Drinksbiz April May 2024

AWAKEN TO DISCOVER

Victoria Wells Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

The two sides of world whisky

IS IT me, or is there a lot of talk about whisky at the moment?

In putting this issue together (which includes our annual World Whisky Report) I've come across more than a few new whisky brands being imported, along with new releases from our own New Zealand distilleries, and news about local and international distilleries expanding or breaking into new territory.

It's exciting times in the whisky world –from the storied legacy brands attracting new, younger consumers to more recently established distilleries experimenting with pushing the boundaries when it comes to casks, maturation and grain.

Given this, it seemed a good time to check in with our own New Zealand

whisky industry and its progress as part of the wider New World Whisky grouping and in setting itself apart as a stand-alone whisky category.

There’s also something to be said for the excitement of trying a spirit crafted by those with a modern vision and bold ideas.

In the feature this issue (pg 20), I chat to NZ Whisky Association Chair Tash McGill about how far our local industry

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My picks

2023 Jules Taylor Marlborough Chardonnay

A luscious wine at an incredibly good price – this release from Jules Taylor is delicate and fresh with zingy citrus character. (Pg 25)

All the fresh hop releases...

I cannot be expected to choose a favourite fresh hop release, so check out the slew of new brews packed with freshly picked hops in the Beer & Cider Report. (Pg 38)

Pōkeno Exploration Series Totara Cask

I love the fact this whisky is the first ever made to use a cask crafted from New Zealand totara. It's a hint of things to come. (Pg 53)

has come in a relatively short time, and the plan ahead as New Zealand whisky seeks to establish its own footprint on the world stage.

While there’s certainly a romance to the idea of whisky ageing quietly for decades in an historic distillery, there’s also something to be said for the excitement of trying a spirit crafted by those with a modern vision and bold ideas.

Luckily, as you'll see in this issue’s World Whisky Report, we can enjoy the best of both worlds. (Note: Our annual Scotch Report runs in the June-July issue.)

Enjoy the issue, Victoria

Global flavours from World@BWS

Distributor World@BWS has exciting new products arriving in its portfolio of exclusive beers, wines and spirits…

INDRI

Indri is a multi-award-winning single malt whisky brand from Piccadily Group in India. Launched in 2021, its whiskies use barley grown and hand-harvested in Rajasthan using the six-row cultivated method, which relies on organic and sustainable principles and lends a distinctive fruity taste to the spirits. Piccadily’s Master Blender, Surrinder Kumar, is an expert in Indian single malt, having created award-winning malts since 2004 and receiving the award for Distiller of the Year in 2011. Piccadily’s distilleries use 100% renewable energy and operate sustainable farming practices.

Indri Trini The Three Wood

Three different wood casks (ex-bourbon, ex-French wine and ex-sherry) are used to craft this multi-award-winning whisky. Gentle and mellow on the nose with hints of black tea, caramelised pineapple and a whiff of oak, followed by vanilla, honey, spice and raisins. Rich on the palate with gentle spice and woody characteristics. A subtle and balanced finish.

SOME OF the world’s most admired and sought-after brands are now available through New Zealand distributor World@BWS.

Based on the Coromandel Peninsula, World@BWS is dedicated to bringing world-famous and exclusive beers, wines and spirits to retailers and on-premise establishments around New Zealand.

Its range includes brands such as Bira 91 beer, McGrath’s Irish Creams, Storywood Tequila, and Cihuatán rums, as well as other whiskey, gins, rums, tequila, Port, and liqueurs from around the world.

The World@BWS team are experienced in liquor retail, understand market trends and carefully research each and every product in their portfolio to make sure of the history and provenance behind them.

New to the portfolio are Indian whisky brand Indri, and El Padrino and Bambarria tequilas, with luxury brand Royal Dragon Vodka arriving soon.

Discover the full range available exclusively through World@BWS. Visit online at worldbws.co.nz to find a sales representative in your region or email sales@worldbws.co.nz

Indri Dru

‘Dru’ is a cask strength expression, where selected ex-bourbon barrels are handpicked and married by Indri’s master blender. In Sanskrit, ‘Dru’ means wood, tree or a vessel made of wood. In ancient Indian mythology, Dru was a vessel in which ‘soma’ (a drink) was collected and offered to the gods.

It has a fruity aroma with vanilla, subtle citrus, gentle spice, chocolate and honey tones. A sweetish, fruit-forward flavour with soft spice, sweet vanilla, chocolate, wood and citrus. A full, lingering finish.

Indri Diwali Edition

Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 is a peated Indian single malt made with six-row barley, distilled in traditional copper pot stills crafted in India. Carefully matured in PX Sherry Casks in North India's sub-tropical climate, this unique expression has a whiff of smoke and a palate full of candied dried fruits, toasted nuts, subtle spice, oak, and bittersweet chocolate. Winner of the ‘Best in Show’ Double Gold award at the Whiskies of the World Awards 2023.

BAMBARRIA TEQUILA

Described as “one of the finest examples of authentic pouring tequila”, Bambarria 100% Agave Tequila is produced and bottled at the award-winning Casa Maestri Distillery in the Mexican town of Tequila. It is made with the finest grade blue agave from Jalisco State and the highlands of Los Altos. The piñas are slowly steamed in small batches to create the distinctive taste. Bambarria Tequila is perfect for cocktails and sipping neat.

Bambarria Blanco

A crisp, smooth tequila with a subtle citrus aroma that develops on the palate.

Bambarria Reposado

Aromas of citrus with a hint of oak. Builds on the flavours in the Bambarria Blanco with subtle oak and olive on the finish.

Bambarria Flavours

Enjoy authentic Bambarria Tequila with exciting flavour additions. Available in Mango, Jalapeño, Coconut, and Coffee.

EL PADRINO TEQUILA

The name “El Padrino” goes back four generations to the small town of Santa Ines in Michoacan, Mexico. One of the wellknown townspeople was the ranch owner Pedro Barragán, “El Padrino” who was so named for his caring and protective nature towards the poor communities. This brand is made at the Casa Maestri distillery to honour his memory, by his granddaughter Celia Maestri Villanueva.

El Padrino Blanco

El Padrino Blanco Tequila is made with 100% blue agaves harvested from the best agave fields at the distillery’s farm in San Julián, Jalisco.

El Padrino Reposado

Aged from four to six months, El Padrino Reposado has exquisite aromas and

flavours of sweet cooked blue agave, intensified thanks to time in American oak barrels.

El Padrino Añejo

Made from 100% blue agave, Añejo Tequila is aged from 14-16 months in American oak barrels. The long ageing creates a smooth and intense flavour with aromas of cooked agave.

El Padrino Flavours

Add a delicious twist to mixed drinks or neat serves with the Flavoured range from El Padrino, whichcombines El Padrino Blanco Tequila with fruit extracts. Available in six expressions: Tropical Mango, Spicy Cucumber, Clementine, Coconut, Lime, and Passionfruit.

And coming soon… ROYAL DRAGON VODKA

Royal Dragon is a luxury vodka distilled in Lithuania and created from organically grown winter harvest rye. Distillation takes place in a century-old copper still, overseen by a master distiller who guides the filtration process through a vast charcoal chamber five times for exceptional softness and purity. The handblown bottle itself is an artwork, with the shape of a dragon inside and the crystal-clear glass highlighting the edible 23-carat gold leaves infused in the vodka, for the finest and smoothest vodka experience.

Reefton Distilling Co. appoints Scotch expert

REEFTON DISTILLING Co. has announced the appointment of Scotch Whisky industry expert, Gareth Morgan, to its team.

Morgan takes on the key leadership role of Distillery Manager, leading the Reefton site and overseeing the distillery’s cask management programme for its Moonlight Creek Single Malt Whisky.

Morgan has many years’ experience working in the heart of Speyside, home to over half of Scotland’s operating malt whisky distilleries. His career path has seen him involved in all areas of the Scotch Whisky industry, including distilleries such as Macallan and Tamnavulin.

Coruba partners with L.A.B

CORUBA IS to partner with Kiwi band L.A.B to present their winter shows in 2024 – a move the rum’s New Zealand distributor describes as “a significant milestone in Coruba’s New Zealand growth strategy”.

Thirsty Camel Managing Director, Brad Madigan, says they’re excited to announce the partnership with L.A.B as the official naming rights sponsor for their 2024 shows. “L.A.B is a quintessential Kiwi band that brings the vibes of summer everywhere they go. We are so looking forward to working with L.A.B on this partnership with Coruba Rum and we can’t wait to bring Sun Down, Vibe Up to life with amazing consumer experiences, give-aways and money-can’tbuy experiences at L.A.B shows in 2024.”

L.A.B Manager and Founder of Loop, Mikee Tucker, says, “The L.A.B boys are thrilled to be partnering with Coruba for their 2024 shows – the Jamaican connection makes L.A.B and Coruba the perfect match. We’re looking forward to launching this partnership with L.A.B’s winter shows in the North and South Islands.”

Coruba’s collaboration with L.A.B celebrates their latest album, L.A.B VI, released in late February.

Morgan’s industry experience also includes cask and bottling management with D&M Winchester Ltd., based at Coleburn Distillery.

He, his wife, and young family moved from Speyside to the West Coast in late 2023.

Patsy Bass, Reefton Distilling Co.’s, Chief Executive said they’re delighted to welcome Morgan. “Having someone with Gareth’s level of skill and experience to oversee our production facility, ensuring that the routine operation of the distillery continues successfully whilst achieving production targets and driving efficiencies, will provide a huge benefit to our business.”

Hospo NZ releases 5-year strategy

HOSPITALITY NEW Zealand has unveiled a new five-year strategy, outlining how it will help the hospitality sector to thrive.

It says that hospitality businesses are an economic engine, with more than 24,000 across the country, employing more than 176,000 people.

Steve Armitage, Hospitality NZ’s Chief Executive Officer, says the new strategy is designed to meet the needs of operators working in a sector that is New Zealand’s seventh-largest employer, and experiencing the fastest growth rate across all sectors.

“As we move beyond the impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the current fiscal recession, we need to sharpen our focus on two fronts: supporting businesses through the here and now, but being deliberate about building towards a future where the sector is more sustainable and better equipped to weather any further headwinds.”

Hospitality NZ says its strategy introduces initiatives designed to generate long-term success for the sector. These include:

• Building a future-fit pipeline of talent

• Improving the environmental performance of the wider hospitality sector

• Addressing and championing mental health and wellbeing within the sector

• Advocating for major and business events that help stimulate the wider hospitality sectors

• Expanding connections with New Zealand’s ethnic communities to ensure that membership is as diverse as business operators and patrons.

“Through implementing this strategy, we will provide improved tools, resources, partnerships, and knowledge, and deliver the support businesses and people in the hospitality sector need to succeed and add value to their businesses and careers,” says Armitage.

Read the full strategy online at hospitality.org.nz

New addition to Hi I.Q. South Island

DISTRIBUTOR HI I.Q. Liquor Merchants has appointed Dylan McDermott as its Territory Manager for the South Island. Established in 1992, Hi I.Q. is an importer and distributor of premium spirits, beers and liqueurs. Its brands include Ole Smoky, Minor Case, Deadhead Rum, Sangre de Vida Tequila, and Gran Orendain Tequila among many others.

Contact Dylan McDermott on 027 442 5964 or email sales.si@hiiqliquor.co.nz

Reefton Distilling Co.’s first casks of Moonlight Creek Whisky are already filled and laid down with pre-orders open for delivery from 2025.

Gareth Morgan and Patsy Bass with ‘The MacKay’ new make spirit still at Reefton Distilling Co.

Draught cocktails on the rise in NZ on-premise

NEW RESEARCH has found that draught cocktails and mixed drinks are continuing to grow in popularity amongst New Zealand consumers, with the On Premise supplying to demand.

A recent CGA by NIQ New Zealand On Premise Pulse+ Report examined the current landscape of draught/tap cocktails and mixed drinks.

The report confirms a robust awareness of draught/tap cocktails and mixed drinks among New Zealand consumers, with more than a third noticing these offerings when eating and drinking out. But it says that negative perceptions are the primary barrier to widespread adoption – this is because many consumers believe draught/ tap versions can’t match the quality of a bartender-made cocktail.

However, the report also found that 42% of consumers surveyed are warming to the trend as the quality of these solutions improve, indicating a growing openness to draught/tap serve types.

A key finding was consumer inclination towards classic cocktail types from draught/ tap systems. CGA by NIQ says that this indicates familiarity might play a leading role in acceptance, with half of consumers expecting to see classic cocktails available

on draught/tap. The data also reveals a third of consumers are open to trying ‘classic cocktails with a twist’.

Furthermore, the report says that consumers are recognising the benefits of draught/tap options, including less waiting time due to ease and speed of service, perceived lower prices than traditional mixed drinks, and consistency of flavour.

Additionally, it says there is a clear opportunity to overcome the scepticism of risk-averse consumers by leveraging bartender recommendation and providing free samples. With a third of consumers still doubtful about draught/tap alternatives matching bartender craftsmanship, endorsement by trusted bartenders can influence perception.

Find out more at nielseniq.com

New Chair for NZ Women in Wine

NEW ZEALAND Winegrowers has announced

Jo Cribb as the new Chair of NZ Women in Wine. The appointment commenced in February.

Dr Cribb has worked in the gender and equality space for many years, including being Chief Executive for the Ministry of Women. Recent assignments include evaluating Sport NZ’s gender equity in governance policy, leading sessions at APEC 2023 on gender equality in customs and border agencies, working with the New Zealand Defence Force’s leadership team on the gender diversity of the forces, and completing a gender analysis of immigration policy.

Dr Cribb is a Director of the New Zealand Winegrowers Board, is passionate about the wine industry, and is the owner of a vineyard in Martinborough.

“It is a privilege to take over as Chair of the NZ Women in Wine programme, bringing together two of my passions - gender equality and wine,” says Dr Cribb. “I look forward to working with the NZ Women in Wine Steering Group, NZ Winegrowers Board and management, and industry leaders to

continue to ensure the wine industry is seen as a desirable career for all talented and skilled workers.”

Dr Cribb takes over from acclaimed winemaker Kate Radburnd, who had been Chair of NZ Women in Wine for the last four years.

NZ Women in Wine was launched in 2017 and aims to help women reach their full potential, step up into leadership roles, and encourage businesses within the wine industry to assess their diversity and inclusion culture.

Stats NZ figures show broad fall in alcohol

ALCOHOL AVAILABLE for consumption in New Zealand decreased to 477 million litres in the year ended December 2023, a fall of 4.3% from 2022, according to statistics released by Stats NZ.

“This is the largest fall we’ve seen over the past 15 years,” said international trade manager Alasdair Allen. “The last year was a challenging one for domestic producers with a number of challenges, including adverse weather events. We have also seen a reduction in imports of beer and wine.”

The volume of beer available fell by 13 million litres (4.4%), wine fell by 2.4 million litres (2.4%), and spirits and spirit-based drinks fell by 5.9 million litres (5.7%).

The total volume of beer available fell 4.4% across all strengths of beer – this was the largest decrease in beer volumes since a fall of 6.6% in 2012.

• under 2.5% alcohol content fell 5.7% to 6.5 million litres

• between 2.5% and 4.35% fell 6% to 71 million litres

• between 4.35% and 5% fell 3.9% to 170 million litres

• above 5% fell 3.2% to 33 million litres.

Imports of beer decreased 5.1% to 4.2 million litres, following a 10% fall in 2022 and a 50% fall in 2021. Volumes of wine had the smallest decrease out of the three types of alcohol available for consumption with a fall of 2.4% to 99 million litres.

The quantity of wine imported for the year ended December 2023 fell 9.9% compared with 2022, to 40 million litres. This followed a slight rise of 0.6% in 2022 and a fall of 6% in 2021.

Wine exports in 2023 also fell, by 9% compared with 2022, to 269 million litres. This followed a rise of 5% in 2022 and a fall of 7.3% in 2021.

Out of all the beverage types, spirits-based drinks such as readyto-drink beverages decreased the most in 2023, by 7%. This followed a 3.8% increase in 2022 and a 14% increase in 2021.

The volume of traditional spirits, such as vodka, whisky, and gin, remained relatively flat with an increase of 1.4%.

stats.govt.nz

Ready to maximise World Cocktail Day?

IT’S WORLD Cocktail Day on May 13 – a date that marks the first time the word “cocktail” was published and the beginning of their rise in popularity around the world.

It was on May 13, 1806, that New York-based tabloid The Balance, and Columbian Repository defined a cocktail as “a stimulating liquor, composed of spirits of any kind, sugar, water and bitters…” in response to a reader’s question. The word then found its way into the vernacular of English-speaking socialites and the rest is history.

For World Cocktail Day 2024, Frankie Walker from Black Pineapple and Justin McKenzie from Wellington’s Hawthorn Lounge give us their top tips for leveraging this special day as a venue, and encouraging increased foot traffic.

Why should my venue leverage World Cocktail Day?

Frankie says: Cocktails are on fire right now! Since the days of the pandemic and

cocktail mixing at home, followed by the impact of the increasing cost of living, cocktails are favoured by those choosing to “sip and savour” one or two high-end drinks per outing on a restricted budget, rather than spend more on larger volumes of beer and wine.

Use World Cocktail Day as an opportunity to create a new cocktail to become known for and make it your signature.

If you have the skills within your bartending team, make the most of the theatre that can come with cocktails, whether this be through a vapour bubble, a foam, a dry ice smoke, or a citrus flame, make something that punters will remember and tell their friends about. This will then become a reason for people to visit your venue and turn into repeat customers, long after World Cocktail Day has passed.

What’s something unique and different my venue can do for World Cocktail Day?

Justin says: The key is to ensure you’re being authentic to your business and

Scapegrace lands major deal with Waitrose

SCAPEGRACE DISTILLING Co. has landed a major distribution deal with leading UK supermarket chain Waitrose.

The partnership will see Waitrose stock Scapegrace’s spirits, including Scapegrace Black Gin, Scapegrace Vodka, and Scapegrace Single Malt ‘DIMENSION VIII’, with the products to be available in more than 200 stores nationwide. Scapegrace Gold Gin will also be offered online through Waitrose Cellar, further expanding the brand’s presence in the UK market.

Scapegrace co-founder

Daniel McLaughlin says it’s an exciting partnership. “This is a really significant agreement which will see the range of Scapegrace Black, Vodka and Single Malt collectively in 230 Waitrose stores, as well as their online shop. Waitrose is known for quality products and is the perfect platform for us to showcase our distinct portfolio of spirits to a discerning audience of UK consumers.”

Scapegrace UK Distributor Mark Dawkins of Craftwork says the brand is growing substantially in the UK. “I have long-admired Scapegrace the

brand. For example, if you have a highend venue, you’ll want to offer a premium activity or promotion for World Cocktail Day for a consistent customer experience, rather than something with a form of gimmick appeal.

Leverage World Cocktail Day even further and make it World Cocktail Week! Create a full sensory encounter with different experiences each day such as tastings, special bottlings, bespoke cocktails or even recreate a classic from a vintage cocktail book.

How can I leverage World Cocktail Day on social media?

Frankie says: Part of the reason for the increase in popularity of cocktails is the theatre and visual appeal. Cocktails are more shareable on social media than any other drink. Plan and create tasty-looking content for the week of May 13 – and even the week before – across all your social channels, encouraging punters in with multiple days of promotions.

How can I work with my suppliers to make an impact for my customers this World Cocktail Day?

Justin says: Talk to your spirits suppliers about how you might be able to partner and really make a splash. Ask them which brands they are looking to hero right now and see if they’d be happy to negotiate price deals or bonus stock. Over the week commencing May 13 run a seven-cocktail list, utilising key supplier hero brands, with a different feature cocktail each day.

company, the brand, and the products. We are very proud to be their UK partner and the brand is on a very strong trajectory in the UK market. To secure three listings in Waitrose plus a further one on Waitrose Cellar is a milestone moment for both of us,” said Dawkins. The deal comes as

Scapegrace is set to complete Stage Two of its $30m distillery project on the banks of Lake Dunstan in Central Otago.

Scapegrace says the new distillery will allow it to increase production significantly and meet growing demand for its products, which are exported to more than 40 countries.

CORRECTION: In the ‘Wine Report’ in the February-March issue of Drinksbiz an incorrect distributor for Palliser Estate wines was listed. The correct distributor is Negociants NZ.

Frankie Walker Justin McKenzie

Bright future for industry up-and-comers

Entries open and more news from the NZ Young Viticulturist and Young Winemaker events…

New Chair for NZ Young Viticulturist

MATT FOX has been announced as the new Chair of the NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year National Committee.

Matt was the National Winner in 2013 and is a highly regarded leader in the New Zealand viticultural sector. Originally from Gisborne, he is now the Viticulturist for Rapaura Springs/Summerhouse Wines in Marlborough.

Matt has sat on the NZ Winegrowers Environmental Committee and sits on the Marlborough and National Young Viticulturist committees.

He says he’s delighted to become more involved with the annual event. “I’m excited about stepping up as Chair. This competition gave me a great platform to grow my own career and I’m keen to help many more Young Vits flourish and progress their careers in an industry I’m passionate about.”

Winners head to Hawke’s Bay

ONE OF the key prizes for the regional winners in the NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year competition is a Fruitfed Supplies field trip to one of New Zealand’s winegrowing regions. These trips spark passionate conversations and exciting ideas for the future, as the winners learn from viticulture industry leaders and those in other horticultural industries.

The 2023 Young Vit winners recently met in Hawke’s Bay where they visited vineyard trials as well as apple orchards, packing sheds, tomato fields and berry farms.

They learnt about new training techniques and state-of-the-art technology.

Last year’s Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker winners head

to Nelson with Fruitfed after vintage, where they'll visit wineries, cideries and breweries to broaden their knowledge and ignite ideas for the exciting future of winemaking.

2024 Young Vit and Winemaker competitions

Entries are now open for the 2024 competitions - don’t miss out!

NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year Find entry information at: nzwine.com/ en/initiativesevents/young-vit

Dates:

• Hawke’s Bay – 13 June

• Wairarapa & Auckland (combined) –20 June

• Marlborough – 4 July

• Central Otago – 11 July

• South Island Regional – 18 July

• National Final at Escarpment, Martinborough – 28 August

Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker

Find entry information at: nzwine.com/ en/initiativesevents/young-winemaker/

Dates:

• North Island, Hawke’s Bay – 25 July

• Marlborough – 31 July

• Central Otago – 6 August

• National Final at Foley’s The Runholder, Martinborough – 27 August

The overall winners for both competitions will be announced at the ‘Altogether Unique –Celebration Dinner’ on 29 August at Te Papa in Wellington.

Good luck to all contestants in this year's competitions

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Stand out with ANTIK from Saverglass

A CLASSIC style gets a contemporary makeover from French specialist glass company, Saverglass.

Saverglass’ BOURGOGNE ANTIK range is a modern twist on vintage designs – creating unique styles that reinterpret the iconic amphora and offer a fresh, contemporary approach.

ANTIK showcases products to perfection in a teeming marketplace and stands out from the crowd on busy shelves.

A contemporary twist on vintage

The BVS BOURGOGNE ANTIK exudes personality with its bold shoulder, and proud and sophisticated silhouette. Offering a nod to antiquity, the ANTIK range reinterprets the classical aesthetic

style of vintage hand-blown bottles that housed the rarest of vintages in years gone by. This dovetails perfectly with the move towards smaller batch, hand-crafted wines that value quality over quantity.

Available in both Antique Green and White Flint under BVS and cork mouth, and also in a Bordeaux option, this range provides versatile choices, including 1.5 litre and 3 litre options under cork.

Dedication to sustainability

Customers can choose Saverglass products with confidence, knowing the company has a

ANTIK showcases products to perfection in a teeming marketplace and stands out from the crowd on busy shelves.

dedication to sustainability efforts. Its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility is showcased in a recently released report, which can be seen at saverglass.com under Downloads.

The initiatives include a transformative approach to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, and a dedicated focus on business innovation.

Saverglass was given a Silver Award for its sustainability efforts by globally recognised third party institution Ecovadis. The award’s assessment process centres on four pivotal areas: environmental practices, human and social responsibility, ethical standards and responsible purchasing.

Find out more about the Saverglass range 09 522 2990 saverglass.com

Diageo reopens Islay’s Port Ellen

PORT ELLEN Distillery on the island of Islay reopened in mid-March, with an aim of becoming “a trailblazing light for the future of whisky distillation”.

One of the best known so-called “ghost” distilleries that closed in Scotland more than 40 years ago, Port Ellen’s reopening represents the final chapter in the £185 million investment by parent company Diageo, which has also seen the reopening of the other famous “ghost” distillery Brora, as well as investment in the company’s Scotch whisky visitor experiences.

Diageo says the new distillery has been designed from the ground up to push the boundaries of innovation, experimentation, and sustainability.

It has two pairs of copper stills: The Phoenix Stills are precise replicas of the original Port Ellen stills and will distil the classic smoky liquid that has made Port Ellen single malt one of the most highly sought after whiskies in the world. The second pair are The Experimental Stills, linked to a signature Ten Part Spirit Safe that Diageo says will allow the Port Ellen whisky makers unprecedented opportunity for experimentation. While standard distillery spirit safes allow for three cuts of the spirit run (head, heart and tails) the Port Ellen Ten Part Spirit Safe allows multiple cuts to be drawn from the heart of the run, accessing previously unexplored flavours and characters.

The distillery also has a dedicated on-site laboratory and a full-time laboratory technician to analyse and catalogue the new experimental whiskies. Open days will be held once a month from June 2024 and public tours will also be available.

malts.com/en-row/brands/port-ellen

First design take-over for Penfolds Grange

PENFOLDS HAS unveiled a new collaboration for its flagship wine, Grange, with The Grange by NIGO marking the first-ever design takeover of the iconic brand.

As the Creative Director of Human Made and Artistic Director of KENZO, NIGO is known for his innovative and futurethinking vision. His first Penfolds project was a highly successful global release of One by Penfolds, where apparel items for the collaboration sold out globally in under 1.5 hours.

Reflecting on his first visit to Penfolds in South Australia in 2022, NIGO said: “I have been a collector of Grange for many years, but it wasn’t until I visited Penfolds Magill Estate that I truly understood the craftmanship and history behind the historic wine. It was an honour to be the first person to collaborate on a design for Grange, especially as the brand celebrates its 180th anniversary.”

Having spent time with the Penfolds team reviewing archive material from Penfolds history, NIGO has re-imagined the packaging design of Grange for the one-off series.

The Grange by NIGO release includes collectable 750ml (1,500 available) and 1.5L (150 available) gift boxes to house the 2019 Grange. Each box is individually numbered and includes a bandana and bottle neck tag designed by NIGO, plus an authenticity certificate. The design

approach pays tribute to Grange in NIGO’s signature style, featuring a bold and colourful grape graphic and Penfolds logo reimaged through Human Made’s iconic typography. NIGO has also designed a silk rug for this series, with only 25 rugs available globally.

“This is a different direction for us, and the first time we have changed the distinctive gift box of our flagship Grange,” said Penfolds Chief Marketing Officer, Kristy Keyte. “As a collector, NIGO understands the reputation of Grange and its legacy. He was able to create a limitededition approach that is both playful and fresh while remaining respectful to the history of the wine. We have never done this before, and the result is brave and refreshing.”

Liquid Death lands in New Zealand

DRINKS BRAND Liquid Death is now available in New Zealand through distribution company Soulfresh.

Founded in the USA, Liquid Death is described as one of the fastestgrowing healthy drinks brands in the world.

Employing taglines “Murder Your Thirst” and “Death To Plastic”, Liquid Death is packaged in infinitely recyclable 500ml tallboy aluminium cans with the brand’s distinctive skull logo.

Soulfresh says the New Zealand ranging will be rolled out with a multi-channel retail approach encompassing Off Premise, On Premise and Grocery including BP stations, bars, clubs, tattoo parlours and music venues.

An offer of four core products is now available: Liquid Death Mountain Water and Liquid Death Sparkling Water for RRP NZ$6, and Liquid Death Severed Lime Sparkling Water and Liquid Death Mango Chainsaw Sparkling Water for RRP NZ$6.50.

Soulfresh

Return of the Mac’s

MAC’S SODAS are back with new cans and four new flavours: Ginger Beer, Tropical Pash, Lemon Crush, and Feijoa, Pear & Elderflower.

The new range is manufactured, distributed and marketed by Natural Sugars. “Mac’s is such an iconic Kiwi brand that’s been at the centre of Kiwi summers for decades. We’re so excited to have reformulated this icon, and to be launching four fun new flavours to really make soda fans feel nostalgic for a long, lazy, Kiwi summer days no matter the season” says Lizzy Yeo, CMO of Natural Sugars.

Mac’s Sodas come in a 250ml 6-pack for RRP$6.99.

Natural Sugars

WHAT’S ON

APRIL

Friday 5 – Saturday 6 April

Taranaki Beer Festival

The 2024 Taranaki Beer Festival will be held at TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, with over 30 craft breweries showcasing some of the best beer, cider and cocktails from around New Zealand.

taranakibeerfestival.co.nz

Friday 5 – Sunday 7 April

The Food Show – Christchurch

The country’s largest consumer culinary event is at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena for three days. Exhibitor booking details are available on the website. foodshow.co.nz

Saturday 6 April

Marchfest – Nelson

The 16th annual Marchfest will be held at Founders Park in Nelson. A showcase of craft beer and cider, as well as lo- and no-alcoholic options. marchfest.com

Friday 3 – Saturday 4 May

Gindulgence – Auckland

A boutique gin event at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront with more than 80 local and international gins on offer, alongside insights from gin experts in the Gin Theatre. gindulgence.co.nz

Friday 24 – Sunday 26 May

The Chardonnay Affair - Gisborne

A celebration of Chardonnay with events including food and wine matching, a Chardonnay Masterclass and a trip on the Chardonnay Express. thechardonnayaffair.co.nz

Friday 24 – Sunday 26 May

The Food Show – Wellington

The Food Show comes to Wellington’s Sky Stadium for three days with the country’s largest consumer culinary event. Exhibitor booking details available on the website. foodshow.co.nz

JUNE

Thursday 25 – Thursday 27 June

WinePRO – Blenheim

A three-day trade event for wine industry showcasing the latest products, technology, and suppliers. The event includes an exhibition showcase as well as a conference programme and workshops. winepro.co.nz

JULY

Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 July

The Food Show – Auckland

Auckland Showgrounds again plays host to The Food Show over four days. Exhibitor booking details available on the website. foodshow.co.nz

AUGUST

Sunday 4 – Tuesday 6 August

NZ Bar Con(vention) – Auckland

An inaugural trade event dedicated to New Zealand hospitality with three days of seminars, tastings, bar takeovers and more. Programme details and event schedule will be available on the website. nzbarcon.com

The real taste of Mexico with Besos Margarita RTD

MEXICAN CHEF and restaurateur Luis Cabrera has released his premium awardwinning Besos Margarita in a new 200ml RTD can format.

The Auckland-based chef says Besos Ligera (7% ABV) is a full-flavour Margarita made with 100% double distilled premium blue agave and is not carbonated because: “Margaritas were never meant to be carbonated!”

The new release provides a smooth and perfectly balanced 200ml Margarita pour straight from the can and is based on Cabrera’s award-winning Besos Clásica signature Margarita recipe.

Originally from Mexico City, he and his wife moved to New Zealand in 2008. They opened Besos Latinos restaurant in 2010

SHOWCASE

and Besos Latinos Ceviche bar, both in Auckland, but were forced to close permanently in 2022 after the challenges of lockdowns and staff shortages.

It was during the pandemic that Cabrera decided to bottle their signature cocktail “Besos Margarita” and it became very popular. It is now sold in Gilmours around the North Island, as well as through Liquorland, Thirsty Liquor and other retailers.

Super Liquor expands into West Auckland

SUPER LIQUOR is delighted to announce the successful conversion of 12 West Liquor stores in West Auckland, owned by Portage and Waitakere Licensing Trusts, into Super Liquor branded stores.

Greg Hoar, National Operations Manager for Super Liquor Holdings, said Super Liquor is thrilled that

The Trusts has chosen Super Liquor’s franchise model and brand reputation, meaning people living in West Auckland can benefit from the very best retail liquor experience with the convenience of being local.

“Expanding the Super Liquor footprint into West Auckland will add to the 39 Super Liquor stores already operating across Auckland, and lifts our national network to 187 outlets,” says Mr Hoar.

“With The Trusts retaining ownership of the new Super Liquor franchised stores, this allows them to continue to support West Auckland’s community, while at the same time offering locals access to the great range of products and customer service Super Liquor is renowned for.”

Besos Margarita has received several international awards, including a Triple Gold at the MLSA Competition and Gold at the prestigious European Spirits Challenge in 2023.

Besos Margarita Ligera is available in a 200ml 4-pack at RRP $24.99.

Dhall & Nash

A whole new world

There’s growing interest in the innovation of New World whisky – Victoria Wells looks at how New Zealand is making its mark in the category...

IT’S A spirit steeped in history and legend, and it’s also one of the most exciting and dynamic categories in the drinks industry today: whisky.

From Scotland’s distinct spirit, to the distilleries of Ireland, the USA, Canada, and Japan, whisky-making is increasingly found in more and more countries, including Bolivia, Australia, Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Finland, and of course, New Zealand.

These more recent additions are known as ‘New World whiskies’ and are generally defined as: whisky not made in Scotland, Ireland, the USA, Canada or Japan; or a whisky in a style not traditionally associated with the country in which it is made (i.e. a whisky made in one of the aforementioned countries but using experimentation with raw materials and processes to create new flavours and non-traditional styles).

Several of these international New World whiskies are familiar names already, like India’s Amrut and Indri, Australia’s Starward and Taiwan’s Kavalan, which have all become regular international award-winners and fixtures in bars around the world.

In 2020, Diageo-backed spirits accelerator Distill Ventures identified 36 countries producing New World whiskies. That list has grown further and the category expands even more when new styles made in the five ‘traditional’ countries are included.

IWSR reported in mid-2023 that the global spirits category had grown +5% in volume 2021-2022 and noted that whisky

was a particular influence (+8% volume growth, 2021-2022)1

It tipped premiumisation in whisky as a key growth driver for the overall spirits category going forward: forecasting the premium+ whisky segment to grow by +4% volume CAGR, 2022-20272

And that’s good news for New Zealand distillers eyeing the premium end of the market as they seek to establish a unique footprint for whisky made here.

From Aotearoa to the world

New Zealand’s whisky industry has grown significantly in recent years, with around 12 distilleries producing the spirit currently and several brands making serious investments at home and big inroads overseas.

Scapegrace Distilling Co. is soon to open its new multi-million-dollar distillery in Central Otago, New Zealand’s largest distillery project to date. Its single malts are already distributed throughout Asia Pacific, Europe, UK, and the USA, and earlier this year announced it had secured a distribution deal with premium UK supermarket chain Waitrose that includes its Scapegrace Single Malt ‘DIMENSION VIII whisky.

In January, Thomson Whisky was named ‘Rising Star’ by The Whisky Exchange UK, the world’s largest online whisky retailer. Cardrona Distillery is on a path to further expansion following its purchase by global company International Beverage, and Reefton Distilling Co. on the West Coast is set to release its first single malt whisky in 2025 (it was laid down in 2022 when its new distillery opened) and has appointed Scotch Whisky expert Gareth Morgan as its new Distillery Manager.

One of the fastest-growing new players on the scene is Pōkeno Whisky, opened by Matt and Celine Johns. With its owners’ impressive background in distilling overseas, a purpose-built distillery in the Waikato, and boasting New Zealand’s only working cooperage, Pōkeno Whisky has already built a reputation for quality spirits. Founded in 2017, they released their first range of single malts in mid-2022 and exported 40,000 bottles in their first year. Pōkeno Whisky is now in 25 international markets, with the largest being France, the US, Taiwan, China, and Australia. They are already winning international awards, and also released the world’s first whisky aged in a totara barrel.

A uniquely New Zealand expression And that’s where much of the excitement comes from. New World whiskies offer consumers a chance to try spirits that have been aged in different woods (often native to a country), using grain with a distinct terroir, and water from specific regions.

“People are excited about New World whisky because they’re excited about whisky being made in places that are perhaps unfamiliar,” says Tash McGill, Chair of the New Zealand Whisky Association (NZWA).

“They’re excited about what that story looks like and tastes like in terms of production process. And we’ve got some great stories to tell here about our grain, which provides these beautiful high yield starches that convert into really lovely spirit. And then when we start to talk about our unique climates and the difference between Pōkeno and Cardrona, and then

Matt Johns and cooper Mike Tawse at Pōkeno Whisky

what Thomson are doing out in West Auckland, even within a small geographical area we’ve got microclimates ageing and maturing whisky in different ways.”

It’s this uniquely New Zealand expression of whisky, and the quality of the product that bears a New Zealand whisky label that the NZWA wants to ensure is upheld. Tash McGill says it’s about protecting a certain benchmark within the industry, as well as protecting consumer education around what is and isn’t New Zealand whisky. “What we’re saying is that we hold wood, we hold time, we hold the production methodology of spirit as three essentials – they can be played with, but certain benchmarks must be met.”

The road ahead

The New Zealand Whisky Regulations were released in 2021 and (among other things) define what can constitute a New Zealand whisky, with set standards around

ingredients and production methods. They were developed in consultation with local whisky distillers and overseen by craft distilling industry body Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (DSA). They are binding for NZWA and DSA members.

As the industry body for whisky makers in New Zealand, McGill says the goal now is to get the regulations into law so they can better protect a premium category for New Zealand whisky and help to launch and expand the category overseas. Registering a Geographical Indication for New Zealand whisky (such as exists for Scotch) is also part of the plan.

She says this approach will also help the wider New Zealand spirits industry reach a certain benchmark of production and methodology across every category.

While initial investigations focused on the Food Standards Australia NZ

currently give consumers the reassurance or reliability that they know what they’re drinking and that they know where it comes from.

“Getting these regulations into place should be going hand-in-hand with our efforts as an industry to increase the dedication to quality production and quality messaging – and quality consumer engagement should go hand-in-hand with a conversation about making sure that alcohol taxes are going to places that immediately make a difference towards better outcomes for consumers, whether they are consumers of alcohol or not.”

Setting up for success

Tash McGill acknowledges it could be a long path ahead but says the fact our local distillers are increasingly in the international spotlight should help to move the

“People are excited about New World whisky because they’re excited about whisky being made in places that are perhaps unfamiliar.”

– Tash McGill, Chair of the New Zealand Whisky Association

(FSANZ) code as a pathway, the cost and additional complexities meant it wasn’t a viable option. Now, the NZWA plans to work directly with government, engaging the relevant Ministers and working with health promotion agencies and associated groups on proposed changes to existing alcohol legislation.

McGill says there’s a need for a more integrated view of what the alcohol legislation system represents. “We can’t talk about effective tax implications for how we apply alcohol taxes and HPA levies and all those things unless we actually address that our law does not

conversations with government forward while further cementing New Zealand whisky as its own distinct category on the global market.

“Our style may vary, but there is a consistency to the quality and to the methodology that says everything about what we make here, what we call New Zealand whisky, has been done with intentionality, accuracy and attention to detail to ensure that it’s going to meet a certain standard,” she says.

“We are making New Zealand whisky first and foremost, and that whisky sits in the category of ‘New World’, but we’re making whisky that tells a story of this place and of our remarkable quality ingredients.”

McGill compares New Zealand’s progress already with that of Japan, whose whisky industry has taken more than a century to reach a sort of “handshake agreement” around production methods, with labelling standards defining Japanese whisky only released in 2021.

“They’re a hundred years more established than us, but we are in the same place of trying to take the right steps to make sure that our whisky industry can have its own unique style and profile.”

1,

Scapegrace Distilling Co.’s new distillery under construction in Central Otago

Pervinder Davies Associate at Corcoran French Lawyers specialising in alcohol licensing. pervinder@cflaw.co.nz cflaw.co.nz

The right message

Alcohol advertising and promotion can be a tricky area –Pervinder Davies explains what you need to know…

THE IMPORTANCE of responsible drinking has become a key focus of the evolving discussion around alcohol consumption in New Zealand. With growing awareness of the potential social and health implications associated with excessive drinking, there is also a spotlight on the role of advertising and promotion in shaping consumer behaviour.

Here are some of the key areas to be aware of when it comes to responsible alcohol advertising and promotion laws in New Zealand.

Framework of responsibility

The landscape of alcohol advertising and promotion in New Zealand is shaped by a framework designed to balance commercial interests with the imperative to promote responsible drinking. With an emphasis on safeguarding public health, the country’s laws on alcohol advertising seek to mitigate potential harm while allowing for the legitimate advertising and promotion of alcoholic beverages.

All alcohol advertising and promotion must comply with New Zealand law and with the principles and guidelines in the Code for Advertising and Promotion for Alcohol and the Advertising Standards Code 2018.

New Zealand implemented measures to regulate irresponsible alcohol promotions in 2013. Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, it is considered an offence to:

• Encourage excessive consumption of alcohol. This applies anywhere – not just on licensed premises.

• Promote or advertise discounts on alcohol of 25% or more, anywhere that

can be seen or heard from outside the licensed premises.

• Promote or advertise free alcohol.

• Offer goods, services, or prizes on condition that alcohol is purchased.

• Promote alcohol in a way that it is aimed at or likely to have special appeal to minors.

Specific conditions for supermarkets and grocery stores

Supermarkets and grocery stores face additional compulsory conditions, including describing one area within the premises as a permitted area for the display and promotion of alcohol (single alcohol area).

Remote sales and responsible practices Remote sellers, like all alcohol licence holders, must adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring responsible practices such as not encouraging excessive consumption and refraining from offering goods or services on the condition of alcohol purchase.

Beyond alcohol - Other relevant legislation

Under the Gambling (Prohibited Property) Regulations 2005 it is an offence to offer or use alcohol as a prize for gambling activities, for example wine as a raffle prize. False or misleading representations about goods or services are a breach of the Fair Trading Act.

Key takeaways

Target the appropriate demographic - ensuring that your marketing efforts are directed towards the appropriate demographic is a foundational principle of responsible alcohol promotion.

Regulate content and imagery - the content and imagery used in alcohol advertising are closely regulated.

Advertisers are prohibited from using material that may encourage excessive drinking, depict irresponsible behaviour, or glamorise alcohol consumption.

Advertisers are prohibited from using material that may encourage excessive drinking, depict irresponsible behaviour, or glamorise alcohol consumption. Striking a balance between promoting the product and maintaining a responsible image is crucial to comply with these regulations. Be transparent - advertisements must provide clear and accurate information about the product, including alcohol content and potential health risks. Additionally, health warnings such as messages related to drinking during pregnancy and the dangers of excessive consumption are mandatory in all alcohol promotions.

Digital compliance - Advertisements on digital channels must comply with the same regulations applied to traditional media. This includes ensuring that content is not likely to appeal to minors and avoiding tactics that might encourage irresponsible drinking.

If you’re unsure about any of the above, get professional advice. It’s important to be clear that you’re within the law if you’re marketing or promoting alcoholic products as penalties can be substantial.

Chardonnay all day

Joelle Thomson presents a selection of delicious new and recent releases, and great aged whites crafted from the world’s most popular white wine grape…

RRP $15 - $24.99

2022 Maravedi Chardonnay Airen

RRP $16.99

Mineral

While Chardonnay needs no introduction, Airen is a relatively unknown white grape, despite being incredibly popular in Spain where it is usually used as a base to make brandy. The two are blended together in this attractively affordable wine with its ripe white stonefruit flavours. Maravedi is the name of an ancient Spanish coin. This wine is certified organic and sealed with a screwcap.

2023 Spade Oak Voysey Chardonnay

RRP $19.99

Wine2Trade

Gisborne-based winemaker Steve Voysey brings out the best in Chardonnay by dialling up its smooth flavours of ripe nectarine and Golden Queen peach, adding nuances of creamy appeal in this appealingly priced, mediumbodied wine.

2022 Leefield Station Chardonnay

RRP $21.99

Marisco

Is it possible to make a wine that tastes too good? If so, here it is. This Chardonnay has crisp, fresh acidity leading into a creamy, textured mouthfeel in a wine with a medium body and long finish. If offers exceptionally good value for money for this quality.

2022 Saint Clair Origin Chardonnay

RRP $22

Negociants

A creamy, medium-bodied dry white that puts Marlborough’s best foot forward in a smooth, soft expression of Chardonnay. Very good value for money and such a consistent wine every year. Great buying from the Ibbotson family, the founders and owners of Saint Clair Family Estate.

2022 Main Divide Chardonnay

RRP $22.99

EuroVintage

Main Divide Chardonnay is an old favourite with a fresh new twist. The North Canterbury wine has a beautiful balance of ripe citrus and nectarine aromas, flinty and fresh herb flavours, and a full body with delicious complexity. Hand-picked grapes were whole bunch pressed into large French oak puncheons and fermented with natural yeasts to make a stunning wine, especially at this price.

2022 Tony Bish Fat & Sassy

Chardonnay

RRP $22.99

Tony Bish Wines

Chardonnista Tony Bish made this smooth and accessibly priced Chardonnay with white wine lovers in mind, honing in on the best qualities that Chardonnay has to offer. A combination of small barriques, large oak, and stainless steel all work in tandem here to create a mediumbodied wine with aromas of ripe white peach and citrusy acidity adding depth and a long finish. Very good value for money.

2023 Clearview White Caps

Chardonnay

RRP $23.99

Clearview Estate

A big, bold and buttery Chardonnay from Hawke’s Bay’s Clearview Estate. It has ripe peachy flavours that deliver the weight and depth of taste that lovers of bold Chardonnays look for. If you like creamy, smooth, full-bodied Chardonnay, this is it.

2023 Jules Taylor Marlborough

Chardonnay

RRP $23.99

Hancocks

Outstandingly crisp, citrusy purity of flavour comes through in every delicious sip of this great white. Chardonnay is one of this country’s (and Marlborough’s) best-kept secrets because the best (wines like this one) can take on Chablis from village level to premier cru. If this sounds like a bold claim, I encourage you to try it – buy the wines and taste them blind.

2022 Lake Chalice Raptor

Chardonnay

RRP $24.99

Hancocks

A creamy, smooth, and medium-bodied wine with aromas of flinty, green herbs. A piercingly fresh style that would match well with fresh seafood.

RRP $25 - $29.99

2022 Cave de Lugny Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay

RRP $27.99

Maison Vauron

France is the home of Chardonnay, and Mâcon (in the south of Burgundy) is home to many of the best-value dry whites in the world. This smooth, lightly creamy wine is made by the Cave de Lugny, a cooperative of over 250 winemakers in the Mâcon region, where warm rolling hills are home to Chardonnay vines and great value bottles, such as this one.

2022 Whitehaven Marlborough Chardonnay

RRP $27.99

Whitehaven

Whitehaven Chardonnay is one of the best dry wines from Marlborough and has flavours of bright, zesty ripe grapefruit in a smooth, creamy body, which makes it a sensational match with roast chicken and all the trimmings. A great white at a stunningly attractive price.

2021 Abel Tasman Chardonnay

RRP $28.99

Abel

This is the fourth vintage of this zesty, flinty and complex Chardonnay. It is made from hand-picked grapes grown on a five-hectare close-planted vineyard owned by Mark and Sophie McGill, along with James and Wendy Healy (Sophie’s parents and co-founders of Dog Point Vineyards). Fermentation in 3,000 to 5,000 litre cuves (large barrels) with 23 months ageing work together to keep this wine tight, fresh, full-bodied and characterful with beautifully balanced acidity driving the structure and taste. A stellar wine from the Tasman region.

2022 Spy Valley Marlborough Chardonnay

RRP $28.99

Red+White Cellar

Top-value buying from one of the best-known wineries in the country’s biggest wine region. This is a blend of grapes grown in Marlborough and fermented in stainless steel to retain fresh, fruit-forward aromas of ripe grapefruit and white peach, all carried in a full body. Very good drinking now or in the next two to three years.

2021 Marisco The King’s Bastard Chardonnay

RRP $29.99

Marisco

If you want to know how far New Zealand Chardonnay has come over the last 15 years, taste this excellent wine. It’s made with grapes hand-picked from a range of vineyards in Marlborough, each one fermented separately and all whole bunch pressed with a portion in new French oak. This wine is smooth, silky, creamy, and soft with structural qualities of vibrant acidity from cool night time temperatures.

2022 Astrolabe Marlborough

Chardonnay

RRP $29.99

Astrolabe

Winemaker Simon Waghorn’s first and enduring wine love affair is with Chardonnay, which comes through in this creamy, dreamy, dry, and citrusy Chardonnay. It has all the hallmarks of a great white – from its full body and appealing aromas of cultured butter, through to its lightly toasted oak nuances and ripe citrus flavours. Whole cluster fermentation with wild yeasts in barrel followed by lees ageing in French oak with lees stirring all make this wine an exceptional Chardonnay at a very affordable price.

RRP $30 - $39.99

2022 Nga Waka Martinborough

Chardonnay

RRP $30

Hancocks

An excellent wine from Martinborough winemaker Roger Parkinson, who founded Nga Waka and built its stellar reputation on outstanding white wines. This wine in particular offers exceptional value for money for a classic, dry, full-bodied, creamy Chardonnay that is nicely balanced by underlying crisp acidity.

2022 Wairau River Reserve

Chardonnay

RRP $30

Federal Merchants

This is a top Chardonnay from an old winery, Wairau River Wines, which was founded and is still owned by the Rose family. This reserve Chardonnay is a full-bodied dry wine with creamy aromas and a lingering finish from refreshing citrusy acidity.

2021 Čuvar Iris Chardonnay

RRP $31.99

Fistonich Family Vineyards

Sir George Fistonich’s new family wine project is Čuvar (pronounced “choo-var”). This is the Croatian word for ‘the guardian’, which is a great description of Fistonich’s role in the New Zealand wine industry. This wine is a beautifully layered creamy Chardonnay with a hint of cedary spice, ripe nectarine taste and memorably lingering flavours.

2022 Holly Chardonnay

RRP $32.99

Matahiwi Estate

There is instant appeal in this Hawke’s Bay wine’s creamy aromas and hint of flint, which lead into a dry, full-bodied Chardonnay with peachy flavours. Winemaker Miles Dineen strikes an appealing balance in this wine with its smooth texture and fresh citrusy aromas and acidity, which give this wine depth and lingering taste.

2017 Spy Valley Envoy Johnson

Chardonnay

RRP $34.99

Red+White Cellar

Envoy is at the top of Spy Valley’s wine tree and made only from select grape varieties and only in certain years, hence this current release is now a seven-year-old, beautifully rounded expression of Chardonnay. Remarkably fresh in flavour with buttery aromas balanced by developed notes of citrusy lemon curd wrapped in a full-bodied wine with a long, fresh finish.

2021 Mount Edward Chardonnay

RRP $34.99

Mineral

Central Otago Chardonnay is one of New Zealand’s best kept wine secrets, and now you know, check out this full-bodied, insanely fresh tasting dry white that captures everything we know and love about Chardonnay – plus some. Silky, rich in flavour and with a lively lightness in each lingering sip.

2022 Craggy Range Kidnapper’s Chardonnay

RRP $34.99

Vintners

The evocatively named Kidnapper’s Chardonnay takes its name from Hawke’s Bay’s dramatic headland of Cape Kidnappers. It is made with grapes grown at Te Awanga, where the cool coastal breezes enhance Chardonnay’s acidity and fresh flavours, translating here to a medium-bodied, crisp style with ripe peach aromas and complex layered aromas of cedar and spice.

2022 Holly South Series Chardonnay

RRP $34.99

Matahiwi Estate

Matahiwi in the northern Wairarapa produces very good Chardonnay from its home region as well as further afield. This wine is made with grapes grown on site at Matahiwi Estate and it is a medium-bodied style with light notes of white peach and a touch of lemon.

2020 Settlement Chardonnay Marlborough RRP $35

Blanc

The Settlement Vineyard is one of the largest sites in Marlborough and home to a range of grapes, including the Chardonnay that makes this outstanding wine. Rich and fresh in taste with a superb balance of body, and citrus flavour (grapefruit and lemon curd) captured in a creamy, textured dry wine. Delicious and certified organic.

2021 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10

Chardonnay

RRP $35

Negociants

Marlborough Chardonnay plays second fiddle to the region’s best known white, yet wines like this one beg the question: why? Smooth, full-bodied and full of flavour, this wine is the essence of great Chardonnay. It has all the creamy nuances from winemaker talent, but also the citrusy purity and ripe nectarine, grapefruit and gentle lemon flavours of great dry whites.

2021 Chard Farm Judge and Jury

Chardonnay

RRP $39

Chard Farm

Judge and Jury Chardonnay has long been one of Central Otago’s great dry white wines and is named after a majestic rock formation near the winery. The grapes in this wine come from the just as evocatively named Tiger and Viper vineyards, and bring lively, fresh aromas of yuzu, lemon and grapefruit to a wine with a bright backbone of acidity that gives length and depth to every lingering sip.

2016 Giesen Organic Chardonnay

RRP $39.99

Giesen

Giesen’s certified organic Chardonnay tastes as fresh as a daisy with its bold aromas of creamy citrus, medium body and long finish. This wine is now eight years old and has evolved into a layered, complex dry white while retaining fresh youthful aromas and flavours.

RRP $40 and above

2021 Te Kano Life Chardonnay

RRP $40

Te Kano Estate

Te Kano is Māori for “the seed” and is a relatively new brand in Central Otago, based in Bannockburn where its exceptional winery (built from cantilevered shipping containers) overlooks the stunning arid landscape. This wine echoes the beauty of the region with its incredibly smooth flavours, verging on buttery but kept in check by Dave Sutton’s restrained winemaking and the freshness of grapes harvested with impressively balanced acidity, which adds lingering flavours to each mouthfilling, silky sip.

2022 Saint Clair Omaka Reserve

Chardonnay

RRP $42

Negociants

This wine from Marlborough’s Omaka Valley expresses the structure and freshness that comes from the region’s Southern Valleys. Warm days and cool nights capture great structure, fresh acidity and ripe flavours, all of which are present and counted in this lovely wine.

2020 Pegasus Bay Chardonnay

RRP $42.99

EuroVintage

A great, complex, layered South Island Chardonnay; one of New Zealand’s best. This is a commanding wine with depth of flavour: flinty, zesty, full of citrus purity and smooth, ripe peachy notes captured in a full-bodied dry and lingeringly flavoursome wine.

2020 Coney Wines Rabbit

Chardonnay

RRP $45

Coney Wines

Winemaker Lisa Coney takes her inspiration for Chardonnay from Chablis and this fouryear-old wine delivers – big time. Dry, zesty and full-bodied, it expresses the bold acidity and vibrancy of a French classic in a cool climate wine made from grapes grown in Martinborough. Partial malolactic fermentation and regular lees stirring bring smooth, creamy textures to a bright, fresh tasting and fullbodied Chardonnay.

2022 Tony Bish Heartwood

Chardonnay

RRP $45.99

Tony Bish Wines

New Zealand’s king of Chardonnay, Tony Bish, makes this beautifully full-bodied, spicy, complex and layered classic from 100% Mendoza clone Chardonnay grapes grown in the Upper Dartmoor Valley and Bay View in Napier. Hand-picked grapes were nearly all fermented in barrel with 5% in a French oak ovum. The wine was aged for a year in 25% new Taransaud oak with regular lees stirring to add creamy nuances, while retaining the freshness and vibrancy for which Mendoza Chardonnays are known and loved.

2022 Palliser Estate Chardonnay

RRP $47

Negociants

Palliser winemaker Guy McMaster makes one of Martinborough’s handful of top Chardonnays every year, such as this youthful, full-bodied, smooth dry white from 2022. Texturally delicious, complex and layered, it has creamy flavours underpinned by fresh acidity and spicy notes.

2020 Greystone Organic Chardonnay

RRP $48.99

Red+White Cellar

Winemaker Dom Maxwell is adept at bringing out the best in North Canterbury Chardonnay, capturing its light, bright, fresh citrus flavours as well as those creamy smooth bells and whistles so beloved by white wine drinkers. This wine has layers of zingy freshness and is organically certified with BioGro NZ.

Hand-picked grapes were whole bunch fermented in French oak to make the powerful, full-bodied 2018 Craft Series The Pioneer Chardonnay from Marisco.

2021 Esk Valley Great Dirt Seabed Chardonnay

RRP $49.99

Villa Maria

One of Hawke’s Bay’s great whites and always fermented with wild yeasts in French oak followed by almost a year in oak to build complexity, creamy aromas and spicy layers. A full-bodied style that makes a lovely match with roast chicken.

2021 Dog Point Chardonnay

RRP $50

Red+White Cellar

Exciting flavours echo Chablis in this impressive Chardonnay from Marlborough, which expresses the region’s cool nights and warm days with citrus purity and ripe white peach, grapefruit zest and yuzu aromas. Dry, fullbodied, full of energy and zest. One for the cellar, or decant and enjoy now.

2022 Neudorf Vineyard Rosie’s Block Chardonnay

RRP $51.99

EuroVintage

This creamy Chardonnay is flinty, silky and full-bodied with subtle elements of ripe citrus (lemons and grapefruit aromas) and notes of spice. It is made with grapes grown in Nelson’s Moutere Hills and is named after the secondgeneration winemaking family member, Rosie Finn, daughter of Tim and Judy Finn, who co-founded Neudorf Vineyards.

2018 Craft Series The Pioneer Chardonnay

RRP $65

Marisco

Hand-picked grapes were whole bunch fermented in French oak to make this powerful, full-bodied Chardonnay. Its rich texture is balanced beautifully by deep citrus and tangy stonefruit flavours, such as nectarine and white peach. This impressive Chardonnay was made in honour of John Marris, a visionary and pioneering grape grower in Marlborough and father of winemaker Brent Marris.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 82.

Top Picks

From Albariño to Cabernet and beyond –Joelle Thomson hand-picks a bunch of top drops…

2022 Villa Maria Braided Gravels

Albariño

RRP $26.99

Villa Maria

Albariño is the great white grape of Rías Baixas in Galicia, north-west Spain, and it is showing outstanding promise here in New Zealand. It is thick-skinned, intensely aromatic (think: florals, lemon zest and a salty tang) and has high acidity, qualities that make it attractive to New Zealand wine drinkers. This wine is affordable in a market where prices are rising and its quality overdelivers, as every sip will show.

2021 Chard Farm Masons Pinot Noir

RRP $90 to $95

Chard Farm

This superb Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown in Parkburn, one of Central Otago’s hidden gems in a sun-drenched, warm corner of the region. Summers are hot but relatively brief, and winters can be very cold. The result is a delicate, finely structured aromatic Pinot Noir with excellent concentration of flavour and a full body. The Mason Vineyard has a long-held, well-deserved reputation for outstanding Pinot and this wine proves the point.

Chard Farm Masons Pinot

Noir is a superb wine made from grapes grown in Parkburn, one of Central Otago’s hidden gems.

2023 Blank Canvas Anandale Farm Riesling

RRP $30.99

EuroVintage

Winemaking couple Matt Thomson and Sophie Parker-Thomson MW are devotees of aromatic white grapes in Marlborough and make this vibrant, youthful Riesling from a coastal vineyard at Blind River. It’s a bright, fresh, and crisp expression with aromas of green apples and a hint of lime zest. Good now, but also a keeper for the medium to long term; up to 10 years and longer for those who enjoy aged Rieslings.

RRP $90 to $95

Chard Farm

‘The Tiger’ is named for Chard Farm’s former cellar door manager, Keith ‘The Tiger’ Thomson. Many moons ago now, he ran the cellar door and had such charm that he grew into the nickname, inspiring a wine in his honour because he adored Pinot Noir and sold it well. As for the wine, it is also impressive: commandingly silky in the mouth with red fruit aromas underpinned by flavours of cherries, fresh plum and subtle cedar.

2020 Penfolds Bin 600 California Cabernet Shiraz

RRP $99.99

Asahi Beverages

Winemaker Peter Gago introduced the 2023 release of Penfolds wines by saying, “Nothing stands still”. That’s certainly true in the wine world and Penfolds has expanded its impressive collection of full-bodied red wines with the introduction of international regions under its famous banner. This Californian Cabernet Sauvignon is one of them. It is made with grapes grown in California, which were originally planted from heritage vine cuttings that come from the Kalimna and Magill Estate vineyards in South Australia. More importantly, this is a blend that pays homage to the Australian tradition of using Shiraz (32%) to add flesh to Cabernet’s structural body and firm, long-ageing tannic qualities. Sealed under cork, this wine drinks well now and begs to be decanted. It will come into its own in another decade and will be worth the wait.

2021 Chard Farm The Tiger Pinot Noir

Joelle Thomson Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

Top reds from the Bay

Joelle Thomson casts a practised eye over the latest Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection…

THE PAST three years have been challenging for winemakers in New Zealand, to put it mildly.

First, there was COVID-19 with its looming threat of lockdowns, making the likelihood of harvest look impossible, save for what families and the odd person could pick in the vineyards. Fortunately, harvest did go ahead, albeit with labour shortages.

Then, over the following years there were more labour shortages, and for those on the east coast of the North Island, the most horrific rains in 2022, followed by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Fortunately, these difficult times were preceded by the warm, dry vintages of

My top pick

2021 Saint Clair James Sinclair Malbec

RRP $28

Malbec is a bit of a rarity as a stand-alone (rather than blended) red and can really only stand on its own two feet in New Zealand in the best vintages. This is a superb example. It has flavours of dark, ripe black berries with firm, smooth tannins and spicy aromas that make this wine taste succulent. A commanding and incredibly good value bold red from Hawke’s Bay (and, yes, Saint Clair Family Estate is a Marlboroughbased winery).

2019, 2020 and 2021. Despite all the other challenges, those vintages have proven to be excellent for high quality wines, particularly full-bodied reds.

The proof is in the wine bottle and clear to see in a new-ish release of 12 top reds from Hawke’s Bay’s largest wine sub region, Gimblett Gravels. Every year the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing Association (GGWA) releases a dozen of its best reds, as selected by highly regarded Australian-based wine

couple of highlights, which not only drink exceptionally well right now but have great ageing potential. The vast majority are sealed with screwcaps, ensuring they will age evenly over time. Give them a decade; some will come into their best in two decades.

Note: The top 12 are always a preview of finished and bottled wines. So most, but not all, are available for purchase now. Some have yet to be released.

The interesting aspect of the top 12 is that they have morphed towards an even split of reds made from Syrah and from traditional Bordeaux grape varieties.

consultant and Master of Wine Andrew Caillard. Caillard is commissioned as an independent wine professional to evaluate and rate the best 12 of a larger bunch of reds submitted by wineries in the Bay.

The Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection has taken place every year from the 2008 vintage, and the 14th release (2021 vintage) was sent to wine professionals in the second half of 2023, for evaluation. To say it’s an impressive bunch of wines is an understatement. ‘Best ever’ might be more apt. The interesting aspect of the top 12 is that they have morphed towards an even split of reds made from Syrah and from traditional Bordeaux grape varieties. This highlights the versatility of the Bay for red grape varieties, even if it is more challenging in tricky vintages.

The latest top 12 wines from the 2021 Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection are featured below with a

Top 12 Gimblett Gravels 2021 Annual Vintage Selection

Blended reds

• 2021 Craggy Range Sophia RRP $140

• 2021 Elephant Hill Hieronymus RRP $125

• 2021 Elephant Hill Stone Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon RRP $65

• 2021 Mission Estate Jewelstone Antoine RRP $50

• 2021 Saint Clair James Sinclair Malbec RRP $28

• 2021 Squawking Magpie The Nest RRP $59.95

Syrah

• 2021 Craggy Range Le Sol RRP $170

• 2021 Pask Declaration Syrah RRP $50

• 2021 Sacred Hill Deerstalkers Syrah RRP $60

• 2021 Smith & Sheth CRU Omahu Syrah RRP $80

• 2021 Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Reserve Syrah RRP $60

• 2021 Trinity Hill Homage RRP $150

Top international honour for Michael Brajkovich MW

MICHAEL BRAJKOVICH MW of Kumeu River Wines has been honoured as the 2024 Winemakers’ Winemaker at a ceremony during industry event ProWein in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Presented by the Institute of Masters of Wine and the drinks business since 2011, the award recognises outstanding achievement in winemaking. Masters of Wine winemakers and the previous award recipients voted Brajkovich as this year’s winner.

The New Zealander is recognised by many as the pioneer of the Chardonnay

Brown Brothers launches Zero range

BROWN BROTHERS has released its new Zero range of wines onto the New Zealand market.

Brown Brothers Moscato Zero, Brown Brothers Prosecco Rosé Zero, and Brown Brothers Prosecco Zero have been created using spinning-cone technology to remove the alcohol.

Fourth-generation family member and Brown Brothers winemaker Katherine Brown says that despite growing demand for non-alcoholic wines, many consumers say they’re yet to find ‘the one’ when it comes to a non-alcoholic wine they love. “Nonalcoholic alternatives have been on the market for a few years now and despite winemakers bringing new or improved wines to market year after year, many consumers are still disappointed with

movement in the country and for spearheading the use of screw cap closures. In 2001, he transitioned all Kumeu River Wines to screw cap closure. Brajkovich is a champion for wild yeasts in winemaking and continues to experiment and develop his technique as a winemaker. His Hunting Hill Chardonnay is among his most notable wines.

Patrick Schmitt MW, editor-in-chief at the drinks business, said “I’m delighted that the talented, learned and modest Michael Brajkovich has been selected as the latest in a respected line of influential winemakers, not only because he crafts one of the New World’s benchmark Chardonnays, but also because he is so generous with his time and knowledge. Indeed, when it comes to understanding how great white wine is made, there are few better mentors than Michael.”

Michael Brajkovich was unable to attend the awards reception as he was mid-harvest at the Kumeu River estate in Auckland’s north west. The award was accepted on his behalf by fellow Master of Wine, Matthew Deller MW (CEO Wirra Wirra).

the lack of flavour and range currently available, saying non-alcoholic alternatives are still overall inferior to their alcohol equivalents. We are proud to say that Moscato, Prosecco, and Prosecco Rosé drinkers will be hard-pressed to tell the difference between Brown Brothers Zero range and their alcoholic counterparts.”

Brown Brothers Moscato Zero is priced from RRP$12.99 and Brown Brothers Prosecco Zero and Prosecco Rosé Zero are priced from RRP $14.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Taylor Brown

Scapegrace and Prophet’s Rock team up on vermouth

CENTRAL OTAGO distillery Scapegrace has teamed up with neighbouring winery Prophet’s Rock to create Scapegrace + Prophet’s Rock Vermouth, in both a red and a white.

The vermouth boasts a distinctly New Zealand flavour having been made almost exclusively with ingredients from Central Otago. The base wine has been made using grapes sourced exclusively from two Prophet’s Rock single vineyard parcels of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. After being barrel aged for 10 months in French oak, the wine has been infused with Central Otago foraged botanicals, including rosemary, thyme, kānuka and elderflower. Most of the botanicals were foraged from within a few hundred metres of the vineyard and harvested at peak ripeness, before being made into tinctures in neutral Scapegrace spirit.

The finished White Vermouth is bright, dry and herbaceous, while the Red Vermouth is rich, spiced and generous.

The two premium producers began working on the idea for the Vermouth four years ago when Scapegrace moved its headquarters near Prophet’s Rock in Central Otago.

The vintage is extremely limited with only 3,000 bottles for sale.

Scapegrace Prophet’s Rock Vermouth is RRP $72.

Hancocks

Michael Brajkovich MW

Louis Roederer named Most Admired again

LOUIS ROEDERER

has been named “World’s Most Admired Champagne Brand” for the fifth consecutive year, in the Drinks International 2024 Awards.

The judging panel includes some of the most famous names in the wine world and is made up of sommeliers, retail buyers, importers, Masters of Wine, wine writers and journalists. The judges determine the rankings based on the quality and consistency of the wines and their production, the coherence of the brand strategy and marketing, value for money, the respect and admiration they have for the Champagne House, and the strength of the brand in relation to its peers.

The family-run Champagne House, headed by Frédéric Rouzaud, says it is delighted and humbled to receive the prestigious award once again, noting the recognition of the dedication and hard work of the Roederer team, both in the vineyards and in the cellars.

EuroVintage

Freshwater Farm Plan tool for winegrowers

NEW ZEALAND

Winegrowers has announced a new project to develop an industry-specific tool for winegrowers to help them develop a Freshwater Farm Plan for their vineyard/property that is individualised, identifies risk and vulnerabilities from the vineyard activities, and mitigations to address them.

Freshwater Farm Plans are being introduced to mitigate the impact of primary sector activity on New Zealand’s freshwater ecosystems.

Dr Edwin Massey, General Manager Sustainability New Zealand Winegrowers, says “For almost 30 years, our industry has operated a unique programme that now certifies over 96% of New Zealand vineyard area as sustainable. On a global stage we are proud to be widely recognised as world leaders in sustainable wine production. We are pleased

to be working to find a pathway to integrate the new requirements into our existing Sustainable Winegrowing NZ (SWNZ) programme as much as possible.

“For our members, this will mean minimising costs and providing comprehensive support in navigating the regulations. We see this positively, as it offers an opportunity to further enhance our industry commitment to the environment through caring for our natural waterways and the supporting ecosystems.”

Fabian Yukich, Deputy Chair of New Zealand Winegrowers, is leading Project Raumatatiki –Freshwater Farm Planning for Viticulture, alongside representatives from three grape growing regions, and central and local government to develop the project. environment.govt.nz

New CEO for Appellation Marlborough

APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH

Wine

has announced Michael Wentworth as its Chief Executive Officer – a new position within the member-led organisation.

Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) says that with increasing global recognition of its work, the recruitment of a Chief Executive Officer was deemed essential to the organisation’s continued success. “AMW is the future of Marlborough’s wine industry. Our members are leading wine growers with a long-term commitment to protecting and enhancing our region,” says AMW Chair, John Buchanan. “Our board was unanimous in its decision to seek out an exceptional CEO to support our efforts and drive the organisation forward.”

AMW says that Michael Wentworth brings a wealth of experience to the new role, with over 20 years of working directly with New Zealand wineries including sales, marketing, operations and sustainability roles. He has diplomas in Wine Business and Wine Sensory

Analysis as well as a Bachelor of Horticulture (Hons).

“What Appellation Marlborough Wine has achieved in a few short years is phenomenal,” says Michael Wentworth. “Their single-minded focus on protecting and enhancing Marlborough’s wine quality is to be admired. I am really

looking forward to working alongside many of the region’s flagship wine producers and elevating their collective efforts globally.”

AMW was established in 2018 and its membership now exceeds 50 wineries, with its certification program incorporating all varieties grown within the region.

HOLLY SOUTH SERIES CHARDONNAY

2021

FROM VINES PLANTED IN 2013 IN THE BEAUTIFUL WAIRARAPA, THIS IT OUR 5TH VINTAGE OF THE HOLLY SOUTH SERIES AND IT JUST GETS BETTER EACH YEAR.

YOU WILL SEE AROMAS OF MELON, STONE FRUIT, BISCUIT AND TOASTY OAK. THE PALATE IS ELEGANT WITH FINE TEXTURE WITH A SMOOTH FINISH!

WWW.MATAHIWI.CO.NZ

Foley Wines buys Toast Martinborough

FOOD AND wine festival

Toast Martinborough has been sold to Foley Wines, with the 2024 event cancelled amid plans for a revamp.

In a statement announcing the purchase, Foley Wines said that it comes after the festival experienced challenges “exacerbated by the impact of COVID19 and unfavourable harvest conditions”.

Foley Wines presented an offer to buy out shareholders after the Toast Martinborough board initiated an ultimately unsuccessful capital raise amongst existing shareholders. The company’s purchase offer provided the necessary funds to settle outstanding debts with suppliers and shareholders voted unanimously for the company to take over the event.

A statement on the Toast Martinborough website says: “The decision has been made not to host a festival in 2024… Toast Martinborough thanks you for your continued

support of the festival and looks forward to bringing you an even better Toast in 2025.”

Foley Wines, which owns Martinborough’s Te Kairanga and Martinborough Vineyard wineries, the Lighthouse Gin distillery and the recently opened Runholder, says it is “poised to revitalise the festival and its format”.

Foley Wines CEO Mark Turnbull says it’s an exciting move for the business, which is committed to maintaining the iconic 30-year history of the festival while ensuring it remains relevant for the future.

“Based on feedback from festivalgoers, our initial view is that the festival may be better suited to February rather than November, and a Saturday rather than a Sunday, though further details will be provided in due course.”

Existing ticket holders for the 2024 event will be contacted directly by Toast Martinborough’s ticketing provider, iTICKET NZ, to advise next steps and options.

Michael Wentworth

Recruiting NZ Wine Industry Talent for 20 years

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Fresh

flavours

Check out the fresh hop brews along with all the other new releases ready for autumn…

Note:

Steinlager Alcohol Free*

*<0.5% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $22 Lion

Steinlager is adding to its alcohol-free* options with this new addition. Steinlager Alcohol Free* is brewed with cold contact fermentation so minimal alcohol is produced in the brewing process. (Its alcohol free counterpart Steinlager Zero goes through an alcohol removal process after brewing.) This new offering is a crisp, full-bodied lager with light hops and a smooth malty flavour profile.

8-Wired Lo-Fi Low Carb Pale Ale

2.5% ABV, 330ml 4-pack RRP $15.99

8-Wired (NI) and Punky Distro (SI)

Lo-Fi Pale Ale brings a remarkable depth of hop flavours, delivering a big beer sensation in this sessionable little number. A fruity hop-forward brew offering up a full-flavoured tropical fruit cocktail. Enjoy this crisp, golden-hued ale as the low carbs practically sparkle in your glass.

8-Wired Lo-Fi Low Carb Raspberry Sour Ale

2.5% ABV, 330ml 4-pack RRP $15.99

8-Wired (NI) and Punky Distro (SI)

Lo-Fi Raspberry Sour Ale is a delightful low carb balance of raspberry sweetness and tartness. Vibrant in the glass – a flavourful, refreshing drop. Perfect for those seeking an interesting low-alcohol brew.

8-Wired Pineapple & Habanero Hippy

4% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99

8-Wired (NI) and Punky Distro (SI)

A refreshing, light, hoppy, sour and very fruit salad-y tasting beer inspired by traditional Berliner Weisse ales but remixed with pineapple and habanero chillies for a bit of a kick. Naturally soured by live cultures and hopped with American and New Zealand hops.

Emporium Tinker’s Tickler Best Bitter

4% ABV,  keg only

Emporium Brewing

Just in time for the cooler days, this is a classic English-style Best Bitter from Kaikōura brewery Emporium. It has a smooth malty base with a light touch of Riwaka hops that adds a hint of citrus.

Staroceske Traditional Pale Lager

4.7% ABV, 500ml RRP $4.70

Q Liquid

Staroceske is a traditional Czech pale lager with a rich malt flavour. It has a clean hop bitterness and a bouquet of spicy, herbal hops aromas.

Just in time for the cooler days comes classic Englishstyle Tinker’s Tickler Best Bitter from Kaikōura brewery Emporium

Tuatara Greenback Fresh Hop Pilsner

4.9% ABV – keg only

DB

Tuatara’s Greenback is a fresh hop pilsner full of the joys of the hop harvest. Fresh Motueka hops contrast the Pilsner malt base with a zesty hit of citrus lime and tropical notes.

Hop Federation Fresh Hop Pilsner

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 – also in keg

Hop Federation

Packed with freshly picked Motueka hops from Hop Federation’s own Te Maatu hop gardens and Taiheke hops from their Karaka gardens just down the road – this is a juicy drop full of zingy, zesty citrus aromas and flavours.

Sawmill x Emerson’s Pilsner

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Sawmill Brewery

One of our top northern breweries meets an old-school star of the south in this collaboration between Sawmill and Emerson’s. The blue Sawmill can recalls the blue of the iconic Emerson’s Pilsner packaging, and in the glass it’s the best of both worlds. Organic malt from Gladfield meets organic hops from New Hoplands for a beautifully balanced, golden malty drop. Deliciously drinkable. Recommended.

Sprig + Fern Harvest Pilsner

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.49 and 888ml RRP $13.49

Sprig + Fern

Sprig + Fern’s award-winning Harvest Pilsner has returned with a double-down on Riwaka and NZH-106 hops. The brewers say the hops are “locally picked, lovingly packed, and back to the brewery mere minutes after harvesting”. The result is a resinous brew balanced by a tropical fruit sweetness and twists of ripe citrus peel. Fresh and tasty.

Sunshine Guava, Watermelon & Lime Sour

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Sunshine Brewing

A summer project for the team at Sunshine Brewery, here the Gisborne brewers have taken locally grown watermelon, lime and guava and created a refreshing, heavy fruit sour. A heavy wheat grist provides plenty of body to balance all the light fruit, making this a perfect sipper into autumn.

Sunshine Japanese Style Dry Lager

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Sunshine Brewing

Sunshine have taken the classic form of a light Japanese lager and given it the Kiwi twist of Waimea hops for extra flavour. The result is an excellent beer, highly drinkable, with notes of citrus and slightly fruity malts. Recommended.

One of our top northern breweries meets an old-school star of the south in Sawmill x Emerson’s Pilsner.

Warsteiner Unfiltered Gold

5.2% ABV, 500ml RRP $6.99

Q Liquid

Warsteiner is Germany’s largest privatelyowned brewery, helmed by the Cramer family since 1753. This unfiltered drop has a smooth and malty taste with hints of honey and caramel while remaining refreshing in the finish. It’s named after the unique hop that is responsible for its well-balanced flavour: Brewer’s Gold.

McLeod’s Bluewater Single Hop

Unfiltered Pale Ale

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

McLeod’s Brewery

A paean to the Mosaic hop, McLeod’s have produced this hop-laden pale ale that is held together with some impressively juicy malts. Pouring cloudy in the glass, this unfiltered drop has balanced bitterness and a lingering fruity finish. As refreshing as the waters of Waipu Cove, Bluewater is a crowd pleaser with integrity.

Sprig + Fern Monohoppily Fresh Hop Hazy

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.49 and 888ml RRP $13.99

Sprig + Fern

Nelson brewers Sprig + Fern have gone all-in on a single hop variety for their Fresh Hop Hazy. Hand-selected Riwaka hops from Holmdale Farm in Wakefield and Mac Hops in Motueka were raced back to the brew to lock in aroma and flavour. Monohoppily Fresh Hop Hazy is silky-smooth but jam-packed with notes of grapefruit and citrus peel, and an unmistakable freshness.

The 8-Wired team jumped at the chance to use Clayton Hops’ new Amplifire hop oils.

8-Wired Amplifire

5.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.49

8-Wired (NI) and Punky Distro (SI)

The 8-Wired team jumped at the chance to use Clayton Hops’ new Amplifire hop oils in this brew. It’s a classic West Coast style Pale Ale, using modern New Zealand hops, including Riwaka, Motueka and Nelson Sauvin. Dry hopped with NZ Cascade and “amplified” with Amplifire™ hop oils, Nelson Sauvin and Motueka. Expect plenty of citrus and tropical fruit bursting out of your glass, all tied together by a pleasant bitterness.

Parrotdog Thunderbird Bright IPA

5.8% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $23.99

Parrotdog

Citrus and tropical aromas rise up to greet you as soon as you crack the tab on this new release from Parrotdog. Orange, tangerine, mango and pineapple are all in the mix. Pouring a bright gold, this IPA is juicy on the palate too, with more tropical and citrus character and balanced bitterness.

Emporium Green Freshies XPA

5.9% ABV, 440ml RRP $12.99 - also in keg

Emporium Brewing

Green Freshies is an XPA made with oh-sofresh Nelson Sauvin from Freestyle Hops. Dank, grassy and in your face hop character – this is one for the hop heads.

Hop Federation Green Limousine

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 – also in keg (out 8 April)

Hop Federation

Green Limousine is fast becoming an iconic release for Hop Federation – this IPA is fresh hopped with Nelson Sauvin and is fresh and delicious. In the words of the brew team: “The Green Limousine delivers Nelson Sauvin hops to us once a year. Coming from just down the road, they’re as fresh as it gets.”

McLeod’s Marlin Alley India Pale Ale

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

McLeod’s Brewery

Named for the popular marlin fishing spot in the Bay of Islands, McLeod’s Marlin Alley is an intense IPA, teeming with flavour from Nectaron and Idaho 7 hops and then the further dry-hopping with Talus and Nelson Sauvin hops. Bright and lean with a malt base, there’s a strong yet balanced bitterness.

Sawmill Fresh Hop NZH-106 Hazy IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

Sawmill Brewery

Part of Sawmill’s Aotearoa Series, the Fresh Hop NZH-106 Hazy IPA is an intensely fresh, highly hoppy IPA. Freshly harvested NZH-106 from Mac Hops in Motueka brings big punchy citrus and tropical aroma to an IPA that is gently rounded out with a soft haze.

Sawmill Fresh Hop Riwaka Hazy IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

Sawmill Brewery

Focusing on a single hop – particularly if that hop is Riwaka – seems a fashionable thing to do this fresh hop season. This hazy number from Sawmill has big, punchy grapefruit, passionfruit and tropical aromas from freshly harvested Riwaka hops grown at Clayton Hops in Nelson.

Sawmill Hazy Tropical IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9

Sawmill Brewery

Sawmill’s cans are always beautiful – and this Hazy Tropical IPA is no exception: a lovely light green and pink-accented can heralds the dreamy drop within. Pouring a cloudy straw colour in the glass, this is a tropical punch of a beer, packed with fruit flavours and a pleasing hop bitterness. Sawmill have made great use of the Solero, Talus and Pacifica hops for a beer that will please hop aficionados and casual drinkers alike.

Sawmill x Verdant Hazy IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Sawmill Brewery

A collaboration of global proportions –Sawmill’s classic Hazy IPA base with New Zealand hops and UK-based Verdant Brewery’s signature yeast. Here, Sawmill chose big additions of Nelson Sauvin, with mojito-like Motueka, tropical Moutere and a smooth bitterness from the piney Waimea. Verdant’s renowned yeast is described as “a highly versatile strain with more body than typical IPA yeasts”. The result is a super juicy Hazy IPA.

Good George Fresh Hop Out of Frankton Fresh Hop Hazy NZIPA

6.1% ABV, 946ml RRP $18

Good George

Good George’s fresh hop offering pours golden and hazy in the glass and the nose is full of juicy, tropical, and resinous green hop aromas. The flavour profile is juicy too; fruit-forward with gentle bitterness and malt sweetness.

Fresh Hopped is a collaboration between craft cidery Peckham’s and craft brewery Duncan’s Brewing Company.

McLeod’s Good People Unfiltered IPA

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

McLeod’s Brewery

McLeod’s have made a beer for all the good people out there. Jammed with vast quantities of Amarillo and Citra hops, this is a milky brew packed with citrus and tropical fruit flavours. An excellent drop to share with friends and family, perhaps over a charcuterie board laden with cured meats.

Sunshine Pines WCIPA

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $TBC

Sunshine Brewing

Sunshine’s West Coast IPA is named for the Pines surf break at Wainui Beach in Gisborne. Pouring tawny and golden in the glass, the Mosaic, Simcoe, Amarillo, Sultana and WLP090 hops combine for a hop-driven, resinous IPA with flavours of pineapple and citrus. The finish is crisp and dry rather than the bitterness some intense IPAs go for, making it highly drinkable.

Pacific Coast Zodiac Bright IPA

6.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 - also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery

Mangawhai brewers Pacific Coast have harnessed the power of a Zodiac boat in this Bright IPA. Sitting atop a 100% Pilsner malt base are eight different hops: Kohatu and Superdelic for bitterness, Nelson Sauvin and Superdelic for mango and citrus flavours, while Motueka, Moutere, Riwaka and Mosaic Cryo bring the big, juicy tropical notes. Bright and flavourful with a stiff backbone.

CIDER

Peckham’s x Duncan's Brewing Company Fresh Hopped

5.4% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.49

Peckham’s

This limited edition collaboration from craft cidery Peckham’s and craft brewery Duncan's Brewing Company is a celebration of two harvests coming together. Fragrant fresh hops harvested from Egger's Hop Farm, a stone's throw from Peckham’s orchard in Upper Moutere, have been infused into one of their dry traditional apple ciders to give lush hop flavour with tropical notes.

Peckham’s Three Musketeers

6% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.49

Peckham’s

This new cider from Peckham’s is made from a unique blend of Chisel Jersey, Major and Tremlett's Bitter heritage apples, which have been wild-fermented and barrel-aged for extra complexity and depth of flavour. Off-dry in style with hints of baked apple, caramel and earthy undertones. Amber in colour and rich with authentic cider apple character.

Get fresh

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

Fresh hop season is here – Michael Donaldson has some tips on great new releases to look out for…

APRIL IS the month when you can’t move for fresh hop beers. The hop harvest takes place from late February to late March and most of the beers made with fresh hops start hitting the shelves and taps in April.

Fresh hops are also known as ‘wet hops’, because they haven’t been kilndried, or ‘whole cones’ as opposed to pelletised hops, and sometimes ‘green hops’ as they’re so freshly picked.

No matter what they’re called, beers made with these fresh hops have an X-factor that makes them must-haves for all craft beer enthusiasts – and on that note, they are exclusively the domain of craft breweries because big breweries are simply too big to go down this path.

This fresh hop season promises to be one of the best in the past decade, based on the hot, sunny summer that growers enjoyed in the Tasman region, which remains the prime growing area for hops – but certainly not the only growing area these days. Given the great weather and the massive progress in quality we’ve seen from New Zealand breweries over the past 10 years, I expect this season’s fresh hop releases to be the best we’ve seen, or rather, tasted.

Another thing we get in fresh hop season are beers that specifically identify the hops that go into them, and because the hop characters are often intensified it’s a great way to explore what different hops bring to the beers.

So, what should we look out for?

First up, try to get your hands on some Hop Federation Green Limousine. Often a benchmark beer, the team at Hop Federation are making it for the first time in their new brewery in Motueka,

This fresh hop season promises to be one of the best in the past decade.

and they say the new brew kit really accentuates hop flavours – so expect this to be banging.

Emerson’s Sticky Digits won a Gold medal at last year’s New Zealand Beer Awards – quite a feat for a fresh hop beer released some months earlier – suggesting it was technically flawless as well as tasty. They were so pleased with that result they’re doing it again.

Sprig + Fern produces several fresh hop beers each year, but their Harvest Pilsner has become a flagship and this year they are doing it with a trial hop known as NZH-106, a variety that is already making quite a stir and which featured in a couple

of excellent Sprig + Fern releases last year – Headliner and Encore.

If you’re looking for something different, Shining Peak are doing a pilsner, Oapui Road, made with Taranaki-grown Riwaka hops, while Altitude Brewing will have a release with Garston-grown hops from Southland.

And in something of a new development, there will be at least two fresh hop ciders on the market.

Traditional cidermakers Peckham’s are joining forces with Duncan’s in Paraparaumu to create a fresh hop cider – an experience that’s sure to capture the essence of autumn – while Urbanaut are also doing a fresh hop cider in their new Kihi range.

Some breweries also choose to do fresh hop versions of existing beers, which offers a great compare-and-contrast opportunity.

A couple of these releases include Tuatara doing a fresh hop version of their gold medal-winning Regenerate Pilsner, while Pacific Coast are releasing a fresh hop version of their incredibly popular Double Pilsner.

And other top-quality annual releases include Garage Project One Day In March, Liberty Invictus, Bach Sticky Buds, Panhead Fresh Hop Vandal, and Baylands Waifly.

Finally, in one of the most adventurous plays of the season, Double Vision are doing three themed beers designed to be consumed in sequence: Outbreak 24, The Undead, and Hop Hunter. Each release is numbered, comes in a collectible glow-inthe-dark can, and has an accompanying comic book story.

Tight times impact beer consumption

THE BREWERS Association of New Zealand says a tight economic environment for consumers and increased operational costs are core drivers behind a notable decline in beer consumption.

Lion NZ celebrates 100 years

LION NEW Zealand is celebrating its origins as New Zealand Breweries a century ago.

It says that the formation of New Zealand Breweries in 1923 marked “a significant milestone in New Zealand’s corporate and brewing history and created a nationwide entity that would become a household name and achieve international success”.

Lion made the decision to delay its 100-year celebrations to 2024 as it completed a supply chain transformation project in the latter half of 2023.

Lion New Zealand’s Managing Director Craig Baldie said, “Lion is one of the original Kiwi success stories and the company as we know it today began with ten of the nation’s largest breweries coming together to form New Zealand Breweries in 1923. Through the amalgamation, shares were made available to the public, and Kiwis had the opportunity to invest in the success of the brewing industry. There was a

movement around the time that wanted to make beer illegal, and the investment opportunity proved that most Kiwis didn’t in fact support prohibition.

“Orchestrated by Sir Alfred Bankhart, of Campbell & Ehrenfried, the proposal brought together breweries in Christchurch, Dunedin, Port Chalmers, Wellington, Gisborne and Auckland, including the original ‘Lion’ and Captain Cook breweries on Khyber Pass Road, and Speight’s, which is the only brewery of the original ten still operating.”

New Zealand Breweries officially took on the name Lion Breweries in 1977, and today Lion operates across New Zealand, Australia and U.S.A, with the New Zealand business operating as a subsidiary of Lion.

Lion is now headquartered in Australia and includes New Belgium (the second largest craft brewer in the United States), a premium fine wine business in North America and has shareholdings in several craft adult beverage companies.

Craig Baldie says that Lion has continued to evolve in New Zealand as well, with breweries in Auckland, Dunedin and Upper Hutt, a winery, two coffee roasteries, and a number of hospitality venues.

Lion has brewed a commemorative, limited-edition Pale Ale (not available for sale) to celebrate its 100-year milestone.

Hashigo Zake closes

WELLINGTON CULT beer bar Hashigo Zake has closed after nearly 15 years at the forefront of New Zealand’s craft beer movement.

The bar opened in the basement of a heritagelisted former police station at 25 Taranaki St in 2009.

In a newsletter announcing the closure, owner Dominic Kelly

said: “Our goal was to energetically source beer in styles and from producers that consumers in Wellington had rarely, if ever, seen before. In doing so we helped energise the New Zealand craft beer scene and inspire the launch of dozens of breweries in the decade that followed.”

Hashigo Zake began hosting regular musical gigs

in 2011 and became known as one of Wellington’s best venues for jazz, blues and similar styles.

However, Kelly said that trade had been difficult since COVID, and that had been compounded by issues with plumbing, ongoing roadworks and a drop in local foot traffic.

Hashigo Zake’s last day of business was March 8.

It follows data from Statistics New Zealand on the volume of alcohol available for consumption for the year ending December 2023, which showed the biggest fall in 15 years.

“The data reveals that the total volume of beer available for consumption decreased by 4.4% in 2023, following a modest rise of 0.5% in 2022. This decline is indicative of the tightening economic constraints faced by consumers, which have undoubtedly contributed to subdued demand across various sectors, including hospitality,” says Brewers Association Executive Director Dylan Firth. “The adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising costs of living, and uncertainty in the global economy have all played a role in dampening consumer spending habits.

“Looking at the changes in volume across different categories of beer based on alcoholic content, it is clear the decline in consumption is widespread. The only bright spot was the continued growth of 0% alcohol beers which rose 8% in the last year, combining to sit at 267% growth since 2020.”

Firth says that the disproportionate impact of declining beer consumption on the hospitality sector is of particular concern as it relies heavily on beverage sales to sustain its operations. “As beer volumes decrease, businesses within the hospitality industry face significant revenue losses, exacerbating existing challenges posed by staffing shortages, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory pressures.

“Part of the ongoing costs for the sector is the escalating excise tax burden, which will have risen approximately 18% in just three years to 2024, placing undue strain on brewers. With over $1.3 billion collected by the government in 2024, $440.5 million of which is derived from beer alone, this sharp increase inflates production costs and translates to higher prices for consumers, further stifling demand and adding to industry challenges amidst already difficult economic conditions.

“As representatives of the brewing industry, we acknowledge the importance of fostering a culture of moderation and responsible consumption within our communities. However, it is also essential to recognise the broader economic realities that impact beer consumption trends. Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and community organisations to support the resilience and sustainability of New Zealand’s brewing sector.”

Lion Brewery on Khyber Pass, Auckland.

Zeelandt Brewery founders call time

ZEELANDT BREWERY founders Christopher and Luciana Barber have called ‘time’ on their craft brewery and restaurant 12 months after Cyclone Gabrielle destroyed their Hawke’s Bay home and businesses.

Christopher Barber says the past year has been very difficult. “We lost everything in the cyclone and have tried so many ways to keep our beer business and restaurant going. We’re grateful for the support of the craft brewing community, but in the end trying to find suitable new premises and the cost of setting up again was just too big a mountain to climb, at the same time as trying to find a new place of our own to call home.

“We have made the incredibly tough decision to close the businesses, after an exhausting 12 months,” he says. “We’re sad of course, as Zeelandt and Cone & Flower were the realisation of a dream, but we’re on a different path now.”

The Barbers started Zeelandt in 2012, brewing European beer with a strong influence from German styles.

Christopher Barber was head brewer while Luciana Barber looked after marketing for Zeelandt and Cone & Flower (the restaurant and garden bar they opened in 2021), as well as lending her food technology background to manage inventory, food safety and labelling.

After the cyclone in 2023, the Barbers were inundated with offers of help and worked quickly with the help of suppliers to raise money for their local affected community.

Luciana Barber says the announcement is a positive step for her family. “We have really tried to make it work. We are so grateful to everyone that has supported us: friends and strangers, as well as our suppliers and the brewing community, including the Brewers Guild, and everyone that has worked with us over the years,” she says.

Luciana Barber has returned to a part-time role at Wattie’s, and Christopher is exploring a career in conservation. Their new home is being built on the hills of Eskdale.

The Barber family

NWBCA entries reflect NZ beer trends

JUDGING FOR the 2024 New World

Beer & Cider Awards was held in March with the more than 600 entries described as a snapshot of wider beer trends in New Zealand.

Around 100 local and international brewers have entered this year’s awards.

Beer writer and author Michael Donaldson, who’s chaired the judging since 2016, says the competition entries often reflect what’s happening on supermarket shelves and in fridges around the country.

The fast-growing low carb beer category prompted the Awards to set up a dedicated class for low carb beers, which has attracted almost 5% of the field this year.

Across Aotearoa, sales of low carb beer grew by more than a third in the year to November 2022* and its popularity has continued at a similar pace since, driven by consumer trends towards lighter-tasting and better-for-you options.

“While it’s still a relatively small segment of the beer category, brewers are getting in behind it and increasing the range of products on offer,” notes Donaldson.

Entries in the low and no alcohol category (2.5% ABV or less) have nearly doubled this year, with around 7% of total entries. “Between the pre- and post-COVID period, so roughly the start of 2019 to the end of 2022, there was a sevenfold increase in the amount of non and low-alcohol beer being consumed nationally*,” says Donaldson.

“That will only have increased further in the year or so since, as more and better examples of these beers have come on to the market. There has been a swell of really high-quality low and non-alcoholic beers and ciders lately, especially from local craft producers who’ve been working hard to

perfect their techniques and achieve brews that taste like the real thing.”

And Michael Donaldson says all signs point to the hazy trend being here to stay. “We may have passed ‘peak hazy’, but it’s still a firm favourite and definitely not going anywhere, anytime soon. Long-time beer fans, and new ones, have really taken to the fruitier, less bitter flavours of hazies and they’re now a core part of many beer fridges.”

Foodstuffs says that hazy beers make up around a quarter of craft beer sales in its North Island stores, while in the competition brewers are backing them too – entering twice as many hazy beers as any other style. Over 120 hazy beers will be judged at the 2024 event; the next largest class is IPA, at around 70 beers.

The New World Beer & Cider Awards will be judged by an independent panel of 28, led by Donaldson and Deputy Chair Kelly Ryan.

The 30 top-ranked entries will make up the New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30 that will then be made available in New World stores nationwide. A further 20 ‘Highly Commended’ brews will also be celebrated in a combined Top 50 list on the New World website.

Results will be announced in May.

* NZIER. 2022. Brewing in New Zealand. A report for Brewers Association of New Zealand.

Just because you don’t want a beer, it doesn’t mean you don’t want a beer.

So,

Until the morning, of course.

MALTY HOPPY LIGHT

DECADENT DROPS

From the ever-growing range of world whiskies to the lush Kentucky bourbons on offer, make sure you’ve got this category covered…

WORLD WHISKY

NEW ZEALAND

Albar Salted Caramel Whisky

40% ABV, 250ml RRP $29.99 and 700ml RRP $69.99

Albar

This distinctive whisky from the team at Dunedin’s iconic Albar has been made since 2010. It’s a rich, malty whisky with layers of smooth caramel and a hint of Marlborough sea salt.

The NZ Whisky Collection Wilson’s Misty River Whisky Liqueur

35% ABV, 375ml RRP $49

The NZ Whisky Collection

This whisky liqueur from The NZ Whisky Collection is made from single malt whisky handcrafted in Dunedin from malted New Zealand barley. The addition of herbs, spices, and local quality honey give it a light, delicate flavour. Bottled and aged in Oamaru.

The NZ Whisky Collection South Island

Single Malt

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $89

The NZ Whisky Collection

Aged in an ex-bourbon cask, this is a light, delicate “entry level whisky” with soft caramel and fruity notes.

Waiheke Whisky Honey & Rye

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89

Waiheke Whisky

A traditional bourbon mash of corn, barley and a high portion of rye is double distilled in copper pot stills before being mixed with Waiheke Island mānuka honey and aged in American oak casks. Notes of mānuka honey, grilled nuts, vanilla, and toasty oak. The palate is sweet and concentrated with grassy notes, honey and spice. A real crowd-pleaser.

Waiheke Whisky Oak & Rye

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89

Waiheke Whisky

This bourbon-style whiskey is made using a traditional bourbon mash of corn, barley and a high portion of rye, double distilled in copper pot stills and aged in American oak. A dark, concentrated whiskey with vanilla, spice and caramel on the nose. The palate is soft and inviting with burnt toffee, apple and spice notes, and a gentle, generous finish.

Thomson Whisky Two Tone Release

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.95

Thomson Whisky

This whisky’s name refers to the two kinds of cask used in its maturation: European oak that formerly held New Zealand red wine, and American white oak used exclusively for whisky. Made from selected whiskies that are barrel aged and blended by Thomson Whisky. Aromas of rich caramelised fruit, with a palate that is dry with oak and red fruit characters and a hint of spice and tannins.

batch10 Mānuka Smoked Kentucky

Whiskey

45% ABV, 700ml $90 batch10

The folk at batch10 have used premium Kentucky whiskey for this addition to their portfolio, which they smoke with mānuka for a distinctively New Zealand character. It has a strong smoked quality and a smooth finish.

Broken Heart Single Malt Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $90

Broken Heart Spirits

Rested for more than six years in charred bourbon and ex-spiced rum casks, this is a young but complex whiskey from Queenstown distillery Broken Heart. Aromas of candied ginger, sun dried raisin, fruit cake and poached pear lead to a palate of toffee, sticky date pudding and crème brûlée with a soft, buttery biscuit finish. The bourbon barrel has imparted charred oak vanilla notes alongside butterscotch, heather honeycomb and orange marmalade, whilst the rum cask has infused subtle spices of stone fruit, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.

The NZ Whisky Collection Dunedin

DoubleCask

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $99

The NZ Whisky Collection

Aged in an ex-bourbon cask and finished in an oxidised New Zealand Pinot Noir cask for a light, dry sherry-style finish. A delicate whisky with soft salty toffee and red fruit notes.

Note: World whiskies are listed by RRP within their country category. Bourbons (from pg 65) are listed by RRP.

Pōkeno Origin

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Pōkeno Whisky

This release from Pōkeno Whisky is fully matured in first fill bourbon casks. Toasted vanilla beans and sweet butterscotch give way to citrus notes, creamy toffee and hints of caramelised banana for a sweet, complex and lingering finish.

Divergence Virgin French Oak Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $110

Beverage Bros.

This New Zealand single malt is made from 100% Canterbury-grown and malted barley. Mashed, fermented and double pot still distilled and aged more than three years in 50 and 100 litre virgin French oak barrels in Christchurch, home to craft distillers The Spirits Workshop. Luscious aromas of toffee, vanilla, milk chocolate and a hint of raisin with oak/ wood and soft floral undertones. Gentle on the palate with a rounded mouthfeel and notes of oak, dark caramel, dark cocoa, new leather, creamy tannin, floral and anise. A slightly dry finish with a hint of sweetness.

The NZ Whisky Collection Oamaruvian Revolution

46% ABV, 500ml RRP $119

The NZ Whisky Collection

Aged in an ex-bourbon cask and finished in a fresh Central Otago Pinot Noir cask for a fresh, fruity finish and “strawberries and cream” character.

Scapegrace FORTUNA VI

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Hancocks

This new release single malt from Scapegrace has aromas of buttery biscuit, orchard fruit, roasted nuts and oak spice. On the palate there is crisp green apple, tinned peaches, caramel and nutty malt. An oaky, spicy finish. Crafted from mānuka-smoked New Zealand Laureate barley and aged in virgin French oak.

Pōkeno Discovery

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $121.99

Pōkeno Whisky

Parcels of stock that have been fully matured in first fill bourbon, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks are carefully selected, blended and then laid back down in cask again to create Pōkeno Discovery. It is a rich and complex whisky, with notes of dark chocolate, black forest gateau, ripe cherries and sweet citrus, giving way to a rich, smooth and lengthy finish.

Pōkeno Revelation

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $121.99

Pōkeno Whisky

A marriage of spirit fully aged in first fill bourbon and New Zealand red wine casks. These are then finished together in cask for a final period of maturation. A sweet and smooth whisky, with beautiful notes of mango, grapefruit, strawberry bonbons, lychee and sherbet.

Scapegrace DIMENSION VII

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Hancocks

There’s an autumnal feel to this single malt release from Scapegrace with its notes of spiced walnuts, cider apples and sweet hay to the fore. Smoked spice, orchard fruit and honey emerge on the palate with a finish of nutmeg and walnut. Made with mānuka-smoked New Zealand Laureate barley and aged in virgin French oak.

Scapegrace FORTITUDE V

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Hancocks

Mānuka-smoked New Zealand Laureate barley is at the heart of this single malt release from Scapegrace. There is oak char, earthy vanilla, cranberry, smoked almonds, and liquorice on the nose leading to flavours of honeyed pears, allspice, toasted oak, marzipan, and dried fruit. Aged in virgin French oak, it has a rich and well-spiced finish.

1919 Distilling First Light Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $135

1919 Distilling

This new release from Auckland distillery 1919 Distilling is copper pot distilled in East Tamaki and matured in first fill bourbon cask. A fullbodied whisky, First Light is sweet, with hints of pear and honey giving way to a complex finish and hints of vanilla.

Auld Farm Distillery Single Grain New Make Whisky

46% ABV, 200ml trio RRP $135

Auld Farm Distillery

This New Zealand Single Grain New Make Whisky is Auld Farm Distillery’s distilled essence of their oat, barley and wheat spirit, straight off the still. Unaged and clear, this “whisky spirit before it’s whisky” expresses the first flavours and qualities of their whisky making on the farm in Scotts Gap, Southland.

Thomson Whisky Mānuka Smoke

Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $135

Thomson Whisky

This whisky is made from 100% New Zealandgrown and malted barley smoked using native mānuka wood, then distilled through Thomson Whisky’s hand-beaten copper pot still. Aromas of smoke sit over a hint of underlying sweetness, with a spicy/savoury character that develops as it opens up. Intense smoke with notes of spice on the palate and a lingering smoky finish.

Thomson Whisky South Island Peat

Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $135

Thomson Whisky

The New Zealand-grown malted barley used in this whisky is smoked using South Island peat for an additional local touch. The whisky is distilled through a copper pot still and bottled in its youth, as “an update from the barrel”. Aromas of smoke and salt with a vanilla sweetness. On the palate it is rounded with a subtle sweetness and intense smoke that lingers on the finish.

Sandymount Single Malt is a new release and New Zealand’s only certified carbon zero whisky.

The NZ Whisky Collection Oamaruvian Cask Strength

55.8% ABV, 500ml RRP $149

The NZ Whisky Collection

This higher proof whisky is aged in an ex-bourbon casks and finished in Syrah casks for a rich, deep flavour. Reminiscent of Christmas cake in a bottle.

Auld Farm Distillery Usquebaugh

46% ABV, 200ml RRP $145

Auld Farm Distillery

Pronounced “OOSH-kweh-bah”, this is Auld Farm Distillery’s take on “usquebaugh” – the ancient version of whisky; a rare and early recipe of what whisky was 100 years before barrel ageing. Auld’s single malt new make is imbued with Southland saffron, aged honey and rare botanicals. It’s complex and layered with initial honeyed aromas leading cake spice, malt and anise. Velvety and dry on the palate with a warm depth balanced by menthol and fresh spice notes.

Sandymount Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $149

Sandymount Distillery

A brand-new release from Otago distillery Sandymount. This is New Zealand’s only certified carbon zero whisky, made using South Island grain, and spring water from the Sandymount Distillery grounds. It offers a generous dose of rich malt, red apples, white chocolate, and coffee.

Waiheke Whisky MOSS

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $159

Waiheke Whisky

Made from lightly peated New Zealand malt, double distilled in copper pot stills and aged in American oak casks. A full-bodied whisky that the Waiheke Whisky team described as “..easy drinking, Moss is a gateway to New Zealand peat.” Floral aromas of jasmine, with liquorice, vanilla bean and cough syrup, created by the interaction of the lightly peated malt with the American oak wine barrels, which have been shaved, toasted and re-charred. Further maturation in first fill bourbon barrels provides a creamy texture and a long lingering finish with spice and sweet fruit, and a hint of smoke.

Waiheke Whisky The Sweetwater

41% ABV, 700ml RRP $159

Waiheke Whisky

Made from New Zealand malt, double distilled in copper pot stills, The Sweetwater is aged for five years in French oak ex-white wine casks that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred, and is then finished in ex-bourbon barrels. Sweet and malty aromas lead to initial candied orange peel and honeycomb on the palate. The finish in American oak lends notes of almonds, clove and vanilla. A mouth-coating, easy drinking whisky with a bourbon creaminess giving way to a long peppery dry finish.

Pōkeno Exploration Series Winter Malt

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99

Pōkeno Whisky

The Winter Malt release from Pōkeno was inspired by a unique selection of New Zealand malts chosen for the mashbill, including mānuka smoked malt, chocolate roasted malt, toffee malt and Laureate Distillers Malt. The whisky is aged in first fill bourbon barrels and has aromas of sweet honeyed smoke, chocolate caramel slice, vanilla bean and toffee. On the palate there are notes of bitter dark chocolate, cocoa beans and creamy fudge, leading to a long, sweet and smoky finish.

1919 Distilling Kirikiriroa 5YO

44% ABV, 500ml RRP $175

1919 Distilling

This five-year-old single cask release has been aged exclusively in a red wine barrel. Spice and red fruit notes on the nose, then sweet and lush on the palate with rich fruit notes from the wine cask and hints of chocolate and coffee.

The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky ‘Full Flight’ Solera

62.8% ABV, 375ml RRP $175

Cardrona Distillery

Full Flight is the final expression of The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky coming of age. Aged for seven years in a marriage of specially selected ex-Oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels, Full Flight is bottled at natural cask strength and rich with dark fruits on the nose, and sticky treacle in the mouth.

Thomson Full Noise Cask Strength

Single Malt

54.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $175

Thomson Whisky

A cask strength (hence ‘Full Noise’) mānuka smoke single malt whisky from Thomson Whisky in northwest Auckland. Made from 100% New Zealand-grown mānuka-smoked malted barley, aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and bottled straight out of the cask. Deeper and more abundant smoke notes in this uniquely New Zealand dram.

Waiheke Whisky Seris 2

42% ABV, 700ml RRP $179

Waiheke Whisky

Made from peated New Zealand malt and double distilled in copper pot stills, this New Zealand single malt is aged in American oak casks for four years before being finished in Australian Apera (Sherry) casks. Aromas of glazed orange peel, spiced apple and peat smoke. The palate has notes of butterscotch, raisins, fruit cake, cereal and peat complemented with a savoury spice finish.

1919 Distilling Transpacific Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199

1919 Distilling

Copper pot distilled and matured in first fill bourbon casks, this single malt is then finished in Jamaican rum casks. A complex and sweet single cask bottling, the whisky melts in the mouth with toffee, tropical fruits and organic vanilla.

Waiheke Whisky Dyad Chardonnay

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199

Waiheke Whisky

Dyad is the wine barrel finish range from Waiheke Whisky. This release, distilled in 2015, is made from unpeated New Zealand malt. It was double distilled in copper pot stills and matured in a refill bourbon barrel, then finished in a French oak ex-Chardonnay barrel from Waiheke’s famed Mudbrick Vineyard. A rich and inviting nose leads to a complex palate with some umami character. An oily mouthfeel, well balanced with both sugar and lemon notes. A long finish with hints of a nutty, yeasty character from the Chardonnay.

Waiheke Whisky Dyad Peat + Port

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199

Waiheke Whisky

Made from peated New Zealand malt and double distilled in copper pot stills, this expression from Waiheke Whisky was aged in bourbon oak casks for four years before being finished in a Waiheke Island vintage fortified wine (NZ Port) cask. It has aromas of red fruits, Christmas cake and peat smoke. The palate is concentrated and rich with red fruits and spice complemented with a long, smoky finish.

Pōkeno Double Bourbon Single Cask

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Pōkeno Whisky

This is one of the oldest whiskies that Pōkeno Distillery has bottled to date. After a full maturation in a first fill bourbon barrel, the single malt is re-racked into a fresh first fill bourbon barrel for a further year, adding richness and depth. This release is full of vanilla bean, citrus and sweet oak, with notes of dark chocolate and honeysuckle lingering on the finish.

Waitui Whiskey

40% ABV 700ml RRP $199.99

Kiwi Spirit Distillery

This small batch whisky from Golden Bay’s Kiwi Spirit Distillery is aged for eight years in mānuka honey mead oak barrels, which adds a soft honeyed sweetness. It has a luscious aroma full of creamy butterscotch and mānuka honey with hints of malt and oak. Delicate on the palate, with notes of oak, smoke, and honey.

Pōkeno Exploration Series Totara Cask

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Pōkeno Whisky

This whisky is the first in the world to be matured in 200 litre totara barrels, which were handcrafted at Pōkeno Distillery in New Zealand’s only working cooperage. The native New Zealand tree is hard and straight grained, with very sweet and creamy notes when toasted. After a full maturation in first fill bourbon casks, the whisky is transferred to the totara barrels for a second maturation period. On the nose there are notes of creamy coconut, sweet scented sap, ripe white peach and freshly cut wood. In the mouth there is bitter lemon, stone fruit and hints of dark chocolate for a long, sweet finish.

The NZ Whisky Collection South Island Single Malt 25YO

40% ABV, 350ml RRP $219

The NZ Whisky Collection

This is The NZ Whisky Collection’s only lightly peated whisky, with soft smoke character. Distilled at the famous Wilson’s Distillery, it has been matured and bottled in Oamaru. It has notes of honey and golden fruit, and a lingering sweet, malty finish with subtle smoke.

The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky ‘The Falcon’

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $353

Cardrona Distillery

A trinity of three hand-selected casks (ex-Oloroso, ex-bourbon, and ex-Pinot Noir), drawn from some of Cardrona Distillery’s oldest stocks and reduced to 52% ABV. Notes of burnt toffee, vanilla cream, sun-scorched nectarine, and pepper. The 700ml bottle is presented in a beautiful oak frame.

The NZ Whisky Collection The Otago 30YO Single Malt

44.7% ABV, 350ml RRP $599

The NZ Whisky Collection

The ultimate expression from The NZ Whisky Collection. This is a beautifully aged, elegant whisky with depth and character. It offers sweet pear, honey and vanilla, hints of soft spices and a deliciously lingering finish.

AUSTRALIA

Starward Two-Fold Whisky

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Tickety-Boo

This double grain whisky from Melbourne’s award-winning Starward distillery uses new make spirit made from malted barley and a spirit made from aromatic and dry wheat –each is aged in Australian red wine barrels before blending. Two-Fold has aromas of bright red berries coated in buttery vanilla spice. In the mouth there’s a balance of smooth, rich caramel and tropical fruit, leading to a delicate, dry and lingering finish.

Starward HER Honeycomb Whisky

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Tickety-Boo

A collaboration with Melbourne’s HER bar, this expression from Starward combines its Two-Fold whisky with Local Honey Floral Blend from 4,500 beehives at Pure Peninsula Honey on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The lush honey adds a decadent richness to bright and fruit-forward whisky.

Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky

41% ABV, 700ml RRP $97.99

Tickety-Boo

A fruity, double distilled single malt made with Australian barley and craft brewers’ yeast for extra flavour. Aged for three years in Australian red wine barrels, this smooth and complex whisky has bright aromatic notes of red berries, orchard fruits, vanilla, caramel and soft oak spice.

Starward Solera Single Malt Whisky

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Tickety-Boo

This twice-distilled single malt whisky from Australian distillery Starward is fully matured in carefully selected Apera casks, an Australian fortified wine similar to sherry. It is rich and well balanced with flavours of jammy fruits, creme brûlée and spice, with a lingering dry finish.

Starward 100-Proof Single Malt Whisky

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $127.99

Tickety-Boo

A robust single malt whisky that is fully matured in American oak, red wine barrels and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). Championing Australian ingredients, 100-Proof is full-bodied and decadent, featuring notes of juicy plum, ganache and sweet vanilla.

Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Archie Rose

Australian craft distillery Archie Rose uses malted rye and malted barley for this whisky, which is aged in virgin American oak casks in the maritime air of coastal Sydney. Layered and aromatic with notes of spiced custard, ginger, stonefruit and baked apple pie with a lingering fresh herbal finish.

Archie Rose Single Malt Whisky

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Archie Rose

The team at Archie Rose uses a six-malt mash bill for this whisky to give it a rich and expressive flavour, full of distinct regional character. It is aged predominantly in Australian Apera (sherry) casks, complemented by a selection of ex-bourbon and Archie Rose’s own 36-month air-dried ex-rye casks. The whisky has aromas of fresh herbs, shortbread biscuits, raisins, toffee and dark chocolate, while the palate is full of sticky date pudding and amaretto with a final note of espresso.

Starward Octave Barrel Single Malt Whisky

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99

Tickety-Boo

This distinctly Australian single malt combines Starward’s progressive red-wine-barrel maturation with one of the most famous wines from iconic Barossa winery Yalumba. Octave Barrels is aged in Yalumba’s The Octavius Shiraz barrels to create a rich whisky with aromas of red fruit, raisins, ripe peach, caramel and toasty oak and a palate of dark forest fruits with a toasted oak backbone. Toasted marshmallow on the finish.

Starward Vitalis marks 15 years since Starward founder David Vitale started his Melbourne distillery.

Starward Peated Finish Single Malt Whisky

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99

Tickety-Boo

Following the award-winning release of UnExpeated in 2021, this is Starward’s second ‘new world’ take on an old-world whisky style. Starward’s three-year-old maturing red wine cask whisky spent 18 months in heavily saturated ex-Islay peated casks to create a whisky with flavours of ripe red fruits and a deeper, smokier finish.

Callington Mill Emulsion Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99

Glengarry

This triple-distilled single malt was matured in handcrafted 100L Apera casks and then in an exclusive 700L Tawny cask from Portugal’s Douro Valley and premium 300L French oak Cognac casks. A light and elegant whisky with notes of pineapple, vanilla, and Turkish delight.

Callington Mill Symmetry Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99

Glengarry

Aged in 100L Australian Tawny (port) and Apera (sherry) casks, this limited release whisky has notes of stewed apricots and caramel, leading into orange peel and maple syrup on the palate.

Callington Mill Sherry Fusion

Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Glengarry

This whisky was matured in 100 litre ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and ex-Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.

Starward Vitalis 15th Anniversary

Release Single Malt Whisky

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $209.99

Tickety-Boo

Vitalis marks 15 years since Starward founder David Vitale started his Melbourne distillery, which has become known for its ageing of whisky Australian red wine barrels. It’s a blend of hand-selected parcels from tawny barrels, rum barrels, bourbon barrels and Apera barrels. The eldest of these barrels were filled in 2011 and the youngest in 2018. The resulting whisky has aromas of chewy toffee, raisins, chocolate coated pineapples and cedar. The palate is big and viscous with rich dried fruits, redcurrant, and lightly roasted coffee beans. A long and oily finish with a delicate balance of fruit and oak.

Callington Mill Entropy Single Malt

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $239.99

Glengarry

Initially aged in small Tawny and Apera casks, this spirit is then further matured in Tokay, Muscat and Muscadelle casks from Victoria’s Rutherglen region.

Overeem Single Malt Port

Cask Matured

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99

Glengarry

This single malt is the signature offering from Tasmania’s Overeem Distillery. Soft and delicate on the palate with salted caramel, toasted marshmallow, butterscotch, toffee, and sweet malt.

Overeem Single Malt Sherry

Cask Matured

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99

Glengarry

Aged in French oak ex-sherry casks, this single malt has aromas of chocolate ice-cream, citrus, hay, vanilla, rum-soaked dried fruits, barley sugar, butter menthol, cinnamon, and Christmas cake. On the palate, it delivers chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, hay, grass, stewed stone fruits, and roasted nuts flavours. A finish of lightly charred nuts and sherryinfused dried fruits.

Callington Mill Audacity Cask

Strength Single Malt

65.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $299.99

Glengarry

This Tasmanian single malt was originally created at the Old Kempton Distillery and initially matured in 20 litre Australian Tawny and Apera casks before further ageing in 300 litre white fortified wine casks from Victoria’s Rutherglen region. Bottled at cask strength with intense notes of vanilla custard, cocoa, and tobacco.

Overeem Cask Strength Port

Cask Matured

60% ABV, 700ml RRP $349.99

Glengarry

Bold and robust, this cask strength whisky has flavours of spiced dried fruit, salted caramel, butterscotch, sweet toffee and candied orange. A lingering finish with chewy caramel and light spice.

Matsui Sakura Cask Whisky from Japan’s Kurayoshi

Distillery is aged in barrels made from Japanese cherry blossom tree.

Overeem Cask Strength Sherry

Cask Matured

60% ABV, 700ml RRP $349.99

Glengarry

Aged in French oak ex-sherry casks, this whisky has flavours of rich dark chocolate, dried fruits, plums and raisins, alongside hazelnuts, nutmeg and cinnamon.

JAPAN

Suntory Whisky Toki

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Beam Suntory

This delicate Japanese whisky has aromas of basil, green apple and honey, while on the palate there is grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint and thyme. The finish is subtly sweet and spicy with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger.

Matsui Sakura Cask Whisky

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Whisky & More

This whisky from Japan’s Kurayoshi Distillery is aged in barrels made from Japanese cherry blossom tree, as the beautiful label indicates. Fresh and complex with layers of grapefruit, oak, vanilla, and spice.

Matsui Mizunara Cask Whisky

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Whisky & More

Japanese oak (mizunara) barrels are used to age this whisky, which has aromas of vanilla and baking spice with a hint of florals. Lush on the palate with rich oak and notes of cinnamon, ginger and a caramel toffee. Lingering finish.

Hibiki Harmony

43% ABV, 750ml RRP $249.99

Beam Suntory

From the Suntory Whisky collection, Hibiki has lifted aromas of rose and lychee over a hint of rosemary, wood and sandalwood. On the palate, there is a honeyed sweetness with candied orange peel and white chocolate. The finish is subtle with a touch of mizunara (Japanese oak).

Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $269.99

Beam Suntory

Made in Suntory’s mountain forest distillery, the Hakushu range is set apart by its distinctive fresh green notes. The Distiller’s Reserve has aromas of peppermint, melon and cucumber leading to a palate of yuzu, grapefruit, and lemon thyme. Refreshing on the finish, with subtle smoke.

The Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $269.99

Beam Suntory

Lush red fruit dominates the aroma of this whisky from famed Japanese distiller Suntory, with strawberry and cherry sitting alongside a hint of mizunara (Japanese oak). The fruit persists on the palate with raspberry, white peach and a touch of coconut. The finish is clean with sweet vanilla and a hint of cinnamon.

Kurayoshi 18YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $369

Whisky & More

Ageing for 18 years in white oak has created a complex, layered whiskey a rich aroma and flavours of honeyed sweetness, delicate vanilla, smoke and spice. Finishes with a refreshing hint of mint.

The Hakushu 12YO

43.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $429.99

Beam Suntory

Suntory’s Hakushu distillery is also known as the ‘Mountain Forest Distillery’, and this whisky abounds with green fruit and herbal characters. Aromas of basil, pine needle and green apple lead to a palate of sweet pear, mint and kiwifruit. The finish has characters of green tea and subtle smoke.

INDIA

Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky

46% ABV 700ml RRP $102.99

Tickety-Boo

There are liquorice-bourbon notes on the nose of this whisky from India (the first single malt to be made in that country), with burnt honeycomb and toffee, too. Rich on the palate, with barley-oak sweetness and a long, layered sweet-dry finish.

Indri Trini The Three Wood

46% ABV, 750ml RRP $119.99

World@BWS

Three different wood casks (ex-bourbon, ex-French wine and ex-sherry) are used to craft this multi-award-winning whisky. Gentle and mellow on the nose with hints of black tea, caramelised pineapple and a whiff of oak comes forward, followed by vanilla, honey, spice and raisins. Rich on the palate with gentle spice and woody characteristics. A subtle and balanced finish.

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $122.99

Tickety-Boo

Heavy oak aromas, with hints of barley sugar and soft smoke. Intense on the palate with warming, full-blown peat, a sherry trifle note, barley fruitiness and intense chocolate fudge. Dry peat and oak on the finish with molasses sweetness and spice.

Amrut Single Malt Peated Whisky

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $127.99

Tickety-Boo

A combination of Indian barley, Scottish peat and American oak create this whisky from award-winning Indian distillery Amrut. It has aromas of intensely dry peat with a hint of citrus, while the palate is initially sweet molasses, leading to peat and dry spices and a clean finish.

Indri Dru

57.2% ABV, 750ml RRP $149.99

World@BWS

‘Dru’ is a cask strength expression, where selected ex-bourbon barrels are handpicked and married by Indri’s master blender. In Sanskrit, ‘Dru’ means wood, tree or a vessel made of wood. In ancient Indian mythology, Dru was a vessel in which ‘soma’ (a drink) was collected and offered to the gods. A fruity aroma with vanilla, subtle citrus, gentle spice, chocolate and honey tones. A sweetish, fruit-forward flavour with soft spice, sweet vanilla, chocolate, wood and citrus. A full, lingering finish.

Amrut Spectrum 004 Single Malt Whisky

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $259.99

Tickety-Boo

Amrut

Spectrum 004

is a whisky aged in a custom-built cask made of four different oaks and is part of Amrut’s unique ‘Spectrum’ series.

Amrut Spectrum 004 is a whisky aged in a custom-built cask made of four different oaks and is part of Amrut’s unique ‘Spectrum’ series. The New Make spirit is aged in ex-bourbon casks then transferred to the custom barrels. These barrels are made with equal proportions of four different kinds of staves, alternating around the barrel: new American oak with char level 3, new French oak with light toasting, ex-Oloroso staves and ex-PX Sherry staves. Only 1,800 bottles were produced. Amrut Spectrum 004 has aromas of raisins, rum, figs, orange and coca and a palate rich with sherry, rum, butterscotch, chocolate, prunes, molasses, and nuts.

Indri Diwali Edition

60% ABV, 700ml RRP $799 - $899

World@BWS

Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition 2023 is a peated Indian single malt made with six-row barley, distilled in traditional copper pot stills crafted in India. Carefully matured in PX Sherry Casks in the sub-tropical climate of North India, this unique expression has a whiff of smoke and a palate full of candied dried fruits, toasted nuts, subtle spice, oak, and bittersweet chocolate. Winner of the ‘Best in Show’ Double Gold award at the Whiskies of the World Awards 2023.

USA

Jack Daniel’s

40% ABV, 1L RRP $61.99

Hancocks

This Tennessee whiskey is left to drip through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before it goes into barrel. It has aromas of oak, sweet vanilla and caramel, which continue on the palate.

Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Federal Merchants

A flavoured whiskey full of natural peanut butter flavours, notes of vanilla and caramel popcorn with warm whiskey undertones.

Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

45.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

Hancocks

A spicy aroma with distinct notes of rye, black pepper, cedar, cassia bark and a sweet marzipan character. The taste is of clove, rye, mint, molasses and honey, mingled with hints of apple and malt. The finish is long and sweetly spiced.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Hancocks

This expression from Tennessee distillery Jack Daniel’s is ‘bottled-in-bond’ meaning that it is from a single distillery, is from one distilling season, is botted at 100 proof (50% ABV) and aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years. It has aromas of caramel, rich oak and spice, and is big and bold on the palate with dark brown sugar, cooked fruit and seared oak. The finish is of warm baking spice with a hint of smoke. Named ‘Whisky of the Year 2022’ by Whisky Advocate.

Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99

Federal Merchants

Misunderstood is a blend of select bourbon and American whiskey, aged in American oak barrels and finished with two types of real ginger. Aromas of vanilla bean, caramel and hints of fresh ginger and mandarin lead to flavours of fresh cut ginger root, light toasted oak and hints of ginger snap cookies and crème brûlée. A light, lingering ginger finish with hints of baking spice and butterscotch.

Ezra Brooks Straight Rye 99 Proof

49.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $90

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A genuine straight rye whiskey with slightly sweet and oaky tones, and a warm and spicy finish.

Gold Bar Whiskey California Cask

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $98.99

Whisky & More

Aromas of burnt sugar and soft hay open to fresh orchard fruits and red berries in this cask-finished whiskey. The palate is bright and warming with soft sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel. Subtle flavours of red fruits, baking spices, and gentle wood smoke.

Michter’s US1 Sour Mash Whiskey

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Tickety-Boo

The unique grain selection for this whiskey means it cannot be categorised as a rye or a bourbon. It has warm, toasted burnt sugar notes with spice, sweet smoky fruit, candied cherries and honeyed vanilla. It starts out like a bourbon but finishes like a rye.

Michter’s US1 Straight Rye Whiskey

42.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Tickety-Boo

Select American rye grain is sheared to maximise the extraction of flavour for this rye whiskey. It’s made using charred new American white oak barrels and is spicy with peppery notes, citrus, butterscotch and oak.

Michter’s US1 Unblended American Whiskey

41.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Tickety-Boo

Unlike bourbon or rye, which, by definition, must be aged in new oak barrels, Michter’s US1 Unblended American Whiskey uses whiskeysoaked barrels to achieve its flavour profile. It has deep butterscotch and vanilla notes, hints of caramel and dried fruit with a ripened fruit finish.

Wiseman Kentucky Straight Rye

50.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $127.99

Tickety-Boo

A traditional rye made with a mash bill of 95% rye. A spicy nose progresses onto the palate, while the long finish starts as fresh rye bread and moves slowly toward buttered cinnamon toast, ending with a hint of walnut.

Blackened Whiskey

45% ABV, 750ml RRP $129

Whisky & More

This is the award-winning, super-premium whiskey collaboration from late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell (considered the ‘founding father’ of craft distilling) and American heavy metal band Metallica. It is a blend of hand-selected, aged bourbons and ryes finished in black brandy casks that underwent ‘Black Noise’ – a process that uses Metallica’s music to deliver a precise range of low hertz soundwaves into the oak casks causing the whiskey to interact with the charred oak staves.

Rossville Union Master Crafted Straight Rye Whiskey

47% ABV, 750ml RRP $130

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Aged for more than four years, this whiskey delivers a smooth, slightly smoky taste and a robust, spicy finish with a hint of cherry.

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey

45% ABV, 750ml RRP $133

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey is a tribute to Minor Case Beam, who began working in the bourbon business in 1871. Distilled by the Beam family, this award-winning whiskey uses yeast cloned from MC Beam’s own jug and is finished in sherry casks. Its aroma has hints of earth with sweet sherry notes. A hint of butterscotch on the palate and additional notes of dark fruit and spice from the sherry cask finish.

Willett Family Reserve 4YO Rye

55% ABV, 750ml RRP $134.99

Tickety-Boo

A small batch rye whiskey from Kentucky’s Willett Family Estate. It has aromas of brandied cherry, cinnamon, and baking spices with a hint of oak. It’s robust on the palate with dark cherry, burnt vanilla, and lingering spice.

Yellowstone Single Malt Whiskey

54% ABV, 750ml RRP $149

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Made from 100% malted barley and aged in new charred American oak barrels, this is a smooth and complex whiskey. A sweet, medium body with notes of honey, dates and spiced pear, and a strong oak finish with hints of cinnamon and walnuts.

Sazerac Rye Whiskey

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $179

Federal Merchants

Synonymous with New Orleans, this rye whiskey has a drier, spicier taste in keeping with its rye base. It has aromas of clove, vanilla, anise and pepper, which combine with subtle notes of candied spices and citrus. The finish is big and smooth with hints of liquorice.

Rossville Union Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey

58.6% ABV, 750ml RRP $180

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Bottled at a full 117.2 proof, Rossville Union’s Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whisky delivers a bold, spicy, caramel-forward taste with a balanced smoky oak finish. Full-bodied and smooth with aromas of spice, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and wood. Sweet and caramelforward on the palate with bold spice, a slightly smoky body, oak, and a balanced finish.

Shenk’s Homestead Small Batch 2023 Release

45.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $309.99

Tickety-Boo

A sour mash whiskey made with a substantial amount of rye – the 2023 release is notable for being produced with malted rye in the recipe and a portion aged in toasted French oak. A warm and rich expression with highlights of spiced fruit, nougat, honey and spiced chocolate.

Michter’s US1 Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey

53.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $379.99

Tickety-Boo

Aromas of toffee, honey, black walnut, and a hint of campfire lead to flavours of dark chocolate, salted caramel, cherry and mint with pronounced spice balanced by toasted oak on the finish.

Michter’s 10 Year Old Straight

Rye Whiskey

46.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $479.99

Tickety-Boo

One of Michter’s most limited production items, the 10YO Straight Rye Whiskey has deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon with crushed pepper and a hint of orange citrus.

Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras XO Cask 11YO Rye

51.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $749.99

Tickety-Boo

A limited edition release rye whiskey from Kentucky Owl, created to celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras and Louisiana. Aged for 11 years and then spending a further year in rare Bayou XO casks, this is a robust, flavourful straight rye whiskey. In addition to the rye character, there is sweet butter combined with allspice, and the sweetness of the Bayou Rum XO finish.

Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras XO Cask 11YO Rye is a limited edition release, created to celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras and

Louisiana.

Sagamore Cask Strength Straight Rye

56.1% ABV, 750ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Matured for between four to seven years, this Sagamore Spirit rye whiskey is a made to a traditional Maryland style, offering deep chocolate, hazelnut and molasses flavours from the older stock, and a lifting citrus and spice (vanilla and clove) from the younger barrels.

Sagamore Reserve Double Oak

Straight Rye

48.3% ABV, 750ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This straight rye whiskey is matured for an additional period in ‘wave stave’ oak casks that have been freshly toasted, imparting a warm caramel and dark vanilla flavour from the increased surface area of the barrels. It has a nutty taste of freshly roasted hazelnuts, coconut and walnut, joining the signature kick of aromatic and peppery spices.

Sagamore Spirit Signature

Rye Whiskey

41.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

A traditional Maryland-style rye whiskey, it features candied dried orange peel with notes of clove and nutmeg and lingering hints of walnut and brown sugar to finish.

Kyrö Malt is the first Finnish single-batch rye whisky, made from 100% malted Finnish wholegrain rye.

CANADA

Canadian Club 8YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99

Beam Suntory

Aromas of toffee, toasted oak and vanilla lead to a palate of English toffee and rich mellow oak with soft nutmeg and clove. The finish is warm and dry with lingering caramel and vanilla.

Canadian Club 1858

40% ABV, 1L RRP $54.99

Beam Suntory

Canadian Club’s flagship whiskey is named for its year of creation. It’s smooth, with spice and zest on the palate and hints of oak and sweet vanilla. The finish is clean, dry, and lingering with subtle oak.

Canadian Club Spiced

37% ABV, 1L RRP $54.99

Beam Suntory

A new twist on Canadian Club Original, blended with vanilla, allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, clove and juniper berry. A sweet grain and spice aroma, with flavours of sweet fruit and spices and a long finish.

Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

33% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Federal Merchants

Fireball is a blend of Canadian whiskey with natural cinnamon flavour. Makers of Fireball, Sazerac Company in New Orleans, describe it as like “coming face to face with a firebreathing dragon who just ate a whisky barrel full of spicy cinnamon”.

Canadian Club 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $76.99

Beam Suntory

The extra ageing on this expression from Canadian Club creates soft, rounded aromas with a palate that is spicy and creamy with hints of vanilla and rich mellow wood. The finish is long and dry.

Canadian Club 20YO

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $92.99

Beam Suntory

A blended Canadian whiskey seasoned in white oak barrels. The rich aroma features toffee, raisin, dark plum and apple blossom. The flavour is a clean combination of nuts and spice, while the lingering finish is of pepper, apple, nutmeg and rich oak.

FINLAND

Kyrö Malt Rye Whisky

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $107.99

Tickety-Boo

Kyrö Malt is the first Finnish single-batch rye whisky, made from 100% malted Finnish wholegrain rye. It is double pot-distilled and aged in new American white oak casks. Aromas of vanilla, caramel, dried fruits and earthy rye lead to a palate full of sweet rye bread, honey and wild berries. The finish is smooth and peppery with caramel and mocha.

Kyrö Malt Oloroso

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Tickety-Boo

This Oloroso expression from new Finnish distillery Kyrö is double pot-distilled and aged in three barrel types: Oloroso sherry, new American oak and ex-bourbon. The whisky is mellow yet spicy, with aromas of nuts and caramel.

Kyrö Wood Smoke

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $114.99

Tickety-Boo

Kyrö Wood Smoke is made from 100% malted Finnish whole-grain rye. Following an old Northern tradition, the malt is alder smoked in a 100-year-old barn. The whisky is double potdistilled and matured in ex-bourbon, French oak and new American white oak barrels, resulting in intense pepperiness and sweet notes of caramel and vanilla lifted by crisp alder smoke.

ENGLAND

Cotswolds ‘Founders Choice’

59.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This cask strength release from the Cotswolds Distillery is a vatting of shaved, toasted and re-charred American oak red wine barriques selected by founder Daniel Szor. The nose presents notes of sweet plums, dark chocolate and fig rolls, leading into spoonfuls of cranachan (a traditional Scottish dessert of cream, raspberries, oats and whisky) and fresh strawberries on the palate. The finish is rich and nutty with a lingering array of spices.

Cotswolds ‘Peated Cask’

59.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Produced at the Cotswolds distillery, this new release of their ‘Peated Cask’ expression is an unpeated spirit that has matured in Quarter Casks that once held peated whisky, giving a subtle tinge of smoke and peat to the whisky. The nose is rich with the aroma of vanilla, with dried fruits and spice. To taste, there is a gentle creamy peat smoke with a light fruitiness and woody sugars. Bottled at natural strength without chill-filtration.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This English single malt was the first ever made in the Cotswolds and uses only locally grown barley, which is floor malted. The spirit is then matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and reconditioned red wine casks. The aroma is sweetly honeyed, with butterscotch and stonefruits – fresh and stewed – along with nutty marzipan. The palate is oily, lush and rich with orange marmalade, brown sugar and tannins bringing a twist of cracked black pepper. The finish is treacled, with dark red fruit and lingering soft wooded flavours.

IRELAND

Jameson Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99, 1L RRP $64.99

Pernod Ricard

A blend of pot still and fine grain whiskeys that are triple-distilled and aged in bourbon and sherry casks for five to seven years. A light floral fragrance peppered with spicy wood and sweet notes, while on the palate it is a smooth balance of spice, nut and vanilla notes with hints of sweet sherry.

Jameson Orange

30% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99

Pernod Ricard

Jameson Irish Whiskey is blended with zesty orange flavour to create a whiskey liqueur that balances zesty peel and juicy orange citrus fruits, with sweet and spicy whiskey undertones.

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99

Pernod Ricard

Jameson’s Irish Whiskey is finished in craft IPA barrels for a whiskey with crisp hoppy notes. Flavours of hops and light citrus with sweet herbal notes and delicate spicy tones.

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99

Pernod Ricard

Jameson’s triple-distilled, blended Irish whiskey is finished in Irish craft beer-seasoned barrels. The initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish pot still inclusion is quickly complemented by the subtle touch of hops and cocoa beans from the beer cask finish. The finish is long and sweet with milk chocolate and butterscotch.

Slane Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml $54.99

Hancocks

Three varieties of casks are used for ageing this whiskey: virgin and seasoned casks made at the Brown-Forman cooperages, and Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez in Spain. The whiskey has complex aromas of fruit, caramel, vanilla, brown spice and toasted oak. It is initially spicy on the palate, but quickly sweetens with rich butterscotch and dried fruit, and finishes with a hint of dried fruit and caramelised sugar. Smooth and robust.

The Dubliner Whiskey and Honeycomb

30% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Federal Merchants

A distinctive Irish whiskey liqueur that marries honeycomb, caramel and whiskey.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt was the first ever single malt whisky made in the Cotswolds and uses only locally grown barley, which is floor malted.

Powers Gold Label

43.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Pernod Ricard

Spicy aromas of cinnamon, clove oil and white pepper are balanced by apples and pears, on a background of charred oak. On the palate there is cinnamon, green peppers and a touch of nutmeg combined with orchard fruits, vanilla and toasted oak with crisp barley. Pot still oils and spices on the finish, fading to rich barley, toasted wood and honey.

Jameson Black Barrel

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Pernod Ricard

A combination of American oak, sherry casks, and double charred bourbon barrels are used to age this whiskey, which is made from single Irish pot still whiskey and a rare small batch grain whiskey. It has intense notes of vanilla sweetness and caramel, alongside toasted wood, fruit and warm spice.

Shanky’s Whip Irish Whiskey Liqueur

33% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Thirsty Camel

A blend of black Irish whiskey and Irish spirits with flavours of cream and vanilla. Rich and sweet with notes of spice.

Bushmills Black Bush

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Lion

The dark hue and rich fruit characters in this whiskey come from its ageing of up to seven years in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks and sweet bourbon barrels. It has aromas of spicy fruit and dark‚ velvety fruit flavours with a lingering sherry sweetness.

Proper No. Twelve is a blended Irish whiskey brand founded by MMA fighter and boxer Conor McGregor.

Bushmills Original

40% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99

Lion

A blend of triple-distilled malt whiskey with a lighter grain whiskey. The aroma is light and fruity with a touch of spice and vanilla. In the mouth it is gently warming with slight honey sweetness, while the finish is crisp and fresh with a hint of spice.

The Busker Blend Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Thirsty Camel

A blend of single malt and single pot still whiskeys, The Busker Blend has tropical fruits and vanilla on the nose leading to a palate of malt sweetness and dark chocolate with subtle toffee fudge and cinnamon.

Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 1L RRP $74.99

Federal Merchants

This blended Irish whiskey is triple-distilled and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. It has aromas of light, sweet citrus and green apple combined with vanilla undertones. Early fresh fruit flavours lead to toasted wood and vanilla sweetness, with a buttery mellowness on the finish.

Bushmills 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

Lion

This whiskey is triple-distilled from 100% malted barley and spends at least 10 years in bourbon seasoned barrels, giving it aromas of honey, vanilla and milk chocolate that persist on the palate.

The Busker Single Malt Irish Whiskey

44.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

Thirsty Camel

This single malt is distilled in large copper stills and then matured in two different woods. Initial accents of fruit lead to pine essence and malt biscuit. Intense flavours of fruit and rich chocolate with a sweet and creamy finish.

Proper No. Twelve

40% ABV, 1L RRP $83.99

Lion

This blended Irish whiskey brand was founded by MMA fighter and boxer Conor McGregor. A blend of Irish grain spirit and single malt Irish whiskey aged in ex-bourbon barrels, it has flavours of vanilla, honey and toasted wood.

Connemara

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Beam Suntory

There’s a light and fruity aroma to this Irish whiskey, with distinct smoke and peat. Initially smooth and honey sweet, with malt and fruits giving way to an intensifying full-bodied peat. Complex yet balanced with vanilla oak tones.

The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Thirsty Camel

The Sexton single malt is made from 100% Irish malted barley, is triple distilled in copper pot stills and aged four years in Oloroso sherry butts, giving it flavours of dried fruit, nuts and honeycomb.

Teeling Single Grain

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Hancocks

Matured in Californian red wine barrels, this Irish whiskey has aromas of fruit cake and spice with a soft, sweet marzipan character. On the palate there is spice, raisin, red fruit and a hint of tannins, while the finish is dry with lingering wood and spice.

Green Spot – Mitchell & Son

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Pernod Ricard

A non-age statement single pot still Irish whiskey comprising of pot still whiskeys aged between seven and 10 years. The whiskey is matured in a combination of new bourbon and refill bourbon casks as well as sherry casks. Fresh aromatic oils and spices on the nose, with orchard fruits, barley and subtle toasted wood. It is full and spicy on the palate. A hint of cloves accompanies green apples and toasted oak before a lingering finish of spices and barley.

Teeling Blackpitts Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Hancocks

This award-winning release from Teeling was inspired by the ancient Blackpitts area just behind the new Teeling Whiskey Distillery in Dublin City, which was traditionally home to some of the largest barley malting houses in Ireland. Triple distillation and maturation in both ex-bourbon and ex-Sauternes white wine casks creates a whiskey with aromas of barbecue smoke, cloves, butterscotch and orange peel. In the mouth there is a blend of applewood smoke, honey and allspice married with stewed pears and fresh grilled pineapple. Finishes with savoury smoke over lingering wood with notes of salted caramel.

Teeling Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Hancocks

This whiskey is matured and finished in casks that impart the influence of five wine casks: sherry, Port, Madeira, white Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has aromas of melon, figs, toffee and lemon, while the palate gives notes of dried fruits, citrus, vanilla, spice and cloves. It finishes with a long sweetness in harmony with dry tannins from the wood.

Tullamore D.E.W 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Federal Merchants

As with Tullamore D.E.W. Original, the 12YO expression is a triple-distilled blend of all three types of Irish whiskey but has a high proportion of pot still and malt whiskeys, matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks for 12 to 15 years. There is spice and red wine on the nose with a nutty character followed by a light woody note. It has a deep spice flavour with a robust and creamy body overlaid by chocolate, dried fruit and nut. The finish is long and rich with citrus, chocolate, raisins and marzipan.

Jameson Single Pot Still

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $120

Pernod Ricard

This brand-new addition to the Jameson range in New Zealand opens with wood-driven spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted oak, honeycomb, and salted caramel. Zesty fruit notes in the background along with fudge, butterscotch, and vanilla while the pot still spices build over time. Flavours of rich dark chocolate, spicy toffee, and ground cinnamon with hints of ginger and orange peel. The combination of fresh and seasoned oak adds layered sweet and smoked-wood tones.

Redbreast Single Pot Still 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $134.99

Pernod Ricard

This is the signature bottling from Redbreast, which is the biggest-selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world. Redbreast 12 is matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. It has a complex spicy and fruity aroma with toasted wood notes. Full flavoured and smooth on the palate with a balance of spice, fruit, sherry, and toasted notes.

Yellow Spot 12YO - Mitchell & Son

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $144.99

Pernod Ricard

This whiskey contains single pot still components aged in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-Malaga wine casks. This extra ageing adds a layer of complexity compared with its younger sibling, Green Spot. It has aromas of hay, black pepper, nutmeg, clove oil and green tea, with sweet honey and peaches from the Malaga casks. Pot still spices, honey and red apple combine with flavours of crème brûlée, fresh coffee and toasted oak. Distinctive honeyed character, red grape, and dry barley on the finish.

Redbreast Single Pot Still 15YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $184.99

Pernod Ricard

Full and rich aromas of berry fruits and aromatic oils. On the palate, the whiskey is rounded and mellow with flavours of succulent fresh fruit combined with spices and toasted wood leading to a long finish.

Jameson 18YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $304.99

Pernod Ricard

Jameson 18YO is the pinnacle of the Jameson range, having been aged for a minimum of 18 years and finished in first fill bourbon casks. On the nose there are aromatic oils with a touch of wood and spicy toffee. It is mellow and smooth on the palate with fudge, toffee, spice, hints of wood and leather, vanilla, and a gentle sherry nuttiness. The lingering finish carries wood, spice, and toffee.

Redbreast Single Pot Still 21YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $339.99

Pernod Ricard

The nose spans fresh tropical fruits, nuts, and rich dried fruit. On the palate there is soft vanilla, toasted oak, and sherry nuttiness with a dusting of pot still spices. Fleshy fruit notes and a creamy mouth feel. The long finish combines oak and pot still spices.

Dingle Single Malt Whiskey

46.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Selected from a small batch of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and ex-Port casks, this Irish whiskey carries a complex aroma: juicy fruit flavours of fruit pastels, wine gums and glazed cherries, along with a biscuity vanilla note. To taste, there is a warming flavour of mulled wine, plump raisins and toffee apple, lingering to a dry and spicy-sweet note of cinnamon-dusted churros.

Hinch ‘Small Batch’

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Matured and selected by the Hinch distillery, this triple-distilled blend comes from casks of ex-bourbon oak matured of both single malt and grain whiskies, married together from small batches. A classic, smooth Irish whiskey, balancing soft fruity sweetness, buttery vanilla and soft oak notes.

Hinch 10YO Sherry Finish

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Matured and selected by the Hinch Distillery, this 10-year-old triple distilled whiskey has been matured in American oak before spending a final period of at least six months in sherry casks from Jerez. Sweet, creamy and initially fruity with flavours of poached pears, the sherry casks introduce a warming Christmas spice and dried fruit character.

McConnell’s Irish Whiskey 5YO

42% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

The McConnell’s distillery was founded in 1776 in Belfast and is the oldest whisky brand in Northern Ireland. After becoming a household brand around the world, the distillery suffered a devastating fire in 1909 and the effects of the American Prohibition forced its eventual closure. The brand has lain dormant until its revival in 2019. This five-year-old whisky is a blend of Irish malt and grain whisky, matured solely in ex-bourbon casks. This is a classic Irish style: sweet and delicate fruits, wood and spice with vanilla throughout.

Waterford ‘The Cuvée’

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Inspired by the châteaux of France, this whisky from Irish distillery Waterford draws on its library of Single Farm Origin whiskies to create a whisky that it describes as “the definitive Waterford Whisky”. Its complex aromas include red apples, breadcrust, green foliage, lavender, orange, ripe banana skin, fresh mint and coffee cake. On the palate there are clove sweets (boiled lollies), white pepper, grapefruit, lemon zest, dark chocolate, cherries and dried herbs. The finish is of pepper, with oily spiciness that softens and lingers.

BOURBON

RRP $40 - $59.99

Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream

12.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $39.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream is rich and creamy with flavours of buttery caramel followed by rich, sweet toffee, rounded off with a smooth, creamy, warm finish.

Woodstock Bourbon

37% ABV, 1L RRP $41.99

Asahi NZ

A good value Kentucky bourbon that is ideal for mixing in the classic bourbon and cola, or serving straight. Smooth and approachable.

Wild Turkey American Honey

35.5% ABV 700ml RRP $49.99

Thirsty Camel

A blend of Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey with pure honey. Aromas of orange and caramel that continue on the palate alongside rich honey.

Jim Beam White

37% ABV, 1L RRP $54.99

Beam Suntory

This is the classic expression of Jim Beam, which is the world’s number one-selling Kentucky bourbon. It has aromas of oak with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, while the flavour is caramel and spicy fruit with subtle coffee and chocolate. Full-flavoured with a smooth finish.

Old Forester 80 Proof

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99

Hancocks

There’s a strong floral character in the sharp, sweet aroma of this Kentucky bourbon, alongside hints of mint, rich tobacco leaf and vanilla. The flavour softens quickly with hints of oak, sweet corn and rye grain. It is spicy with soft vanilla and light orange notes. The finish is long, warm and slightly drying with a touch of sweetness.

Jim Beam Black

43% ABV, 1L RRP $59.99

Beam Suntory

This extra-aged version of Jim Beam is a smooth, more flavourful style than the original, with a rich texture. It has aromas of vanilla, oak and spices that are echoed on the palate, along with tropical fruits. A long finish, with charcoal flavours at the end.

Wild Turkey American honey is a blend of Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey with pure honey.

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut

45% ABV, 1L RRP $59.99

Beam Suntory

This bourbon gets its name from the liquid that becomes trapped in the wood of the barrel during ageing, dubbed “the devil’s cut” –essentially the opposite of “the angels’ share”. The team at Jim Beam found a way to extract this and then blend it with extra-aged Kentucky straight bourbon. Bottled at a slightly higher 45% ABV for a robust bourbon designed to be served neat or on the rocks.

Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Whiskey

43.4% ABV, 1L RRP $59.99

Thirsty Camel

This bourbon is aged for five to eight years in American white oak barrels that have the deepest, No. 4 “alligator” char. Notes of sweet vanilla, pear and hints of spice; finishes with a full, rich flavour.

Wild Turkey Rye

40.5% ABV 700ml RRP $59.99

Thirsty Camel

A deeper “alligator” char is used for this whiskey, which pays tribute to America’s first distilled spirit: rye whiskey. Wild Turkey Rye has bold rye flavour balanced with big vanilla, butterscotch and spice notes.

RRP $60 - $89.99

Bulleit Bourbon

45% ABV 700ml RRP $64.99

Lion

A particularly high rye content gives Bulleit Bourbon its bold, spicy character. Aromas of spice and sweet oak, a smooth palate with notes of maple, oak, and nutmeg. A long, dry finish with a light toffee flavour.

Wild Turkey 101

50.5% ABV 700ml RRP $64.99

Thirsty Camel

This bourbon is made with a high rye content then aged in American white oak barrels with the deepest char for more character. The 101 refers to the proof at which it’s bottled.

Hogs 3 Bourbon

40% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99

Brandhouse

Aged for over three years in charred barrels, Hogs 3 has aromas of honey with hints of liquorice and clove. Orange and corn on the palate with vanilla and dried fruit notes. The finish is warm and lingering.

Jim Beam Double Oak

43% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99

Beam Suntory

A twice-barrelled version of Jim Beam, where the bourbon is poured into a second freshly charred barrel to mature further. This added interaction gives hints of toasted wood in the aroma, along with caramel and vanilla, while there is a distinctive spiced oakiness on the palate alongside intense caramel and toffee.

Wild Turkey Longbranch

43% ABV 700ml RRP $74.99

Thirsty Camel

Longbranch is made with eight-year-old Wild Turkey Bourbon and uses two charcoal filtrations: the first using charcoal from American white oak, and the second made from Texas Mesquite wood. A bright gold bourbon with aromas of vanilla and spice and flavours of caramel, pear, and hints of citrus. The finish is buttery, smooth, and smoky, with notes of gentle pepper and toasted oak.

batch10 Honey Bourbon

36% ABV, 700ml RRP $75

batch10

A blend of Kentucky bourbon with organic New Zealand honey. The honey is visible in the bottle as a swirl of sediment. It has a rich honey aroma with dark caramel and a hint of char. On the palate it is honeyed up front, followed by caramel overlaying the spice and wood of the bourbon with a touch of smoke.

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

45% ABV 700ml RRP $75

Whisky & More

Rich aromas of spice and fruit with hints of sweet oak and caramel lead to a creamy, mellow palate with ripe red berries and moderate sweetness. The finish is soft and smooth.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

Federal Merchants

This deep amber bourbon has a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses. Flavours of brown sugar and spice give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit and anise. The finish is long and smooth.

Maker’s Mark

40% ABV, 1L RRP $79.99

Beam Suntory

A bright gold bourbon bottled under a distinctive red wax seal. Maker’s Mark has aromas of vanilla and soft caramel that continue on the palate, along with spice, fresh oak and a hint of smoke.

Old Forester Statesman

47.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $84.99

Hancocks

Inspired by the dynamic characters in the film “Kingsman: The Golden Circle ” Old Forester Statesman is a bold bourbon with clove and oak spice aromas, and flavours of buttery leather, pepper, cinnamon bark and sharp citrus. Intense spice and eucalyptus on the finish, which fade into orange cream and caramel.

A particularly high rye content gives Bulleit Bourbon its bold, spicy character.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

43.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Hancocks

This twice-barrelled bourbon is matured in two charred oak barrels, with the second barrel deeply toasted before a light charring to extract additional soft, sweet oak character. It has rich aromas of dark fruit, caramel, honey, chocolate, marzipan and toasted oak, while on the palate it is a full-bodied mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, fruit and spices. The finish is long and creamy with lingering hints of honeyed apple.

RRP $90 - $119.99

Ezra Brooks 99

49.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $90

Hi I.Q. Liquor

This straight bourbon whiskey is charcoal filtered for mellow flavour. Caramel and vanilla on the palate with hints of spice and chocolate, completed with a smooth, warm finish.

Howler Head Banana Flavour

Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $90

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Howler Head is the official flavoured bourbon whiskey of the UFC. Featuring genuine bourbon aged in American white oak barrels for two years and with natural banana flavour.

Johnny Drum Private Stock Bourbon

50.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $90

Tickety-Boo

Part of the Willett Family Estate brand family, this bourbon has aromas of sour apple, vanilla and oak with flavours of rich fruit, vanilla and spice.

Four Roses Single Barrel

50% ABV 700ml RRP $91

Whisky & More

Four Roses Single Barrel is aged for at least seven years in a newly charred American white oak barrel. The barrel is selected only when it has developed the required spicy character, floral nose and slightly dry, delicate finish.

Basil Hayden’s

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Beam Suntory

An easy-drinking bourbon with a high-rye mash bill for a refined, approachable taste profile with a spicier character. Aromas of charred oak, vanilla and caramel with hints of dried fruit continue on the palate alongside a touch of black pepper. The finish is long, with charred oak and a hint of dried fruit.

Legent

47% ABV 700ml $99.99

Beam Suntory

This unique collaboration combines Kentucky distilling with Japanese blending and was first released in 2019. Legent (pronounced “leejent”) was created by Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe and Chief Blender of Suntory, Shinji Fukuyo. It is made from a Kentucky Straight Bourbon using the Jim Beam recipe, which is then aged in wine and sherry casks before being blended with more Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It has a classic bourbon character rounded out by rich notes of fruit and spice from its cask ageing.

Maker’s Mark 46

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Beam Suntory

This was the first bourbon in Maker’s Mark wood-finishing series and was created to amplify the flavours in the original Maker’s Mark. It is aged longer with special seared French oak staves added later in the process for a bold, smooth taste. First released in 2010, Maker’s Mark 46 was the first new major expression to be created at the Maker’s Mark Distillery since its original bourbon went into production in 1953.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed

56.4% ABV 700ml RRP $99.99

Thirsty Camel

A smooth barrel proof whiskey with notes of sweet tobacco and hints of orange and mint.

Rowan’s Creek Small Batch Bourbon

50.05% ABV, 750ml RRP $100

Tickety-Boo

Part of Kentucky’s Willett Distillery brand family, the Rowan’s Creek Small Batch Bourbon has aromas of caramel and vanilla with herbal and floral undertones. This persists on the palate, which is initially oily but finishes dry with notes of oak and lingering spice.

Knob Creek

50% ABV 700ml RRP $104.49

Beam Suntory

This bourbon whiskey is aged nine years, creating a deep, classic bourbon flavour with a natural oak sweetness. Luscious and fullbodied with a long, smooth finish.

David Nicholson 1843 Bourbon

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $106

Hi I.Q. Liquor

David Nicholson 1843 is a “wheated” bourbon that provides full-bodied flavour and a smooth finish. There is rich honey and butter with hints of vanilla and oak on the nose. Smooth in the mouth with woody, smoky tones. A long, warm finish with a touch of spiciness.

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon

61.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Pernod Ricard

A single barrel edition release bottled at a unique cask-strength, with each release reflecting the exact barrel proof of the distinct cask in which the whiskey was aged. Aged for a minimum of eight years, this high-rye (36%) bourbon is bold, sweet and spicy, with flavours of apple, leather and cherry pipe tobacco.

David Nicholson Reserve Bourbon is an extra-aged “ryed” bourbon with full-bodied, spicy flavour.

David Nicholson Reserve Bourbon

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $110

Hi I.Q. Liquor

David Nicholson Reserve is an extra-aged “ryed” bourbon with full-bodied, spicy flavour. Aromas of vanilla and honey with toasted, oaky spice lead to flavours of spice and sweet honey with a hint of chocolate. The finish is toasty, full-bodied, and lingering.

Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $110

Tickety-Boo

The strikingly opulent bottle for this bourbon was fashioned using the blueprints for the original still at the Willett distillery, which was founded in Kentucky in 1936. The bourbon has aromas of vanilla cake, while the palate features caramel, vanilla, spice and citrus.

Gold Bar Bourbon Double Cask

46% ABV 750ml RRP $115

Whisky & More

A straight bourbon whiskey double caskfinished in Napa Valley wine barrels for smoothness and complexity. Bold and balanced layers of smoke, spicy rye, and creamy fruit.

Michter’s US1 Kentucky

Straight Bourbon

45.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Tickety-Boo

This bourbon from American whiskey company Michter’s is made using charred new American white oak barrels. It has flavours of rich caramel with balanced vanilla, stone fruit notes and smoky depth with an oak finish. The term ‘US1’ in its name refers to Michter’s heritage, dating back to America’s first whiskey company.

RRP $120 - $149.99

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon

45% ABV, 750ml RRP $120.99

Thirsty Camel

Father-and-son master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell of Wild Turkey fame bring their nearly 100 years of combined experience to this bourbon. A hand selected small batch bourbon with a rich caramel and vanilla taste and a smooth finish.

Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon

57.15% ABV, 750ml RRP $125

Tickety-Boo

A lush, rich whiskey from Willett in Kentucky. There are walnuts, prunes, and floral notes on the nose, which persist on the palate, alongside a hint of lavender. The finish has a lengthy burnt caramel character.

Yellowstone Select Bourbon

46.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $125

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Yellowstone Select is an award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky distilled by the Beam family. Aromas of leather with hints of citrus and oak lead to a palate of spicy rye with soft cherries, fading to smoked caramel. A lingering finish, rich with brown sugar.

Wiseman Kentucky Straight Bourbon

45.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $127.99

Tickety-Boo

A blend of four Kentucky straight bourbons. Aromas of caramel, allspice, and citrus continue on the palate, with a lingering finish of caramel with hints of oak.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon

43.3% ABV, 750ml RRP $128

Whisky & More

This bourbon is finished in port wine barrels and has immediate aromas of caramelised mandarin skin, jammy raspberries and ripe figs. It’s more bourbon-driven on the palate, with flavours of creamy vanilla, tobacco leaf, toffee and light oak. The finish is fruity and long, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, red apple and blackberry jam.

1792 Small Batch Bourbon

46.85% ABV, 700ml RRP $129

Federal Merchants

A complex bourbon made from a “high rye” recipe and using a marriage of select barrels. Flavours of distinct spice mingle with sweet caramel and vanilla.

George Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey

47% ABV, 750ml RRP $130

Hi I.Q. Liquor

George Remus was regarded as having created one of the Prohibition’s most successful operations, and was known as the King of the Bootleggers (and the inspiration for the Great Gatsby). This is a high-rye style bourbon featuring multiple mash bills to create complexity and a layering effect on the palate. It has complex aromas of rye toast and cinnamon with vanilla, caramel, maple, cherries and cream. On the palate there are major flavours of rye spice, caramel, vanilla, dried and candied fruit; pronounced sweetness, with hints of toffee and cinnamon. The body is complex with layers of vanilla, caramel, fruit, cocoa and cream.

Daviess County Kentucky Straight 96 Proof

48% ABV, 750ml RRP $132

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A unique combination of two bourbon mash bills: a smooth wheated and a traditional ryed, for balanced sweetness and spice. A flavourful bourbon with honey, vanilla and caramel notes, a long, warm finish and a hint of spice.

Smooth Ambler Contradiction Bourbon

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $134.99  Pernod Ricard

A blend of straight bourbon whiskies from West Virginia, Indiana, and Tennessee, all with varied mash bills. The resulting bourbon has notes of baking spice and pecan pie, with a creamy finish.

Daviess County Bourbon Cabernet

Sauvignon Finish

48% ABV, 750ml RRP $138

Hi I.Q. Liquor

This bourbon whisky combines two bourbon mashbills: a smooth wheated and a traditional ryed, and is finished for six months in Napa Valley Cabernet barrels for added complexity. This brings out a smoothness topped with hints of fruit and toasty oak to complement the honey, vanilla and caramel.

Daviess County Bourbon French Oak Finish

48% ABV, 750ml RRP $138

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Six months finishing in French oak casks adds a layer of oaky complexity to this bourbon. The French oak highlights the bourbon’s chocolate notes, that come forward to pair nicely with the honey, vanilla and caramel flavours.

Old Ezra 7

58.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $140

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A genuine Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Old Ezra 7 is aged a full seven years and bottled at barrel strength. It has flavours of oak and black pepper with hints of tobacco, balanced with cinnamon, caramel and vanilla for a long, warm and spicy finish. Winner of Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2022 and 2023.

Yellowstone Select is an award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky distilled by the Beam family

RRP $150 and above

Kentucky Owl Confiscated Bourbon

48.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $250

Tickety-Boo

Distiller Dixon Dedman named this bourbon in tribute to his great-great grandfather, whose barrels of bourbon were seized by the government just ahead of Prohibition in the USA. ‘Confiscated’ is a blend of 6-, 9-, 10-, and 12-year old distillates to create a complex nose full of gardenia and honeysuckle, along with grape, red apple, banana and toasty sourdough. On the palate there are characters of toffee, muted sweet cinnamon spice, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, balanced with white grapes and finishing with a hint of cayenne.

Kentucky Owl St Patrick’s Edition

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $284.99

Tickety-Boo

A blend of Kentucky straight bourbons varying in age from four to eight years old. This limited release has rich caramel and vanilla notes from the more aged bourbons; spice and fruit from those with a higher rye content; and sweetness and citrus from wheated bourbon.

Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $284.99

Tickety-Boo

Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea joined forces with Japanese whisky blender Yahisa Yusuke to create this special edition bourbon release. It has a full-bodied palate with flavours of buttery rye bread and notes of caramel and cinnamon that bring out a fruitiness of apple and pear.

Booker’s Bourbon

62% ABV, 750ml RRP $290

Whisky & More

In 1992, sixth-generation Master Distiller Booker Noe introduced his own signature bourbon, Booker’s True Barrel Bourbon. Inspired by a 200-year-old tradition, Booker’s is the first bourbon bottled straight-from-thebarrel, uncut and unfiltered. First created as a holiday gift for his friends, Booker’s whiskey was so well-received he decided to release it. Bottled at its natural proof and aged between six and eight years. Booker’s Bourbon delivers a range of intense flavours from oak tannin and smoky vanilla to lighter tones of mocha and coffee.

EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbon

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $320

Federal Merchants

This bourbon has been aged inside century-old warehouses constructed by E.H. Taylor Jr, who is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry. It has flavours of caramel corn sweetness, mingled with butterscotch and liquorice. The finish has a soft mouthfeel that develops into subtle spices of pepper and tobacco.

Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon Whiskey 2023 Release

54% ABV, 700ml RRP $373.99

Tickety-Boo

This bourbon whiskey honours the legacy of the distillery known as Bomberger’s in the 1800s, which became Michter’s in the following century. The 2023 release is bold and rich with signature fruit and spice, transitioning into rich chocolate and a long, warm baking spice finish.

Stagg Jr

67.2% ABV, 750ml RRP $445

Federal Merchants

Uncut and unfiltered, this is a robust bourbon whiskey that has been aged for nearly a decade. There is rich, sweet chocolate and brown sugar on the palate, mingled with bold rye spiciness. The lengthy finish has hints of cherries, cloves, and smoke.

Michter’s 10YO Straight Bourbon Whiskey

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $479.99

Tickety-Boo

Aged for a decade in new charred American white oak barrels, this whiskey has big, bold notes of dark toffee and caramel, with charred oak, maple syrup and vanilla.

strong independent and

Sarah Miller Freelance spirits writer, judge & consultant ginadingding.com

English whisky makes its mark

Sarah Miller looks at the rapidly developing English whisky industry and the innovations behind it…

THE STORY of the British gin boom following the opening of London’s Sipsmith distillery in 2009 has been well documented. But one element was long overlooked: while gin was stealing the spotlight, many of England’s ambitious new distilleries were also secretly squirrelling away casks of new make spirit in the hope that future consumers would embrace a category that as yet barely existed.

Whereas gin’s speed of production –and popularity – offered a rapid return on investment, English whisky was a high-risk leap into the unknown.

Would there be demand for English whisky when the mandatory three-year ageing process elapsed? If there was, would it match expectations in a category dominated by traditional whisk(e)yproducing countries such as Scotland, Ireland, and the US? And what risks might each business encounter along the way, long before their whisky was even bottled?

No wonder the mere notion was usually met with raised eyebrows – if not a hearty laugh – as recently as 10 years ago, despite whisky pioneers The English Distillery (formerly St George’s) opening its Norfolk doors in 2006.

When I visited two of the earlier movers in 2016, Bimber Distillery and East London Liquor Company, Brexit was still at the referendum stage and the impending catastrophes of COVID, the war on Ukraine and the cost of living crisis were still several years in the future. As indeed, was the recent arrest of Bimber’s founder Dariusz Plazewski (aka Lucasz Ratajewski),

on a conspiracy to murder charge, which sent shockwaves through the industry.

Despite countless challenges, English whisky is now coming of age with approximately 50 distilleries spread across the length and breadth of the country (about half of which have mature whisky) – and yet the question remains: what is it?

Although the British Standards Institution launched national production guidelines for UK whisky in late 2023, the English Whisky Guild is still awaiting

Far from trying to replicate Scotch, the young and creative English whisky industry is embracing innovation in the pursuit of unique flavours as well as exceptional quality.

the outcome of its 2022 Geographical Indication (GI) application, which seeks to legally define and protect the category as well as differentiate it from traditional whiskies.

Far from trying to replicate Scotch, the young and creative English whisky industry is embracing innovation in the pursuit of unique flavours as well as exceptional quality. Unlike other new whisky-producing regions such as Israel, India, and Taiwan, the English climate offers little differentiation from the

conditions encountered in Scotland. Instead, distilleries are experimenting with different grains, yeast strains and fermentation periods to give their products a point of difference. The proposed GI also allows for variation in the type of still used to produce new make spirit, and maturation in casks of varying sizes made from any type of wood (unlike Scotch, which must be aged in oak).

Many English distilleries are also engaging with the environmental impact of whisky production. Since 2017, The Oxford Artisan Distillery has produced all its spirits using only locally grown heritage grains, which also maximise biodiversity and minimise the use of fossil fuels. Cooper King’s inaugural whisky, ‘First Edition: Fruit + Spice’, released in late 2023, was the first whisky in England to be distilled using net zero energy. Achieved as a result of six years’ dedication to sustainability – including powering the distillery with 100% renewable energy and using NASA insulating paint on their still – First Edition sold out within an astonishing 10 minutes!

November 2023 also saw The English Distillery release the oldest English whisky yet, their award winning 16 Year Old Port Cask, and with 50,000 casks predicted to be laid down by English distillers by the end of 2024, there is a lot more to look forward to. Combine that with a younger, more adventurous generation of drinkers, drawn not only by a new category but also by the innovative ways distilleries are approaching whisky-making, then the future of English whisky looks sure to be a long one.

Now proudly distributed by

Kyrö whisky now at Tickety-Boo

CULT FINNISH whisky brand Kyrö is now available in New Zealand through distributor Tickety-Boo.

Kyrö is Finland’s first all-rye whisky distillery and was established after five friends found themselves in a sauna, enjoying rye whisky and wondering why no one was making it in Finland.

The next steps involved a lease on an old dairy factory; a first distillation in a borrowed pot still that the group had to transport hundreds of kilometres to the kitchen of one of their parents; samples smuggled into The Whisky Show in London; and finally, in 2014, stills in action with first drinks served at a pop-up speak-easy in Helsinki.

Made using only Finnish wholegrain rye, Kyrö whisky has since built a global following and its three core range whiskies are now available exclusively through Tickety-Boo.

• Kyrö Rye Single Malt 700ml RRP $107.99

• Kyrö Oloroso Rye Single Malt 700ml RRP $109.99

• Kyrö Woodsmoke Rye Single Malt 700ml RRP $114.99.

Tickety-Boo

New rums from Pacific Coast

MANGAWHAI’S PACIFIC Coast is building its spirits portfolio with the release of two new rums. Pacific Coast Howling Wolf Spiced Rum (RRP $79) combines molasses and Canterbury-grown barley in a ferment with a house-blended mix of yeast strains. The complex rum has notes of peppery horopito, cinnamon, coconut, and dark malts. The recommended serve is with a slice of orange, across cold-press coffee. Pacific Coast’s General Grant New World Rum (RRP $69) is a white rum designed for mixing in cocktails or serving to sip.

Pacific Coast

Sustainably-made gin from Lavender Hill

SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE farm Lavender Hill, north west of Auckland, has launched its new small batch gin made with botanicals grown and harvested from the property.

Lavender Hill London Dry Gin combines rosemary and lemon peel with traditional botanicals and joins the farm’s current award-winning spirits range: Lavender Gin, Smoked Honey Gin, Saffron Gin, Sloe Gin and Limoncello.

“It’s important to Lavender Hill that we continue to update our spirit range with new experiences,” says Lavender Hill

co-owner Jason Delamore.

“Incorporating our farmgrown rosemary and lemon is the perfect combination for a traditional and elegant gin.”

The new London Dry Gin is produced using ‘Little Lottie’ – a 150-litre solar powered commercial gin still that is part of their craft distillery operation and runs on renewable solar power and uses pure rainwater from the farm. Lavender Hill is also open to the public for distillery tours and tastings in the gin tasting room.

Lavender Hill London

Dry Gin RRP $68.

Lavender Hill

Dancing Sands Distillery launches vodkas

WHEN PRISTINE water from deep underground in Golden Bay meets innovative spirit making and a copper still called ‘Florence’, the result is exciting new vodkas from the team at craft distillery Dancing Sands.

Dancing Sands Grapefruit & Pineapple Vodka, and flagship Dancing Sands Vodka are now available through distributor Federal Merchants & Co.

Woodford Reserve: a timeless tradition of bourbon excellence

WOODFORD RESERVE stands tall as an icon in the world of bourbon whiskey, tracing its roots back to 1812. With a legacy steeped in tradition and a commitment to excellence, it has earned its place as a benchmark for quality in the industry.

Layers of complexity

Renowned for its unparalleled depth and complexity, Woodford Reserve boasts an impressive array of over 200 flavour notes, making each sip a journey through a rich tapestry of tastes. From the moment the amber liquid meets the glass, one is enveloped in the essence of timehonoured craftsmanship.

The aroma alone is a symphony of sensations, with hints of rich dried fruit, delicate vanilla, and a whisper of tobacco spice dancing in the air. As the first sip graces the palate, a cascade of flavours

The two new grain-based vodkas are made using Dancing Sands’ 700 litre copper still ‘Florence’, blended with pure, crisp water sourced from Golden Bay’s limestone and marble aquifer, to create remarkably smooth vodka.

Dancing Sands Grapefruit and Pineapple Vodka is made from slices of real fruit that are vapour distilled to create a marriage of tropical pineapple balanced with acidity and the mild bitterness of grapefruit.

The classic Dancing Sands Vodka heroes the crisp, pure water at its core, and is creamy and buttery on the palate with hints of nut and citrus, and a silky smooth finish.

The two new vodkas were created to be used in mixed drinks such as a Vodka & Soda, or other easy at-home cocktails. RRP $64.99 for 700ml.

Federal Merchants

unfolds – from the zesty brightness of citrus to the warmth of cinnamon, the indulgence of cocoa, and the sweetness of toffee and caramel. Each sip culminates in a lingering, satisfying finish, leaving behind a comforting warmth that lingers like an old friend’s embrace.

Timeless allure

Inspired by generations of expertise and crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Woodford Reserve embodies the timeless allure of bourbon. Its smooth, balanced character has earned accolades from connoisseurs and newcomers alike, heralding it as a spirit that is both versatile and approachable, contemporary yet rooted in tradition.

Nostalgic release from Thomson

WHISKY DISTILLERS Thomson have released a limited-edition Walkman-inspired flask containing their premium Two Tone blended whisky. Two Tone uses two types of cask: European oak which formerly held New Zealand red wine, and American white oak used exclusively for whisky.

Walkman Flask 375ml RRP $46.50

Thomson Whisky

But Woodford Reserve is more than just a drink – it’s a symbol of community and camaraderie. Bringing people together, it fosters connections and shared moments of enjoyment. Whether sipped neat in quiet contemplation or mixed into an Old Fashioned amongst friends, it’s a spirit that transcends mere libation, becoming a catalyst for cherished memories and lasting bonds.

A story of community

Beyond its exceptional flavour, Woodford Reserve is celebrated for its commitment to sustainability, authenticity, and community. From the careful sourcing of ingredients to the support of local initiatives, it embodies an ethos of responsible stewardship that resonates with consumers worldwide.

In every bottle of Woodford Reserve, there’s a story waiting to be shared – a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of community. With each pour, it invites us to raise a glass to the past, present, and future, celebrating the moments that truly matter and the people who make them special.

Cheers to Woodford Reserve – a bourbon like no other, crafted for moments worth savouring.

Woodford Reserve is distributed exclusively by Hancocks. Contact your Hancocks representative for details. hancocks.co.nz

Elemental releases Roots Rosso Vintage Pinot Noir Gin

MARLBOROUGH’S ELEMENTAL Distillers has released a luxurious new gin – Roots Rosso Vintage Pinot Noir Gin –produced in partnership with a Marlborough-based organic winery using a premium Pinot Noir wine.

The new release follows a busy 12 months for the craft distillery, which won the World’s Best London Dry Gin at the 2023 World Gin Awards in February last year and opened an immersive Gin Shack tasting room next door to their boutique distillery operation just a few months ago.

Roots Rosso Vintage Pinot Noir Gin

The delicious new gin marries a unique expression of Roots Marlborough Dry Gin with an organic Marlborough Pinot Noir, harvested from biodynamically certified grapes.

“As a base, we’ve distilled a classic juniper forward London Dry gin supported by signature Roots botanicals of grapefruit, hops and native kawakawa alongside the aromatic angelica and orris root,” says Elemental co-founder and Master Distiller, Ben Leggett.

He describes Roots ‘Rosso’ as “a rich and unctuous off-dry spirit, tasting of ripe strawberries and warming spice, reminiscent of a sweet vermouth, with a bold Pinot Noir nose of dark fruit and rich iris flowers.”

Ben recommends serving Roots Rosso neat over ice with a slice of orange as a classic digestive, or with Indian or Mediterranean Tonic and a slice of strawberry.

Busy times at Elemental Distillers

The Elemental team have been busy at home over the past few months, opening the Gin Shack tasting room and boutique accommodation next door to the distillery at the Vines Village near Blenheim in November.

Converted from a classic Kiwi farmer’s house, the Gin Shack offers gin flights, tastings and bottle sales, alongside a bar with Roots G&T and Negroni on tap (from a draught column made out of a copper distilling column). An open-plan kitchen serves up seasonally inspired treats from a bespoke hibachi grill. A large wrap-around deck offers private garden and vine views. Boutique accommodation is available in the Distiller’s Cottage.

Now, with the excitement of Roots Rosso Vintage Pinot Noir Gin joining the range, Ben Leggett says Elemental has its sight set on international markets as well. “With Roots Rosso Pinot Noir Gin already exceeding projected sales and our Gin Shack tasting room open and hosting guests on the daily, this year we’re turning our gaze offshore, where we will be aiming to bring the ‘embottlement’ of our story to new international markets.”

Roots Rosso Vintage Pinot Noir Gin 700ml (37.5% ABV).

elementaldistillers.com

For all trade enquiries contact Proof & Co at dan.king@proofandcompany.com

Entries open for 2024 NZ Spirits Awards

THE NEW Zealand Spirits Awards for 2024 are underway with entries open until 17 June and final results to be announced in September.

The Awards will be judged within 16 categories, and each will be recognised with gold, silver, bronze and double-gold medals awarded as appropriate.

Trophies will be awarded for ‘Best in Category’ as well as ‘Best in New Zealand’ product in Category. There will also be Trophies for ‘New Zealand Emerging Product’, ‘New Zealand Packaging Design’ and ‘New Zealand Innovation’.

Medal winners will be announced on Friday 9 August and Trophy winners will be announced at the New Zealand Spirits Awards dinner in Auckland on Friday 13 September.

Key dates - 2024 NZ Spirits Awards:

• Entries open – Thursday 29 February

• Awards dinner tickets on sale – Friday 8 March

• Entries close – Monday 17 June

• Final day to receive entries – Tuesday 9 July

• Judging – Tuesday 30 July – Friday 2 August

• Medallists announced – Friday 9 August

• Awards dinner – Friday 13 September

spiritsawardsnz.nz

Stay in with Homebody Gin

THERE ARE two new gins on the block with the arrival of Homebody. Its creators, Clive Antony and Peter Glassons, met on an entrepreneurship course at Canterbury University and bonded over their shared passion for craft gin. Many years later they have launched their own brand – Homebody – as a tribute to those who enjoy the simple pleasure of a well-crafted gin in the comfort of their own homes.

Homebody Wednesday Quiet Night Gin is described as a “reliable mid-week muddler” and combines cardamom, citrus, cloves, liquorice, and orange peel.

Homebody Saturday Sundown Gin is a pink gin full of bright citrus, berries, and warming spices, which its creators say is “…all about that personal party at home. That ‘we want a fancy night out, in’ feeling.”

Homebody Gins RRP $67.99

Choice Beverages

Ben Leggett of Elemental Distillers

Call for Kiwis in global Jameson competition

IRISH WHISKEY brand Jameson has announced its third annual Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series 2024 competition, open for entries from 1 April – 15 May.

One winner from New Zealand will be selected as part of a Top 25 Regional Winners group for a cash prize and an allexpenses paid trip to Midleton Distillery in Ireland to attend the ‘Jameson HOSTS

SHOWCASE

Global Summit’, curated in collaboration with award-winning bartender Remy Savage.

Applicants are asked to champion their local cultures and communities by creating a unique, regionally-inspired cocktail using Jameson Black Barrel and submit a 1-minute video of themselves presenting it.

The videos will be judged by leading figures in the industry.

A ‘Top 10’ will be chosen to recreate their cocktail live at the Summit, before an anonymous vote to select the Top 3 ‘Global Champions’.

Find full entry details at jamesonwhiskey.com/en/ jameson-bartender-series/ @JamesonHOSTS

New Arrowtown Tasting Room and Blue Gold Gin for Rifters

THE TEAM behind Arrowtown gin Rifters are excited to open their new tasting room in the historic goldmining town.

The Rifters Tasting Room is centrally located at 4 Buckingham Street in Dudley’s Cottage, an Historic Places Trust building built in the 1880s by William Butler.

“It’s the ideal fit for us,” says Rifters co-founder Hamish Bourke. “With the doors now open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am-4pm, we’re excited to be able to bring more people on the Rifters journey.” The space is also available for private group tastings.

The new Rifters Tasting Room offers the award-winning Rifters Original Dry Gin and Rifters Quartz Gin, along with limited editions and the newly released Blue Gold Gin.

“This has been our top seller in the Tasting Room to date, with great feedback,” says Hamish. “We’re looking forward to rolling it out over the coming months.”

Putting Rifters in the spotlight Hamish and co-founder Stu Clark launched their first gin under the

Rifters brand in 2020. The distillery’s name derives from a “rift” (a crack in the earth) and “Rifter” is a term from the gold-mining era, meaning a fossicker or a forager.

The pair says that the new Rifters Tasting Room offers a place where visitors from New Zealand and around the globe can come to discover and try their multi-awardwinning spirits.

Hamish says they’re especially excited about the value the new Tasting Room will bring liquor stores, bars and restaurants pouring Rifters. “Queenstown and Arrowtown see a huge number of domestic tourists from the likes of Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch every month,” he says.

“Our new tasting room is ideally located to give us the ability to put spirits on lips at a much greater pace than we have previously been able to. This will provide much better support to help our stockists both locally and nationwide move product.”

riftersgin.com

Follow Rifters: @riftersgin

Heering Cherry Liqueur now at Hancocks

HANCOCKS WINE, Spirit and Beer Merchants is excited to offer exclusive distribution of Heering Cherry Liqueur to the New Zealand market.

The award-winning liqueur is from De Kuyper Royal Distillers and complements Hancocks’ existing portfolio of De Kuyper spirits.

First made in Copenhagen in 1818, Heering was the world’s first cherry liqueur. Now, with over 200 years of history and tradition behind it, it is also

Heering Cherry Liqueur is found in the best bars all over the world and is a key ingredient in legendary cocktail classics

the most awarded. It was the Trophy winner of the International Spirits Challenge (ISC) 2019 – the highest accolade for a brand from the ISC.

Heering is found in the best bars all over the world and is a key ingredient in legendary cocktail classics – try it in a Heering Cola, or Heering Old Fashioned.

Heering Cherry Liqueur is simple to use and easy to drink. Make a full-flavoured Heering serve as an aperitif before dinner, or end dinner parties on a high note with a well-chosen Heering serve.

Distributed exclusively by Hancocks. Contact your Hancocks rep for details. hancocks.co.nz

1919 Distilling 021 0242 2067

1919distilling.com

8-Wired 09 553 2181 8wired.co.nz

Abel 022 381 8466 abelwine.com

AlBar

03 479 2468 saltedcaramelwhisky.co.nz

Archie Rose nick@archierose.com.au archierose.co.au/nz

Armada Spirits info@armadaspirits.co.nz armadaspirits.co.nz

Asahi Beverages NZ 09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

Astrolabe Wines 03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz

Auld Farm Distillery aulddistillery.co.nz

Bach Brewing 09 390 0149 bachbrewing.co.nz

Bariletto 029 295 1388 bariletto.co.nz

batch10 021 222 3572 batch10.com

Beam Suntory

0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

Beverage Brothers 03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz

Black Collar Distillery 09 407 4429 blackcollardistillery.com

Blanc angie@blancnz.co.nz blancnz.co.nz

Brandhouse 0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz

Distributors

Broken Heart Spirits

03 442 0819

brokenheartspirits.com

Cardrona Distillery

03 443 1393

cardronadistillery.com

Chard Farm

03 441 8452 chardfarm.co.nz

Choice Beverages info@choicebeverages.co.nz

Clearview Estate 06 875 0150

clearviewestate.co.nz

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

Coney Wines 027 444 2998

coneywines.co.nz

Čuvar Winery 027 678 9044

cuvarwinery.com

DB Breweries

0800 746 432 db.co.nz

Dhall & Nash 0800 369 463 dnfinewine.co.nz

Emerson’s

03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

Emporium Brewing

03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz

EuroVintage 0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

Federal Merchants 0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz

Fistonich Family Vineyards 027 678 9044 cuvarwinery.com

Foley Wines

03 572 8200 foleywines.co.nz

Giesen Group 03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz

Glengarry 0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz

Good George freshbrew@goodgeorge. co.nz goodgeorge.kiwi.nz

Hancocks 0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

Hi I.Q. Liquor Merchants

09 634 4202 hiiqliquor.co.nz

Hop Federation brews@hopfederation.co.nz hopfederation.co.nz

Kiwi Spirit Distillery 03 525 8575 kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz

Lavender Hill 021 111 6686 lavenderhill.co.nz

Lion 0800 107 272 lionco.com

Maison Vauron 09 529 0157 mvauron.co.nz

Marisco

09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

Matahiwi Estate

06 370 1000 matahiwi.co.nz

McLeod’s Brewery geoff@mcleodsbrewery.co.nz mcleodsbrewery.co.nz

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

Natural Sugars

09 377 7009 naturalsugars.co.nz

Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

The NZ Whisky Collection 03 434 8842 thenzwhisky.com

Pacific Coast Beverages 021 0393 155 pacificcoastbeverages.co.nz

Parrotdog 04 384 8077 parrotdog.co.nz

Peckham’s Cider 03 543 2959 peckhams.co.nz

Pernod Ricard 0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com

Pōkeno Whisky Co. contact@pokenowhisky.co.nz pokenowhisky.com

The Premium Liquor Co. 09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz

Proof & Company ordersnz@proofandcompany. com proofandcompany.com

Punky Distro orders@punkydistro.com punkydistro.com

Q Liquid 09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

Red + White Cellar 09 376 0760 redwhitecellar.co.nz Rifters Gin 021 350 355 riftersgin.com

Sandymount Distillery 022 305 6547 sandymount.nz

Sawmill Brewery 09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz

Soulfresh 0800 11 37 37 soulfresh.co

Sprig + Fern 03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz

Sunshine Brewing office@sunshinebrewery. co.nz sunshinebrewing.co.nz

Taylor Brown

09 447 3801 taylorbrown.co.nz

Te Kano Estate finewines@tekanoestate.com tekanoestate.com

Thirsty Camel customerservice@ thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz

Thomson Whisky thomsonwhisky.co.nz

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

Tohu Wines kiaora@tohuwines.co.nz tohuwines.co.nz

Tony Bish Wines 06 650 3353 tonybishwines.co.nz

Villa Maria 0800 505 656 villamariawines.com

Vintners 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

Waiheke Whisky info@waihekewhisky.com waihekewhisky.com

Whisky & More 029 773 0394 whiskyandmore.co.nz

Whisky Galore 03 377 6824 trade.whiskygalore.co.nz

Whitehaven 021 738 315 whitehaven.co.nz

Wine2Trade 021 1800 253 sue@wine2trade.co.nz

World@BWS sales@worldbws.co.nz worldbws.co.nz

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