18.5/20 2019 Corofin Folium Chardonnay RRP $49.99 Kemp Wine Merchants

An impeccable wine that highlights quality Marlborough Chardonnay with this Chablis-like dry white, made by Mike and Anna Paterson. The couple sources grapes from top-notch vineyards in the region, using organically certified vineyards wherever possible. This Chardonnay is made from a blend of clones 6, 5 and Mendoza, which has small and large grapes on each bunch, renowned for providing fresh acidity (small grapes) and fleshy appeal (the larger ones). 18.5/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 80.

36 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

RRP $50 and above

2019 Pegasus Bay Virtuoso Chardonnay

2016 Giesen Clayvin Chardonnay

RRP $65 EuroVintage

RRP $55.99 Giesen Group

A great Chardonnay from a great vineyard. Clayvin is certified organic and on a hillside in Marlborough, where elevation provides intense sunshine and cool temperatures at night to retain acidity in the grapes grown there. This is a complex Chardonnay aged on lees in 1,000 litre German Fuder barrels, which provide excellent contact with yeast lees as Chardonnay ages. This develops distinct fresh bread aromas, which marry beautifully with stonefruit, subtle nuttiness and honeyed aromas. Lively acid is balanced with distinct minerality and citrus flavours on the palate. 18.5/20

For a full-bodied, complex Chardonnay that’s made only in the best years and as a selection of the best barrels, Pegasus Bay’s Virtuoso sure does make its mark on the memory. All grapes in this wine were hand-picked in stages, gently pressed and fermented in French oak puncheons with a relatively high percentage (40%) of new oak. This supports the hedonistic, weighty structure of the bold, creamy wine with its flavours of caramel, cedar and roasted stonefruit, intertwined with subtle, spicy taste explosions on the lingering, succulent finish. This is an outstanding Chardonnay from a great winemaking team. 19/20

2020 Felton Road Block 2

2019 Tony Bish Zen Chardonnay

RRP $62 Felton Road

This is one of New Zealand’s greatest Chardonnays from the country’s bestknown Pinot Noir region. That makes sense, given that these two great grapes have the same traditional home of Burgundy, France. This wine has commanding aromas of lemon zest and ripe white peach, and complex creamy flavours supported by a long, refreshing finish. Made in small volumes, this is a great white that shines a new light on what New Zealand Chardonnay can be. 19/20

RRP $139.99 Tony Bish Wines

This vintage of Zen is the best yet with its full-bodied, creamy, complex new world take on one of the great classic wines of the world. Winemaker Tony Bish uses grapes from the highly rated Skeetfield Vineyard in Hawke’s Bay and ages the wine in a Taransaud oak ovum, a large egg-shaped fermentation vessel, which adds weight and density with a full-bodied, savoury edge and a smooth mouth feel. This is one of the highest priced and undoubtedly one of the highest quality Chardonnays in New Zealand. 19.5/20

NEW RELEASES

Top Picks New releases worth seeking out, as selected by Joelle Thomson

2019 Akitu A1 Pinot Noir

2021 Akitu Pinot Noir Blanc

2021 Jim Barry Assyrtiko

RRP $65 Kemp Wine Merchants

RRP $45 Kemp Wine Merchants

RRP $35.99 Negociants

Central Otago is no stranger to evocative labels and beautiful wines, but Akitu is one of the newest, sporting outstandingly well-executed designs and super-tasty contents. This brand is devoted entirely to Pinot Noir and this is my current favourite of the two red Pinot Noirs, thanks to its intensely seductive broad-shouldered style, soft, smooth red fruit aromas and deliciously long, well-balanced finish with purity of acidity driving tension in every mouthful. The wine is made from five different clones of Pinot Noir and includes a relatively high 40% whole bunch fermentation, which accentuates the structure in this tasty wine, adding weight and aromatic deliciousness – think red fruit and red floral aromas. A superb expression of Otago Pinot Noir. 18.5/20

Here’s a new style of Pinot Noir – a white wine made from Pinot grapes harvested during cool morning temperatures to retain freshness. The grapes were treated to whole bunch pressing and given minimal settling to ensure that colour uptake from the red Pinot Noir skins was minimal. The pale pink hue is the result and the wine is textural, medium-bodied and surprisingly savoury with lively, refreshing red fruit and earthy flavours. Serve lightly chilled – half an hour in the fridge is ideal. It’s made in tiny volumes with just 270 cases produced. 17.5/20

Jim Barry’s Clare Valley Assyrtiko (pronounced ‘As-err-teek-oh’) is made from a small portion of the Florita Vineyard. It’s an elevated site that suits this traditional Mediterranean grape well, allowing it to retain its freshness due to cool, crisp night-time temperatures. The result is an outstandingly succulent, refreshing dry white. This wine will take you by surprise, in the best possible way. It was Australia’s first Assyrtiko, made by Peter Barry, who fell for the grape and the wines made from it after a trip to Greece. 18.5/20

2019 Carrick Organic Pinot Gris Bannockburn

2020 Carrick Organic Bannockburn Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $28 EuroVintage

Winemaker Rosie Menzies uses handpicked grapes from the Cairnmuir Terraces vineyard in Bannockburn to make this offdry Pinot Gris with its beautiful balance of 3.5 grams of residual sugar per litre, which accentuates its lemony flavours and fruit appeal. Full body and textural qualities come from barrel maturation in old oak for 55% of the wine with the balance aged in tank. All up, this certified organic (BioGro NZ) white tastes fresh, with pear and white fruit flavours. 18.5/20

Here is a southern Sauvignon Blanc with the ‘wow’ factor. It’s made from handpicked grapes grown in a windy corner of Bannockburn and its textural qualities and dry flavours come from the wild yeast fermented grapes, as well as seven months maturation in aged oak barrels. This softens the wine, adding smooth, spicy appeal and a stunning balance to the zesty, zingy flavours here. What a fabulous Sauvignon. 18.5/20

2021 Jim Barry Assyrtiko is an outstandingly succulent, refreshing dry white made from this traditional Mediterranean grape.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 80. 38 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

OPINION – WINE

Joelle Thomson

Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

Trading in a pandemic Running your own business is challenging at the best of times, let alone in a global pandemic, so it’s encouraging to see independent operators surviving, says Joelle Thomson.

IT TAKES courage to start a business, let alone run one during a global pandemic, but that’s exactly what many New Zealanders continue to do. I take my hat off to them, especially when business turnover is down, global shipments are slow and there are a myriad of other distribution challenges. Then there are the joys of mask wearing, staff shortages, illness, loss of loved ones and the unexpected issue for inner city Wellington of the protesters who camped on the lawns of Parliament, preventing 90% of nearby businesses from opening their doors for fear of being spat on, verbally or physically attacked. While the protesters have moved on their sentiments remain, as a customer at Regional Wines, where I work one day a week in store, showed recently. He told me that it’s not the pandemic that’s going to kill us, it is people’s responses to it. I agreed wholeheartedly, until he took his mask off and started yelling at other customers about the Government’s response to the virus. It takes all sorts, and right now I feel lucky not to have to encounter all of them. One of the genuine joys of being able to work in this industry is the continued contact with those at the hub of importing and distributing good wine. Take Daniel Kemp. He is the founder, owner and managing director of Kemp Wine Merchants, a company dedicated to distributing top tier wines from New Zealand and the world. 40 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Kemp started his business in 2001, when he began importing small volumes of interesting wines. Four years later, he opened a wine store in Auckland called Great Little Vineyards, which is the public face of the business. The aim is to share the great wines of the world with New Zealanders and tourists alike, not that many of the latter have made it into his store over the past two years. But, despite that and the enormous downturn in business from restaurants and bars, he remains one of this country’s most focused importer-supplier-distributors of good and great wines. His brands include many at the cutting edge of organic and biodynamic wine production and range from affordably low prices to ‘the sky’s the limit’. One of the first formal tastings this year at Regional Wines was with the store manager, Dan Kemp, and yours truly. Not that there’s anything formal about Kemp. He is affable, warm and effusive. His aim, of course, is to sell wine to us, but we taste a lot more than we choose to stock in store. Like him, our tiny team is dedicated to providing diversity and quality across the board. So when pandemics, protestors, and daily life seem overwhelming, a decent glass of wine beckons. It is small business owners such as Kemp who make it possible to enjoy some of the best travel in liquid form to diverse places in the wonderful world of wine.

Two top class wines from Kemp Wine Merchants Champagne Joseph Perrier Brut RRP $86.99

The Cuvée Royale Brut is a superbly intense champagne with depth of flavour and complex tastes of white peach. Floral notes of white flowers give way to fruity ones, with dialled up yeasty freshness derived from 36 months ageing with 20% reserve wines in the blend. The blend is 35% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier. 2017 Puriri Hills Estate Red RRP $45.99

The rolling green hills of Clevedon, south of Auckland, are home to the grapes in this outstanding red. The blend here is Merlot, Carménère, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. These are all classic Bordeaux red grapes, which are the inspiration of Puriri Hills founder Judy Fowler, whose aim is to produce wines modelled on the great reds of Pomerol and St Emilion in Bordeaux. This is a full-bodied, ripe, dark-fruited red wine with firm, grainy tannins and complex flavours of cardamom, cedar, blackcurrant, blackberry and dark plum. This wine drinks beautifully now and has great potential to age for up to a decade.

@giesenwines | giesenwines.co.nz

*Contains not more than 0.5% Alcohol/Volume

WINE NEWS

New releases for 19 Crimes and Pepperjack TWO NEW wines in the 19 Crimes range are now available through Asahi Beverages NZ. The 19 Crimes Sauvignon Block and Pinot Noir are both RRP $16.99. There is also a new addition to the Pepperjack range, with Pepperjack Malbec Mendosa Argentina 2019 at RRP $23.99 Asahi Beverages NZ

Taylors Estate Tempranillo arrives FAMILY-OWNED CLARE Valley winery Taylors has unveiled a selection of new vintage releases in its flagship Estate range in New Zealand, alongside a special new release of its Estate Tempranillo 2020. The Tempranillo joins Taylors Estate Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. “We have seen exciting demand in the wine category for emerging and alternative wine varieties and New Zealand is no different,” says third-generation Company Director and Global Key Accounts Manager Justin Taylor. “While our Estate Shiraz and Estate Cabernet will always have their loyalists, the new release Estate Tempranillo allows us to bring a new wine drinker into the Taylors journey.” Taylor Brown

Chardonnay joins Church Road Gwen range CHURCH ROAD has extended its Gwen range of wines, with a Chardonnay joining the Rosé and Pinot Gris. The Hawke’s Bay winery has released the 2020 vintage of the wines, which are made in tribute to Florence Gwendolen (Gwen) Brown, the wife of famous winemaker and Church Road pioneer, Tom McDonald. The Gwen Chardonnay is made with grapes grown in the Tūtaekurī sub region of Hawke’s Bay. These were hand-harvested earlier than other Church Road Chardonnays with the aim of creating a dry, and moderate alcohol wine (12.5%) that is more of a Chablisstyle, a contrast to the rich and fullbodied Church Road Chardonnay. The Gwen range offers lighter and refreshing wines with a lower alcohol content, making them versatile in drinking both with and without food. The Church Road Gwen range is RRP $25. Pernod Ricard 42 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Trophies announced in NZ International Wine Show 2021 AFTER A delay of six months due to COVID, the long-awaited trophies in the 2021 New Zealand International Wine Show were announced, with a Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay’s Clearview Estate taking the top prize for Champion Wine of the Show. The competition received 1780 entries and a team of 20 senior judges awarded 265 Gold or Double Gold medals, along with 24 trophies. The NZIWS is the largest wine competition in New Zealand and the 2021 event received entries from Australia, USA, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, Chile, Germany, and even one from Georgia.

The Winners Champion Wine of the Show Clearview Estate Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2020 Wine Maker of the Show Matt Connell (Wine maker for Matt Connell Vineyard, Eight Ranges, Tiki, Three Miners And McArthur Ridge) Champion Wine Company of the Year Lion Champion Pinot Gris Askerne Pinot Gris 2021 Champion Sauvignon Blanc Thornbury Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Champion Riesling Wairau River Estate Summer Riesling 2021 Champion Gewürztraminer Johanneshof Cellars Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2021 Champion Chardonnay Clearview Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2020 Champion Viognier Dancing Petrel Reserve Viognier 2020 Champion Other White Wine Varieties d’Arenberg The Hermit Crab 2020, McLaren Vale Champion NZ Sparkling Wine Lindauer Vintage Series Brut Cuvee 2017 Champion Champagne & Methode Traditionelle Champagne Cristian Senez Cuvee Renoir NV

Champion Sweet Wine Whitehaven Marlborough Noble Riesling 2021 Champion Commercial White Wine Delegat Crownthorpe Terraces Chardonnay 2020 Champion Rosé McArthur Ridge Lilico Rosé 2021 Champion Pinot Noir McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2020 Champion Merlot & Predominant Blends Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Merlot 2020 Champion Cabernet Sauvignon Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Champion Syrah and Predominant Blends Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Syrah 2020 Champion Shiraz & Predominant Blends Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz 2020 Champion International Red Wine Varieties Tenuta Ulisse Amaranta Montepulciano D’Abruzzo DOP 2019 Champion NZ Bordeaux Red Wine Beach House Cabernet Malbec 2020 Champion Commercial Red Wine Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz 2020 Champion Fortified Wine Gonzalez Byass Nectar Pedro Ximenez

Full results at nziws.co.nz/awards/2021

WINE NEWS

New Rosé from Boh Runga and Ant Moore

Asahi Beverages NZ welcomes St Huberts ASAHI BEVERAGES NZ has expanded its wine portfolio with the addition of 160-year-old Australian winery St Huberts, through its partnership with Treasury Wines Estates. Established by Swiss immigrant Charles Hubert de Castella in 1862, St Huberts has played an important role in the history of Victoria’s Yarra Valley, being the largest estate in the region by the late 1800s. Since then, the winery has expanded its varietals through a mix of traditional and modern winemaking techniques led by winemaker of 14 years, Greg Jarratt. “St Huberts is well-known in Australia for the quality of their wines, and for the approachability and visual appeal of their newest tier, St Huberts The Stag,” says Asahi Beverages NZ’s Senior Brand Manager Wine, Li Camilleri. “Our research shows today’s Kiwi consumers are increasingly using visual cues in their wine purchase decision and St Huberts The Stag delivers this with the strength of a disruptive bottle shape and label, and an ethos that speaks to enjoying life, the great outdoors and adventure, which resonates with so many after the past couple of years!” The addition takes the total Asahi Beverages NZ wine portfolio 44 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

to 16 and supports other changes in Kiwi wine consumption driven by premiumisation within the $15-$20 price segment – up 4.7% and $20+ up 12% – according to recent scan data1. Li says the Tempranillo category is also an emerging varietal, growing at +10.7% vs YA as shoppers continue to experiment with lighter styles of red wine. “Rosé also continues to be a growing varietal in total wine at +7.4% vs YA. The ‘pink trend’ shows no sign of slowing down – it’s now the sixth biggest varietal and the only one of the top six in significant growth in New Zealand. The $15-$20 Rosé range has grown 9.3% MAT.” Chardonnay remains the fourth biggest varietal in New Zealand with all growth coming from premiumisation $15-$20 up 6.6% and $20+ up 17.5%. The new St Huberts range is RRP $21.99 and comprises: • St Huberts The Stag Tempranillo Shiraz • St Huberts The Stag Victorian Rosé • St Huberts The Stag Victorian Shiraz • St Hubert’s The Stag Victorian Chardonnay 1

Source: Nielsen Scan T. Market Data to 30/1/22.

Asahi Beverages NZ

AS PART of the 15th anniversary celebrations for Boh Runga Jewellery, the Kiwi musician and jewellery designer has collaborated with Ant Moore Wines to launch a new wine: Bohsé. It is the first release in what Boh Runga and Ant Moore say will be an ongoing partnership. Moore says that the Bohsé playfully re-imagines their Signature Rosé. “Bohsé has notes of perfumed rose petals and a hint of thyme with cookies and cream, and segues into a fruit salad of wild berries and crisp watermelon for a refreshing, dry finish.” As with the Boh Runga jewellery range, the wine’s custom packaging has been created with gifting in mind. The bottle comes in a gift box with a space on the back for a message. Bohsé – RRP $29. Ant Moore Wines

Tastes of Georgia TWO NEW wines from Georgia are now available through distributor Q-Liquid. Semi-sweet red wine Khvanchkara (11.5% ABV) is made from Aleksandrouli and Mudjuretuli grape varieties, cultivated in Georgia’s Racha region, in the protected micro-zone of the Khvanchkara. The wine is distinguished by its ruby colour and notes of raspberry. Teliani Valley Kakhuri No 8 (12.5% ABV) is a semi-dry wine made from Rkatsiteli grapes grown in the Kakheti region. It has notes of ripe white fruit, jam and pear, with nutty, dried fruit notes on top of fresh peachy flavours. Khvanchkara RRP $31.99 Teliani Valley Kakhuri No 8 RRP $23.99 Q-Liquid

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TROPHY WINNERS The 2021 New Zealand International Wine Show, New Zealand’s largest wine judging competition, received 1780 entries and awarded 265 Gold medals, including 64 Double-Gold, 407 Silver and 668 Bronze medals.

Congratulations to the Trophy winners for 2021. Champion Pinot Gris – Askerne Pinot Gris 2021 Champion Gewürztraminer – Johanneshof Cellars Marlborough Gewürztraminer 2021 Champion Sauvignon Blanc – Thornbury Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Champion New Zealand Sparkling Wine – Lindauer Vintage Series Brut Cuvee 2017 Champion Riesling – Wairau River Estate Summer Riesling 2021 Champion Viognier – Dancing Petrel Reserve Viognier 2020 Champion Other White Wine Varieties – d'Arenberg The Hermit Crab 2020 Champion Rosé – McArthur Ridge Lilico Rosé 2021 Champion Chardonnay – Clearview Reserve Chardonnay 2020 Champion Champagne or Methode Traditionelle – Champagne Cristian Senez Renoir Cuvee NV Champion Commercial White Wine – Delegat Crownthorpe Terraces Chardonnay 2020 Champion Sweet Wine – Whitehaven Marlborough Noble Riesling 2021 Champion International Red Wine Varieties – Tenuta Ulisse Amaranta Montepulciano D'Abruzzo DOP 2019 Champion Commercial Red Wine – Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz 2020 Champion Fortified Wine – Gonzalez Byass Nectar Pedro Ximenez NV Champion Merlot & Predominant Blends – Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Merlot 2020 Champion Cabernet Sauvignon & Predominant Blends – Grant Burge Barossa Ink Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Champion Pinot Noir – McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Central Otago Pinot Noir 2020 Champion New Zealand Syrah – Mudbrick Vineyard Reserve Syrah 2020 Champion New Zealand Bordeaux Red Wine – Beach House Cabernet Malbec 2020 Champion Shiraz – Grant Burge Barossa Ink Shiraz 2020 Champion Wine Company of the Year – Lion Matt Connell - Champion Winemaker of the show.

Champion Winemaker of the Show – Matt Connell Champion Wine of the Show – Clearview Reserve Chardonnay 2020

View all Trophy's, Gold, Double Gold, Silver and Bronze winners at: nziws.co.nz Thanks to the 2021 Trophy Sponsors

WINE NEWS

Wellington somms launch Wine-Oji A TRIO of Wellington sommeliers have launched a visual wine tasting language to help consumers when choosing what they want to drink. Wine-oji was created by Maciej Zimny, Josh Pointon and Jessica Wood from Noble Rot Wine Bar and Noble Wines to solve the problem of ‘What’s in the bottle?’ “For a lot of people choosing a wine can be complex and intimidating – whether from the supermarket shelf, at a restaurant, or ordering online,” says Josh Pointon. Starting on the project during the first lockdown in March 2020, the trio worked with a local graphic design

Wine-oji creators Josh Pointon, Jessica Wood and Maciej Zimny.

studio to create an emoji-style wine tasting language. They have also created Wine-oji profiles of Classic Wine Styles of New Zealand and The World, to gamify learning about regional wine flavour profiles. Wine producers can engage Wine-oji to profile their wines and receive a digital package to promote their wine globally and instantly.

“The feedback from producers has been really positive, particularly because they need a fresh, modern take on wine communication, with other beverage industries like craft beer and spirits forging ahead in this aspect,” says Jessica Wood. wineoji.com

SHOWCASE

Giesen adds Merlot and Riesling to 0% range GIESEN HAS expanded its popular range of 0% wines, adding a 0% ABV Merlot and Riesling to the line-up. The new additions join the existing Sauvignon Blanc (which launched in 2020), Pinot Gris and Rosé. Giesen is positioning itself as the #1 premium alcohol-removed wine brand. In 2021, Giesen invested over a million dollars into spinning cone technology, which it uses to gently remove the alcohol from some of its most popular wines. It says the machine is now working 24/7 to keep up with demand. No- and low-alcohol products are a major growth category and international research forecasts that global sales will be valued at more than US$1.6 billion by 20241. Giesen Group Chief Winemaker, Duncan Shouler, says extending the range was based on a huge amount of consumer feedback. “After the release of the alcohol-removed Pinot Gris and Rosé, our consumers were screaming out to us via our social channels for a 0% alcohol red and a 0% alcohol version of Giesen Wines’ best-selling Riesling. It was really a ‘consumers asked, we listened’ moment.” Shouler says they have already had positive feedback from the Australian market on Giesen 0% Merlot after it launched there in early February. Giesen Estate Riesling has a huge following and Shouler says it was the next natural choice. “It is rated as the #19 top white wine in New Zealand grocery. We know our consumers will love a new low-calorie 0% alcohol twist on an old favourite.” The Giesen 0% range is RRP $17.99. 1

IWSR Drinks Market Analysis: No and low alcohol study 2021, Zion Market Research, 2019

Giesen Group

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 47

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Autumn F L AVO U R S

The heady aromas of the hop harvest are here in the latest fresh hop releases and new brews and ciders for autumn…

48 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Note: Beers and ciders are listed in order of % ABV.

BEER Mikkeller Drink’in the Sun 0.3% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.45 Long Breeze Distributors

Danish beer brand Mikkeller was started by a maths and physics teacher who started homebrewing in his Copenhagen kitchen and today exports his beers to more than 50 countries, now including New Zealand, through distributor Long Breeze. Mikkeller collaborates with breweries around the world and this American-style wheat ale is brewed in Belgium and is bright and full of hop flavour. Mikkeller Limbo Series Raspberry 0.3% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.45 Long Breeze Distributors

This is a Flemish Primitive, which refers to the famous wild yeast that lends its unique flavour to this low-alc beer. It is brewed at Belgium’s Proef Brewery, and the yeast gives a fruity, complex and distinctly Belgian farmhouse character that is offset by the lush, tart raspberries. Mikkeller Weird Weather IPA 0.3% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.45 Long Breeze Distributors

Another welcome addition to the low-alc/ no-alc category, this 0.3% ABV beer from Danish brewery Mikkeller is a floral, bitter New England-style IPA with a full body and grassy notes of pine.

Sawmill Raspberry + Lime Sour

Moa Motueka Hazy IPA

4.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Sawmill Brewery

4.9% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $13.99 Moa Brewing

Pouring a pretty pink in the glass, Sawmill’s Raspberry + Lime Sour has an edge of tartness. The raspberry and hibiscus sour beautifully and the lime gives an extra hint of sharpness that keeps you going back to the glass. An excellent afternoon beer for those late summer weekends.

Moa Brewing has teamed up with New Zealand’s largest hop grower, familyowned and -operated Clayton Hops to create this new addition to Moa’s Classic Range. The new Hazy IPA uses Clayton’s world-famous Motueka hops, as well as Wai-iti – courtesy of Moa’s partnership with Craig Orr of NZ Hops. Moa Motueka Hazy IPA has a fresh aroma and a juicy tropical flavour with citrus notes.

QBrew Albino Lager 4.7% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $23 QBrew

This is one of the first beers in the debut range from new brewery QBrew, just outside Whangarei. Named for the white (‘albino’) rhino, this pale lager is malty with a hint of citrus and good bitterness towards the finish. Gubernija Wheat 4.8% ABV, 568ml RRP $3.99 Q Liquid

Lithuanian brewery Gubernija have a perfectly balanced wheat beer here, with aromas of fruit and cloves in harmony with the sour taste of real wheat beer. Pouring light and straw-like in the glass, it has a hazy tint to it. The taste is fruity and flowery, with a hint of spice and a light sourness and bitterness.

Stangen Weiss Bier 4.9% ABV, 500ml RRP $3.50 Go Green Beverages

A naturally cloudy wheat beer with a fruity aroma, low hop bitterness and an intense and complex flavour. As is typical of unfiltered beers, the mild, sweet yeast flavour is preserved alongside the beer’s cloudiness. Bach Brewing Brut Ultra Low Carb IPA 5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $24.99 Bach Brewing

A kite-surfing cool dude graces the can of this drop from Bach Brewing. The lightness in his sails is mirrored in the lightness of the drop. This low carb ale is still packed with a hoppy crispness, but lands light as a feather.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 49

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Bach Brewing Judder Beer

Panhead Knuckle Draggers

Emporium FeijoFlower Golden Sour

5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $24.99 Bach Brewing

5% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.99 Lion

5.2% ABV, 375ml RRP $13 Emporium Brewing

Just as judder bars make you slow down and take it easy, so Bach Brewing’s Judder Beer is a slower, gentler take on their hoppy IPAs. It’s a delicious drop that comes out of the characterful can as a crisp, hoppy IPA. Easy drinking, this beer is still a very reasonable 5%.

This new release from Panhead is an innovative take on a Mexican lager using agave, which is better known as the key ingredient in tequila and mezcal. The addition of maize and the agave make the beer super light in colour and provide a crisp, dry body. Kiwi hops and manuka-smoked malt add a smoky honey character with a refreshing touch of lime, reminiscent of a good mezcal.

A golden sour aged in Pinot Noir barrels with feijoas, elderflower and a touch of elderberries, which give it a blush rose colour. Aromatics of light bretty funk with the fruitiness of feijoa riding underneath, all on a lovely assertive acidity.

Epic Haze Fever Fresh Hop Hazy IPA 5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Epic

Hazies and hops have flooded the craft brewing world and Epic are riding the wave. Don’t worry about the scary scarecrow on the can – he’s only guarding the aromatic fresh hop treasure within. Fresh from Eggers Hop Farm in Nelson, Riwaka hops were picked, packed, flown to Auckland and added to the tank within eight hours. The result is a furiously fresh, hop-driven hazy that goes down beautifully. Gubernija Unfiltered 5% ABV, 568ml RRP $3.99 Q Liquid

This unfiltered beer from Lithuania is a nicely balanced drop for those who appreciate a bit of natural cloudiness. It uses both Pilsner and Munich barley malts and the aromatic Saphir hop. In the glass it’s a hazy, straw-coloured drop with a malty bread sweetness, low bitterness and a peppery herbal taste.

50 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Sunshine Brewing Fresh Hop Pale Ale 5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Vintners

Sunshine’s Fresh Hop Pale Ale is the brewery’s annual fresh hop release and an ode to its East Coast home. It harnesses the essence of Gisborne with locallygrown Taiheke hops that the crew picked themselves. The result is a hoppy ale packed with flavour and freshness. Sunshine Brewing Stout 5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99 Vintners

Sunshine’s Stout is a dark and devious drop tailor-made for the colder months. A smooth, velvety blend of chocolate, coffee and vanilla with roasted malt. Rich but balanced, this is a perfect after-dinner beer as it’s a chocolate and coffee course in a glass.

Stangen Lager 5.4% ABV, 500ml RRP $3.50 Go Green Beverages

A golden, full-bodied lager with a strong flavour and moderate bitterness from German brewery Stangen, which produces a variety of traditional German beers. 8-Wired Kōhia Wit 5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99 8-Wired

This experimental take on a traditional Belgian witbier uses New Zealand kōhia, a native passionfruit vine. Paired with New Zealand hops, the result is a tropical take on the typical pilsner and wheat base, with a nice citrus kick. An interesting drop that may take a bit of education but is well worth the lesson.

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Boneface Lithium American Pilsner 5.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $22.99 Boneface Brewing

Lithium in this case refers to the battery (not the medication) and there’s a scary goat-looking character on the can, just daring you to get involved with this lager. Styled as an American pilsner, it has the light crispness with the late addition of hops providing juicy flavours of citrus, pineapple and stone fruit. Garage Project Epuni Street Bitter 5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8 – available 17 May Garage Project

An old-school ESB from the crew at Garage Project. This traditional English Bitter is full of mouthwateringly juicy bitterness balanced with big, chewy biscuit and toffee malt character and finished with lifted orange citrus and a floral hop aroma. Sunshine Brewing Blueberry Sour 5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Vintners

This blue beauty by the team at Sunshine was inspired by Violet Beauregarde of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory fame. Made with fresh berries from Hauiti on the East Coast, Sunshine have taken a dry Berliner Weisse and blended it with Tongan vanilla to top it all off. Beautifully sour and fruity, this is one for sour lovers looking for something new and interesting.

Sunshine Brewing’s Blueberry Sour was inspired by Violet Beauregarde of Charlie & The Chocolate Factory fame and is made with fresh blueberries from Hauiti on the East Coast. Badass Beverages Hefe Metal

Good George Cold IPA

5.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Badass Beverages

5.8% ABV, 946ml RRP $15.99 Good George

Hefe Metal is a clever play on mixing heavy metal and a very well-made German-style hefeweizen beer. Brewed with malted wheat, it has the classic wheat flavours of banana and spice. The 440ml can is a big silver winner complete with lightning strikes that wouldn’t be out of place on a Def Leppard album cover.

This new Cold IPA from Hamilton brewers Good George uses light pilsner malt for a lager-like body with a bright lager yeast giving a crisp, clean and dry base that provides a perfect foundation for big hop character. It delivers a strong punch of fruity hop aromas and a resinous hop bitterness, but finishes crisp and clean.

Sawmill Chocolate Stout

Gubernija Brown Ale

5.6% ABV, 500ml RRP $10.99 Sawmill Brewery

5.9% ABV, 568ml RRP $3.99 Q Liquid

This dark beauty is a chocolatey treat that will delight stout lovers. Brewed with organic fair trade cacao nibs for a smooth chocolate hit and oats for velvety texture, it has almost a chocolate milk character to it. Serve after dinner in front of a roaring fire, or put some aside for an apres-ski tipple for the coming season.

Here’s an Eastern European dark beer that is full of taste and aroma. Pouring a rich dark brown in the glass, this Lithuanian beer has delicate aromas of fruit and mild honey. The barley malt, wheat malt and hops combine for a rich malty sweetness, light bitterness, and hints of coffee.

QBrew Phantom IPA

6% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $25.99 8-Wired

5.7% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $23 QBrew

Another offering from new Northland brewery QBrew, this beer was one of their first projects and is named for the mysterious jet black cat that would prowl the brewery. Phantom has chewy caramel aromas, which continue on the palate along with notes of citrus, passionfruit, pine and spice.

8-Wired Ventura West Coast IPA Ventura is a bold, hoppy IPA, packed with fruity flavours from start to finish. Pale and gold, this West Coast IPA shines with bold, colourful beams of malt that shimmer off big waves of Simcoe, Centennial, Columbus and Mosaic hops.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 51

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Emporium Green Freshies 5.9% ABV, 330ml RRP $6 – also in keg Emporium Brewing

A New Zealand-hopped XPA with a Nelson Sauvin fresh hop “dry hop” – brewer Paul Finney describes it as “Dank and oily!” It has lots of heavy aromatics of diesel, cut grass and a hint of garlic with mouth-coating oils. Emporium gets you as close to the hop harvest as they possibly can with this beer. Garage Project Any Colour As Long As It’s Scrumptious 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9 Garage Project

This collaborative brew sees paint company Resene’s candy colour ‘Scrumptious’ (code V49-112-356, if you’re wondering) transformed into a beer. The result is a kettle soured beer saturated with dragonfruit and pineapple to create a sour candy drop that tastes just like its colourful namesake. Gubernija Bock 6% ABV, 568ml RRP $3.99 Q Liquid

Gubernija is the oldest company in Lithuania and they’ve been brewing since 1665. Their easy-drinking Bock has a delicate malt aroma and is full-bodied and malty with light caramel tones, a light hoppy bitterness, and a long-lasting sweet finish.

Sawmill Fresh Hop Nectaron Hazy IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Sawmill Brewery

Sawmill’s second fresh hop release showcases newly-planted Nectaron hops from the experienced growers at Oldham family farm, New Hoplands, southeast of Motueka. This hazy has huge, juicy tropical fruit, grape and spice notes. Sawmill Fresh Hop Riwaka Hazy IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Sawmill Brewery

This fresh hop release from Sawmill showcases Riwaka hops from Clayton Hops. Sawmill have used the hops expertly to create a pale ale with big, punchy grapefruit, passionfruit and tropical aromas, all bound together with a silky haze. Good George Fresh Squeeze Fresh Hop Hazy IPA 6.1% ABV, 946ml RRP $17.99 Good George

A juicy blend of super-fresh Nectaron hops picked straight from the vine and raced direct to the brewery. Refreshing and flavourful with bright tropical character, mid-level bitterness and a malty backdrop.

8-Wired Tour des Flandres 6.2% ABV, 500ml RRP $16.99 8-Wired

8-Wired’s Tour de Flandres is a red sour beer in the traditional style of West Flanders in Belgium. Aged for three years in oak wine barrels with wild yeast and pouring fizzy and brown in the glass, the result is a complex, spicy drop with notes of plum, prunes and red wine. An ideal alternative drop to recommend as the cooler weather settles in. Garage Project One Day in March 2022 6.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 – available 27 April Garage Project

This fresh-hopped, hazy, harvest IPA is a juicy blend of Nelson Sauvin and Southern Cross hops, all picked on the same day at Freestyle Hop Farm. The team at Garage Project says that half of the harvest was rushed ‘wet’ from the field to the garage and plunged straight into the beer, the other half was quickly dried and added to the fermenter. The result is a beer overflowing with green herbal notes, lush citrus, resinous pine and tropical fruit.

Like a raspberry milkshake in beer form, Liberty Raspberry Roller Milkshake Sour is a delicious drop that sour lovers will flock to.

52 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Liberty Raspberry Roller Milkshake Sour

Bach Brewing Throbbing Grist West Coast IPA

6.4% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 Liberty Brewing

6.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Bach Brewing

Like a raspberry milkshake in beer form, this is a delicious drop from Liberty Brewing that sour lovers will flock to. The can’s artwork is a standout and depicts Lady Liberty’s arm thrust upwards holding a raspberry shake aloft – and the beer inside is just as good. There’s a beautiful interplay between the sweetness of the raspberries and the sourness that recalls sour worm lollies. The addition of lactose chills and rounds it all out, providing that “milkshake” mouthfeel. Recommended.

West Coast IPAs are known for their bold hops, high bitterness and citrus/ pine notes. Throbbing Grist from Bach Brewing is right at home in this space and loaded with some West Coast-style hop heavyweights: Amarillo, Citra, Talus and Idaho-7. There is a hit of sweetness embraced by the tropical fruit flavours of the hops. A perfect match for Americanstyle barbecue food like pulled pork or spicy ribs.

Bach Brewing Freebird East Coast Hazy IPA

5.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99 Zeelandt Brewing

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Bach Brewing

Pouring pale and milky in the glass, this is a cloudy, mellow New England-style drop for craft beer drinkers looking for a chilled out time. The IPA hop characteristics are prevalent but the haze knocks the edges off and provides an easy-drinking beer that goes down very easily.

Zeelandt Guv’nor Extra Pale Ale This is Zeelandt’s new world take on the masterful beer style of Extra Special Bitter from Britain. The Guv is light and bright in the glass with some juicy crystal malt coming through. Fresh citrus and tropical hops burst through in the aroma and on the palate too. Parrotdog Bruce Fresh Hop Hazy IPA 7% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Parrotdog

Parrotdog’s Bruce Fresh Hop Hazy IPA combines Nectaron and Riwaka hops to create a hazy that’s packed with tropical waves of nectarine and grapefruit. The brewers describe it as a “friendly blend” – definitely one to be shared with pals.

Sunshine Brewing Rolling Stones 7% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 Vintners

An amalgamation of two hop-centric brewing styles, this beer has been produced using multiple modern techniques to provide a clean malt base with pilsner and rice to allow the El Dorado and Simcoe hops to shine to their maximum potential. A hoppy wee number, and at a big 7%. 8-Wired Mosaic Express Hazy IPA 7.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 8-Wired

Mosaic Express rolls into the station in a beautiful fruity can that will enliven any bar fridge. The beer itself is lightly hazy and the Mosaic hops pack a massive punch of tropical mango and citrus flavours with that familiar pine overtone. Hop lovers will be in paradise. Bach Brewing Grain Daddy West Coast Double IPA 8% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Bach Brewing

This is a big beer in every sense of the word: big can, big ABV, and big flavours generously given by the double IPA. While the Riwaka, Amarillo, Citra and Zythos hops provide most of the bang, the harvester on the front of the can speaks to Grain Daddy’s true star – the Gladfield malt that underpins everything.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 53

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Boneface Unf*ck the World Double IPA

CIDER

8% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 Boneface Brewing

Morningcider Co. Hot X Bun Cider

The title of this latest offering from Boneface probably sums up how many of us are feeling at the moment – so all power to the wizard battling the monster on the front. It’s a classic IPA packed with U.S. hops and flavours of citrus, pineapple and stonefruit and a medium malt body that balances the sweetness. And, just maybe, drinking it will help to fix everything that’s wrong with the planet. Garage Project Sunrise Valley 2022 8% ABV, 440ml RRP $11 – available 3 May Garage Project

Originally brewed in Canton, Massachusetts with East Coast brewing legends Trillium, Sunrise Valley uses a radical hop free boil and massive dry hop addition of New Zealand Nelson, Sauvin and Rakau hops.

4.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $6.99 Hancocks

Just in time for Easter, Morningcider’s Hot-X Bun Cider tastes exactly as it says on the can. Beautiful flavours of cinnamon, spice, yeast and apple really do convey the flavour of a hot cross bun. Forget the chocolate eggs, we’d like the Easter Bunny to leave this out please. Peckham’s Farmhouse 2021 5.6% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.99 Peckham’s

This a gentle cider that transports you instantly to England’s West Country. A can of this and a block of sharp Cheddar and you could be sitting under a tree in Devon or Dorset. There’s a bit of spice and yeastiness about the apples but it’s all very relaxed and embraced by a big dollop of sweetness. A cider to bring a smile to your face. Peckham’s Reserve Dry 2021 6.9% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 Peckham’s

A delicious cider of great restraint and refinement. The classic Peckham’s flavours of traditional cider apples are there, but the dryness adds an extra sophisticated edge. It’s rich and earthy, bonedry with a long oaky finish. A perfect cheese board accompaniment.

Sawmill Quadrupel

Peckham’s & Cell Division – The Orchardist

10% ABV, 500ml RRP $11.99 Sawmill Brewery

Clear some space for this vintage ale from the team at Sawmill. Their quadrupel is a big 500ml bottle containing a big 10% ale packed with expressive yeast and dark candy sugar notes. The flavour profile also has ‘bigness’ with stonefruit, raisin and spice characters.

7.2% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.99 Peckham’s

The Orchardist is a wild cider produced using Linda apples, a unique variety discovered by Harry McQuillan – the orchardist of the title and the father of Jamie McQuillan, whose Dunedin brewery Cell Division is the collaborator on this drop. The Orchardist is aged in Chardonnay barrels with wild yeasts and the resulting cider is deceptively dry, fruity and wine-like, with floral elderflower notes. Beautiful can artwork too.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 80. 54 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

S B R A C S 75% LES . E M I L H NOW WIT

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ASK YOUR LION NZ SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE DETAILS. Or to enquire about registering for an account with Lion, phone our Service Excellence Centre on 0800 10 72 72.

*THAN THE AVERAGE CARB CONTENT OF LEADING NZ BEER BRANDS.

OPINION – BEER

Michael Donaldson

Beer Writer of the Year, journalist and author beernation.co.nz

Time to go ultra low Michael Donaldson delves into the fast-growing world of low carb beers…

HAVE YOU noticed the rise of the word Ultra on beer labels lately? There’s Speight’s Summit Ultra, Mac’s Ultra Violet, Steinlager Ultra and now, Bach Brut Ultra. Around the world, you’ll also find Michelob, Miller, Molson, Kingfisher and Coopers all making beers with Ultra in the name. What does it mean? Well, ‘Ultra’ has become shorthand for low carbohydrate beer. It sprang from the United States where breweries, starting with Michelob, jumped on a fitness and lifestyle trend that involved low carb diets and outdoor activities like mountain biking, trail running and ultra-endurance events. While keto diets aren’t quite as in vogue as they were pre-pandemic (we all need comfort food when the world is going nuts), low carb is still a big deal. And while most beer is naturally low in carbohydrate as most of the sugars (maltose) are converted to alcohol, there’s enough residual sugar to be of concern to people who count their carbs. In short, there’s a market for low carb and it’s not exactly niche, judging by the number of new products. After an initial surge, there’s been a second push of low carb beers on the market this year. The big breweries already had their presence (Speight’s Summit Ultra and DB’s Export Gold Extra Low Carb were the early birds) and a few years ago Epic came in with Blue, a low carb pale ale with a big hop punch. Lion created Mac’s Ultra Violet and added Steinlager Ultra, while DB brought out Monteith’s Breaker Low Carb IPA. And at the start of 2022 we’ve seen a veritable rush of these beers from 56 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

There’s a market for low carb and it’s not exactly niche, judging by the number of new products. Urbanaut, Bach Brewing, Good George and Epic (again, with an IPA). Urbanaut tested and rebranded their award-winning Miami Brut Lager as “low carb” and moved it from the cool 250ml cans to 330ml six-packs. Good George brought out Social League, a low carb hazy IPA. Bach Brewing introduced Brut Ultra, a 4.4% low carb IPA, while Epic complemented Blue with Royal, a low carb IPA. All of these have 1-2g of carbohydrate per 100ml and nearly all have a nutritional panel, which is rare in beer as it’s not required by law, but is certainly great to see. Beyond their appeal to the low-carb market these beers have other great qualities too – particularly if you like your beers light and dry.

These beers all use an enzyme, found naturally in malt, to help break down long-chain sugars that are normally unfermentable. These unfermentable dextrins, as they are known, help fatten up the mouthfeel of beer, as well as adding sweetness to balance hop bitterness. As a result of new hop varieties and hopping techniques, brewers can compensate for the lack of residual sugar by embracing the perceived sweetness that comes from the fruit-like flavours created by modern hops. The end result is a hoppy, super dry (bone dry) light-bodied, super-quaffable beer. But a warning: a lower level of carbs does not make a “healthier” beer, though there is a perception they are “relatively” better for you. All these beers still contain alcohol, which delivers calories but in a more roundabout way. Alcohol is neither a carb nor a fat and has a calorific density somewhere in between the two. So, low carb doesn’t equal low calorie. The next cab off the rank, if the US is anything to go by, will be zero carb beer. Budweiser recently launched Bud Light Next — a 4% beer with no carbs. None. Budweiser says the beer is aimed at 20-somethings who like the lightness of a seltzer (which is basically alcoholic fizzy water) but want the flavour of beer. I expect other breweries around the globe to start looking at ways to further reduce carbs towards zero too, because that word is a good selling point on any label, whether it’s carbs, alcohol, calories, fat, sugar or gluten.

www.bachbrewing.co.nz

TRADE TO enquiries@bachbrewing.co.nz

BEER & CIDER NEWS

CIDER. MADE IN MORNINGSIDE. morningcider. woah. Countdown to NZ Beer Awards 2022

order now from hancocks.

PREPARATIONS ARE underway for the Brewers Guild of New Zealand Beer Awards 2022, with entries due to open in late May. Organisers say that with the continued uncertainty around the New Zealand borders and the everchanging COVID situation, the judges and stewards selected to participate in the NZBA for 2022 will be from the “exceptional pool of talent”

in New Zealand. Last year’s Awards drew 839 entries across 122 style classes. Online entries for the 2022 Awards open on 25 May and close on 17 June, with judging to take place from 6-8 July at Riccarton Park in Christchurch. A date for the awards presentation was yet to be announced as Drinksbiz went to print. brewersguild.org.nz/nzba

SHOWCASE

Craft cidery Morningcider joins Hancocks CENTRAL AUCKLAND craft cidery Morningcider is partnering with national distributor Hancocks as the boutique beverage producer shifts up a gear. Morningcider began in the Auckland suburb of Morningside in 2015 and since launching it has opened Auckland’s first cider bar, established New Zealand’s first urban orchard by giving away 100 cider apple trees to Morningside locals, and started exporting its award-winning ciders. Its latest accolade was a Silver medal for the Morningcider Hot X Bun Cider at the NZ Cider Awards 2021. Morningcider expands

Looking to boost its nationwide distribution, Morningcider was excited to join family-owned New Zealand business Hancocks in March this year, which will now handle its ciders through retail and on-premise. Other developments include a switch to a 440ml format for the cidery’s seasonal line-up (with the popular Morningcider Cider and Strawberry Rosé

still available in 330ml single and 6-packs) and establishing itself in several export markets. The UK, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong are underway, while Singapore, China, Japan, and Australia are on the horizon too. All about local

Morningcider has a strong local focus – from the fruit grown

in its Urban Orchard, to the distinctive branding that centres on the Morningside community and the thriving street art scene found there. It also collaborates with other local businesses – most recently a Cherry Bomb Cider with Kingsland’s Citizen Brewery using rescued cherries, and The Lucky Taco Cider with popular food truck The Lucky Taco. Hancocks

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Record entries for New World Beer & Cider Awards JUDGES IN this year’s New World Beer & Cider Awards assessed nearly 700 entries in a record day of judging held across three regions, with the Hazy IPA and Pale Ale class drawing the most submissions. In a first for the competition’s eightyear history and in response to the country’s evolving Omicron outbreak, judging took place across three regional events in Auckland, Wellington and Nelson in March – instead of a single, larger tasting. Chair of Judges Michael Donaldson headed up three teams of more than 30 expert judges (brewers, cidermakers and brewing experts) via video link on judging day, with tastings running simultaneously at each location. The judging panels had their work cut out for them with more entries than ever this year, said Donaldson. “Just shy of 700 beers, ciders, seltzers, alcoholic ginger beers and kombuchas from 100 New Zealand breweries and distributors.”

This year’s biggest and fastest-growing class was the Hazy IPA and Pale Ale class – with more than 130 entries. The top-ranking entries will make up the New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30 and will be sold in 140 New World supermarkets around New Zealand and

receive comprehensive promotional support. A further 70 Highly Commended brews will round out the Top 100 list to be published online, and an overall Supreme Winner will also be named. Results will be available later in the year.

EVErCHANGING PATTErNS IN YOUr MOUTH

MALTY

HOPPY

LIGHT

DArK

sweet

bitter

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 59

SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

PURE & SIMPLE Vodka continues to find fans with a rise in locally made and imported options available in New Zealand…

60 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA Note: Drinksbiz has chosen not to include any Russian-produced vodkas in this year’s Vodka Report following that country’s invasion of Ukraine. While some brands have been associated with Russia in the past, we have clarified their origins and production within the Report where applicable.

NEW ZEALAND 42 Below 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Lion

This iconic New Zealand vodka has a floral hint in the aroma and is delicate, smooth and clean on the palate with a subtle sweetness. Aquifer Plateau 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $59.99 Premium Liquor Co.

This vodka from Napier distillery The National Distillery Co. is clean and crisp with the barest hint of vanilla sweetness on the nose. Slightly sweet on the palate with a full, smooth mouthfeel. Ariki Premium Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Beverage Brothers

A triple-distilled vodka with a Pacific flavour, thanks to Rarotongan vanilla and the use of a coconut-carbon filtration system, using coconut from the Kingdom of Tonga. The New Zealand influence in this clean, smooth vodka includes manuka flower and water from the Tongariro plateau. A mellow finish.

Armada

Broken Heart

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99 Armada Spirits

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group

A crisp, fresh vodka with hints of crème brulee and vanilla on the palate and a smooth finish.

This vodka is made with water from Arrowtown and has a fresh aroma of lemon and a hint of sweetness. Crystal clear in the glass, it’s smooth, luscious and buttery on the palate with a subtle fresh lemon character. It won World’s Best Pure Neutral Vodka at the World Vodka Awards in 2022.

Black Collar Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Beverage Brothers

This vodka from Northland craft distiller Black Collar has a clean, fresh aroma, while on the palate it is dry with a subtle citrus note and a lingering warmth. Blue Duck Rare Vodka 43% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.95 Negociants

An initial burst of pepper and spice on the tongue and a brief swell of warmth is followed by clean lemon flavours. This vodka is distilled seven times, making it smooth on the palate with a polished finish. The Bond Store Kāpiti Coast Vodka 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $38 The Bond Store

This vodka showcases fresh filtered water from the Tararua Ranges and has a smooth, creamy finish.

Broken Shed 40% ABV, 1L RRP $74.99 Federal Merchants

The co-creators of Broken Shed spent over a year refining the filtration process for this Wanaka-made vodka. It is distilled from whey and blended with New Zealand spring water. In the mouth it is clean and crisp, with a smooth finish. Burnt Hill 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Mineral

This vodka goes the extra mile to ensure its gluten/dairy free, environmentallyand vegan-friendly status. It uses pure sugarcane sourced sustainably as its base, and this is distilled eight times in a column reflux still. Fresh New Zealand spring water is added and the vodka is then passed through a crushed volcanic rock filter. It has a hint of sweetness in the aroma and is creamy on the palate with balanced sweetness and minerality. A soft finish.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 61

SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

Coast Road Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Premium Liquor Co.

Hailing from the Bay of Plenty, this vodka is smooth, clean, sweet and well-rounded, with subtle liquorice and vanilla notes. Crisp and refreshing, it finishes extremely smooth.

Coast Road Pink – Berry and Rhubarb Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Premium Liquor Co.

A delicate blend of natural berry and rhubarb flavours give a lusciously fruity character to this crisp vodka. Copperhead Road Pure Heart Vodka 42% ABV, 1L RRP $71.99 Copperhead Road

Vodka – the basics UNFLAVOURED VODKA is essentially alcohol (ethanol) blended with water, meaning the source of the water and the base of the alcohol are integral to creating a superior vodka. • The word ‘vodka’ is derived from the Slavic ‘voda’ (‘little water’) • The alcohol used in vodka is made traditionally from fermented grain (such as rye or wheat) or potatoes • The alcohol is distilled, usually more than once (e.g. in tripledistilled vodkas), to modify flavour and increase clarity • Repeated distillation also increases the ethanol level (sometimes up to 96%), meaning water is usually required to dilute the vodka back to its 40% ABV • Some vodka producers will also filter the distilled alcohol through activated carbon or similar, to remove any impurities or trace substances for a ‘cleaner’ taste.

62 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Brewed and aged at Copperhead Road’s distillery in Rotorua, this vodka has a rich, complex aroma with a hint of sweetness. It is balanced on the palate, with a complex savoury character. Rounded and mouth-filling with a lingering finish. Dunedin Craft Distillers Cacao Vodka 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $88 Dunedin Craft Distillers

This vodka is a deep, dark chocolate surprise – made from cacao husks and nibs, macerated in Dunedin Craft Distillers’ bread-based spirits before final distillation. There’s no sweetness, just the pure cacao flavour in a smooth and crystal clear spirit. The aroma is full of rich, earthy cacoa and the vodka is smooth on the palate. It is rounded and lush with cacoa flavour that lingers delicately on the finish.

Good Times Citrus Vodka 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $43.99 Premium Liquor Co.

A new release vodka full of citrus flavour thanks to an infusion of lemon, lime, yuzu, and grapefruit. Good Times Passion & Pineapple Vodka 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $43.99 Premium Liquor Co.

Tropical fruit flavour is at the fore of this vodka with its burst of juicy pineapple and tart passionfruit. Good Times Raspberry Vodka 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $43.99 Premium Liquor Co.

A fresh vodka infused with the delicate sweetness of raspberry. Karven Starka Vodka 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $80, 50ml RRP $7 Karven

A contemporary take on a barrel-aged vodka that originated in Eastern Europe. The grain vodka is rested in virgin American oak barrels for six to eight weeks and infused with manuka honey and a selection of botanicals, giving it its amber hue. Aromas of oak and a creamy palate full of vanilla and honey, with a blend of wood and spice on the finish. Ideal as a sipping vodka.

SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

Karven Vodka

Kiwi Spirit JiŭJiŭ Red Label Vodka

Peaked Organic Chilli Vodka

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75, 50ml RRP $7 Karven

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99 Kiwi Spirit Distillery

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Peaked Distillery

A contemporary vodka with a classic, rich vodka nose and delicate floral note. Intense and smooth on the palate with a velvety mouthfeel.

This is a high proof version (50% ABV) of its sibling vodka, without the gold leaf addition. It’s a rich, elegant vodka with a hint of savoury spice on the nose. Smooth and mouthfilling with a lingering finish. At 50% ABV it’s ideal for cocktails and mixed drinks. Note: Like the JiŭJiŭ Blue Label, you can light this bottle up with a press of the button underneath as well.

This chilli vodka packs a punch, with flavours of red birds-eye chilli, and hints of fresh herb and gooseberry. A pale yellow hue, there's a hint of savoury chilli in the aroma before it hits the palate and fills the mouth with a delicious chilli heat that lingers.

Kiwi Spirit JiŭJiŭ Blue Label Vodka 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99 Kiwi Spirit Distillery

This vodka from Golden Bay’s Kiwi Spirit Distillery is all about luck. The Chinese name ‘JiŭJiŭ’ is a reference to “be lucky and make nine” from the ancient Chinese game now known as Baccarat, with nine being the best one can achieve. The vodka also has 22.5 carat gold leaf ‘8’ and ‘9’ shapes floating in the vodka as a further reference to good luck and success. It’s a triple distilled charcoal filtered vodka that uses water from one of the aquifers that feed Golden Bay’s renowned Te Waikoropupū Springs. It’s fresh and clean on the nose, and smooth and soft on the palate with a very slight hint of citrus and a long finish. Note: there’s a little button underneath the bottle that emits a blue light in three different modes when pressed, to light the bottle up for a special effect.

Reefton Wild Rain Vodka was awarded the Trophy for ‘Best Overall Vodka’ at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.

Kiwi Spirit Premium Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Kiwi Spirit Distillery

This small batch distilled vodka is a smooth, elegant spirit from Kiwi Spirit Distillery in Golden Bay and also uses water drawn from an aquifer under the distillery that feeds Te Waikoropupū Springs. Koakoa Coffee Vodka with L’Affare 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69 The Bond Store

The distillers at The Bond Store on the Kapiti Coast teamed up with fellow Wellingtonians and premium coffee roasters L’affare to create this coffee vodka. It combines Gusto Fair Trade Organic coffee and the award-winning Koakoa Vodka to create a vodka with rich notes of Black Forest chocolate and red plum, and a smooth cream finish.

Peaked Organic Pinot Noir Vodka 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Peaked Distillery

This vodka even looks like an aged Pinot in the glass. It has aromas of sweet red fruit with a raisiny undertone that leads to a palate rich and sweet with dried fruit character. Peaked Organic Vodka 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Peaked Distillery

With a gentle herbal aroma and a hint of flint, this vodka is soft and balanced on the palate; creamy with a touch of sweetness. Reefton Wild Rain Vodka 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 EuroVintage

A smooth clean vodka that makes use of the abundant West Coast rain that filters its way down the Southern Alps. Crisp and pure on the palate. Awarded the Trophy for ‘Best Overall Vodka’ at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.

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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

‘the reid’ Single Malt Vodka 44% ABV, 750ml RRP $112 Cardrona Distillery

Presented in a striking droplet-shaped bottle, this vodka is named for three of the Cardrona Distillery founders. It is made from a malted barley spirit base and twice distilled before it is blended with Cardrona alpine water. A rich, full-bodied vodka with a distinctive aroma of biscuit and banana on the nose. (The team at Cardrona refer to its ‘banoffee pie’ character). This continues on the palate with a slight banana sweetness, a hint of caramel and a warming finish. Cardrona also releases an annual ‘Bra Fence Edition’ for breast cancer fundraising. Scapegrace Vodka 40.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Hancocks

This vodka from award-winning distillers Scapegrace is bright and pure on the nose with a velvety palate that is balanced with notes of dry wheat and apple. The finish is creamy and viscous with a hint of floral sweetness.

Scapegrace Uncommon Japanese Umeshu Plum Vodka 41.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Scapegrace Distilling

This is one of two new varietals released as part of Scapegrace’s limited edition Uncommon releases, which hero the stories of those producing boutique ingredients. This one showcases Japanese umeshu plum, from Horowhenua growers Neville and Junko Chun. The vodka is full of the slightly sour, juicy plum notes with a tart finish. There are just 2,500 bottles in each release, with each one individually numbered. Scapegrace Uncommon Japanese Yuzu Lemon Vodka 41.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Scapegrace Distilling

This is the second varietal in Scapegrace’s latest Uncommon release and heroes yuzu lemon, as grown by Neville and Junko Chun in Horowhenua. The vodka has fresh green notes, bright floral aromas and a savoury umami finish. STIL 37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $41.99 Premium Liquor Co.

Triple distilled and carbon filtered, this vodka is smooth, rich and warm on the palate.

Scapegrace Uncommon vodka heroes the stories of those producing boutique ingredients, such as the two new Japanese Umeshu Plum and Yuzu Lemon releases.

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Vesta 45 45% ABV, 200ml RRP $55 Juno

A limited-edition vodka, barrel-aged in Tasmanian oak. Full-bodied and intense, the vodka is smooth with velvety coffee, decadent chocolate and dark oak notes. Vesta Coffee Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $88 Juno

This batch-distilled vodka is made in collaboration with Ozone Coffee Roastery and has notes of blackberry, raspberry and dark chocolate, drawn from the high quality natural-process Ethiopian coffee beans. Vesta Extra Fine Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $80 Juno

A smooth, neutral creamy vodka from Taranaki distillery House of Juno. An excellent base for premium cocktails. The Vicar’s Son Five Times Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $139 (refill RRP $105) The Vicar’s Son

This small batch vodka is distilled five times instead of the usual four – equating to an extra 12 hours of distillation to enhance the smoothness before the vodka is cut with Antipodes water.

SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

The Vicar’s Son Pure Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $134 (refill RRP $105) The Vicar’s Son

This tiny-batch vodka is made from Gladfield malted barley and is quadruple distilled, unfiltered and cut with Antipodes water. It has a clean aroma with a slightly sweet banana character and a hint of marzipan. Light and refreshing on the palate with a hint of sweetness and a lingering warmth at the finish. The Vicar’s Son Juniper Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109 (refill RRP $85) The Vicar’s Son

Is it a gin? Is it a vodka? This vodka infuses The Vicar’s Son Vodka with juniper, giving it a robust juniper aroma. But this ebbs a little in the mouth, where the vodka is luscious, gentle and smooth. The Vicar’s Son Coffee Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109 (refill RRP $85) The Vicar’s Son

A vapour-infused extraction of coarsely ground coffee beans is distilled with Vicar’s Son Vodka to create this coffee vodka that’s ideal for an espresso martini. White Sheep Co. Sheep Milk Vodka 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $59.99 Beverage Brothers

Fermenting sheeps’ milk for 12 days using special yeasts prior to distillation in a traditional copper still creates this smooth, unique tasting vodka, which has plenty of body and delicate sheep milk notes. Ideal for sipping.

AUSTRALIA

JAPAN

Archie Rose Native Botanical Vodka

Haku Vodka

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Archie Rose

This vodka from Sydney craft distiller Archie Rose is infused with native lemon-scented gum, native sunrise lime, Australian peach, and Roman chamomile. Aromas of candied lime peel, peach iced tea, elderflower, pink marshmallow and jasmine lead to a palate of panettone, sweet lemon, ripe peach and mint, rounded out by a burst of sherbet and candied orange peel. Manly Spirits Botanical Vodka 41.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Thirsty Camel

This vodka is distilled with sustainably foraged Australian native marine botanicals, such as sea parsley and kelp, which create savoury sea air aromas and gentle umami flavours on the palate. A semi-sweet, gentle, peppery style with vibrancy and a crisp, citrusy finish.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $56.99 Beam Suntory

A Japanese craft vodka made using 100% Japanese white rice and bamboo filtration. Haku has a soft aroma with a hint of rice sweetness, a rich complex taste and a smooth finish. Awarded Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.

UNITED KINGDOM Chapel Down Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Glengarry Spirits

Based in Kent, Chapel Down makes its vodka from distilled Chardonnay grapes. Light citrus and floral aromas lead to a smooth, creamy palate and a hint of aniseed on the finish.

IRELAND Drumshanbo Sausage Tree Vodka 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Premium Liquor Co.

This rather unique vodka uses Irish grain vodka and marries the fruit of the African ‘Sausage Tree’ (Kigelia Africana) with Irish nettles to create a smooth, subtly fruity spirit.

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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

FINLAND

FRANCE

SWEDEN

Finlandia

Grey Goose

Absolut Vodka

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $34.99, 1L RRP $39.99 Hancocks

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $71.99 Lion

Finlandia is made using barley grown in the country’s north, where it ripens during the Finnish summer – a time when the sun doesn’t set for 72 days, known as the ‘Midnight Sun’. After distillation it is blended with glacial spring water. Finlandia has a dry, light and smooth taste with a clean finish. Also available in Cranberry, Mango, Lime, and Grapefruit variants.

A premium vodka made from winter wheat grown in Picardy and spring water from the Cognac region. It has a gentle floral aroma and is smooth on the palate with a slight sweetness, a hint of almond and a lingering finish.

ICELAND Reyka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Federal Merchants

This vodka from Iceland’s first vodka distillery uses arctic spring water, lava rock filtration and a Carter Head still to create a smooth and delicately sweet spirit. Aromas of vanilla and citrus lead to a smooth, rounded palate with a classic grain profile and a hint of wild fruit on the finish.

Absolut Watermelon is the latest New Zealand release in the popular range made in Sweden.

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Pinnacle Pure 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $37.99 Beam Suntory

Made in France’s Cognac region, Pinnacle Pure uses winter wheat and spring water. It is distilled five times, giving it a fresh aroma, a clean, pure taste and a soft and slightly floral finish. Tried and True 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Proof & Co

This vodka designed especially for on-premise is distilled from soft winter wheat grown and milled in France, then proofed down to a ‘cocktail appropriate’ 44% ABV using RO (reverse osmosis) demineralised well water from the Cognac region. Described as an “authentic, neutral vodka that barfolk can rely on”.

ITALY Roberto Cavalli 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $99 Thirsty Camel

The vodka of fashion designer Roberto Cavalli is described as the first Italian super-premium vodka. It is crisp and smooth with a hint of lemon zest and a creamy finish.

40% ABV 1L RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard

Arguably one of the best known and most distinctively packaged vodkas on the market. There is a wide range of flavours available within the Absolut range but the first was Absolut Original, which has a clean, rich flavour. It’s smooth and mellow with a distinct grain character and a hint of dried fruit. Absolut Watermelon 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $41.99 Pernod Ricard

The latest release in the Absolut range in New Zealand, Absolut Watermelon has the fresh sweetness of watermelon with no added sugar. The other variants available in New Zealand are: Apeach, Citron, Grapefruit, Lime, Mango. Passionfruit, Pears, Raspberri and Vanilia.

BELARUS Vodka USSR 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $19.99 Q Liquid

This Belarusian vodka has a clean, neutral aroma and is smooth on the palate with a fresh flavour and a lasting warmth on the finish.

SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

LATVIA elit 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Tickety-Boo

The ultra-premium vodka from Stoli Group (makers of the Stoli range). First created in 2003, elit uses single-source grain. First filtered through quartz sand and charcoal, it then goes through a signature freezefiltration process at -18˚C to remove any trace of impurities. It has exceptional clarity and a silken, rolling mouthfeel. Elit is one of the highest-rated white spirits in the world, with a platinum score of 97 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute. Stoli 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $36.99, 1L RRP $49.99 Tickety-Boo

This famous global brand is synonymous with vodka. Stoli Group controls every aspect of making its vodka: from the selection of the wheat and rye grains, to planting, harvesting, distillation and bottling. It has a neutral aroma and is slightly sweet on the palate with a clean finish. Stoli Gluten-Free 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Tickety-Boo

This vodka is made from gluten-free corn and buckwheat. It has a light aroma with a soft, smooth mouthfeel and a clean finish.

elit is the ultra-premium vodka from Stoli Group (makers of the Stoli range) and has exceptional clarity and a silken, rolling mouthfeel. Stoli Gold

Stoli Orange

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Tickety-Boo

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Tickety-Boo

A more premium experience of the original Stoli, Stoli Gold is filtered through coils of gold thread. This amplifies the depth of the vodka and enhances the soft mouthfeel.

A light, floral aroma of orange zest and essential oils is balanced by richer elements of orange liqueur and marmalade. On the palate there is orange cream and hints of dark chocolate along with tangerine, mandarin and kumquat, and a lingering fresh zesty note of lemon.

Stoli Citros 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Tickety-Boo

Delicately aromatic, with clear scents of sweet lemon at the start, building to a more intense blast of lime. The palate has subtle, zesty lemon with floral touches on the finish. Stoli Cucumber 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Tickety-Boo

Clean and crisp on the palate, full of savoury cucumber flavour and with a smooth finish. Stoli Lime 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Tickety-Boo

A smooth and balanced vodka, with an aroma of freshly squeezed limes. A zesty and natural tasting lime vodka, perfect in a Moscow Mule.

Stoli Salted Caramel 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Tickety-Boo

One of the world’s most popular flavours comes to vodka. Stoli Salted Caramel offers a balance of sweet and savoury with caramelised sugar and soft English toffee, balanced with a light saltiness that draws out the caramel. Stoli Vanilla 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Tickety-Boo

This vodka has aromas of vanilla pod, crème anglaise, and chocolate, with undertones of toasted buttery grain, but without any heavy cloying sweetness. A creamy sweetness on the palate, but light and balanced with cocoa powder, white pepper and sweet spicy notes.

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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

Vodka Brands 42 Below

Founded by Kiwi Geoff Ross in 1999, this New Zealand vodka brand became a cult hit and was sold to Bacardi in 2006. The name refers to it being made on the 42nd parallel (i.e. at a latitude of 42 degrees below the equator). Absolut

Arguably one of the most recognisable vodkas in the world, Absolut as it is known today has been around since 1979 but traces its origins to the late 1800s. This Swedish vodka was first made in 1879 by Lars Olsson Smith (it is his picture on the bottle) in the southern Swedish village of Åhus. The brand is now owned by Pernod Ricard, who bought it from the Swedish state in 2008. Absolut is still produced near Åhus and every ingredient is sourced from within a 100km radius of the village.

LITHUANIA Stumbras Vodka Centenary 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Q Liquid

Distinct aromas of wheat grain and a rich, mouth flavour with notes of roasted nuts and a lingering finish. A stalk of wheat is placed in each bottle to enhance the flavour.

POLAND Pravda 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Premium Liquor Co.

This rye-based Polish vodka uses fivestep distillation, water from springs deep within the Carpathian Mountains and charcoal filtration. It has a rich aroma and is crisp and clean on the palate with a rounded mouthfeel. Pravda Coconut 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Premium Liquor Co.

An aroma of fresh coconut continues on the palate with smooth and rounded coconut flavour; sweet but not cloying. Ideal for tropical-inspired cocktails. Pravda Espresso 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Premium Liquor Co.

An almost chewy aroma of chocolate and coffee leads to a sweet palate balanced by a deep coffee flavour with a chocolate note. Rich and mouthfilling.

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Aquifer

A vodka from The National Distillery Company in Napier, which also has a wide range of gins. The company is based in the historic Art Nouveau building formerly known as The National Tobacco Company in Ahuriri. Archie Rose

Founded in 2014 and located in Sydney, Archie Rose Distilling Co. produces a range of whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums, as well as one-off collaborations, limited releases and spirits experiences. Ariki

New Zealand company Ariki takes its name from the M ori word for a paramount chief or leader, also known on other islands of Polynesia as Ari’i (Tahiti) and Ali’i (Samoa, Hawaii). The company says it refers to its position as the Pacific region’s first ultra-premium spirits brand. Ariki produces gin and vodka, both using Rarotongan vanilla and Tongan coconut, and supports organic growers in Polynesia. Armada Spirits

One of New Zealand’s newer distilleries, Armada Spirits is based at Papamoa Beach in the Bay of Plenty. Its debut vodka launched in late 2020 and there are plans to release gin and rum soon too. Black Collar Distillery

This Northland distillery launched in 2017 and produces gin, rum and vodka.

Blue Duck Vodka

Part of the spirits range from New Zealand company Simply Pure, which also makes Black Robin Rare Gin. Simply Pure is a champion of ‘sustainable luxury’ and ethical consumption and donates a percentage of profits from the sale of its products to Forest & Bird. The Bond Store

Based on the K piti Coast, The Bond Store is a family business specialising in spirits and liqueurs, also under the Koakoa brand. Its range includes gin, limoncello and vodka. Broken Heart

This New Zealand brand launched several years ago with a gin by Master Distiller Joerg Henkenhaf, following the death of the close friend and fellow Master Distiller with whom he had first created it. Both from Germany, the pair wanted to create a gin that reflected their new homeland. Henkenhaf has since expanded the range to include new gin expressions, as well as the vodka and a spiced rum. Broken Shed

Launched in 2010, Broken Shed Vodka was one of the earlier entrants to the New Zealand craft spirits scene and is now distributed in the US too. It’s named for a rundown shed on the shores of Lake Wanaka, where two friends first came up with the recipe and spent over a year refining the filtration process. The vodka is still made in Wanaka, but the shed is now used for tastings and events. Burnt Hill

A New Zealand distillery that produces a dairy- and gluten-free vodka made from sustainably sourced sugarcane and filtered through volcanic rock. Cardrona Distillery

After opening in 2015, Cardrona Distillery in the Cardrona Valley has quickly made a name for itself in artisan spirits. Its range comprises vodka, gin, whiskies and limited edition liqueurs. Chapel Down

Based in Kent, England, Chapel Down is a maker of wines, beers, ciders and spirits. Coast Road

A vodka brand made in the Bay of Plenty. Copperhead Road Distillery

A Rotorua-based distillery where Chief Distiller Rod Roos makes their international-award-winning Pure Heart Vodka.

SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA Crystal Head Vodka

Haku

Reyka

Stoli

A vodka made on the island of St Johns, off the Canadian coast. Its name refers to the fact it is filtered through layers of semi-precious crystals known as ‘Herkimer diamonds’, while its distinctive bottle is inspired by a legend that says the native tribes of the Americas possess 13 crystal skulls, said to be project positive energy and enlightenment. It was created in 2007 by actor Dan Aykroyd (of Ghostbusters fame) and artist John Alexander.

The premium Japanese craft vodka brand from Japan’s House of Suntory.

This Icelandic vodka brand owned by William Grant & Sons launched in 2005, after the company built what was believed to be Iceland’s first vodka distillery in Borgarnes, 100km north of the capital Reykjavik. It uses a Carter Head still (as does its sibling brand Hendrick’s Gin), as well as locally sourced arctic water and lava rock filtration.

One of the world’s best-known vodka brands. Formerly known as ‘Stolichnaya’ (the Russian adjective for a capital city) Stoli’s production has in fact been based in Latvia for more than 20 years. In March 2022, its parent company Stoli Group announced that it would rebrand to ‘Stoli’ following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and would engage exclusively with Slovakian sources to ensure 100% nonRussian alpha-grade spirit for its production.

Dunedin Craft Distillers

This distillery launched in 2020 as a small scale, sustainable, circular economy distillery. Founders Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell make gin and vodka from a base spirit that they make from scratch, using surplus bread as a carbohydrate source. It is the only distillery in New Zealand to produce botanical spirits from surplus bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Drumshanbo

An Irish brand that is part of The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim in rural northwest Ireland. Elit

The super-premium offering from Stoli Group. Elit was first created in 2003 and is one of the world’s highest rated white spirits, with a platinum score of 97 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute. It uses a signature freeze-filtration process to remove any trace of impurities. Finlandia

The Finlandia brand was established in 1970 by Finland’s state-owned alcoholic beverage company Alko. It is now owned by Brown-Forman. Finlandia vodka is distilled in the village of Koskenkorva in Finland’s west, and then blended with glacial water in the village of Rajamäki, north of Helsinki. Good Times

A new New Zealand vodka brand. Gorilochka

A Ukrainian vodka brand owned by Petrus-Alco, one of Ukraine’s leading alcohol companies. Grey Goose

A French luxury vodka brand developed in the mid-90s and now owned by Bacardi. Grey Goose is made in France from locally grown wheat and spring water and its cellar master is Francois Thibault, a former cognac producer. The Grey Goose bottle features an illustration of French geese in flight.

JiŭJiŭ

A New Zealand vodka made in Golden Bay by Kiwi Spirit Distillery. Its Chinese name ‘JiuJiu’ is a reference to “be lucky and make nine” from the ancient Chinese game now known as Baccarat, with nine being the best one can achieve. Karven

New Zealand craft distillers Karven launched in late 2016 and produce a range of small-batch spirits in Puhoi, north of Auckland. The range includes gin, vodka, vermouth, absinthe and amaro. Kiwi Spirit Distillery

A distillery based in Golden Bay, producing a range of whisky, gin, vodka, and liqueurs. Koakoa

A sister brand to The Bond Store from K piti Coast. Manly Spirits Co.

Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this distillery has built a reputation as Australia’s coastal craft spirits producer, using locally sourced marine and coastal foraged botanicals. Peaked Distillery

A small Queenstown craft distillery using only organic and locally foraged ingredients to make vodka and liqueur. Pinnacle

A French brand owned by Beam Suntory. Pinnacle Vodka is made from French wheat and distilled in France. Pravda

Pravda vodka has been produced in southern Poland’s Carpathian mountain district since 1743 and today is made under the guidance of sixth generation master distiller Aleksandra Kulak. The gem on the bottle echoes those worn by the mayor of each village in the region, while the bottle shape refers to the fact the nobles of the time called it the ‘champagne’ of vodkas. Reefton Distilling Co.

This West Coast distillery launched in late 2018 and was founded by Reefton local Patsy Bass. It uses locally foraged botanicals and produces a range of gins, as well as vodka, whisky and liqueurs.

Roberto Cavalli

The vodka brand of Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. Cavalli developed the vodka in collaboration with his son Tommaso with the aim of creating the first super-premium Italian vodka. Scapegrace

This New Zealand distillery has been internationally awarded for its gins and launched its first vodka in mid-2020. SKYY

Launched in 1992, SKYY was America’s first quadruple distilled and triple filtered premium vodka. It was bought by Campari Group (now Gruppo Campari) in 2009. Smirnoff

Smirnoff had its beginnings in Russia, but after Vladimir Smirnoff fled during the 1917 Revolution, he re-established the brand in Europe. Smirnoff production was then shifted to the USA, where it has been based since 1934. It is owned by British company Diageo. Soplica

One of Poland’s oldest vodka brands, having first been produced in 1891. Stumbras

One of the largest producers of distilled beverages in the Baltic States. Based in Lithuania, it was established in 1906 and exports its products to around 30 countries. Status

A Ukranian vodka brand made at the Zlatagor Distillery, which is more than 100 years old, in Zolotonosha in central Ukraine. Owned by PetrusAlco, one of Ukraine’s leading alcohol companies.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

Founder and master distiller Bert ‘Tito’ Beveridge created the recipe for his now world-famous vodka when he opened the first legal micro-distillery in Austin, Texas in 1995. He sold his first case of vodka in 1997 and Tito’s is now one of the fastest-growing spirits brands in the world. Tried and True

An independent vodka brand produced in France and bottled in Singapore. It was developed by Singapore-based boutique spirits collective Proof & Company. The Vicar’s Son

A New Zealand spirits brand that launched in 2020. Its range comprises gin and vodka made in Auckland’s Point Chevalier and it’s believed to be possibly the world’s smallest commercial distillery, as each batch comprises of a maximum of nine bottles. Vesta

The vodka brand of Taranaki craft distillers Begin Distilling, which also produces Juno Gin. Vodka USSR

An original Belarusian vodka made at the Belalco Distillery in the city of Brest in southwest Belarus. White Sheep Co.

New Zealand sheep’s milk is the basis for the gin, vodka and cream liqueur made by White Sheep Co, which was founded by Sam Brown in early 2019. Żubrówka

A Polish vodka that takes its name from the Russian for ‘bison grass’. Zubrówka’s taste derives from extracts of this rare Bison grass. Each bottle contains a blade of the grass, which has been handpicked in the Bialowieza Forest, one of the last and largest parts of a primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain and is now home to around 800 European bison.

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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA

Soplica Classic 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $35 Q Liquid

A crisp, dry vodka, Soplica is one of the most recognised vodka brands in Poland, having been first produced there in 1891. Żubrówka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Beam Suntory

Żubrówka’s flavour is derived from extracts of rare Bison grass, harvested from the ancient Bialowieza Forest. Each bottle also contains a hand-picked blade of the grass. The vodka has a green, grassy aroma that develops in flavour on the palate, alongside a peppery kick and a lingering hint of spice.

Tito’s Handmade Vodka was awarded Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.

UKRAINE

USA

Vodka Gorilochka Wheat

SKYY

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $23.99 Q Liquid

A traditional Ukrainian vodka made using artesian water and "Lux" class premium grain alcohol, it is light and soft on the palate. Vodka Status Platinum 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $27.99 Q Liquid

This vodka uses high-quality grain alcohol of the "Lux" class, five-fold filtration, and proprietary cold softening technology to create a crisp, classic vodka.

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $39.99 Thirsty Camel

SKYY is made using quadruple column distillation followed by a triple filtration process using California limestone. It has a citrusy aroma, while on the palate it is dry and crisp with a creamy mouthfeel and a peppery finish. Smirnoff 40% ABV, 1L RRP $41.99 Lion

CANADA

Based in America since 1934, this classic triple-distilled vodka is smooth, clean and fresh on the palate with a lasting warmth on the finish.

Crystal Head Vodka

Tito’s Handmade Vodka

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99 Hancocks

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $59.99 Hancocks

This vodka is made from grain spirit that is quadruple distilled and then filtered seven times, three of those through layers of semi-precious crystals known as ‘Herkimer diamonds, before it is blended with glacial water from Newfoundland. Crystal Head has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, a hint of sweetness on the palate and finishes clean and dry.

This naturally gluten-free vodka is made from distilled corn. Creator Bert ‘Tito’ Beveridge uses the same pot still methods applied to fine single malt scotches and French cognacs. Clean and smooth, the vodka has a hint of sweetness on the nose and is rich and creamy on the palate. Awarded Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 80. 70 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

ELEVATE YOUR COCKTAIL GAME

L UNAT I C AND L O V ER. C OM

OPINION – SPIRITS

Dominic Roskrow

UK-based world spirits expert Editor - Stills Crazy newwizards.co.uk

A whole new world Dominic Roskrow takes a deep dive into whiskies from the New World and is left breathless… I HAVE spent the first part of 2022 tasting whisky and writing tasting notes for a new edition of Michael Jackson’s Malt Whisky Companion. Michael died 15 years ago, but his work as the Beer Hunter and then Whisky Chaser is revered by many, and his Malt Whisky Companion is the world’s bestselling whisky book. This is the third time I’ve been asked to update it, and when it appears on the book shelves in the middle of the year it will be in its eighth edition. I won’t lie – this time around it has been a struggle. I cover New World whisky – basically anything that is not Scotland. And the combination of Brexitfuelled red tape and the pandemic made getting samples harder than usual. But the difficulties pale in comparison to the joys of updating the book for the first time in seven years. Back then, only a handful of New World whiskies made the cut. This year the publishers have bowed to the inevitable and dramatically increased the size of the section for whiskies across the world. I was well aware that there are a lot more world distilleries now, and decided just to feature the very best New World whiskies. What I hadn’t planned for was the extraordinary quality of whiskies from around the world. As the days passed, it was like peeling an orange and finding the purest, sweetest and juiciest fruit inside. As we reach the editing stage, two things have become abundantly clear. Firstly, we are in the throes of a revolution in New World distilling. Duckling whiskies have become elegant swans. Malts 72 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

We are in the throes of a revolution in New World distilling. struggling to fly at three years old in 2015 are now 10-year-olds. Or maybe they’re not quite there, because many are still very young, but they’re ten times better than they were. And the second point to note is that under eight years old Scotland can’t hold a candle to the new wave of micro distillers in countries across the world. I predict the following. Firstly, England and Australia are set to become leading markets for whisky. Australia’s problems are expense and distance, but its malts are refined and exciting. England already has four established world-class distilleries with at least another eight on the way. Secondly, if a distillery worked with the late whisky consultant and trouble-shooter Dr Jim Swan, its whisky is going to be great. He created the Shaved Toasted and

Re-charred Cask, which imparts vanilla, honey and tropical fruits. Much of the malt is just four years old – and sensational. Thirdly, watch France. Some distillers there, being French, are claiming that they will be making the world’s finest whisky. From what I’m tasting, they may have a case. Once upon a time the country had a handful of distilleries in Brittany, a Celtic region of Northern France, or in Alsace, where there is a strong German influence. Now, France is making whisky everywhere. No country has expanded more. And finally, we know that New World whiskies appeal to a younger consumer. But they’re not just drinking it, they’re making it. Younger, more females, and multicultural, they are dispensing with established protocol and experimenting with woods and grains. Never has whisky been more exciting. Being the inquisitive enthusiast he was and how willingly he embraced new trends, I can’t help but think that Michael would have loved it all.

SHOWCASE

New arrivals at Thirsty Camel Distributor Thirsty Camel has some fantastic new additions to its diverse portfolio of spirits, liqueurs and mixers… Brooklyn Gin

Engine Gin

A craft spirit made in New York with fresh citrus peels and hand-crushed juniper. Presented in a handsome bottle, its unique bottle cap design can be used as an ice stamp. A fresh, complex and flavourful gin, its base spirit is produced entirely from corn and distilled in a Carl copper pot still. Founders Emil Jättne and Joe Santos designed a gin to showcase the vibrancy of fresh citrus peel.

Engine Gin celebrates the imagery of oil and fuel cans, motocross races and racing vehicles. Housed in an aluminium can designed to look like a can of engine oil, it is a London dry gin hand-crafted by master distillers, produced in small batches and bottled by hand in the Alta Langa region, in north-western Italy. Its formula is linked with Italian and Piedmont tradition, with notes of bitter sage and sweet liquorice root. It is produced with 100% organic Italian ingredients.

Brooklyn Gin – 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Engine Gin – 42% ABV, 500ml, RRP $63.99

Templeton Rye Oloroso Sherry Cask

Templeton Rye whiskey is a spirit unlike any other. For this new release, traditional Templeton 6 Year Rye spends an additional nine months in Oloroso sherry casks. The team at Templeton says their limited release cask finish series offers an annual unique twist on what rye can be. The 2021 release is no.3 in the barrel finish series – a limited edition sold on allocation and not to be missed. Templeton Rye Oloroso Sherry Cask – 46% 750ml, RRP $124.99 The Busker Blend – Irish Whiskey

The Busker is a “new to world” Irish Whiskey that is born out of a modern Ireland, where the contemporary and bold meet at the crossroads of tradition. Made with high-quality Single Grain, and a high percentage of Single Malt and Single Pot Still. A beautifully yellow gold whiskey with a rich body. Tropical fruits and vanilla on the nose lead to notes of malt, sweetness, and dark chocolate; with more subtle notes of toffee fudge and cinnamon. Concludes with a mellow, well balanced, sweet finish. The Busker Blend Irish Whiskey – 40% ABV 700ml, RRP $63.99 The Busker Single Malt – Irish Whiskey

An intense journey into the realm of taste. The Busker Single Malt is distilled in large copper stills, then matured in two different woods. It has initial accents of fruit, which leads gently to an explosion of pine essence and malt biscuit, with a luscious fruity mouthfeel. The palate is very intense with rich, chocolate notes, and a sweet and creamy finish. The Busker Single Malt Irish Whiskey – 44.3% ABV 700ml, RRP $69.99

Acqueverdi Gin

This unique gin takes its name from the mountain springs of the Val d’Aosta, close to the La Valdotaine distillery. Minerals give the springs a beautiful turquoise-green colour, and give the gin its particular taste. It uses mountain botanicals such as gentian, elderflower, alpine rosepine buds, fir needles and mountain pine. Juniper prevails in the aroma, sustained by the aromatic intensity of alpine plants. It is dry and full on the palate; well balanced with resinous and floral nuances of the botanicals. Acqueverdi Gin – 43% ABV, 700ml, RRP $72.99 Amaro Denti Di Leone

Amaro Dente di Leone (Italian for “wild dandelion”) is a common plant whose roots, leaves and flowers are all edible. Traditionally, it was a base for herbal medicines and liqueurs and is believed to be beneficial for health and digestion. Amaro Dente di Leone is made from the mountain variety with its smaller, heartier leaves and intense aroma. This Amaro blends dandelion with gentian and génépy herbs. It is sweetened with a touch of muscovado sugar. Each herb and plant emerges in the aroma, while the taste is full and rounded with a characteristic hint of liquorice added by the muscovado. Amaro Dente di Leone – 32.6% ABV 700ml, RRP $68.99 Available to order now from Thirsty Camel

0800 THIRSTY (844 778) info@thirstycamel.co,nz thirstycamel.co.nz

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 73

SPIRITS NEWS

SHOWCASE

The Bond Store shakes things up KAPITI COAST distillery The Bond Store is no high-brow distillery – they’re a makery of spirits and they’re shaking up the way Kiwis think about their favourite tipples. Focused on sustainable practices, The Bond Store’s unique and locallymade gin and vodka have already become mainstays of the Wellington bar scene and beyond, while the recently-released premium canned Cocktail Collusion range brings top shelf mixology expertise into the homes of cocktail-loving Kiwis all over the country. With their popular products ranging from a delicate, botanical Kawakawa gin infused with native leaves handpicked from owners Chris Barber and Bec Kay’s rural property, to delectable coffee vodka made with organic beans in collaboration with L’affare, The Bond Store offers carefully crafted spirits made with passion. The Bond Store thinks about things differently and challenges others to do the same. A limited edition release of their Kawakawa Gin now comes housed in its very own handmade wooden rat trap, to help more people play a part in conserving New Zealand’s native birdlife. A practical, sustainable and highly unique alternative to a gift box, the ‘no-touch traps were made by a not-for-profit community organisation on the K piti Coast and come with a sachet of Pic’s Peanut Butter to bait it once the gin bottle has been removed. The Bond Store range is available to order directly via kapiti@thebondstore.co.nz thebondstore.co.nz

74 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Hendrick’s Lunar Gin arrives in NZ THE SECOND limited edition release from renowned Hendrick’s Master Distiller Lesley Gracie’s Cabinet of Curiosities is now available in New Zealand. Gracie, who developed the original Hendrick’s Gin, has a background in chemistry and over the past two decades has amassed an array of botanicals, distillates and experimental liquids, which are housed in her Cabinet of Curiosities at the Hendrick’s Gin Palace on Scotland’s Ayshire Coast. Hendrick’s Lunar Gin is a small batch, limited release gin inspired by Gracie’s love of tending to her botanicals under moonlight. “Your body doesn’t react to aromas in the same way as during daylight, the darkness changes things, including how you respond to those around you, everything feels different at night,” says Gracie. “With Hendrick’s Lunar Gin there is the warmth of some of the botanicals, like being wrapped up warm and snug of an evening. There is the rich aroma of night-scented flowers and in the background you can just about make out the refreshing burst of citrus. It’s not bright and in your face like the midday sun, it’s calm, chilled and subtle. There is something magical about the sky at night and sharing that experience with those closest to you, and this gin wraps that sensation up in a glass.” The Hendrick’s Lunar Gin bottle retains the distinctive Hendrick’s shape, evocative of Victorian apothecary jars, yet the colouring is a sophisticated, deep blue reflective of the night sky. The brand iconography includes celestial imagery that conjures a feeling of drinking a cocktail under moonlight. Hendrick’s Lunar Gin RRP $89.99. Federal Merchants

SHOWCASE

Did you say “Peanut butter whiskey?” PEANUT BUTTER lovers rejoice! Sheep Dog, New Zealand’s first breed of PB whiskey is officially here and ready to raise the woof! For the first time ever, New Zealanders will have the chance to get their paws, and lips, on deliciously smooth peanut butter whiskey. After making a splash across the US and in Australia, Sheep Dog Whiskey is bringing its unique liquid gold to New Zealand to satisfy peanut butter lovers and whiskey fans alike. Although the idea of combining these two classic flavours sounds a little nutty, Sheep Dog is already herding the pack and has quickly become a fan favourite. Produced in the USA, this flavoured whiskey is bursting with natural peanut butter flavours, notes of vanilla and caramel popcorn with warm whiskey

undertones. Best served as a chilled shot or a nutty twist on a classic cocktail, like the Peanut Butter Espresso Martini. Trust us, it’s the mutt’s nuts. Sheep Dog RRP $54.99. Federal Merchants

Drink Better. Together.

100% Blue Agave Premium Tequila. Globally Awarded with Reason. Awards PLATINUM SIP AWARDS SILVER SPIRITS BUSINESS GOLD WORLD SPIRITS COMPETITION

Press “The 21 Best Tequilas You Can Buy Right Now” “Perfect for Celebrating” “Award-winning and high quality”

DISTRIBUTED IN NEW ZEALAND BY TICKETY-BOO LIQUOR LTD. PHONE 09 377 7597 OR EMAIL SALES@TICKETY-BOO.CO.NZ FOR FURTHER INFORMATION WWW.TICKETY-BOO.CO.NZ

sesiontequila.com | @sesiontequila

SPIRITS NEWS

SHOWCASE

Sesión Tequila arrives at Tickety-Boo

Puzzle it out TAKE SOME time out or connect with friends over this cocktail-inspired jigsaw from New Zealand puzzle company PieceHouse. ‘Shaken & Stirred’ is a 1000-piece puzzle featuring artwork by photographer and stylist Nikki Astwood. The PieceHouse founders say that their mission is to bring positive change to New Zealanders through puzzles by cultivating mindfulness. $1 from each puzzle purchased is donated to the Mental Health Foundation. piecehouse.co.nz

SHOWCASE

Shanky’s Whip gallops into Thirsty Camel DISTRIBUTOR THIRSTY Camel has added popular Irish whiskey liqueur Shanky’s Whip to its portfolio. A unique blend of Irish spirits and aged pot still whiskey, the result is a smooth black Irish whiskey liqueur with natural flavours of vanilla, caramel and a creamy Stout-like finish, without the burn of traditional whiskeys. Packaged in a distinctive bottle, its label is inspired by vintage Irish matchbox artwork and features a fantastical Irish jockey, Shanky, a wild boy of racing. Legend has it that when thrown from his horse mid-race, Shanky returned to the racetrack with an ostrich and cart and, of course, a whip. Serve Shanky’s Whip neat, mix in a cocktail or with cola. Shanky’s Whip, 33% ABV 700ml RRP $59.99 Thirsty Camel

76 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

NEW PREMIUM tequila range Sesión has arrived in New Zealand and is now available from distributor Tickety-Boo. Described as “a natural testimony to the way that young women connect with the world and celebrate life’s moments”, the name Sesión translates to “celebrate together”, supporting the brand’s promise of inclusivity and fostering occasions to enjoy life with the ones you love. Sesión founders Jennifer Hawkins (Australian model and business entrepreneur), Jake Wall and industry veteran Tim Freeburn have partnered with the world’s oldest tequila dynasty to create tequila with a feminine touch and a fresh, clean and smooth taste profile. The distillery sits amidst the Tierra de Agaves (Land of Agaves) and is nestled in the heart of a blue agave estate. Committed to quality, Sesión is a small batch 100% Blue Agave Tequila and is available in Blanco, Mocha and Reposado. Sesión Blanco 700ml RRP $87.99 Sesión Reposado 700ml RRP $94.99 Sesión Mocha 700ml RRP $79.99 Tickety-Boo

SPIRITS NEWS

Scapegrace wins Gold at BTI Awards NEW ZEALAND craft distillery Scapegrace has scooped Gold for two of its vodka RTDs at the internationally acclaimed Beverage Testing Institute (BTI) Awards in the USA. The BTI Awards assesses RTDs from around the world on a range of areas, including taste, ingredients, design and manufacturing. Scapegrace was awarded Gold for its Delicious Red Apple & Pear, and Hawkes Bay Lime & Soda Vodka RTDs, up against more than 100 other entrants. Scapegrace Marketing Director and co-founder Mark Neal says, “Off the back of the many international accolades we have had the honour of winning with our luxury spirits portfolio over the past eight years, we really wanted to see how our RTDs would sit amongst the world’s best. To receive both Gold and Silver is a huge achievement for the brand and testament to the importance of creating quality spirit products.”

Vesta Coffee Vodka. The rich smooth sugar-free alternative. Pure high-altitude Ozone Coffee beans distilled to perfection. Coffee, chocolate and dark berry notes make this the perfect addition to your Espresso Martini or coffee cocktail. From the house of Juno, this sister spirit explores our darker side. Order online at:

junogin.com/vesta-vodka

Kiwi spirits win on world stage NEW ZEALAND gin and vodka took centre stage recently with Broken Heart Vodka named ‘World’s Best Pure Neutral Vodka’ at the World Vodka Awards, and Awildian Coromandel Dry Gin named ‘World’s Best Classic Gin’ at the World Gin Awards. Broken Heart Vodka is made by Master Distiller Joerg Henkenhaf in Queenstown, where he also makes the wider Broken Heart range of gins and rum. Broken Heart is distributed in New Zealand by Giesen Group. Awildian Gin is made at Thames-based Coromandel Distilling Company, which launched in late 2019. Its Awildian Coromandel Manuka Gin had also been named Country Winner in the Matured Gin category. The Awards, presented by TheDrinksReport.com, select, reward and promote the world’s best spirits to consumers and trade across the globe. Each spirit is tasted in its relevant style to identify and select the style winners. The judging panel includes international, leading journalists, specialist drinks retailers and industry experts. Full results at worldvodkaawards.com and worldginawards.com

SPIRITS NEWS

Lunatic & Lover launches Fundamental AWARD-WINNING AUCKLAND rum distillery Lunatic & Lover has released a new un-aged, organic rum called Fundamental. Lunatic & Lover’s husband-and-wife team of Matt Bridge and Angie Bradley say they set their sights on achieving the purest form of the spirit: pot-distilled, clear and completely un-aged. “There’s nowhere to hide when making this rum. Everything has to be perfect: the ingredients, the fermentation and the distillation,” says distiller, Matt Bridge. Using only molasses, water and yeast, Bridge and Bradley describe Fundamental as a “purist’s rum”, complementing the deeply layered botanical Silver and Barrel Rested rums in the Lunatic & Lover range. They say Fundamental is versatile and approachable, packs enough flavour and vibrance to hold its own against

SHOWCASE

Add richness with Vesta Coffee Vodka DISCOVER VESTA Coffee Vodka from the New Zealand craft distillers at the house of Juno. This batch distilled coffee vodka is a collaboration between Begin Distilling (makers of award-winning Juno Gin) and local New Plymouth roastery Ozone Coffee. It uses natural-process beans sourced from the high altitude Kercha Sharo washing station in Ethiopia. This clear coffee-infused premium spirit is ideal for sipping neat on the rocks or building cocktails with a coffee/chocolate/berry surprise. The milk and dark chocolate notes in the spirit sit beautifully with the hints of berry and rich, freshly roasted coffee aroma and flavour. Vesta Coffee Vodka is rich and rounded – delicious for savouring on its own and perfect in an exquisite espresso martini. Visit vestavodka.com to order Vesta Coffee Vodka and for great cocktail ideas to add to your mixology repertoire.

78 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

the complexities of other ingredients, yet is refined enough to sample neat. Fundamental has aromas of strawberry, red fruits, cream and peaches; silky on the palate, with body and depth, notes of chocolate and a soft liquorice finish. Hancocks

Weekender Gin debuts THERE’S A new gin in town: Weekender is a brand new venture from New Zealand craft distillers Blush. Chris Thomas and Elliot McClymont of Blush say that Weekender Classic Dry is their twist on a classic gin and is packed full of botanicals, highlighting savoury spice notes and citrus. It is the first release in the new Weekender range, which aims to deliver local everyday value, and Elliot McClymont says that there are three more gins in the pipeline. Weekender was a year in the making and is recommended as an ideal pairing with East Imperial Burma Tonic Water. Weekender Classic Dry Gin - 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Blush

SPIRITS NEWS

New Marmalade Gin from Graham Norton

Greenall’s adds Black Cherry Gin

INVIVO HAS added an Orange Seville Marmalade Gin to its Graham Norton’s Own Wines and Spirits range. It follows the success of the Irish and Pink gins and was developed by Norton and Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron in collaboration with a gin producer in Norton’s hometown of West Cork, Ireland. The gin is described as dry in style with a citrus marmalade twist from Seville orange. Graham Norton’s Own Wines and Spirits is the most awarded celebrity beverage collaboration in recent years, receiving over 200 medals and 90-point ratings globally and is now available in ten countries including New Zealand, Australia, UK, Ireland and Canada. Graham Norton’s Own Marmalade Gin is RRP $59.99.

GREENALL’S HAS introduced a new Black Cherry Gin to its range, now available through Federal Merchants. Greenall’s Black Cherry is a bold, fruity flavour balanced with the character of Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin. It’s made with natural black cherries and without the addition of sugar or sweeteners. The new expression joins the existing Wild Berry, Blueberry, and Blood Orange & Fig flavoured gin offering. The launch of Greenall’s Black Cherry adds a fourth eye-catching SKU to the colourful range thanks to its bold purple bottle, helping to drive further stand out on shelf.

EuroVintage

Federal Merchants

SHOWCASE

New releases in Scapegrace Uncommon Vodka AWARD-WINNING SCAPEGRACE Distillery has launched the latest offering in its Uncommon craft spirit range. Scapegrace Uncommon Vodkas are six monthly limited-edition releases that highlight rare and uncommon craft vodka variants. Only 2,500 of each variety will be available, with every bottle having a unique number and allocation. At the heart of Uncommon is Scapegrace’s desire to hero the stories of unique and inspiring people around New Zealand who are producing boutique ingredients. This season’s Uncommon Vodka features two varietals: Yuzu Lemon and Umeshu Plum, both crafted from the fruit of local producers Neville and Junko Chun (pictured above right). Based 100km from Wellington in Horowhenua, the Chuns are pioneers in the cultivation of authentic Japanese Yuzu lemon and Umeshu plums in New Zealand. Scapegrace co-founder and Marketing Director Mark Neal says it’s been a pleasure scouting New Zealand to find

local producers and hear their stories. “The Uncommon offering has allowed us to shine light on local pioneers and growers who are leading the way in the future of cultivation in New Zealand. Here at Scapegrace, we’re all about producing the best product and what better way to do this than with local legends who have the same goal as us.” Local grower Neville Chun adds, “Aligning our produce with such an iconic Kiwi brand is wonderful for us. It is great that two cultures can come together

harmoniously to create a product that will be enjoyed all around the world. Our Yuzu lemons and Umeshu plums hold such a rich history, and for them to be enjoyed in a quality way that heroes the process is wonderful to be part of.” Scapegrace Uncommon Vodka is the perfect canvas for crafting cocktails, flavours and creative ideas. Scapegrace Uncommon 700ml, RRP $69.99 scapegracedistillery.com

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022 79

DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY

Distributors 8-Wired

DB Breweries

Karven

Pernod Ricard

022 106 1709 8wired.co.nz

0800 746 432 db.co.nz

021 723 090 karven.co.nz

0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com

The Apple Press

Dunedin Craft Distillers

Kemp Wine Merchants

The Premium Liquor Co.

0800 LOVE APPLES theapplepress.co.nz

027 479 7714 dunedincraftdistillers.nz

09 529 0935 greatlittlevineyards.com

09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz

Archie Rose

Emerson’s

Kiwi Spirit Distillery

Proof & Company

nick@archierose.com.au archierose.com.au/nz

03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

03 525 8575 kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz

ordersnz@proofandcompany.com proofandcompany.com

Armada Spirits

Emporium Brewing

Liberty Brewing

QBrew

armadaspirits@outlook.co.nz armadaspirits.co.nz

03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz

orders@libertybrewing.co.nz libertybrewing.co.nz

0274 978 583 sales@qbrew.co.nz

Asahi Beverages NZ

Epic Beer

Lime Hill

Q Liquid

09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

0800 212 337 epicbeer.com

limehill.co.nz

09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

Astrolabe Wines

EuroVintage

03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz

0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

0800 107 272 lionco.com

Bach Brewing

Federal Merchants

09 390 0149 order@bachbrewing.co.nz

09 578 1823 federalmerchants.co.nz

Badass Beverages

Felton Road

hello@badassbeverages.co.nz badassbeverages.co.nz

03 445 0885 feltonroad.com

Beam Suntory

Garage Project

0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

021 186 4081 garageproject.co.nz

Beverage Brothers

Giesen Group

03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz

03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz

Blush Gin

Glengarry

blushgin.co.nz

0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz

The Bond Store kapiti@thebondstore.co.nz thebondstore.co.nz

Boneface Brewing 04 529 7042 boneface-brewing.com

Cardrona Distillery 03 443 1393 cardronadistillery.com

Clearview Estate 06 875 0150 clearviewestate.co.nz

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners NZ 0800 692 337 cocacolaep.com

Go Green Beverages 027 511 9882 buybeer@gogreenbeverages.com

Good Buzz 07 543 5126 goodbuzz.nz

Good George 07 846 9364 goodgeorge.co.nz

Hancocks 0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

Invivo 0800 468 486 invivowines.com

Copperhead Road Distillery

Juno

022 369 3630 copperheadroad.co.nz

junogin.com

80 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

Lion Long Breeze Distributors 027 205 2795 longbreezedistributors.co.nz

Marisco 09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

McLeod’s Brewery 021 382 342 mcleodsbrewery.co.nz

Mineral orders@mineralwine.co.nz mineral.co.nz

Mission Estate 06 845 9350 missionestate.co.nz

Moa Brewing 09 367 9472 moabeer.com

Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

Parrotdog 04 384 8077 parrotdog.co.nz

Peaked Distillery

Sawmill Brewery 09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz

Taylor Brown 09 447 3801 taylorbrown.co.nz

Te Kano Estate finewines@tekanoestate.com tekanoestate.com

Thirsty Camel info@thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz

Tickety-Boo 09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz

Tony Bish Wines 06 650 3353 tonybishwines.co.nz

The Vicar’s Son 021 832 440 vicarsson.co.nz

Villa Maria 0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz

Vintners 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

peaked.co.nz

Whisky Galore

Peckham’s

03 377 6824 whiskytrade.co.nz

03 543 2959 peckhams.co.nz

Pete’s Natural 021 078 5758 petesnatural.co.nz

Whitehaven Wines 021 738 315 whitehaven.co.nz

Zeelandt Brewing 06 835 1825 zeelandt.co.nz

Distributed by Federal Merchants & Co

LAST ORDERS – MATT WILSON

Looking ahead at DB DB has a new Managing Director with Matt Wilson stepping into the top job in 2022. He talks sustainability, trends and the importance of helping hospo to get back on its feet again… How would you describe your business philosophy?

To create sustainable value. We’re an FMCG business, so of course we need to focus on short-term metrics, but we must always be building for the future. I believe strongly that businesses need to think in generations, and better balance delivery across the short- and long-term, particularly in the context of climate change and the urgency for New Zealand to transition to a low carbon economy. Because of this, I think it’s really important that DB not only succeeds from a financial and market share perspective, but that we also truly lead in sustainability, in line with our ambition to be New Zealand’s leading sustainable business. I want to prove that you can deliver on financial and sustainability ambitions simultaneously. In fact, if you’re not doing both I believe you’ll be caught out sooner or later. What's your view of New Zealand’s drinks industry currently?

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the hospitality industry has been nothing short of horrific. Despite this, I’m optimistic about the year ahead and people coming back to hospitality to reconnect. The question will be though, what is the structural damage that has been done by the impacts of the past two years with many good operators forced to close or leave the industry? Things like borders reopening will help, but the biggest factor will be New Zealanders having the confidence to go out again, and think about life post-pandemic. In terms of products, we’re seeing exciting trends around premiumisation and wellness, and I think there’ll be more to come in this space. With themes like “better for me” holding strong across different categories you see much more blending and blurring with similar tastepropositions and offerings coming from different categories, which I think is super interesting. What are your priorities?

Kiwis have experienced a great deal of separation and uncertainty in 2020 and 82 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2022

2021... meaning it’s even more important to help bring people together for social connection in a safe way. Businesses like ours are at the centre of these good times, and hospitalityrelated businesses have a really important role to play this year in bringing people back together. This is true internally as well, where many of our people have been working remotely. The first priority is connecting people again – both externally in the trade, and internally within our business. Secondly, I’m passionate about taking meaningful action in the sustainability space. As a business, we’re committed

“I’m optimistic about the year ahead and people coming back to hospitality to reconnect.” to finding innovative solutions that help reduce our emissions, without simply purchasing offsets as a first option. We’ve made huge progress in this area but need to accelerate now and help shape the wider emission reduction roadmap and lead the way for big business to play its part in New Zealand’s transition to a low carbon economy. What do you see as the main challenges ahead?

COVID-19 remains a significant challenge and businesses around New Zealand are currently facing extraordinary operational challenges with the explosion of Omicron. In terms of business impact, the current cost of living crisis is going to pose a real challenge, including with likely large excise increases to add to an already challenged cost-base. Supply chain disruption and

rising costs are huge challenges at the best of times, let alone while the country navigates a slower local economy. We need to work hard with our suppliers and customers to mitigate these challenges as much as possible and spread the impact, but unavoidably some of this will have to flow through to higher consumer prices. What do you see as the growth areas and opportunities?

Kiwis are increasingly making better decisions about alcohol based on their personal circumstances and lifestyle, and we’ve seen sales of low-alcohol beer increasing 1,116% in the past five years. We’re well placed to further build on this with the market-leading Heineken 0.0 as well as having Export 0.0 offerings. There has also been strong growth in low-carb beers, which make up 8% of the beer market. Sales for these grew 33% in the past year, and again it’s an area we know well with Export 33 being one of the first large scale low-carb beers in New Zealand. We have more innovation coming in this space. RTDs have also changed a lot in the last five years. We’ve seen increasing demand for lower sugar, lower carb, flavoured beverage options, with some really exciting new brands and options available. I see these trends continuing and with brands like Odd Company, want to continue to bring out relevant propositions for New Zealand drinkers. Despite the current challenges, hospitality remains incredibly important and core to how you build brands, so it’s essential to keep a focus on smart investments in that space. Helping hospitality regain its footing during this time will provide longer-term opportunities.

Drinksbiz April May 2022

Articles inside

Spirits Report: Vodka

Last Orders: Matt Wilson

Opinion: Dominic Roskrow

Beer & Cider Report

Opinion: Joelle Thomson

Opinion: Michael Donaldson

Beer & Cider News

Top Picks

International News

RTD News

Industry News

Wine Report: Chardonnay

Non-Alcoholic News

Feature: Rise of the NFTs

Legal Notes

Cover story – Astrolabe