Drinksbiz August September 2021 by Hurst Design Co.

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 DRINKSBIZ.CO.NZ

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

HANCOCKS

PREMIUM RUM PO RTFO LI O Hancocks extensive premium Rum portfolio boasts fine brands from around the world including, Barbados, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, New Zealand & UK.

PAIR WITH THE EAST IMPERIAL PREMIUM MIXER RANGE, PROUDLY MADE IN NEW ZEALAND.

FROM THE EDITOR

Victoria Wells

Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

The art of invention I FOUND myself a bit dumbstruck recently. It was while chatting on the phone to Justine Schroder of Mt Fyffe Distillery in Kaikōura. You see, Justine has just launched her brand new distillery. A former midwife, she lives on a sheep farm with her husband and two children and also happens to be a keen ultramarathon runner and hiker. As I write this, her distillery is just one month old, yet she has already won an award for her botanical gins: Best Emerging Product at the New Zealand Spirits Awards 2021.

You can’t help but be impressed. To me, Justine’s can-do attitude, determination and ability to see the infinite possibilities for her fledgling business sum up what’s so awesome about New Zealand’s drinks industry. So many businesses are starting up, or diversifying, or simply thinking outside the box to create new ways of meeting not only the market, but also the challenges the sector is facing. You can read more about Justine and several other leading Kiwi distilleries in our feature Meet the Locals on page 26,

Get the latest from Drinksbiz online! Drinksbiz has a new home online – come and see us at drinksbiz.co.nz for all the latest local industry and product news. While you’re there, sign up to join our e-newsletter and we’ll deliver it all to your inbox every couple of weeks. Easy! Visit us online at drinksbiz.co.nz and follow the links to sign up.

Justine’s can-do attitude, determination and ability to see the infinite possibilities sum up what’s so awesome about New Zealand’s drinks industry. which backgrounds the award-winning Kiwi distillers from the NZ Spirits Awards. (Justine is also profiled in Last Orders on page 94.) Without doubt, it’s still a tough environment for many, but the excitement and innovation in our local industry is definitely alive and well. Enjoy the issue, Victoria

My picks 2019 Squawking Magpie Gravels Syrah I'm a sucker for a Hawke’s Bay Syrah and this release from Squawking Magpie is deliciously good value and the perfect partner to winter evenings. (Page 40) Boneface Brewing Zombie Stomp A hazy IPA packed full of lip-smackingly juicy hop flavours in a can that looks so good in the fridge – there are many reasons to covet this brew from Upper Hutt’s Boneface. (Page 57) No.8 Pineapple Elixir This brand new elixir from new Dunedin distillery No.8 is luscious, pineapply, sticky sweet, earthy and refreshing all at once. It’s delightful (and just a bit decadent) served neat or would be an incredible addition to a cocktail. And I love the bottle, which reminds me of something Alice might have encountered down the rabbit hole. (Page 74)

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 3

CONTENTS

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

PUBLISHER

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

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

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

A DV E R T I S I N G

REGULARS

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

BEER & CIDER

Out & About

Diary Dates

Cover story

Industry News

International News

Feature: Meet The Locals 26 Legal Notes

RTD News

Non-Alcoholic News

drinksbiz.co.nz

54 Beer & Cider Report

Opinion: Michael Donaldson 59 Beer & Cider News

SPIRITS

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

New Zealand. The contents of Drinksbiz

WINE

Wine Report: Syrah & Merlot

Top Picks

Opinion: Joelle Thomson

Wine News

Spirits Report: Rum

are copyright and may

Opinion: Dominic Roskrow 82 Spirits News

form without the written permission of the publisher. Please address all editorial, subscription and advertising enquiries to Trade Media

LAST ORDERS

4 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

not be reproduced in any

Limited, P O Box 37745,

Distributors

Last Orders: Mt Fyffe Distillery

Parnell, Auckland.

SOCIAL SHOTS

Out & About Andrew Campbell, CEO Asahi Beverages NZ

Andrew Campbell with Vaughan Magnusson, CEO Allpress Espresso

Eli Turner, Brent Gemmell and Courtney Foley of The Better Drinks Co.

Cole Jones, Jessica Bilinski and Ollie Chunn of Allpress Espresso

Asahi welcomes Allpress Dan Brown, GM Allpress Espresso with Mark Campbell, Head of HR/Corporate Affairs Asahi Beverages NZ

FOLLOWING THE sale of Allpress to Asahi Beverages Oceania, a celebration was held at Asahi’s Parnell office. The evening included a virtual welcome speech by Melbournebased CEO Robert Iervasi followed by in-person remarks from Asahi Beverages NZ’s CEO Andrew Campbell and Allpress CEO Vaughan Magnusson. The teams enjoyed product tastings from both companies including hugely popular Allpress Espresso martinis as well as Peroni Libera, 19 Crimes, Asahi Super Dry, Long White, Charlie’s and Phoenix Organics.

Elemental fires up Navy Strength gin MARLBOROUGH’S ELEMENTAL Distillers launched its new Norwester Navy Strength Gin with an event at its Rapaura distillery. The festivities included a live gunpowder test overseen by a retired Royal Navy Lt Commander, Royal NZ Airforce Chief Armourer and local Muzzle Loaders Club. (Read more on pg 89.)

Elemental Head Distiller Ben Leggett

6 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

YOUR MIXER OF CHOICE NOW GIVES YOU MORE Choice.

O F YO U R D R I N K I S T H E M I X E R ,

M I X W I T H T H E B E ST

WHAT’S ON

Diary Dates AUGUST

NOVEMBER

Sunday 1 – Tuesday 31 August

Thursday 9 September

Friday 5 – Sunday 14 November

Visa Wellington on a Plate

Hospitality Awards for Excellence 2021 – Auckland

Summer F.A.W.C – Hawke’s Bay

This year’s VWOAP Festival Calendar includes four weeks of festival events encompassing Dine Wellington, Burger Wellington, Cocktail Wellington and Beervana. visawoap.co.nz Friday 13 – Saturday 14 August

A black tie dinner for The Hospitality Awards for Excellence, which celebrate exceptional businesses in the accommodation and food and beverage sectors. Hospitality NZ hosts the awards, which mark their 24th year in 2021.

gindulgence.co.nz

NZ International Wine Show Awards – Auckland

Hawke’s Bay Hospitality Awards

nziws.co.nz

A night to celebrate the best of the Bay’s hospo industry, presented by the Restaurant Association of NZ.

OCTOBER

hospitalityawards.co.nz/hawkesbay

Sunday 24 October

Saturday 4 September

Gindulgence – New Plymouth A showcase of New Zealand craft gins and international gins at the New Plymouth Raceway. gindulgence.co.nz Tuesday 7 – Thursday 9 September

Hospitality Summit – Auckland Hospitality NZ and NZChefs Association are co-hosting the inaugural New Zealand Hospitality Summit. The three-day event will be held at the Trusts Arena in Henderson and will include a Hospitality Think Tank, trade expo, industry networking and more. hospitality.org.nz 8 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Gindulgence – Auckland

Wednesday 29 September

Monday 23 August

SEPTEMBER

Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 November A showcase of New Zealand craft gins and international gins at Abbeville Estate.

The announcement of the major awards in the 17th year of the New Zealand International Wine Show. This year’s event will be held in the Atrium at Spark Arena.

beervana.co.nz

fawc.co.nz

hospitality.org.nz/s/awards

Beervana – Wellington New Zealand’s biggest beer festival is back for 2021 at Sky Stadium. It will be held over two days and includes the Beervana Trade Show.

Hawke’s Bay’s signature culinary festival returns with two weeks of unique gourmet events.

First Light Wine & Food Festival – Gisborne A celebration of Gisborne wine, alongside local food and music across three different vineyard venues. TICKETS SOLD OUT firstlightwineandfood.co.nz Friday 29 – Saturday 30 October

Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival Craft beer, local food and live music over two days at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Includes a homebrew competition and tasting room sessions.

Saturday 13 November

NZ Cider Festival – Hawke’s Bay This annual event has shifted to Hawke’s Bay for 2021 as part of Summer F.A.W.C and will be hosted in Nelson in alternate years. nzciderfestival.com Monday 15 November

Manawatu Hospitality Awards A night to celebrate the best of Manawatu’s hospo industry, presented by the Restaurant Association of NZ. hospitalityawards.co.nz/manawatu Sunday 21 November

Toast Martinborough The iconic wine festival returns with its popular one day multi-vineyard event. Ticket information and programme details are available on the website. toastmartinborough.co.nz

dunedinbeerfest.co.nz

Note: Events may change due to various COVID-19 restrictions. While details were correct at time of print, we recommend checking individual event websites for the latest updates.

Distributed by:

SLUG

Award-winning Ratu by Rum Co. of Fiji arrives in NZ

PREMIUM RUM range Ratu has arrived in New Zealand having just scored wins at the 2021 SIP Awards and Bartender Spirits Awards in the USA and winning big at the New Zealand Spirits Awards. The three Ratu Rums – Ratu 8-Year Signature Rum Liqueur, Ratu 5-Year Dark Rum, and Ratu 5-Year Spiced Rum – have already been snapped up by over 300 retail and on-premise outlets around New Zealand and are available through distributor Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. 10 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

A winning streak

The Ratu range is made by Rum Co. of Fiji, which won an Innovation Award, four Platinum Awards and four Gold medals at the international competitions and the Trophy for Best Overall Liqueur in the New Zealand event. Rum Co. of Fiji is owned by Fiji’s leading beverages manufacturer, Paradise Beverages (Fiji) Limited, which is part of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners. The SIP Awards is the only

internationally recognised spirits competition in which consumers become the judges, while the Bartender Spirits Awards are judged by globally respected bartenders, bar managers and on-premise buyers for the on-premise industry. In the SIP Awards: • Ratu 8-Year Signature Rum Liqueur won an Innovation and Platinum ‘Best of Class’ Award • Ratu 5-Year Dark Rum won an exclusive Platinum ‘Best of Class’ Award; and

COVER STORY – RATU RUM

• Ratu 5-Year Spiced Rum took out a Gold Medal. In the Bartender Spirits Awards: • Ratu Signature Rum Liqueur and Ratu Spiced Rum took out two Gold medals, scoring highly across all aspects of judging: mixability, balance and versatility, taste, mouthfeel and finish, package, and price. Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager International Alcohol at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, said the awards highlight the quality of the Ratu rum range. “Rum Co. of Fiji prides itself on having a versatile portfolio with broad trade and consumer appeal. We put a lot of emphasis on building bartender and consumer brand advocacy, so these awards are the ultimate seal of approval, and are further testament to Fiji being an exceptional and credible rum-producing nation.” Since launching in 1980, Rum Co. of Fiji has won more than 130 international awards across several prestigious competitions, including the 2020 New

Ratu Signature Blend 8YO

Ratu Dark Rum 5YO

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Savoury, smoked oak aromas give way to the rich sweetness of caramel, vanilla and tea leaves with a mouthwatering liquorice finish.

Aromas of zesty orange, dark chocolate and coffee, with a velvety mouth feel of coconut and spiced oak followed by a lingering fresh citrus flavour.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

“We put a lot of emphasis on building bartender and consumer brand advocacy, so these awards are the ultimate seal of approval, and are further testament to Fiji being an exceptional and credible rum-producing nation.” - Lucy Dodgson, Brand Manager - International Alcohol at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners.

Ratu Spiced Rum 5YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Complex charred oak and citrus aroma with a rich vanilla and candied orange flavour, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and star anise.

York International Spirits Competition, 2020 Melbourne International Spirits Competition and 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The craft of rum

Rum Co. of Fiji is built on an ethos of authenticity, craftmanship and passion and draws its inspiration and identity from Fijian heritage and culture. The rums are a story of balance and harmony, a coming together of the land’s unique elements and the hands that work with them. Ratu rums are crafted in Lautoka, Fiji, by award-winning Master Distiller and Blender, Liam F. Costello, alongside the passionate and dedicated distillery team at Rum Co. of Fiji. The rums are made using hand-cut sugar cane grown in Fiji’s rich volcanic soil and are filtered through coconut shell carbon before ageing in specially selected ex-bourbon oak barrels in Fiji’s tropical climate. For more information, contact Coca-Cola Europacific Partners NZ on 0800 69 23 37. rumcooffiji.com @rumcooffiji @rumcooffiji

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

Marisco boosts sales force MARISCO VINEYARDS has recently welcomed two new Territory Sales Managers to support the efforts of the Lion National Sales Team. South Island Territory Sales Manager, Scott Mckenzie, and T (Tarawhiti) Williams, North Island Territory Sales Manager have joined the family-owned company. Both started their careers at Lion after returning to New Zealand from their OEs. Marisco Sales & Marketing Manager Siobhan Wilson says McKenzie, who is based in Christchurch, spent 19 years with Lion and has a wealth of knowledge of the Canterbury liquor and hospitality sectors. “He is well connected and has established enduring relationships with key players in this market, including of

Scott Mckenzie

course the team at Lion, with whom he will be working so closely.” After two years at Lion, T Williams worked with a number of iconic brands including 42BELOW, Bacardi, Apple, Ara Wines and Giesen. He comes to Marisco from his most recent role with Moët Hennessy New Zealand. “T brings an abundance of experience and understanding of the New Zealand

T (Tarawhiti) Williams

wine trade,” says Wilson. “In particular the retail, hospitality and grocery landscape in Auckland.” She says Marisco is very excited to introduce the new members of the team. “This will help us continue to drive growth, build brand presence in a highly competitive landscape and achieve some of our key objectives here in the New Zealand market.”

East Imperial lists on London Stock Exchange NEW ZEALAND-BASED premium mixer brand East Imperial has listed on the London Stock Exchange. Founder and chief executive Tony Burt announced on 1 July that the company had successfully listed with a market value at relisting of £30 million (NZ $59.1m) by way of a reverse takeover of shell company Bernele PLC. East Imperial has also raised £3 million (NZ $5.91m) of new funds by placing 30 million shares at 10p a share to finance future growth plans. East Imperial was founded in late 2012 by Burt, former Chief Executive of M&C Saatchi New Zealand. Its range is sold throughout APAC, US and EMEA, with its primary customer base in premium on-premise. The company also recently returned to the Australian retail market, with selected products sold nationwide throughout Dan Murphy’s stores. Utilising the funds raised, the company says it plans to expand and capitalise on the growing global trend of premiumisation in the on-trade, off-trade and fulfilling the increasing demand for global direct to consumer. It says other key growth drivers include building sales teams in the US and China, creating a pipeline of new product innovations, and continued partnerships with leading spirit brands. 12 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

NZIWS 2021 gearing up WORK IS underway on New Zealand’s biggest wine competition with judging of the New Zealand International Wine Show set to take place in Auckland in September. Entries are due to close on 27 August. The NZIWS, now in its 17th year, has been the biggest wine competition in the country since its inception. Entries are accepted for any wine from any country; there are no volume requirements, no sustainability requirements and the wine does not need to be on sale in New Zealand. In previous years, gold medals have been awarded to wines from New Zealand, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Argentina, Germany, Chile, South Africa, Turkey

and the USA. In 2020, there were 304 gold medals awarded. Judging will take place at QBE North Harbour Stadium under the control of Chief Judge Bob Campbell MW on 13-15 September. He will have 24 highly experienced judges assisting him. Wineries and distributors will receive their judging results on 17-18 September. The Trophies will be announced at an awards event in the Atrium at Spark Arena in Auckland on Wednesday 29 September. Tickets for the event will be available for purchase from mid-September. Entry and event details are available on the NZIWS website. nziws.co.nz

Our purpose is to champion sociability and help people live well

Community

Responsibility

Environment

NZ$422K invested in the community

Gender pay gap

-1.8%

Lion is New Zealand’s

38,651

company to be Toitu

Alcohol&Me modules completed in 2020

Gender balanced workforce

50.5% 49.5%

4.4%

We pride ourselves on transparent, consumer focused labelling, that is 100% compliant

Recorded injuries1 down

29% from 2019

1. Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate (TRIFR) – the number of recordable injuries per million hours worked.

carbon emissions reduction since 2019

savings in water used in The Pride, a multi-beverage facility in Auckland

85.5t >95%

We are increasing the number of low- and no-alcohol choices with Speight's Summit Zero (0.0% alcohol) being launched in 2021

with ethics and sustainability increasingly top of mind. We recognise the need to move fast on climate change. We are taking responsibility for our own carbon emissions and helping consumers to do the same. “Following the announcement of carbonzero certification for our entire Steinlager range in November last year, we’re proud to be rolling out new carbonzero Steinlager packaging. Every step in the product life cycle has seen

10%

used by moving to thinner cardboard cartons

of Lion’s packaging is recyclable and 45-49% is made from recycled content

emissions reduced or offset. Steinlager is the only major beer brand in New Zealand to have achieved this and accounts for 10% of the beer market in New Zealand. People can choose Steinlager knowing that we take climate change seriously having committed to an active and ambitious carbon reduction strategy aligned with the target to limit global warming to under 1.5°C.” View Lion’s full 2020 Sustainability Report at lionco.com

NZ Hops to strengthen presence in Australia NZ HOPS has announced it has signed an agreement with leading Australian distributor, Bintani, as exclusive distributors of NZ Hops products in Australia. The market there will be further supported by the appointment to NZ Hops of Australia’s ‘Beer Diva’ - Kirrily Waldhorn. NZ Hops says the distribution agreement will ensure brewers right across Australia have greater access to the premium hops grown and marketed by NZ Hops, including globally in demand favourites such as Motueka™, Nelson Sauvin™, and Nectaron®.   Craig Orr, Chief Executive NZ Hops is delighted with 14 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

the new partnership. “As a co-operative of Master Growers, this partnership with Bintani Australia is a great alignment. Our business, like

Bintani, has been built on family values, driven by a desire to provide the world’s best products. We believe Bintani will provide the

extensive distribution network and product expertise required to ensure our unique range is understood and accessible across Australia.”   Bintani has been providing ingredients to Australia’s brewing industry for more than 25 years.   Phil Meddings, joint CEO, Bintani says the new agreement signals an exciting time. “This partnership with NZ Hops will deliver Australian brewers consistent and reliable supply of some of the world’s most unique, impactful and delicious hops. We are very proud to have the opportunity to represent such world class hops that are grown practically in our backyard.”

LION HAS released its 2020 Sustainability Report highlighting its progress in emissions and water use reduction and the growing success of its Alcohol&Me education programme. The company says its key achievements in 2020 for New Zealand included becoming the country’s first large-scale Toitū carbonzero certified beverage company, a 4.4% reduction in carbon emissions since 2019, a 10% reduction in water use at The Pride, Lion’s multibeverage site, and more than 38,000 Alcohol&Me modules completed. “Our core purpose is all about sociability and helping people to live well,” says Lion New Zealand country director, Craig Baldie. “The report gives an insightful overview of our sustainability strategy and performance, but also recognises that how people connect with our brands and business has evolved. “People are drinking less in general and there is a growing trend towards mindful consumption and wellness. And people want to see and influence change in the products they purchase

ainability St ra ust S t r

y eg

Lion releases its 2020 Sustainability Report

INDUSTRY NEWS

Fever-Tree hire for NZ team

FEVER-TREE HAS added to its New Zealand team with the appointment of Cam Timmins as Commercial and Brand Development Manager. Fever-Tree’s ANZ General Manager, Andy Gaunt, says Timmins is a significant hire for the team as they look to increase their presence and accelerate Fever-Tree’s growth in the New Zealand market. “Seven years ago, we started working with Thirsty Camel as our exclusive distributor partner in New Zealand. As the mixer category has continued to develop, and we began to scale, it became clear that we needed to build more of a team on the ground.” Timmins comes to Fever-Tree with strong FMCG brand experience having spent seven years working with Pernod Ricard in New Zealand, Australia and more recently at the Absolut Vodka global brand HQ in Stockholm, Sweden where he led the strategy and expansion of Absolut Vodka & Kahlua RTDs around the world, as well as working on luxury brand Absolut Elyx. Timmins will work alongside the Thirsty Camel team to represent the FeverTree business in New Zealand with full responsibility for the brand and category growth across all channels. Timmins says that Fever-Tree’s growth reflects a shift in Kiwi consumer behaviour to replace the commoditised with the carefully curated. “When it comes to trying new and different flavour combinations, Kiwis are quite adventurous and when you combine this with the explosion of boutique, premium spirits, Fever-Tree has a huge opportunity here,” he says. 16 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Reefton Distilling Co. bolsters leadership amid growth REEFTON DISTILLING Co. has announced the appointment of industry experts Gareth McGrail and York Spencer to two newly created senior leadership roles at the West Coast craft distillery. The company is currently in a growth phase and building capacity at a senior level as it invests in the expansion of the domestic market and positions the brand in key international markets. The business employs 22 staff, headed by founder and Chief Executive Patsy Bass, in turn supported by Chair Jo Bransgrove and Independent Directors Carl Carrington, Ngaio Merrick and Martin Smith. Gareth McGrail joins the company as General Manager Sales, and York Spencer as General Manager Brand. McGrail’s experience spans the premium alcoholic

beverage, coffee, and health and beauty sectors. This includes senior roles at Lion, Pernod Ricard and Sacred Hill. York Spencer recently returned to New Zealand, having held global Marketing Director and Country Management roles within multi-national corporations including Heineken and Carlsberg. Most recently, he held the role of Global Marketing Director for large international alcoholic beverage company Singha Corporation. “These two appointments come at a key point in our development,” says Patsy Bass, “as we near the completion of the fit-out of our new, larger, modern production facility and begin export into overseas markets.” Reefton Distilling Co.’s products include Little Biddy Gin, Wild Rain Vodka and Reefton Distilling Co. Liqueurs.

NZ Cider Festival shifts to Hawke’s Bay for 2021 THE NEW Zealand Cider Festival will this year be held in the North Island for the first time as part of Hawke’s Bay’s signature culinary festival F.A.W.C!. The Festival will be held at the Tomoana Showgrounds on Saturday, November 13. Summer F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic will run from November 5 to 14, 2021. The New Zealand Cider Festival has been held in Nelson for the past

five years, but will now alternate years between Nelson and Hawke’s Bay. “Rotating between these two locations will bring cider to as wide an audience as possible, showcase New Zealand’s two main cider growing regions, and will help ensure the longevity and impact of the event in support of our thriving cider industry,” says Shelley Haring, Managing Director of Nelson Venues

& Events, the company that delivers the New Zealand Cider Festival on behalf of the New Zealand Fruit Wine & Cider Makers Association. “We are delighted to see the NZ Fruit Wine & Cider Association’s plans coming to fruition and we are excited to deliver the event for them in the Hawke’s Bay region in 2021.” nzciderfestival.com

NOW AVAILABLE AT CONTACT YOUR HANCOCKS REPRESENTATIVE FOR DETAILS FREE PHONE: 0800 699 463 FREE FAX: 0800 329 946 www.hancocks.co.nz

INDUSTRY NEWS

New liquor retail brand in West Akld the first in 50 years LIQUORLAND AND The Trusts in West Auckland have announced a partnership that will see consumers able to purchase liquor in West Auckland from a retail store that is not operated under The Trusts brand for the first time in 50 years. The Waitakere and Portage Trusts in West Auckland are two of 19 licensing trusts operating in New Zealand. Each trust has government-authorised exclusive rights on the development of premises licences for the sale of alcohol in their area.

The move will see three existing Trusts stores (Te Atatu, Blockhouse Bay and Titirangi) become Liquorland franchises as well as the opening of a new outlet under the Liquorland banner in Hobsonville. The Trusts will operate the four stores as a Liquorland franchisee, following the same purchasing model as other franchisees and providing consumers with access to their national promotions as well as Flybuys and Airpoints loyalty programmes. Allan Pollard, Trusts CEO, says the move will provide increased consumer choice and is part of a multi-million dollar investment and transformation programme planned for The Trusts retail and hospitality business. He says the new stores will operate under a hybrid model that increases

the level of competition in the region but retains the profits locally to support charitable initiatives. “Our research shows our communities have a desire for the same retail options as any other parts of Auckland and New Zealand. At the same time we have designed this new model to ensure profits from stores operating under the Liquorland brand in the area will continue to be donated to local charities and community groups.” Pollard says the locations of the four new stores have been geographically distributed throughout the region to ensure the majority of West Aucklanders will live within a 5km radius. Brendon Lawry, Liquorland NZ CEO, says the partnership with The Trusts will operate in the same way as their other franchisees, bringing an increased product range to local consumers. “The Trusts have adopted the Liquorland model without modification - which is a recognition of the potential impact that the size and scale of a national chain will have on West Auckland,” he says.

SHOWCASE

New flavours and formats from Fever-Tree PREMIUM MIXER Fever-Tree is now available in new formats and is adding new products to its range in New Zealand, all available through distributor Thirsty Camel. NEW - Fever-Tree in 8 x 150ml cans

There are now three flavours of Fever-Tree tonic available in convenient 150ml can 8-packs: - Fever-Tree Premium Indian Tonic - Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Indian Tonic - Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Cans are a great alternative to the existing glass format already available in 500ml and 4 x 200ml from New Zealand’s #1 premium mixer brand. Can packs are the perfect fit for the fridge at home, lighter to carry around, quicker to cool down than glass, great for outdoor activities and are infinitely recyclable. NEW - Fever-Tree Ginger Beer 500ml

Fever-Tree’s premium Ginger Beer is now

18 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

available in a 500ml bottle. The awardwinning ginger-beer blends three gingers from Nigeria, Cochin and the Ivory Coast and has been highly acclaimed by gastronomes and critics alike. Not too sweet on the palate and with a deep, long-lasting ginger character, it’s perfect in a Dark & Stormy, Moscow Mule or as a soft drink on its own. NEW - Fever-Tree Refreshingly Light Mediterranean Tonic 500ml

Fever-Tree’s hugely popular Mediterranean Tonic (#3 ranked SKU in Fever-Tree range) is now available in a Refreshingly Light 500ml variant, offering shoppers choice, whether they prefer a full sugar or low sugar variant of their favourite tonic water. The new Refreshingly Light SKU comes as consumers move increasingly towards lower sugar options available across a variety of sub-categories within drinks. Fever-Tree is distributed by Thirsty Camel

INDUSTRY NEWS

Finalists prepare for 2021 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year SIX YOUNG viticulturists are preparing for the upcoming 2021 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year National Final. Following six regional competitions around the country, the winners are now getting ready to compete in the National Final in the hope of winning the prestigious competition. Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year is a tough event and tests the Young Vits on all aspects of vineyard management and leadership. It will be held on August 25 at Indevin’s Bankhouse Vineyard in

Courtney Sang

Sam Bain

Albie Feary

Katrina Jackson

Tristan van Schalkwyn

Jess Wilson

Marlborough and the winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner the following evening. The Young Vit programme, which has been running since 2006, gives future viticultural leaders the opportunity to upskill, widen their network and start making a name for themselves. This year’s national finalists are: • Courtney Sang, Obsidian, Auckland • Sam Bain, Villa Maria, Hawke’s Bay • Albie Feary, Ata Rangi, Wairarapa • Jess Wilson, Whitehaven, Marlborough

• Tristan van Schalkwyn, The Bone Line, N. Canterbury • Katrina Jackson, Chard Farm, Central Otago This is the first time in the history of the competition that there have been more than two women in the National Final, highlighting that both young women and men are now considering viticulture as an exciting career option. All six finalists are excited to compete and are very much supported and admired by the wine industry as a whole.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Young Winemakers ready for 2021 regional competitions AMBITIOUS YOUNG winemakers around the country have started studying hard for the upcoming regional competitions in the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year 2021. These preliminary competitions will take place in Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough

and Central Otago. The winners will go through to represent their region at the National Final in Central Otago on October 14th and battle it out to see who will become the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year 2021. Ben Tombs Young Winemaker winner 2020

2020 Young Winemaker finalists on education trip

+64 9 2810090

thenzrumco.nz info@thenzrumco.nz

There are some fantastic prizes for the winners this year. These include cash prizes for the regional winners as well as a Fruitfed Supplies Educational Trip to discover more about a different New Zealand wine region. The national prize pool includes a bespoke mini French oak barrel trophy, a visit to Tonnellerie de Mercurey in Burgundy (when international borders re-open) and the opportunity to be an Associate Judge at the 2022 New World Wine Awards. Also, look out for the national winner reviewing their favourite wines in a later edition of Drinksbiz magazine. This competition gives emerging young winemakers a great opportunity to upskill, start making a name for themselves and to meet key industry leaders and providers to the wine industry. It is a great platform from which to catapult their careers. For more information visit nzwine. com/en/initiatives/young-winemaker

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Going green with goose dropping beer A BREWERY in the Finnish city of Lahti, which was voted European Green Capital of the Year 2021, has taken the circular economy to the next level by creating beers brewed with wild herbs, food waste and even goose faeces. The new beers are by local microbrewery Ant Brew and follow the European Union's recognition of Lahti as a city dedicated to improving the environment. Lahti was awarded for its range of environmental actions, such as improving the health of its lake and reducing dependence on cars. Recently, the city authorities joined forces with Ant Brew to create a new beer series – The Wasted Potential – designed to showcase how all waste can

be utilised. The beers are brewed with wild herbs, local food waste like bread, berries and fruits – and even goose droppings. The droppings are gathered from local parks, where geese are causing a messy problem, and used in a food-safe way to smoke malt to create a unique stout beer.

There is also a Wit-style beer brewed with orange peels from a local market’s juice pressing station, and fruit purées that have exceeded their best-before date. The city of Lahti says it aims to be a completely wasteless circular economy city by 2050; at the moment 99% of the city’s household waste is already repurposed.

New global Slow Wine Coalition launches INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT Slow Food has launched a new global network designed to unite people from across the world of wine. It says the aim of The Slow Wine Coalition is to bring about a revolution driven by environmental sustainability,

landscape protection and social and cultural growth in the countryside. Slow Food was founded in 1989 to counteract the disappearance of local food traditions and the spread of fast-food culture. It has grown to become a global

movement spanning more than 160 countries. It says the Slow Wine Coalition has grown out of the experience and principles that have evolved around the Slow Wine guide, produced by Slow Food in Italy for many years. The Slow Wine Coalition’s first major meeting will be in Bologna, Italy, between February 26 and March 1, 2022. Sana Slow Wine will present the Slow Wine Fair, an international gathering of vignerons, professionals and enthusiasts, with debates, Taste Workshops and walkaround tastings. The Slow Wine Coalition says it wants to unite everyone involved in the wine industry – whether producers, importers, distributors, wine bar owners, restaurateurs, sommeliers, communicators, journalists or simply enthusiasts – who is inspired by the idea of good, clean and fair wine for all. The coalition’s values are encapsulated in the Slow Food Manifesto for Good, Clean and Fair Wine, a guide that sets out a series of principles for winegrowing, agronomy and oenology, but also looks to biodiversity, the value of the land and the relationship with those who work in the vineyard and the winery. slowinecoalition.slowfood.it/en

22 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

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SHOWCASE

Add sparkle to wine FRENCH SPECIALIST glass company Saverglass launched its Eclat range as a completely original concept with six intriguing new punt shapes with etched motifs. Eclat was designed to showcase the radiance and brilliance of Saverglass’ Extra White Flint glass, and to highlight the subtlety, refined tones and nuances of white and rosé wines. The elegant bottles have a height of 320mm and a plump shoulder with a slight taper and a long slim neck. Bordelaise Eclat range shows off wines to perfection, gives cuvees their own identity and provides all backdrops with the sparkle they deserve. • GALAXY has a punt with polygons cut into it • FUSION boasts a fine weave covering the punt and extending down to the knurling • CONSTELLATION reveals a cluster of square motifs over the punt • STAR SHINING has a star etched into the punt • MOON RISING has a rising pyramid cut into the punt

• FALLING STAR has lines evocative of the trail of a falling star Beauty has been sought in the smallest details. Discover the new Eclat range from Saverglass for yourself. Work with the specialists

As a global specialist in manufacturing, customising and decorating premium glass bottles, Saverglass is renowned for its innovation, glass making expertise, product design and quality. Saverglass is the partner of choice for designers, brand creators and premium and top-class wine producers. Saverglass has produced high quality glass bottles since 1897 and for the last 30 years has worked to offer unique ranges of wine bottles. The distinctive style and quality of their finely detailed designs, unusual punts and bases, shoulder curves and other design elements offer exceptional packaging for exceptional products. The meticulous design codes are enhanced by the brightness, radiance and transparency of the high-quality glass

ECLAT COLLECTION

produced. With more than 110 product ranges, the collection of wine models is available in various sizes, with products ranging from 187ml to 6 litres. Contact Saverglass 09 522 2990 saverglass.com

GIVE PUNCH TO YOUR PUNT!

The Bordelaise Eclat range offers 6 different punts (Moon Rising, Star Shining, Fusion, Galaxy, Falling Star and Constellation) designed to reveal sparkle and radiance of the Saverglass Extra White flint and to show off the subtle and refined colours of white and rosé wines. Eclat Constellation is also available in BVS 30H60 screw finish.

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

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Craft vs tradition in Germany GERMANY’S BEER industry, a welldeveloped market that prides itself on its traditional brewing process, is being threatened by craft beer as consumers are becoming more experimental with products, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. Holly Inglis, Beverages Analyst at GlobalData comments: “Since 1516, German breweries have maintained focus on the German Purity Law; however, this is set to change with the entrant of the craft beer segment. Although off to a rocky start, which was hindered due to COVID-19 restrictions on the restaurant, bar and hotel trade, producers are beginning to invest in such products.” According to GlobalData, over the last five years (2015-2020) Germany’s beer market has recorded a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) loss of 1.3%, in line with consumers who are both monitoring and reducing their intake of alcoholic beverages. The catastrophic effects of COVID-19 were largely felt across the beer industry, with a reduction in tourism coupled with on-premise closures significantly hindering consumption opportunities. Inglis continues: “The craft market in Germany has been one of slow progress, with national consumers opting for the wide array of classic German beer types, whether pilsner, weizen or bock; the craft market emphasises unique, trendy products that tap into something that has never been done before. Craft beer types have started to gain a stronger presence since 2019, with larger breweries such as Riedenburger and Glaabsbrau innovating

in craft production lines, as well as developments from more niche breweries like Brlo.” According to GlobalData’s latest survey, 19% of consumers in Germany outlined that they sometimes try new or different varieties of alcoholic beverages, refocusing demand for novel products. It must also be noted that beers with 0.0% ABV content are also on the rise, which presents an opportunity for manufacturers to capitalise on 0.0% ABV craft beer. In the same survey, when asked what would motivate them to try new ingredients and flavours of alcoholic drinks, 30% stated curiosity, while 10% highlighted brand trust and transparency, outlining that not only are German consumers experimental, but they are

open to launches from new, or less known manufacturers, highlighting potential growth for new, craft beer producers. Inglis adds: “In the long-term, a clear divide between consumer age groups will be visible in the craft movement, which will likely see the younger age demographics consuming craft beer at festivals, bars and microbreweries, with the older generations remaining true to beers that adopt the German Purity Law. Nonetheless, if local brands are able to combine both traditional production processes with craft beers that adopt novel and innovative flavour and packaging solutions, we may see synergy between the two sub-categories.” globaldata.com

Australia goes to WTO over China wine tariffs AUSTRALIA HAS initiated a WTO dispute complaint against Chinese wine duties after China’s decision to impose duties on Australian wine imports in March 2021. The WTO says Australia has requested WTO dispute consultations with China concerning anti-dumping and countervailing duty measures imposed by China on imports of bottled wine from Australia. The WTO says the request was circulated to its members on 28 June. Industry body Australian Grape & Wine had earlier welcomed news of the move. “We believe the Australian Government’s decision to initiate this process is the right call for Australia’s grape and wine

businesses” said Tony Battaglene, Chief Executive of Australian Grape & Wine. “As an export-focused industry, Australia’s grape growers and winemakers have benefited enormously from the rulesbased international trading system, with the WTO at its core. In taking this decision, the Australian Government is demonstrating its commitment to Australia’s grape and wine businesses and respecting the rules-based international trading system.’’ The Australian government said the decision to commence the dispute resolution process was taken following extensive consultation with Australia’s wine makers and that it remains open to engaging directly with China to resolve the issue. DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 25

FEATURE – MEET THE LOCALS

Meet the locals Here are the names you need to know when it comes to some of New Zealand’s top distilleries, as judged at the recent NZ Spirits Awards… NZSA EVENT IMAGERY BY SMOKE PHOTOGRAPHY

KIWI DISTILLERS shone at this year’s New Zealand Spirits Awards, with local distilleries even beating some of the biggest names in global spirits to take top trophies. The awards, which are open to spirits brands from around the world, aim to benchmark New Zealand products against overseas imported spirits and attracted 344 entries for this year’s event. Organisers say that while the number of international entries has remained steady over the past three years of the awards, the number of New Zealand entries in 2021 was double that of the inaugural competition in 2019.

The independent judging panel awards medals and trophies across seven categories, including Trophy for Best New Zealand in Category and Trophy for Best Overall in Category. New Zealand vodka, gin and baijiu were deemed world-class by the judges, with Reefton Distilling Co. (Wild Rain Vodka), Elemental Distillers (Roots Marlborough Dry Gin) and Taizi (Taizi NZ Baijiu) scooping the Trophies for ‘Best Overall’ as well as ‘Best NZ’ in their respective categories. Here, we highlight the Trophy and special Award-winning Kiwi distilleries.

Mathew (second right) and Rachael Thomson with their NZSA trophy.

THOMSON WHISKY Location: Riverhead, north west Auckland NZSA 2021 Major Award: Trophy ‘Best NZ Whisky’ – Thomson Local Folk & Smoke Single Cask About: Mathew and Rachael Thomson established their eponymous brand in 2009 with just two barrels of whisky. In the vanguard of New Zealand’s craft distilling movement, they established their Thomson Whisky Distillery in Riverhead, north west of Auckland, where they make their range of single malt whiskies and Victor Gin, which they introduced in 2017. Thomson Whisky is made from scratch, by hand, using traditional methods and matured in a range of casks including ex-bourbon barrels, and some New Zealand red wine casks. The Trophy-winning Thomson Local Folk & Smoke Single Cask was first released in 2020 to celebrate all the locals involved in its production. “This year’s NZ Spirit Awards felt incredibly special because of the 12 months we’ve all been through as a local spirits community in the face of COVID,” says distiller Mathew Thomson. “Local Folk & Smoke Single Cask limited edition whisky was bottled with a huge sense of gratitude towards the local folk of New Zealand. When you buy a bottle of New Zealand whisky, you’re not just supporting the distillery you’re supporting a whole community of business, from the farmers who grow the barley, to the brewers, to the bottlers, to the shops – all the locals. We’ll continue to share the love with more good whiskies. We’re feeling proud of the team and grateful for the win.” thomsonwhisky.com 26 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Matt Bridge and Angie Bradley

LUNATIC & LOVER Location: Auckland NZSA 2021 Major Awards: Trophy ‘Best NZ Rum’ and Double Gold – Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested Botanical Rum Viniquip New Zealand Design Packaging Award – Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested Botanical Rum About: This craft distillery on Auckland’s North Shore was founded by husband-and-wife team Matt Bridge and Angie Bradley, who launched their two rums in 2020. Bridge is a professional sailor and sailmaker with a qualification in distilling and a passion for rum. They source their ingredients locally where possible: molasses from the nearby Chelsea Sugar Factory, native botanicals foraged from a nearby beach and others sourced from New Zealand growers. Bridge uses vapour distillation (and a little maceration) to capture the 11 spices, fruits and native herbs in his recipe, giving Lunatic & Lover its “botanical rum” descriptor. The couple says the Trophy win can be summed up simply: “One word - validation! The NZ Spirit Awards is the only competition we have entered thus far and while lots of friends and peers have been highly complimentary about our rum, a blind tasting conducted by an independent panel of experts is an entirely different prospect! “This was the acid test that validated the choices we made to create that particularly unique liquid and it laid to rest those inevitable nagging doubts we’ve had along the way. It’s really given us confidence to stay the course and forge ahead. As for the Packaging Design award – there’s no point being humble here; just look at the bottle and how it’s made – how could it not win?!?” lunaticandlover.com

FEATURE – MEET THE LOCALS David Ramonteu and Kate Galloway

Simon Kelly and Ben Leggett

HASTINGS DISTILLERS

ELEMENTAL DISTILLERS

Location: Hastings, Hawke’s Bay NZSA 2021 Major Awards: Trophy ‘Best NZ Liqueur’ – L’Opera Double Gold (Gin) – East Block 200 About: An artisan distillery founded in 2019 by Kate Galloway and partner David Ramonteu, both of whom have winemaking backgrounds. The couple is making New Zealand’s first Biogrocertified organic spirits and liqueurs. Hastings Distillers is based within Hastings’ East 200 precinct and has a French salon-inspired tasting room for “flights and bites”. Galloway and Ramonteu say their wins at the NZSA were a huge honour. “Our L’Opera aperitif and East Block 200 gin are quite quickly growing a dedicated following who enjoy their balance and boldness,” says David Ramonteu. “We were absolutely delighted to accept such an important trophy, and it was also a great pleasure to spend time with fellow craft and boutique spirit producers at the competition dinner.”

Location: Marlborough NZSA 2021 Major Awards: Trophy ‘Best Overall Gin’ – Roots Marlborough Dry Gin Trophy ‘Best NZ Gin’ – Roots Marlborough Dry Gin About: Ben Leggett and Simon Kelly founded Elemental Distillers in 2017 and launched with a range of boutique bitters that Head Distiller Ben made in his garage. Their first gin, Roots Marlborough Dry Gin, followed in 2019. Described as a traditional ‘London Dry’ style, it has a predominant juniper profile supported by five botanicals that are all seasonally and directly sourced from New Zealand farms and cooperatives. The pair describe these ingredients as a “road trip” of New Zealand with Gisborne grapefruit, Hawke’s Bay coriander seed, wild Kapiti Coast kawakawa berries, organic Motueka hops and wild Marlborough gorse flowers. In mid-2021, they added Norwester Navy Strength Gin to their range (more on page 89). Their boutique distillery (and tasting room by appointment) opened two years ago in Rapaura, Blenheim.

hastingsdistillers.com

elementaldistillers.com Sam Lu (right) with his NZSA 2021 award

TAIZI NZ BAIJIU Location: Christchurch NZSA 2021 Major Awards: Trophy ‘Best Overall Botanicals and Other Spirits’ Trophy ‘Best NZ Botanicals and Other Spirits’ About: Sam Lu released his first batch of Taizi Baijiu in 2013, making it the first to be produced commercially outside mainland China. Baijiu (pronounced ‘bi-J’YO] has been made for thousands of years and is a Chinese spirit made using fermented sorghum or other grain. Lu and his family moved to New Zealand from Taiwan when he was young, and he says they would have to wait until friends and family visited from overseas to get their hands on the hugely popular spirit. He says Taizi (which translates as “extreme purple”) is made traditionally but has more of a ‘New World’ style thanks to the use of local New Zealand ingredients, like sorghum. Lu says he was thrilled with the Trophy win. “I was on top of the world. This [baijiu] is something new, but at the same time it’s been around for thousands of years.” Taizi Baijiu is now the official baijiu supplier to Foodstuffs liquor retail and Sam Lu’s plan is to focus more on the domestic market, but will also prepare to promote his baijiu in airport retail once the borders are open again. He says he’d love to see it in more bars around New Zealand as understanding of and appreciation for the unique spirit grows. taizi.co.nz

The Reefton Distilling Co. team at NZSA 2021

REEFTON DISTILLING CO. Location: Reefton NZSA 2021 Major Awards: Trophy ‘Best Overall Vodka’ – Wild Rain Vodka Trophy ‘Best NZ Vodka’ and Double Gold – Wild Rain Vodka About: Reefton Distilling Co. was founded by Reefton local Patsy Bass and launched in 2018 with a distillery and tasting room in the historic West Coast town. It prides itself on creating small-batch distilled premium spirits with a distinct West Coast flavour thanks to the locally foraged botanicals it uses in its range of spirits, which includes vodka, gin, and liqueur. The distillery is due to shift into a new facility later this year, with construction underway on a 1ha site in Reefton. This will provide space for increased production, including a brewhouse, increased storage and a bottling room and will see the distillery start production of its Moonlight Creek Whisky. Reefton Distilling Co. launched Little Biddy Gin into Australia in July and will have its full range available there in Spring 2021. Its first shipment has also gone to the UK. Patsy Bass says the double Trophy win for Wild Rain Vodka was sensational. “This is an enormous endorsement of the hard work and commitment from our team over the last two and half years, as they strive to keep Reefton and the West Coast at the forefront of spirits in New Zealand, and now the world.” reeftondistillingco.com DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 27

FEATURE – MEET THE LOCALS

Justine Schroder receives her award at NZSA 2021

NZSA Trophy Winners 2021 VODKA

MT FYFFE DISTILLERY

BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY:

Location: Kaik ura NZSA 2021 Major Awards: Long Story Short New Zealand Emerging Product Award – Mt Fyffe Distillery Botanical Gin About: Former midwife Justine Schroder launched her Mt Fyffe Distillery officially on 1 July this year, just a couple of weeks after winning the award for Best Emerging Product at the NZSA – and only a couple of years after learning how to distil gin. She has two gins in her portfolio, Woolshed and Shearwater, which were inspired by the botanicals she forages and which she makes in her 40 litre copper Alembic still, dubbed ‘Bruce’. Schroder says winning the award so early in her fledgling business was a big moment. “When [MC] Frankie Stevens announced the winner of Best Emerging Product and I heard ‘Mt Fyffe Distillery’ I was, for the first time in my life, speechless. (Although that didn’t last long as I took to the mic!) It confirmed to me that I was on the right path and to keep forging ahead. I felt so immensely proud of what I had managed to achieve in this industry. Surrounded by the spirit greats at the gala I felt truly humbled, extremely excited for the future and it brought me confidence that all this hard work and determination of the last two years was so worth it. Let the fun be-gin!” (Read more in Last Orders on page 94.)

BEST NZ IN CATEGORY:

Wild Rain Vodka Wild Rain Vodka WHISKY BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY:

Talisker 10 Year Old BEST NZ IN CATEGORY:

Thomson Local Folk & Smoke Single Cask GIN BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY:

Roots Marlborough Dry Gin BEST NZ IN CATEGORY:

Roots Marlborough Dry Gin RUM BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY:

Havana Club 7 Year Old BEST NZ IN CATEGORY:

Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested Botanical Rum BRANDIES

mtfyffedistillery.co.nz

BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY:

Martell Cordon Bleu Rob O'Connell (left) receives his award at NZSA 2021

BEST NZ IN CATEGORY:

(No trophy awarded) LIQUEURS BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY:

RATU 8 Year Old Signature Blend BEST NZ IN CATEGORY:

L’Opera BOTANICALS & OTHER SPIRITS BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY:

NZ RUM CO. Location: Auckland NZSA 2021 Major Awards: Master Cask New Zealand Innovation Award – McJaggery White Rum About: The NZ Rum Co is a small-batch rum distillery founded in 2020 and based on Auckland’s North Shore. Founder Rob O’Connell says he decided to make a dream into a reality after years of skippering superyachts around the world. With a love for the ocean and boats, there were many hours spent discussing the history and heritage of rum. Instead of molasses, he makes his rum using sugar cane jaggery (unrefined sugar made from cane juice) along with fresh botanicals and spice. thenzrumco.nz 28 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Taizi New Zealand Baijiu BEST NZ IN CATEGORY:

Taizi New Zealand Baijiu ADDITIONAL AWARDS MASTER CASK NEW ZEALAND INNOVATION AWARD:

McJaggery White Rum VINIQUIP NEW ZEALAND DESIGN PACKAGING AWARD:

Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested Botanical Rum LONG STORY SHORT NEW ZEALAND EMERGING PRODUCT AWARD:

Mt Fyffe Distillery Botanical Gin Full results at spiritsawardsnz.nz

LEGAL NOTES

Pervinder Kaur

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

Keep the fun in festivals Following the cancellation of Hamilton’s Great Kiwi Beer Festival 2022 over licensing conditions, alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur looks at what to consider when organising an event...

WHEN THE organisers of the Great Kiwi Beer Festival announced they were cancelling the 2022 Hamilton event due to the alcohol licence conditions laid down by police and the Waikato DHB (reporting agencies), it provoked much discussion. A public hearing was held in January this year to hear the special licence applications and, as I understand it, although the organisers made several concessions to appease the concerns of the reporting agencies, the conditions were still deemed to be too restrictive for the event to go ahead. It all seems unfair when such a big event is cancelled simply because there were issues that couldn’t be resolved in getting an alcohol licence. As an alcohol licensing expert, I can understand the frustration from the organisers’/business point of view. Every so often, I see police and DHB representatives focused on ‘eliminating’ the risk of any potential alcohol-related harm and forgetting that the law is not actually about ‘eliminating’ the risk completely. Instead, it is about ‘minimising’ the risk of potential alcoholrelated harm. We then end up in these situations where things become so difficult and impractical for the organisers that it is not worth running the event. The object of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 is that the sale, supply, and consumption of alcohol is undertaken safely and the harm caused by excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol is minimised. 30 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

I note Justice Moore’s comments in Auckland Medical Officer of Health v Birthcare Auckland Ltd1 where his honour said that “minimise is not the same as ‘eliminate’”. In my view, alcohol doesn’t cause harm on its own. It is the excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol that causes harm. Similarly, the mere existence of a licensed premises doesn’t cause harm.

It all seems unfair when such a big event is cancelled simply because there were issues that couldn’t be resolved in getting an alcohol licence. There are many things to consider when you’re serving alcohol at a large event because you have a responsibility to your patrons around the serving of alcohol. It pays to organise, plan and prepare every little detail beforehand. Organisers should consider: • Developing wellbeing and harm reduction messages that are customised to your event – think about your target patron demographic, their substance use behaviours and their expectations of event culture.

• Site consideration – is the event inside or outside? What sort of weather is the event being held in? Event organisers should plan for extreme weather conditions, in particular during summer. • Make sure drinking water is free and readily available to patrons at or near the point of service at all times when alcohol is sold or supplied. • Reasonable food options should be available for the full duration of the event at reasonable prices. • Offer low-alcohol and non-alcoholic drink options. • Chill-out zones are considered appropriate to provide a calm, reassuring and safe environment in the event a patron is experiencing concern of symptoms of alcohol or drug harm. The area should be appropriately set up to allow distressed patrons to receive help. • Display a list of transport service providers. • What about neighbours? Is the site in close proximity to a residential area? Is the event going to impact (e.g. noise) on the residents around the site? There’s a lot to think about when you’re organising a large event. If in doubt, seek advice and always make sure that you allow yourself ample time so you can work through the issues with the reporting agencies and/or attend a hearing well before the event. 1 Auckland Medical Officer of Health v Birthcare Auckland Ltd [2015] NZHC 2689, [2016] NZAR 287

SHOWCASE: LIQUORLAND TURNS 40

Liquorland toasts 40 years LIQUORLAND IS reaching a significant milestone in 2021 with the iconic liquor retailer celebrating four decades in business. The company opened its first outlets in 1981, and now has 135 stores and 80 franchisees around New Zealand. Liquorland CEO Brendon Lawry says the occasion is an opportunity to reflect on the strength of the business and to recognise those at its heart. The 40th anniversary will be toasted at Liquorland’s annual conference in August and a major consumer campaign will also roll out through its stores. Powered by the people

Liquorland’s success, says Lawry, is easy to pinpoint. “When you’ve got franchisees fully invested and they’ve got skin in the game and they really care about the outcome, not just today but into the future, that’s the key. The difference is a group of really engaged and energised business owners.” He says “bleeding green” is a term often used within the company, in reference to the green of the brand. “From my perspective, you know how much people ‘bleed green’ by the time you’ve been in the store for no more than a minute, you can sense it. Our franchisees are as proud of you walking into their store as you would be having your friends over for dinner and hosting them at your house. It’s genuine care for not only what they do today, but to keep their business sustainable and exciting into the future. “We get to deal with franchisees who are passionate – and it’s incredibly satisfying to work alongside them on their businesses and see them succeed.” Liquorland’s franchisees range from recent additions to those who have been with the business for more than 20 years – and even one whose tenure stretches back to those early days in the 80s. Lawry says their love for what they do is the common theme. “Most of our franchisees could talk to you all day long about their favourite categories. We try 32 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Liquorland Northcross, Auckland

“The energy of our franchisees is the reason this business keeps going.” – Brendon Lawry, CEO Liquorland really hard to make sure that we can stand in front of what we sell and talk about it, whether it be aperitifs or how to make a cocktail, or what wine goes with what food. Helping to solve the customer’s problems – that’s very much a given for us. The energy of our franchisees is the reason why this business keeps going.” A true partnership

Liquorland’s structure has strengthened the partnership between the company as the franchisor and its franchisee owners. After shifting to a franchise model around 15 years ago, it adjusted that model in 2019 to introduce a rebate structure that allows profits to be shared with franchisees. “We moved a pretty traditional franchise structure closer to a co-operative, increasing franchisee profitability,” explains Lawry. “It’s built a lot more trust between franchisor and franchisee. As a consequence suppliers are more willing to invest with Liquorland… because there’s a much better execution from the beginning of an idea all the way through to it happening in store. That’s been game-changing and incredibly exciting to be a part of.” He says franchisees are also drawn to Liquorland’s premium positioning and

Liquorland Long Bay – the first of the Liquorland premium store look and feel Below: Liquorland Stonefields – brand new site in Lunn Ave, Auckland

SHOWCASE: LIQUORLAND TURNS 40

branding and the fact it is a responsible retailer while being relevant, fun and high energy. Responsible retailing

Being part of communities around New Zealand is something that Liquorland takes very seriously. Brendon Lawry refers to this as a “social license to trade” and says it’s a big part of the company’s philosophy. He says having a responsibility to the community to be the best they can be includes everything from stringent systems around age and ID checks, to creating a more premium environment with a friendly in-store experience for locals. “There’s something really engaging about looking somebody in the eye and acknowledging them when they walk into your store.”

On a path for growth

While 40 years is a significant achievement for any business, Liquorland continues to look ahead. Lawry says it is currently reinventing its online and digital approach to the market and work is also underway on the next phase of Liquorland in terms of its premium look and feel, with development on store format coming in the next 18-24 months. He says it’s about staying ahead and exceeding expectations. “At Liquorland, we try not only to be great retailers in the context of traditional liquor, we try to be great retailers full-stop. “We believe we have the opportunity to grow the business, with Liquorland as the most premium and the largest in terms of revenue and store numbers in New Zealand. That’s the path we’re on.” DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 33

RTD NEWS

Ecology & Co mixes it up NEW ZEALAND company Ecology & Co has created its own range of 250ml ready-to-drink beverages that combine its distilled alcohol-free spirits with new bespoke mixers. The two new offerings are London Dry and Light Tonic (juniper and botanical notes complemented by bitter orange and cinchona bark) and Asian Spice with Citrus Soda (spicy, earthy notes combined with blood orange, lemon, and lime). Ecology & Co. was founded by Will and Diana Miller and launched its small batch distilled alcohol-free spirits in 2018. Lion

Mixed pack from Odd Company RTD BRAND Odd Company has launched a new vodka mixed pack of 10 x 330ml cans in three flavours. The packs include: • 4 x Vodka, Peach & Passionfruit with sparkling water • 3 x Vodka, Lemon, Lime & Yuzu with sparkling water • 3 x Vodka, Raspberry & Pomegranate with sparkling water The Odd Company Vodka Mixed 10-pack is RRP $26.99 DB

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SHOWCASE

Native and Roxy team up for cocktails

Good Clean Fun

#Rayway Apple & Feijoa + Strawberry Gin Ray Letoa – Angostura® Global Cocktail Challenge Winner, owner Roxy Cinema

ROXY CINEMA owner and award-winning bartender Ray Letoa on why he’s working with Native… “Throughout my hospitality career, I’ve been bombarded with new drink companies pitching to me – whether it’s ‘an age old secret recipe newly discovered’ or something endorsed by a particular influencer with plenty of glitz and glam. In the end, you can often see right through the brand and find that its soulless message is as bland and tasteless as the liquid product. So you yawn, have a coffee and carry on. “But one day, Matt and Guy, co-founders of Native, strolled in and put a can on the bar. It’s plain white, sleek and simplistic in design, minimalistic almost, but it captures my curiosity. I tell them ‘30 seconds, hit me with your pitch’. Matt tells me it is New Zealand’s first Hard Sparkling – ‘a drink by a family of Kiwis, for Kiwis’. I raise an eyebrow and he carries on to say ‘Simply just Good. Clean. Fun.’ “I cracked back the can of Native Lemon & Yuzu, took a swig and bang on it was every word they said. It’s crisp and fresh, Kiwifruit & Lime + Vanilla Vodka & Pear and rolling over my palate are bubble kisses of carbonation. You’re not blown away with citrus, which is GOOD, but more ‘hugged’ with it. The flavour is CLEAN; it doesn’t overstay its welcome and leaves you ready for another swig, which is a bit of an adventure in your mouth; it’s FUN! “After tasting Native I knew this was the answer for our guests who want something other than a cocktail, a beer or wine. Now it is just ‘A Native please’. Seeing our guests’ enjoyment of Native I wanted to work with them more, through my own experimentation. I’ve seen it’s adaptable enough to be paired with other flavours, and also flexible yet still flavourful when flipped into other textures and temperatures.” Native and Roxy have teamed up for the first edition of Native’s Piwakawaka Pour. #Rayway

Contact kiaora@nativesparkling.nz to make your own Piwakawaka Pour

NON-ALCOHOLIC NEWS

Coffee created for plant-based milk

WITH THE plant-based milk movement gaining momentum, New Zealand company Plant Projects is now offering coffee that is roasted specifically for use with plant-based alternatives. Jamie Wilson founded Plant Projects in 2019 and sells plant-based milk alternatives such as cult Swedish brand Oatly, among others. “Just a few years ago, the market for alternate milk were vegans, vegetarians, or those who had an intolerance to dairy,” says Wilson. “The recent numbers prove plant-based milk has moved to the mainstream.” The all-new Plant Projects Coffee can be used with soy, almond, or oat milk. Its low acidity blend prevents the coffee and plant milk from splitting and curdling and it retains the punchy flavour notes. “We have roasted a coffee specifically for us plant milk people, to be enjoyed with plant milk. The perfect blend of beans creates a low acidity coffee and best flavours to ensure the smoothest of all plant milk lattes or flat whites,” says Wilson. Roasted in Auckland, Plant Projects coffee is a blend created and roasted specifically for plant milk performance using 70 parts Columbian and 30 parts Ethiopian beans. Plant Projects Coffee is available in whole beans or ground, and is RRP $15/250gm.

Good George launches Weirdly Normal Tonics HAMILTON BREWERY Good George has created a new range of tonics under the brand Weirdly Normal, offering four styles designed to pair with New Zealand gins (which Good George is also making). Classic Dry Tonic: citrus forward and medium sweetness balanced with pronounced quinine bitterness. Native Kawakawa Tonic: a modern tonic water with citruspepper aroma. Aromatic and refreshing. Modern Feijoa Tonic: intense feijoa aroma, medium-dry with light bitterness and feijoa taste. Ruby Grapefruit Tonic: a zingy grapefruit aroma and taste with gentle bitterness. Weirdly Normal Tonics are RRP $9.99 (250ml 4-pack). Good George

NON lands in NZ

plantprojects.co.nz

Apple Press adds to Wellness range HAWKE’S BAY’S beverage company The Apple Press has added a new juice to its “Wellness” range. The new Carrot, Beetroot, Ginger & Apple pairs tangy Pink Lady apples with Canterbury-grown carrot and beetroot, as well as ginger, lemon and added Vitamin C. Ross Beaton, co-Founder of The Apple Press, says increasing their Wellness range is in response to a growing market. “Right now, Kiwis are probably more aware than ever of looking after themselves and keeping healthy and we want to help them do that in an easily accessible and affordable way. We take the best apples and ingredients and put them in a bottle. There’s no added sugar or preservatives.” The Apple Press 36 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

A NON-ALCOHOLIC beverage described as “categorydefying” has arrived in New Zealand, after first launching in Melbourne in 2019. NON is a zero percent wine alternative that is alcoholfree, gluten-free and halal certified. The range is stocked at venues and retailers across Australia, USA, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and is now available in New Zealand through Red & White Cellar. Billed as “a complete re-think of the wine occasion”, NON is said to mimic the complex notes of wines tannins, florals, salinity and acidity - through manipulation of ingredients in an intricate and labour-intensive process described as “gastronomy in a bottle”. Contact Lisa Schultz at lschultz@redwhitecellar.co.nz or phone 027 272 4272

The only 100% New Zealand owned and operated wine industry recruitment website Why advertise with us? • Only New Zealand wine industry recruitment website with mobile optimisation • Investing in the future of wine recruitment in New Zealand • Supporting the NZ Wine Industry with Sponsorships NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year and NZ Young Winemaker of the Year Awards

We’ve had better responses and results from our listing with Wine Jobs Online than any other medium, and I have found your communication to be really timely and useful, so please pass on my thanks to your team. Marketing Manager - te Pā Family Vineyards

I’ve been overwhelmed by the volume and quality of the applicants so thanks again for your amazing service. Man O’ War Vineyards

LIST YOUR JOBS WITH US TODAY

WINE REPORT – SYRAH & MERLOT

In the red

38 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Merlot and Syrah are the second and third most popular red grapes in New Zealand, and Joelle Thomson finds some excellent local examples as well as wines from further afield…

WINE REPORT – SYRAH & MERLOT

RRP $20 - $29.99 2017 Antinori Santa Cristina Sangiovese RRP $21.99 Negociants

Santa Cristina is the name of a 127 hectare vineyard owned by the Antinori family in Tuscany, who have been making wine since 1385 – that’s 26 generations of winemakers. This is a great value Tuscan red with flavours of red fruit, vanilla and coffee adding appeal to its soft, fleshy mouthfeel. It was aged in oak for four months, which is a relatively brief time, but adds a silky smooth aspect. The wine, which is sealed with a screwcap, is varietally labelled as Sangiovese although it also contains a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot, which add body and weight. 17.5/20 2018 Mr Riggs The Truant Shiraz RRP $24.99 Federal Merchants

This wine overdelivers with its dry, full-bodied style enveloping flavours of blackberries, blackcurrants and smooth, firm tannins supported by the depth of earthy, spicy notes on the finish. It’s bottled without fining, so is veganfriendly. This lovely Shiraz drinks well now and will evolve positively for at least four to five years. ‘The Truant’ is named in tribute to John William Riggs, the great-great-great-grandfather of Mr Riggs’ current winemaker, Ben Riggs. 17.5/20

2019 Esk Valley Artisanal Malbec Merlot

2018 Te Awanga Hawke’s Bay Syrah

RRP $24.99 Villa Maria

RRP $28.99 Te Awanga Estate

Humble in price and anything but in quality. This is a great new addition to the Esk Valley range and comes from an awesome vintage to boot. The 2019 year provided winemaker Gordon Russell with great quality grapes from which to make this deep, dark, beautiful red blend of Malbec and Merlot, which offer black fruit flavours in a smooth, velvety wine. 18.5/20

Talk about a Syrah that delivers significantly more than its price tag suggests. Te Awanga Syrah is one of my favourites from Hawke’s Bay because it consistently impresses with dark fruit flavours and smooth but intense power on the palate. Notes of blueberry, black olive, cedar and a hint of peppery spice add layers of deliciousness in every seamless sip of this lovely wine. Bravo, winemaker Rod McDonald. 17.5/20

2018 Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Barossa Shiraz RRP $26 Negociants

Red berry flavours, a smooth mouthfeel and light notes of spice are all wrapped up in this soft, juicy, medium-bodied Shiraz that delivers big time. It is easily one of the smoothest Shirazes that I’ve tasted in the past year and rates highly in my book. 17.5/20 2018 Jim Barry Lodge Hill Shiraz RRP $26.99 Negociants

Accessibly priced, this wine has fresh and fruity flavours wrapped up in bold dark plum aromas. Spice and notes of white pepper add complexity to this smooth, medium-bodied Shiraz from the Clare Valley. 17.5/20

2018 Chaffey Bros Synonymous Barossa Shiraz RRP $29 Negociants

Low yielding vines in the Eden Valley produce ripe dark fruit flavours balanced by refreshing acidity and smooth but powerful tannins. It’s the structure in this wine that impresses me the most, thanks to the hot days and cool nights in Eden, which provide exceptional power in this impressive Shiraz. It will age up to five years, possibly longer in good cellaring conditions. 17.5/20

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 39

WINE REPORT – SYRAH & MERLOT

2019 Stonecroft Serine Syrah RRP $29 Stonecroft

Stonecroft Serine Syrah is one of the most impressive full-bodied reds from Hawke’s Bay, made with grapes grown in the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District, the most famous 800 hectares of stony vineyard land in the country. Dark fruit flavours of black plums intermingle in this tasty dry wine with aromas of cedar, vanilla, mocha and sweet spice. It drinks well now when decanted but begs to be aged for at least four to five years to start hitting its more mellow strides. 18.5/20 2015 Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz RRP $29.99 Giesen

Six years old and still going strong, as its name suggests. The Futures Shiraz is deep, dark and brooding with ripe black plum flavour notes supported by a silky tannin structure, which is starting to show now this wine is six years old. Drinks well now, but its firm, gritty backbone and long structured finish bode well for this wine’s ability to age for another five years. 17.5/20

40 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Doris Merlot is one of the loveliest newcomers to Hawke’s Bay in the last five years.

2019 Clearview Estate Syrah RRP $29.99 Clearview Estate

What’s not to love about this stunning Syrah from Clearview Estate in Hawke’s Bay? It’s ripe, it’s bold, and it’s from an excellent vintage as its flavours attest in every succulent, mouth-filling sip. It has flavours of dense, dark fruit, with notes of ripe blueberries, liquorice and black pepper. It’s a velvety, smooth, silky and full-bodied Syrah now and will age superbly for up to 10 years, potentially longer. 19/20

RRP $30 - $39.99 2019 Squawking Magpie Gravels Syrah

2018 Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet RRP $34.99 EuroVintage

Pegasus Bay has an excitingly diverse, if sometimes surprising, array of grapes growing in its Waipara Valley vineyards in the heart of North Canterbury. Many of them were planted simply to see what would fit, and thanks to the long, dry autumn growing season, quite a number of different grapes can ripen fully here. This enables varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc and even Cabernet Sauvignon to thrive and produce wines such as this full-bodied, juicy, age-worthy red. 17.5/20 2016 Jenny Dobson Doris Merlot

RRP $33.95 Squawking Magpie

RRP $36.99 Wine By Jenny Dobson

Hawke’s Bay has most of the Syrah currently grown in New Zealand and this wine is a great example from the very good 2019 vintage. Just 300 cases were made and it was aged for 18 months in French oak, which provides a smooth mouthfeel to the dry, full-bodied wine. It’s super tasty now, with juicy acidity adding flesh and succulence as well as ageing power. It has potential to burn and can age well for up to 10 years, potentially longer. 18.5/20

Doris Merlot is one of the loveliest newcomers to Hawke’s Bay in the last five years. It’s named after winemaker Jenny Dobson’s grandmother, Doris, and this is the first vintage. It’s a dry, fleshy wine with flavours of red plum, red berries and lightly toasted spice in a layered, smoothly textured Merlot. Dobson is a dab hand at making Merlot shine having begun her winemaking life in Bordeaux in France, the traditional home of Merlot. 17.5/20

WINE REPORT – SYRAH & MERLOT

2018 Fromm Marlborough Syrah

2018 De La Terre Syrah

RRP $38 Negociants

RRP $39.99 Dhall & Nash

This organically certified Syrah from Marlborough ticks a lot of boxes. It’s made with grapes grown on the Fromm home block vineyard, which is certified organic with BioGro NZ, giving this wine an ethical edge as well as an unusual one since there’s precious little Syrah grown in Marlborough’s vineyards. It’s an intensely flavoursome wine, with its dark, delicious black fruit flavours and complex earthy notes of cedar, toasted spice and notes of oak. Winemaker Hätsch Kalberer blends 3% of the white grape, Viognier, into this full-bodied wine to add depth and fleshy appeal. He suggests it has at least five years of ageing potential up its sleeve so it can be enjoyed now or cellared. 17.5/20

Winemaker Tony Prichard founded the De La Terre winery with his partner in life and in wine, Kaye Prichard. He began his winemaking career over three decades ago, which has given him extensive experience with red and white winemaking in Hawke’s Bay. He forged his early winemaking career with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, so this wine is a little like coming full circle, as he can apply his experience with those varieties in this Syrah. It’s full-bodied, silky and spicy and tastes impressively deep and velvety with its dark fruit flavours. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered to retain maximum concentration. It’s a lovely wine now and will evolve beautifully for up to a decade, probably a lot longer. 19/20

2016 Giesen Organic Syrah RRP $39.99 Giesen

The Giesen family is known for its pioneering role in winemaking in both North Canterbury and Marlborough – the latter is home to this seductively spicy, medium-bodied Syrah. Most of the grapes in this wine were grown on the winery’s Clayvin Vineyard, a hillside site that is certified organic with BioGro NZ. The wine also includes some Syrah grapes grown on the Ridge Block, a flatter vineyard in Marlborough. This is a savoury, smooth, silky Syrah that drinks really well now, with lovely earthy flavours that have developed over the five years. It will hold a little longer, but is so tasty now, why wait? 18.5/20

RRP $40 - $59.99 2019 Clearview Old Olive Block RRP $42.99 Clearview Estate

Merlot adds the flesh to Cabernet Sauvignon’s impressive structure in this powerful wine from Clearview Estate in Hawke’s Bay. The flavours here are dark and brooding black olives, and dried woody thyme with all its aromatic intensity, supported by the velvety smoothness of Malbec, which makes up a small portion of this wine. The 2019 vintage was a great one in Hawke’s Bay, with warm, dry weather producing the delicious ripe flavours in this dense, dark wine. 17.5/20

2019 Te Mata Awatea Cabernet Merlot RRP $43.99 EuroVintage

Te Mata Awatea is one of Hawke’s Bay’s most iconic red wines. It was first made in 1982 and is an outstanding blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The proportion of each grape varies from year to year, depending on the quality in terms of vintage conditions. Generally, it is made up of more Merlot, which is the most planted red grape in the Bay and the easiest to ripen consistently. It adds soft, smooth, fleshy flavours of red plums and marries nicely with the dry spice and herb notes that make Cabernet so distinctive. 18.5/20 2014 Squawking Magpie Stoned Crow Syrah RRP $49.99 Squawking Magpie

Ripe, dark and deep in flavour, Stoned Crow Syrah has beautifully refined flavours of black fruit and spice held together in a smooth, textured wine with a silky mouthfeel and long, elegant, spicy finish. Just 250 cases of this wine were made and it’s clearly a keeper, even at seven years old. It definitely has another decade or two up its sleeve. 17.5/20

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WINE REPORT – SYRAH & MERLOT

2017 Elephant Hill Reserve Syrah

2017 Bostock Merlot

RRP $53.99 Elephant Hill

RRP $54.99 Bostock Wines

This deep ruby, complex, dry, silky red has flavours of cocoa and spice with a lush smooth mouthfeel, thanks to the 1% Viognier, which was co-fermented to give this wine its smoothness. All of the Syrah in this wine is from the 20 hectares of land owned by Elephant Hill Winery on the Gimblett Gravels. The finished wine was aged for 20 months in 40% new French oak with another four months ageing in tank on lees. This wine was bottled without fining and with minimal filtration, which accentuates its full body and earthy tones. It is four years old but tastes incredibly youthful and can age for another 10 years, in cool cellar conditions. 18.5/20

This is Merlot at its soft, smooth and fruity best, made with grapes grown on Vicki’s Vineyard, part of the Bostock family property in Hawke’s Bay. It’s an approachable, full-bodied red with flavours of plum and blackberries, and silky integration thanks to oak maturation, which provides complexity and structure. Bostock is better known in organic apple circles than for its wines, which are a new string to the company’s impressive bow, especially given that they are made by Matt Stafford, former chief winemaker at Craggy Range. This wine drinks well now and can age for another four to five years, potentially further. 17.5/20

2016 Pegasus Bay Maestro

2018 Man O’War Dreadnought Syrah

RRP $54.99 EuroVintage

RRP $55.99 Red+White Cellar

Maestro is one of the top reds in this country and is part of the Reserve series of wines from Pegasus Bay, which means it’s made solely in the best years. It is a dense, dark, full-bodied red, made as a blend with portions varying, depending on the vintage. Typically, it has 60% Merlot with 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Malbec, which go a long way to adding body and structure to this impressive inky black, savoury, dry wine. It’s a stunning red when first released with superb depth of flavour and complex spicy notes in every lingering sip. It spends two years in oak, typically 50% new and all French barriques. Impressive is an understatement. 19/20

This wine is made from six vineyards on the eastern side of Waiheke, all owned by Man O’War Wines, the largest winery on the island. Each vineyard was originally planted as an experiment to see how well grapes would fare here. The results speak for themselves in Man O’War Dreadnought Syrah, which is commanding, powerful and rich with ripe black cherry, black berry and concentrated currant flavours, and hints of earthy depth on the lingering finish. The grapes were all hand harvested from Asylum, Big North, Garden Cove, Mad Mans, Niko Face and North 3: all small sites planted on extremely steep hillsides on the remote and beautiful Man O’War corner of Waiheke Island, in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. The finished wine was fermented in French oak, 32% new and 68% seasoned. The wine is named after a 20th century battleship, the HMS Dreadnought. 18.5/20

42 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

2018 Man O’War Dreadnought Syrah is made from six vineyards on Waiheke’s eastern side. 2018 Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Syrah RRP $55.99 Negociants

This is a super concentrated, spicy, fullbodied expression of Hawke’s Bay Syrah in a style that highlights the dark, savoury, weighty potential of this great red grape. Its rich, dark flavours of liquorice, mocha and cherry are enveloped in a smooth red with great ageing potential. It can be enjoyed now but will definitely reward further cellaring for at least a decade. 18.5/20 2015 Passage Rock Waiheke Syrah RRP $59.99 Passage Rock

This is Syrah as it can be when aged well. Produced by one of Waiheke Island’s most respected wineries, it’s earthy, complex and powerful with silky red fruit flavours wrapped in a blanket of smooth tannins, thanks to six years maturation: first in oak at the winery and then in the bottle. The wine is impressive now with softness and appeal but can also age superbly for at least another five to six years. 18.5/20

WINE REPORT – SYRAH & MERLOT

2019 Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah RRP $59.99 Giesen

Here is a wine that bucks all the trends. It’s made from a late-ripening red grape grown in a moderate to cool wine region on a hillside vineyard, where it can ripen more readily than in more northern climates. The region is Marlborough and Clayvin was its first hillside vineyard, which is now certified organic with BioGro NZ. The 2019 vintage was outstanding in Marlborough and this shows through in the earthy flavours of fresh mushrooms, black plums and spice. It is youthful and can age well for up to a decade, possibly longer. 18.5/20

RRP $60 and above 2019 Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels Reserve Syrah RRP $60 Stonecroft

Powerful dark flavours of blackberries, Omega plums and savoury spice shine in this two-year-old Syrah, made with grapes from the first in a trio of outstanding dry, sunny, warm vintages in Hawke’s Bay. This intense Syrah has flavour notes of pepper, spice and a fresh earthiness that come through in a smooth, complex and full-bodied style. It’s certified organic, drinks well now and can age superbly for a decade or more. 18.5/20

2016 Tantalus Évoque Reserve RRP $74.99 Tantalus

Here is a top notch Merlot blend from Waiheke Island’s Tantalus Estate, a small family-owned winery making high quality reds. This is a blend of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, all of which were fermented in stainless steel open top fermenters, using a mix of indigenous and selected yeasts. A tightly structured deep ruby wine with berry jam, espresso and mocha flavours. It was bottled without fining and will age for the long term. 18.5/20 2016 Taylors St Andrews Shiraz RRP $74.99 Taylor Brown

A beautiful expression of Clare Valley Shiraz from Taylors Wines. It’s drinking beautifully right now but clearly has fantastic potential for ageing longer thanks to its excellent balance and beautiful full body, chocolatey notes, dried dark fruit flavours and smooth, velvety texture. The wine was matured for 20 months in high quality American oak barrels, which provide structure and a mellow smoothness to the wine, thanks to controlled oxidative ageing process. 19/20

2018 Te Mata Estate Bullnose Syrah RRP $75.99 EuroVintage

An iconic wine from an iconic producer. This beautiful purple-hued Syrah has impressive full-bodied flavours with notes of dark sweet spice such as cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg and hints of cedar all boding nicely for a long term Syrah to keep in the cellar – or enjoy now. Bullnose is one of the oldest Syrah brands in Hawke’s Bay and is named after one of the vineyards from which the wine is made which, in turn, was named for the vineyard owners’ love of old cars, particularly the pre-1928 Bullnose. 19/20 2017 Dry River Martinborough Syrah RRP $79.99 Negociants

This elegant, intense and concentrated Syrah comes from an unlikely corner of the country: Martinborough. It has been grown there long-term on Dry River’s Lovat Vineyard. It has aromas of ripe berries and dark plums with a hint of floral and black pepper. It is medium-bodied, with juicy fruit flavours, notes of liquorice and smooth tannins. This wine will continue to improve with age. 17.5/20

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 43

WINE REPORT – SYRAH & MERLOT

RRP $80 and above 2018 Kate Radburnd Syrah RRP $84.99 Radburnd Cellars

This is a memorable medium-bodied, silky Syrah from one of the most experienced winemakers in Hawke’s Bay. Kate Radburnd used hand-harvested grapes that were destemmed and fermented in open tops, with some foot stomping and some whole bunches added to the ferment. It’s an elegant Syrah with exotic and red fruit aromas supported by a backbone of firm smooth tannins, lingering length and great persistence of flavour. 19/20 2019 Millton Clos de Ste. Anne Syrah RRP $89.99 Vintners NZ

James Millton is New Zealand’s king of biodynamic viticulture and made this incredibly elegant, silky, smooth textured Syrah using hand-harvested grapes, no added yeasts and no new oak. The result is a refreshing wine with moderate acidity, ripe fruit and a smoothly rounded body. It has flavours of red roses, white pepper and soft tannins. It is made from a 0.8 hectare hillside vineyard in Gisborne, which is named after Anne; James’ wife and winery partner. 19/20

2019 Te Mata Coleraine

2019 Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah

RRP $129.99 EuroVintage

RRP $142.99 Vintners NZ

Coleraine is the flagship wine of Te Mata Estate in Hawke’s Bay and is one of New Zealand’s most highly collectable and highly valued red wines. It was first made in 1989 as a single vineyard wine and has since forged a reputation for its long-term ageability and great quality as a blend from vineyards in the hills of Havelock, near the winery. The grapes were all destemmed before being given a traditional warm, plunged ferment followed by extended maceration on skins to extract colour, depth and tannins. The resulting wines were then pressed mostly to new French oak barrels for 16 months of maturation to soften and gently mature the firm structure of the wine in its youth. Like all Coleraines, this one has a very long life ahead, for those with willpower and affection for aged Bordeaux style red wines. In the words of those with wine cellars, this one’s a keeper. 19/20

‘Le Sol’ means ‘the soil’ in French and this wine has more than a passing note of earthy appeal to it. It is 100% Syrah and was made entirely from destemmed grapes that were fermented with innoculated yeasts in open top French oak. It drinks impressively well now with its dark, dense black fruit flavours with sweet and savoury spice adding complexity and depth. The finished wine was matured for 17 months in French oak barriques, 38% new, and bottled unfined. It will also reward those with the patience to cellar it for up to 10 years, potentially longer. Le Sol is one of the Craggy Range Prestige Collection wines. 18.5/20

Trinity Hill’s Homage was first made in 2002...[and] the 2018 Homage is, in my view, the best yet.

2018 Trinity Hill Homage RRP $150 Lion

Homage is Trinity Hill’s top red and was first made in 2002 with grapes grown in the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District. The 2018 Homage is, in my view, the best yet thanks to its ripe fruit flavours of red berries and fleshy plums, along with complex spicy notes of black pepper and an earthy depth lending great length to this lovely, silky Syrah. The inspiration for Homage came when Trinity Hill founder and winemaker, John Hancock, visited Gerard Jaboulet in Tain-l’Hermitage in France’s northern Rhone Valley. There, he tasted Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle – one of the great reds of the 20th century. Hancock was further inspired when Jaboulet sent him three clones of Syrah and one of Viognier as a gift from the Hermitage appellation. Gerard passed away in 1997 at the age of 55 but Hancock had those vine cuttings quarantined and propagated so that he was able to plant them alongside Trinity Hill’s first Syrah vines. This vintage is the first to be sealed with a screwcap, which will undoubtedly provide the wine with greater ageing potential too. 19/20 For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 92.

44 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

NEW RELEASES

Top Picks Joelle Thomson selects hot new wines from new release tastings

2020 Whitehaven Marlborough Chardonnay

2017 Greywacke Marlborough Chardonnay

2019 Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Noir

RRP $22 to $26 Whitehaven

RRP $46 to $49 Negociants

RRP $49.99 Villa Maria

This style of dry, crisp medium-bodied Chardonnay is a great expression from Marlborough winemakers Whitehaven. It’s a great lunch time drink and a fabulous match with roast chicken and any creamy style of food, thanks to the wine’s fresh acidity. It successfully combines the refreshing bright, new wave citrusy Chardonnay style with the creamy bells and whistles adored by many Chardonnay lovers. 17.5/20

Winemaker Kevin Judd makes one of Marlborough’s best Chardonnays every year and this one is full-bodied with intense ripe flavours of grapefruit, burnt orange and white nectarine, which mingle with savoury aromas of smoked almonds, hazelnut meringue and freshly cut hay. This is a dry, richly textural wine that has a tight structure and delicious flavours right now, but also can age superbly for at least a decade. This 2017 vintage is the new release on the market, thanks to a winemaker who enjoys releasing wines with a little bottle age on them. 18.5/20

This wine is made from a blend of Pinot Noir grapes grown on Villa Maria’s top vineyard sites and it is a stunningly silky red from a great vintage in Marlborough. The blend of grapes from different sites provides beautifully complex flavours of red and dark cherries, plums and notes of spice, cedar, fresh oak aromas and great structure. It’s one of Marlborough’s top Pinots and will also age gracefully for at least a decade, thanks to great winemaking and a superb year. Highly collectable. 19/20

2018 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Grenache RRP $17.99 Villa Maria

Grenache is pretty thin on the ground in New Zealand and this one puts the grape’s fruity, warm and soft foot forward with exotic cherry, spice, and red floral characters. It drinks well now as a medium-bodied, deliciously smooth red for enjoying year round. 17.5/20

Winemaker Kevin Judd makes one of Marlborough’s best Chardonnays every year and the 2017 Greywacke Marlborough Chardonnay is no exception.

2019 Craggy Range Te Muna Riesling RRP $29.99 Vintners NZ

Dry, zesty and refreshing Riesling is all the rage with top producers of this outstanding white grape. This wine is made from grapes grown on the windswept vineyard owned by Craggy Range on the stunning Te Muna Road in Martinborough. It’s a cool climate, which suits Riesling, allowing it to retain its fresh pronounced acidity while slowly ripening its lime, lemon zest and white peach aromas. This wine was fermented in a combination of stainless steel and large oak cuves with added yeasts then matured for four months before bottling. It drinks beautifully now and will age for up to 10 years. 19/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 92. 46 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

GIESENWINES.CO.NZ

*Contains not more than 0.5% Alcohol/Volume

OPINION – WINE

Joelle Thomson

Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

See you again, Clivée Joelle Thomson says a fond ‘au revoir’ as one of the wine industry’s leading lights steps back…

“IT’S OVER but not out,” said Clive Weston in the April/May issue of Drinksbiz this year. With these words, Clive – also known as ‘Clivée’ to many in the drinks trade – departed his role as head of Negociants New Zealand in late May. The company he headed up for the best part of three decades is one that is widely regarded as a leader amongst the wine importers and distributors in this country. Clive’s words “over but not out” have been repeated at least half a dozen times by Wellingtonians in the drinks trade this year, many of whom have asked me for details of what we drank at Clive’s farewell in the windy city, which was held at Boulcott Street Bistro. It’s hard to think of a more fitting location for an ‘au revoir’ to one of the most debonair guys in wine, and although it’s not easy to remember all the exact details of the event, suffice it to say that Clivée was, as always, the consummate host. He looked out for those around him to ensure their wine and food matches were the best available, and as the day began with Bollinger and oysters served al fresco, the matches worked pretty well from there. The decadence continued with Conterno Chardonnay from Piemonte contrasting deliciously well with Nautilus Chardonnay from Marlborough. There was something impressive from Australian ungrafted vines and something even more impressive from Spain in a very large, very memorable bottle. There was Warre’s Vintage Port and then, to wind things down, there was pink Bollinger, along with quirky high-end gin and tonic. 48 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

The entire New Zealand wine industry has come to know the elder statesman we love, as Clivée. Names? Vintages? I knew you were going to ask. More importantly, we discovered where the name Clivée came from. I won’t try to replicate the dry humour with which the story was told, but the name came about on a trip to France when Clive introduced himself to a young French woman as “Clivée”. “The French find it notoriously difficult to pronounce English words, so I made it easier for her,” he explained.

The name stuck. So much so that the entire New Zealand wine industry has come to know the elder statesman we love, as Clivée. It was a privilege to be at his farewell lunch. As it has been to attend all the great tastings, lunches, dinners, speeches and thoughtful insights that Clive has hosted over the decades. His laidback demeanour, great palate, and insightful knowledge have all ensured that he endeared himself to those across the industry. Not to mention the rise of brands he has been in charge of representing. González Byass, anyone? Catena Zapata? Or what about Bollinger RD? There are so many and Clive has left them in the capable hands of newly appointed Managing Director Andrew Parkinson, who is no stranger to great wine. He worked his way up from the Regent Hotel in Auckland where he led the beverage department, winning awards for the well put together wine list, then moved back to Wellington where he was at Beaujolais Wine Bar prior to returning to Auckland in 2005 to work for Negociants New Zealand. So, here’s a toast to Clivée and to Andrew. Saluté. Note: Clive Weston received a Lewisham Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award in June, 2021. In 2015 he received the Sir George Fistonich Medal to recognise his services to New Zealand wine and in 2009 he was inducted into the National Restaurant Association of New Zealand’s Hall of Fame for services to the hospitality industry.

You’re not drinking one year’s vintage. You’re drinking 30 years of Forrest.

Some think a wine’s character is simply its vintage, a unique combination of elements that can never truly be repeated. While true, it is not the whole story. At Forrest every vintage builds on the last, drawing from roots running back through multiple generations. We’ve been crafting wines for over 30 years, and it is this heritage that defines every bottle of Forrest.

Generations of craft

WINE NEWS

Women in Wine mentoring underway THE 2021 Women in Wine NZ Mentoring Programme is underway with 11 women mentors from the New Zealand wine industry volunteering to share their experience and knowledge. Organisers say that the programme once again attracted a high number of applications, with a selection process to choose applicants and match them with a mentor. The successful group comes from all around New Zealand and work in a wide variety of roles within the industry, including viticulture, winemaking, general management, marketing, HR, laboratory work and as business owners. Over the next six months, the mentors will guide and support their mentees through decisions on their career direction. The mentorship is designed to help them set goals, plan how to reach them and encourage them to confidently follow their passions within the wine industry. Winegrower and coach, Fiona Fenwick, ran separate workshops at Spy Valley Vineyard in Marlborough for the mentors and mentees before their matches were revealed. “’Connect, inform, change’ is Women in Wine NZ’s motto,” says Nicky Grandorge, National Co-Ordinator of Women in Wine NZ, and Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers. “Our initiatives address at least one of these, but the strength of the mentoring programme is that it encapsulates all three. It’s a very positive and empowering programme.”

The 2021 Women in Wine NZ mentors are:

• Lynnette Hudson – Tongue in Groove • Jenny Dobson – Jenny Dobson Wines • Julie Bassett – Constellation Brands • Tiffani Graydon – Yealands • Erica Crawford – Loveblock • Julia O’Connell – The Booster Wine Group • Lesley Boon – Pernod Ricard • Anna Remond – Delegats • Karin Schoch – Kina Beach • Kerry Stainton-Herbert – Stewart Town Vineyard • Tracy Taylor – Accolade Wines

Church Road looks to Central Otago for new Pinot

Art meets wine at Lawson’s Dry Hills

HAWKE’S BAY winery Church Road has stepped outside its home region to add a Central Otago Pinot Noir to its New Zealand Grand Reserve portfolio. The winery says that Chief Winemaker Chris Scott saw the demand for the varietal, with Pinot Noir’s popularity continuing to increase both within New Zealand and overseas. In 2019, Church Road had the chance to source a small block of exceptional quality Pinot Noir from a vineyard in Lowburn on the edge of Lake Dunstan, Central Otago. “We’ve certainly stepped outside of our comfort zone to produce the Pinot Noir; but it’s all about the challenge and winemaking journey and we want to have fun with the process,” says Scott, who was recently awarded New Zealand Winemaker of the Year 2020 by Winestate Magazine. Church Road Grand Reserve wines are produced with the very best low- cropping vineyard blocks, targeted for selective harvesting to yield wines with the greatest possible flavour, depth, and concentration. The 2019 Central Otago Pinot Noir joins a 2019 Chardonnay, 2017 Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon, 2017 Syrah, 2019 Barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc, and 2019 Noble Pinot Gris in the Grand Reserve range. Church Road Grand Reserve Pinot Noir is RRP $44.99.

MARLBOROUGH WINE producer Lawson’s Dry Hills has released a limited edition bottling of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in a collaboration with New Zealand artist, Max Gimblett. The Art Series is a limited production of just 300 hand-numbered bottles of each wine, which feature labels by the esteemed contemporary painter and calligrapher. Lawson’s Dry Hills says the single vineyard wines offer an intense expression of all the necessary elements required to make outstanding Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. They are made from grapes grown on its Waihopai and Wairau Valley vineyards and crafted following traditional Burgundian methods. Born in New Zealand, Gimblett has been primarily based in New York since 1972 and continues to exhibit regularly in both locations. He became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to Art in 2015 and in 2017, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from The University of Waikato for his contribution as an artist, scholar, teacher and philanthropist.

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For more information email wines@lawsonsdryhills.co.nz

WINE NEWS

Tohu shines at Decanter World Wine Awards NELSON’S TOHU Wines has won a Best in Show award at the prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards 2021 – the only New Zealand winery to win such an award at this year’s event. The winery was recognised for its Whenua Matua Chardonnay 2018, a single-vineyard wine grown in the Upper Moutere region. Tohu also won a Gold Medal for its 2020 Tohu Sauvignon Blanc. More than 18,000 wines from 56 countries were judged in the awards, with only 50 wines receiving the Best in Show accolade. Tohu, the world’s first Māori-owned winery, has recently celebrated success at the Royal Easter Show Wine Awards with the Whenua Awa Chardonnay claiming

Gold and winemaker Bruce Taylor being named Winemaker of the Show. Tohu Wines was established in 1998 and produces around 200,000 cases of wine at its winery in the Awatere Valley. Tohu is owned by the Kono food and beverage company based in Te Tauihu at the top of the South Island and exports its products to over 40 countries. Tohu winemaker Bruce Taylor says that like the other wines in the Whenua series, the Chardonnay is all about showcasing a single vineyard. “Whenua Matua translates as ‘significant lands’ and the changing angles and orientations of the

vineyard blocks lend themselves to the complexities of winemaking. “The wine is selected from the very best barrels of our hand-picked, whole bunch pressed 15-year-old Chardonnay vines. These single vineyard wines hold great structure, exceptional varietal characteristics, texture and complexity. We’re really happy to have this wine representing the best possible expression of Chardonnay. Tohu Whenua Matua Chardonnay 2018 is RRP $34.99 and Tohu Awatere Sauvignon Blanc is RRP $17.95. Tohu Wines

SHOWCASE

A fresh focus at Forrest ONE OF New Zealand’s leading familyowned wine producers is forging ahead with its range of premium small batch wines and a fresh focus on the domestic market. John and Brigid Forrest founded their eponymous winery in Marlborough, home to the family for many generations, in the late 1980s. Both left successful careers in scientific research and medicine to join New Zealand’s relatively fledgling wine industry. A solid foundation

Thirty years later, Forrest is a well-known and respected wine brand here and around the world, thanks to its quality and innovation, and the family-owned and run business is now helmed by daughter Beth Forrest. Forrest remains committed to the future of wine; still very much hands-on, they create premium small batch wines under the Forrest label, and naturally produced wines with lower alcohol content under The Doctors’ label. Beth Forrest says that her father has been a driving force behind its reputation today. “Dad’s passion, drive and everinquiring mind has created one of the

great consumer wine brands in the world – The Doctors’ – but more imaginatively has established an impressive library of alternative varietals, planted throughout our Marlborough vineyards.” An enthusiasm for out-of-the-box thinking and a viticultural treasure trove of varieties allows the Forrest family to present a diverse, quality-focused range to the wine lovers of New Zealand. A new approach

Celebrating both their history and their future, the family has now put their distinct range of ultra-premium fruit towards their namesake, Forrest. The brand is reserved for these superior wines that truly represent the Marlborough terroir.

The family has also taken back control of domestic distribution, allowing their team to have full control from the vineyard to the retail shelf or restaurant cellar and giving the on and off-trade greater access and exposure to both of their exciting wine ranges. Beth Forrest says they are looking forward to the fresh challenge. “We are a small team and there is a diverse range of opportunities out there, so we face a learning curve. However, it is also refreshing to be back out in the market meeting old and new faces, knowing who we are and who we want to work with.” forrest.co.nz

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WINE NEWS

New “Great Dirt” range from Esk Valley ESK VALLEY has launched a new range of wines designed to hero the qualities of the “great dirt” of the Hawke’s Bay craft winery’s finest vineyards. Esk Valley Winemaker Gordon Russell describes the new Great Dirt range as a simple concept. “All vineyards have a unique fingerprint that you can taste in its wine. While all wines echo the site in which the grapes are grown, only a very small number can create truly fine wine. “The Great Dirt range reflects our finest vineyards and has been carefully crafted to produce our very best wines. With this range we showcase sites with unique dirt that we believe are unquestionably great, whether that be seashell, limestone or gravel.” The Great Dirt range includes four varietals: • Seabed Chardonnay 2019 – RRP $49.99 • River Gravel Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 – RRP $69.99 • Hillside Syrah 2019 – RRP $89.99 • Hillside Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc Syrah 2019 – RRP $89.99

Villa Maria

Villa Maria rolls out new look VILLA MARIA is unveiling a new look for its entire wine portfolio, starting with its Private Bin range and to be followed by the Cellar Selection and Reserve ranges. The packaging redesign follows in-depth global consumer research for Villa Maria conducted by shopper research and strategy company Lumaten. The research combined immersive virtual reality with cognitive psychology to identify which packaging designs most appealed to shoppers. The winery says the re-designed packaging is fresh, modern, and reflects the brand’s quality and 60-year heritage. The Villa Maria logo is bolder and the wine varietal and New Zealand growing region information is clearer and positioned higher on the label to be easier to read and more closely connected to the logo. Colour tones have been tweaked with a whiter backdrop to the Private Bin label decorated with the Villa Maria ‘red’ top and bottom. The Cellar Selection range retains its iconic gold label but brighter and with increased lustre, while the Reserve range is in black with metallic gold foil for contrast and to catch the eye. The screwcap of the Private Bin range has also been updated with an illustration of New Zealand mountain ranges and the scenery surrounding the Villa Maria vineyards. Villa Maria’s Head of Marketing and Communications Sarah Szegota said, 52 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

“After extensive consumer research we are delighted to roll-out new elegant and contemporary packaging for the Villa Maria Private Bin, Cellar Selection and Reserve ranges. The new look enables loyal customers to recognise our trusted brand and exceptional wines, whilst attracting a new customer and inspiring them to add Villa Maria to their buying repertoire.”

Rockburn opens new tasting room

Villa Maria

CENTRAL OTAGO’S Rockburn Wines has opened its new tasting room, the Rockburn Stables, at the Gibbston Tavern on Coalpit Road, just 25 minutes from Queenstown. The opening, in mid-July, was just in time for the start of the ski season and school holidays. After a few successful seasons in the Art Gallery, Rockburn moved its tasting room into the larger Stables at the historic tavern in order to accommodate more people for its wine and food experiences. Situated on the historic site where the gold miners’ Gibbston Hotel stood in 1867, guests can enjoy the full range of Rockburn wines at the Stables alongside a selection of dishes from the Tavern. The Gibbston Tavern and Rockburn Cellar Door are adjacent to the Gibbston River Trail, which links directly to the Queenstown Trails making it a handy stopover for travellers, bikers and walkers. rockburn.co.nz

SHOWCASE

Giesen invests to expand 0% offerings WINEMAKER GIESEN has launched two new 0% wines to meet the growing demand for no alcohol beverages and has invested in new technology to help expand its footprint in the category. Giesen New Zealand Pinot Gris and New Zealand Rosé were released in July and follow the winery’s launch of the world’s first alcohol-removed New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in 2020. Investing in tech

The huge success of that initial 0% alcohol wine has now seen Giesen Group become the first winery in New Zealand to purchase its own spinning cone – a high tech machine critical to making high quality 0% alcohol wines. Valued at more than NZ$1 million, the Australian-made machine gently distils wine into three layers: aroma, alcohol and body. Leaving the alcohol aside, the distinctive aroma is combined with the body of the wine to create 0% alcohol wine with as many recognisable characteristics as possible. The resulting product is legally classified as alcohol free as it contains not more than 0.5% alcohol/volume – about the same levels that occur naturally in fruit juice. Meeting demand for 0% wine

Giesen Group Chief Winemaker Duncan Shouler says Giesen’s experience in New Zealand is that a growing number of consumers are calling for low and no alcohol wines. “We thought initially the market for these products would be health and wellness fanatics but it’s actually much wider than that. “The challenge is growing awareness among consumers that there is actually

decent tasting alcohol-removed wine available. We don’t think they should have to compromise on taste so we’re using our 40 years of winemaking experience to make a great quality wine first before the alcohol is removed,” says Shouler. “Now that we have our own spinning cone, we’ll be able to trial a variety of techniques to further improve the blend. It allows us to refine and innovate across our products.” Giesen 0% Sauvignon Blanc is available in the Group’s main export

markets, Australia and the U.S., with newcomers Pinot Gris and Rosé set to follow suit. These latest two wine releases mean Giesen now has nine low and no alcohol products. Giesen Group is also exploring ways to use the alcohol removed from the wine and is on track to launch a first-of-its-kind product later this year. Giesen 1:IWSR DRINKS MARKET ANALYSIS: NO AND LOW ALCOHOL STUDY 2021, ZION MARKET RESEARCH, 2019

Understanding 0% wine with Giesen Group Chief Winemaker Duncan Shouler… How do you make it non-alcoholic? “The innovative spinning cone technology gently distils the wine into three layers: aroma, alcohol, and body. Once we’ve carefully collected the delicate aroma, we recombine it with the body of the wine and conduct vigorous taste-testing to ensure the final product has great mouth-feel and flavour.” Why is non or low alcoholic wine the same price as alcoholic wine? “Making 0% alcohol is actually more expensive to produce compared to its full-strength counterpart. To produce 0% wines that taste like wine and not like grape juice, we go through the same winemaking process as full-strength wine and then add the

spinning cone distillation process to remove the alcohol. This technology is expensive but necessary to create a quality end product.” Does sugar replace the alcohol? “We don’t replace alcohol with sugar. When you remove it you do need to find ways to retain body and fullness without alcohol. Many 0% alcohol wines are relatively sweet (around 40-60g/l sugar), however we were adamant about producing Giesen 0% with lower sugar, and in the style of classic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Without the higher levels of sugar, we need to ensure the wine acidity is in balance, so we use natural yeast proteins to add further mouthfeel and body to the wine.”

How many calories/kilojoules are in a standard glass of Giesen 0%? “Just 16 calories per 125ml glass (or 13 calories per 100ml glass) – 80% fewer calories than a full strength 12.5% alcohol wine.”

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BEER & CIDER REPORT

In from the cold The latest beers and ciders to fill your fridges…

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BEER & CIDER REPORT

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

BEER Kehrwieder Roadrunner Coffee Stout

Garage Project Raspberry Cabaret

0.0% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.50 Q Liquid

4% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.50 – avail Sept 1 Garage Project

Hailing from Hamburg, Germany, Kehrwieder is a self-described ‘kreativbrauerei’ (literally “creative brewery”). They have certainly been ‘kreativ’ with their Roadrunner Coffee Stout which, just as the name suggests, will keep you motoring with plenty of caffeine in a 0% dark stout format.

This is one of three beers that Garage Project has brewed especially for Burger Wellington, part of Wellington on a Plate in August, with nationwide release from September. This classic Berliner Weisse is loaded with raspberry and aromatic hibiscus flowers creating a colourful, effervescent sour that bursts with floral and berry fruit notes. A playful, refreshing brew, it would be a great foil for the richness of any burger, with a massive raspberry punch that will work with meat, poultry or even fish.

Kehrwieder Ü NN IPA 0.0% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.50 Q Liquid

While most IPAs pair big hoppy flavours with big alcohol content, Kehrwieder’s Ü NN (‘überNormalNull’) is an alcohol-free German India Pale Ale. It is brewed with a yeast that cannot ferment malt sugar so alcohol never develops. Speight’s Summit Zero 0.0*% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $22.99 Lion

Lion has taken one of its biggest-selling brands and given it the 0.0*% treatment to create Speight’s Summit Zero. This zero alcohol version of the popular Speight’s Summit is crisp and refreshing and adds to the fast-growing category for consumers looking for a non-alcoholic option. *Less than 0.05% alc/vol.

Mack Ginger Beer The Original 4.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $3.99 Q Liquid

This alcoholic ginger beer is from Norway’s Mack – the northernmost brewery in the world. It’s a sweet, gingery concoction; light and effervescent. Be careful, it would be very easy to miss that you were drinking an alcoholic beverage.

Mack Ginger Beer with Chili 4.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $3.99 Q Liquid

When you’re the northernmost brewery in the world and one of the biggest success stories in Norway, how do you improve on your famous ginger beer? You add chilli of course. Strikingly similar to the original ginger beer, this one has a slight kick of chilli that builds as you sit with it. Nothing to scare anyone off, it’s more of a spice note than a powerful heat. Boundary Road Brewery Trail Hazer 5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $14.49 Asahi NZ

The illustration on the can for this new Hazy IPA from Boundary Road conjures thoughts of getting back to nature and away from it all. A can of this could be the next best thing, with Nectaron, Waimea and Zythos hops creating a juicy floral, citrus character. Garage Project Zitrone Weisse 5% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.50 – avail Sept 1 Garage Project

Also brewed for Burger Wellington, Garage Project’s Zitrone Weisse is a classic Hefeweizen – a Bavarian cloudy wheat beer. Brewed with 60% wheat, this beer is deliciously dry and refreshingly tart with restrained clove and banana notes, and just a touch of lemon for a zesty citrus twist. Perfect as a palate cleanser for rich burger offerings. DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 55

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Stangen IPA

Garage Project Arvo XPA

Kehrwieder Prototyp

5% ABV, 500ml RRP $3 Go Green Beverages

5.6% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.50 – avail Sept 1 Garage Project

5.9% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 Q Liquid

Stangen is a new offering in New Zealand from Hamburg in Germany. Stangen, German hunter jargon for antlers, arrives in a stylishly minimalist modern can. This IPA is an elegant beer with a pronounced hop aroma.

The third in Garage Project’s creations for Burger Wellington, the Arvo XPA is an easy-drinking Xtra Pale Ale that is light on bitterness with plenty of tropical fruit flavour and aroma. Pale malts and accurate hopping create an easy-going, lightly hazy beer, loaded with tropical fruit salad, passionfruit, pineapple, mandarin, and citrus. This would be a great partner for any classic burger, with the hop character to cut through grilled meat and cheese, yet balanced enough to work with fish or lighter offerings.

The Prototyp was (as the name suggests) the first beer from Hamburg brewers Kehrwieder and, even for a country so steeped in beer history, was the first beer of its kind in Germany. The brew is given seven weeks on aromatic hops, which produces a strong, cold-hopped lager with a fruity pale ale aroma. It’s a balanced and drinkable drop with nice soft edges.

Tuatara Hazy IPA

The West Coast is a luscious paradise – if you know where to look. Stoke’s West Coast IPA is no different. The hop flavours bring big tropical and citrus notes that speak of a drowsy afternoon on a riverbank. There’s a strong, clean, bitter finish however that bites like a Lake Moeraki brown trout. Quick and clean and keeps you coming back for more.

Zeelandt Kaiser Garcia 5% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99 Zeelandt Brewing

A seasonal release from Hawke’s Bay brewers Zeelandt, the Kaiser Garcia arrives in a striking black and white can adorned with Mexican Day of the Dead-style iconography. Dubbed a ‘Mexican Vienna’, the brewers describe it as: “Vienna lager which has morphed a little in Mexico during Austrian migration before and after WWI”. While Vienna malt dominates, the Mexican twist is the addition of maize and roasted barley. An interesting and very drinkable drop, it would match well with (naturally) spicy Mexican food. Stoke Legacy XPA 5.2% ABV, 500ml RRP $6.99 McCashin’s Brewery

Dry and light, Stoke Legacy XPA is an exceptionally well-crafted drop that will find many followers. It’s part of McCashin’s newly launched range of Legacy beers. Pale and blonde in the glass, the flavour profile is all about uplifting citrus and refreshing bitterness. Served ultra-cold, this XPA is going to really hit its straps this summer. Recommended.

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5.7% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $22.99 DB

Founded in the hills above Waikanae and now brewed in Paraparaumu, Tuatara turns 21 this year and has created a slew of award-winning beers over that time. The new Hazy IPA joins the ranks of the permanent brews and is bound to be a popular addition. The flavour profile includes bursts of passionfruit, mango, pink grapefruit and hints of white peach stone fruit while the soft haze gives a smooth, silky mouthfeel. Stoke Legacy Hazy IPA 5.8% ABV, 500ml RRP $6.99 McCashin’s Brewery

The Stoke team show off their soft side here with a gentle and juicy IPA that is a pleasure to drink. The ale demonstrates silky malt sweetness wrapped around big hoppy flavours of resin and tropical fruit, with a touch of passionfruit thrown in for good measure. While not particularly hazy in the glass, the haze comes through in the mouthfeel and the rounding of the flavour profile. Recommended.

Stoke Legacy West Coast IPA 5.9% ABV, 500ml RRP $6.99 McCashin’s Brewery

Sprig & Fern Sailor’s Warning Red IPA 6% ABV, 888ml plus keg RRP $12.99 Sprig & Fern

A deep red brew packed with copious amounts of New Zealand hops to give the bold citrus and tropical notes typical of an IPA. The biscuit, toasted and caramel malt flavours finish the beer beautifully.

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Boneface Brewing’s Zombie Stomp is packed with juicy hop flavours that would easily wake the dead and have them shuffling to the fridge for more. Stoke Legacy American Amber 6% ABV, 500ml RRP $6.99 McCashin’s Brewery

Stoke’s Legacy American Amber is a maltdriven brown ale with layers of caramel, biscuit and toffee wrapped around big hoppy flavours. It’s a very drinkable ale that would pair perfectly with a mound of sticky ribs or some expertly cooked American barbecue. A real crowd pleaser. Stoke Legacy Stout 6.5% ABV, 500ml RRP $6.99 McCashin’s Brewery

Stoke’s Legacy Stout probably fits the can design of the new Legacy range best of all: big, dark and imposing. Its inky depths encompass flavours of tobacco, leather, chocolate and coffee while remaining balanced and drinkable. Stout lovers will be stoked (see what we did there?) with this new addition to the category. Epic Haze Maze 6.7% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.99 Epic Brewing

This beer is a cracking little hazy that uses Columbus hops for a piney dankness and Mosaic to add some juicy summer and tropical fruit flavours.

Epic High Score

8-Wired Double Scoop

6.7% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.99 Epic Brewing

7.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 8-Wired

This IPA was brewed for the 14th annual West Coast IPA Challenge, which was to be decided a few days after this issue of Drinksbiz went to print, so we don’t know if it won. (Check our website for results.) Epic has been involved with the WCIPAC from the beginning, with many awards under its belt, and looked to its former winner, Armageddon for inspiration this time round. Cue punchy, piney and citrusy flavours of Columbus and Centennial hops. Juicy and delicious.

This is a full dessert in a glass. The Matakana brewery has produced a jetblack stout with a dominant cherry flavour backed up with chocolate, almond and frangipane for lightness. The can itself is a big, riotous melange of colours, perfect for what you’re about to taste. An afterdinner treat on a winter’s night.

Boneface Ace of Spades – Mocha Milk Stout 7% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Boneface Brewing

While Boneface’s Ace of Spades arrives in a dark and scary can with a horned skull on the front and an ominous black liquid inside, one sip and you find you’re actually dealing with a dainty little brew that would be at home at your favourite café. This Mocha Milk Stout is like a delicious dessert; all coffee and chocolate that goes down oh so easily. You think you’re tough Boneface, but you’re not – you’re yummy. Boneface Zombie Stomp 7% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Boneface Brewing

Boneface have come up with an ultracloudy brew packed with juicy hop flavours that would easily wake the dead and have them shuffling to the fridge for more. The haze comes from oats, wheat and pilsner malt while the juiciness is led by Nelson Sauvin, Pacifica and Riwaka hops.

Emporium Dubbel Helix 7.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 – also in keg Emporium Brewing

This is the perfect drop to see out winter. A new release from Kaikōura brewery Emporium, Dubbel Helix has a lovely malt base with hints of caramel and toasty biscuit, topped off with a bouquet of Belgian yeast funk. 8-Wired Acid Superhighway 8% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 8-Wired

Let’s get the pun out of the way – yes, this beer is a total trip. From the hallucinogenic can to the twists and turns the flavour profile takes, this is a double IPA designed to mess with your head. The pale orange brew starts out sweet and hoppy like a big IPA, but the sourness soon kicks in and leaves you gasping with the citrus kick. Not one for novices but hop-heads and sour-pusses will be in heaven.

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BEER & CIDER REPORT

8-Wired Opium Cake 11.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $10.99 8-Wired

This drop is a collaboration between Matakana’s 8-Wired and Polish craft brewery Browar PINTA and is based on the Polish poppy seed roll ‘makowiec’. While the Poles may see it as a roll, to us it would be more like Grandma’s fruitcake: dark, molasses-infused, spiced and fruity. Opium Cake Imperial Stout mixes poppy seeds with orange, vanilla and raisins, all rounded out with a hit of milky lactose. It’s a beer with many familiar flavours presented in a novel format. 8-Wired Gorky Park 12.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $16.99 8-Wired

CIDER Zeden Birdsong Crisp Apple Cider 4.6% ABV, 500ml RRP $7.49 Beverage Brothers

It’s not often you get a cider that both pleases the palate and the morals. New release Zeden Cider is devoted to forest protection and 10% of its profits go to support Forest and Bird. The labelling and bottle are as crisp as the cider within, featuring a tui and a kererū. The cider is light and dry and leaves you wanting more. Zeden Island Nation Cider with Feijoa 4.6% ABV, 500ml RRP $7.49 Beverage Brothers

The second in Zeden’s Forest and Bird-supporting range, this time the birdlife has been traded for a whale and a fish. Marine kaitiaki is as dear to Zeden as forest protection and their Island Nation cider with feijoa is a nod to the oceans. Brewed by Gisborne’s The Cidery, this drop is all about the feijoas and as such is sweet and very drinkable. Feijoa lovers will be in a (beachside) paradise.

Russia meets America in this brew. A big, heavy Russian Imperial Stout – dark, foreboding, a little sweet – is aged in American bourbon barrels. The result is a smoky, sweet, coffee-and-chocolatehinting-drop that would defuse any Cold War tensions.

Peckham’s A Whiskey Kiss

8-Wired Double Imperial iStout

Peckham’s Decadence

8.3% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 and 750ml RRP $17.99 Peckham’s

Peckham’s have used single variety Kingston Black cider apples for this one and wild fermented and aged it for 10 months in bourbon barrels. The resulting cider has that trademark Peckham’s wild yeast character but with a background bourbon note (a “kiss”) that complements this robust, soft dry cider perfectly.

15% ABV, 330ml RRP $9.99 8-Wired

8.3% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 and 750ml RRP $17.99 Peckham’s

This special anniversary edition celebrates 11 years since the release of 8-Wired’s original iStout. For several years the highest rated Southern Hemisphere beer on ratebeer.com, this time 8-Wired have doubled down and created an even-more-Imperial stout. Is it as boozy and sweet as most dessert wines? Yes indeed. Is it as black as night? Yes, it is. Does it slip down like the finest after-dinner liqueur? Oh yes, it does.

This is a decadent blend of two extremes and an evolution of Peckham’s 2020 Decadence. A bone-dry single variety cider made from Somerset Dabinett cider apples wild fermented and aged in oak has been combined with Peckham’s new, very sweet Cidre de Glace, a kind of cider ice wine made from Kingston Black and Sweet Alford cider apples. The result is a rich and velvety drop with subtle notes of toffee sherbet.

58 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 92.

OPINION – BEER

Michael Donaldson

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

A tale of two breweries As Garage Project and Parrotdog mark 10 years in business, Michael Donaldson reflects on how their very different beginnings have become their strengths…

TEN YEARS ago, two Wellington breweries opened – their contrasting styles defined their decade to follow – and yet each has managed to become a powerhouse of the craft revolution. Parrotdog launched their brewery with a single beer that was a near disaster after they scaled up their homebrew recipe to a 1200 litre batch; while at the other end of the spectrum Garage Project launched over a 24-week period with 24 different beers – almost all of them perfect from the get-go. Parrotdog’s Bitterbitch IPA won the People’s Choice Award at Beervana in 2011 after the overly bitter brew was rescued with a huge dry-hop dose of Nelson Sauvin to lift the perceived sweetness. On the back of that cult beer with the edgy name (currently available in an anniversary six-pack), Parrotdog opened a brewery in Wellington’s Vivian St, before two rounds of crowd-funding took them to a new brewery and adjoining pub in Lyall Bay. To this day, their range remains focused and tight with a core range of rock-solid, mostly hop-forward beers. After some time finding their feet as they explored different one-offs they have now found their groove with occasional 440ml single can releases all bearing the name of someone important to the brewery: Lucy, Denise, Steve, Lloyd, Glen, Tina, Terry … it’s a cute conceit for a brewery, whose name is based on a couple of household pets, to have pet names for their beers. From their small and humble beginnings, Parrotdog have played the

volume game to great success with their core range; looking to win over consumers with competitively priced 6and 12-packs and hitting the jackpot with their massively popular Birdseye Hazy IPA, which went through the roof sales-wise on confluence of three critical factors: hazy, six-pack, value. While Parrotdog’s success is an archetypal craft beer journey from home brewing to professional, Garage Project entered the market on the back of a fullyfledged brewer in Pete Gillespie.

Parrotdog launched their brewery with a single beer that was a near disaster after they scaled up their homebrew recipe to a 1200 litre batch. Gillespie had worked in top breweries around the world, such as the centuriesold Brakspear’s in London and Malt Shovel in Sydney. Teaming up with younger brother Ian and Ian’s best friend Jos Ruffell, they audaciously launched on the back of their 24/24 series of 24 different beers released over 24 weeks, with just a keg of each going on tap at Hashigo Zake in Wellington. Garage Project have stayed true to that eclecticism over the past 10 years.

According to the beer rating site Untappd, Garage Project have released 516 beers in 10 years and you don’t have to be a whizz at maths to realise that’s a new beer every week. Amazingly, many of the original 24/24 series are still in production, such as Pernicious Weed, Trip Hop, Aro Noir, Red Rocks, Day of the Dead, Hāpi Daze and even Hazy Days (a beer that was well ahead of its time). Garage Project stayed quick and nimble by out-sourcing many of their core range beers to bStudio in Napier, allowing their small Aro Street brewery to focus on the low-volume, high rotation releases. They also have their Wild Workshop for more esoteric, long-term projects such as barrel-aged and wildfermented beers. Garage Project’s focus on FOMO with their limited-supply releases – many of which are available only through the online store or at their two taprooms in Wellington and Auckland – means they are constantly being talked about. There’s always something new, different, weird or not-to-miss. Parrotdog, on the other hand, focus on delivering what you might call highquality fridge fillers at a good price – such as their multi-award winning Falcon APA – with special releases coming out monthly rather than weekly. The good news for beer fans is that both models seem to work brilliantly and these two breweries are set to further influence the craft landscape for many years to come. DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 59

BEER & CIDER NEWS

New Zeden Cider backs Forest & Bird

A busy 10th birthday for Parrotdog WELLINGTON BREWERY Parrotdog turned ten in July and marked its first decade with the announcement it would be transitioning its core range out of bottles and into cans with the full range due on shelves in 6- and 12-pack can format by September. It also released a limited edition 6-pack of Bitterbitch (the beer that started it all – read more in Michael Donaldson’s column this issue on page 59) and three new limited edtition beers all called Matt – in honour of the three Matts who started Parrotdog. The Matt Bright IPA, Matt Hazy IPA and Matt Mosaic Lager are available in 440ml cans. Parrotdog also shared the news that it had become an accredited Living Wage Employer. Parrotdog

A NEW cider being brewed in Gisborne is donating 10% of its profits to Forest & Bird and has already made its first contribution of $1000 to the organisation. Bay of Plenty local Bevan Wait is the lead co-founder of Zeden Cider, alongside Leon McDonald and Chris Durney. The three are also co-founders of Ranga alcoholic ginger beer, which was launched in early 2012 and is now the country’s top selling alcoholic ginger beer. Ranga recently brewed its one millionth litre and the brand has seen a 78% growth in sales over the Covid-19 period. It is also now being brewed under licence by Weston’s Cider in the UK. Off the back of this success, Wait is spearheading the Zeden Cider brand, combining his passion for both the environment and authentic cider. “For me, this is a true passion project. I love good cider and I love the New 60 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Zealand environment,” says Wait. “We have a massive pest problem in New Zealand and we as a nation need to get onboard to support our native forests and vulnerable wildlife. At Zeden Cider, we are dedicated to doing that by raising awareness as well as donating 10% of our profits to Forest & Bird to support conservation projects and campaigns around the country.” Brewed in Gisborne, the Zeden Ciders are made from East Coast apples and Hawke’s Bay feijoa. “We use an authentic dry style of making cider which we picked up from Herefordshire in England, the home of cider, and we’ve put a local spin on it,” says Wait. “In terms of taste, it’s noticeably less sweet than other ciders on the market – we know Kiwis are going to love it.” Zeden Cider 4.6% ABV, 500ml RRP $7.49 Beverage Brothers

New ultra low carb from Haägen ASAHI NZ is launching a new Haägen Ultra Low Carb Lager in New Zealand. The new addition to the German-style lager range has 78% less carbs and less than 87 calories compared with a standard Haagen and is 4% ABV. It will be available from October in a 330ml 12-pack at RRP $21.99. Asahi NZ

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Speight’s Summit Zero launches LION HAS launched Speight’s Summit Zero lager, the first zero alcohol beer under the Speight’s brand. “Speight’s has hit blockbuster status as New Zealand’s number one selling beer by volume1,” says Lion NZ Marketing Director Rachel Ellerm. “People love the taste of Speight’s so a zero-alcohol option was the logical next step. We’re excited to be launching Speight’s Summit 0.0% lager.” She says there is huge untapped consumer demand and growth to be seen in the lighter and zero alcohol beer category. “Zero alcohol beer is forecast to hit $25 billion in sales globally by 2024. In New Zealand, the lighter beer

category2 is growing at 24% percent1, but as a proportion of total beer sales New Zealand is still well below global levels. “Lion has been actively growing its no- and low-alcohol beverage portfolio and has a number of lighter or near zero percent options available; this is Lion’s

second alcohol free beer,” says Ellerm. “We expect it to be a huge hit with Speight’s fans and consumers looking for a lighter option alike.” Lion 1 JUNE MAT SCAN NIELSEN 2021 2 LIGHTER OPTIONS INCLUDE LOW/NO ALCOHOL, LOW CARB/CAL, AND FREE FROM (E.G. GLUTEN FREE)

EVErCHANGING PATTErNS IN YOUr MOUTH

MALTY

HOPPY

LIGHT

DArK

sweet

bitter

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

l i a S t e S

Rum is growing increasingly diverse – spanning zesty and tropical through to sweet and fruity, or richly spiced – so there’s something for everyone. We round up what’s on offer…

62 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

RRP $35 - $49.99 Havana Club Añejo 3 Años

Matusalem Platino 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $40 Thirsty Camel

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold 35% ABV, 1L RRP $42.99 Lion

Aged for three years, this rum has an intense nose of banana and smoked oak, with flavours of smoke, vanilla and chocolate.

A triple-distilled double-filtered white rum with a clean taste and subtle flavour. Notes of vanilla and brown sugar on the nose, smooth and creamy on the palate with fruity flavours, a hint of vanilla and a dry finish.

Havana Club Especial

Stolen Dark

Flor de Caña 4 YO (Extra Seco)

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $40.99 Beam Suntory

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $44.99 Hancocks

A lighter, smoother version of the traditionally heavy, naval-style dark rums. Stolen Dark is aged for a minimum of two years in ex-whiskey charred oak barrels. Demerara caramel provides its deep colour, along with lightly toasted sweet caramel aromas on the nose and honeyed texture.

A sugar-free premium rum that is sustainably produced (Carbon Neutral & Fair Trade certified) at a 5th generation family estate in Nicaragua. A light-bodied rum with aromas of sweet almonds and vanilla leading to a palate of white chocolate and orange essence with a long, dry finish.

Black Heart Dark Rum

Bacardi Carta Blanca

37.5% ABV 1L RRP $41.99 Asahi NZ

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99 Lion

Stolen White

A smooth rum with a rich, strong flavour. Black Heart also played a part in New Zealand’s naval history as the official rum in the days when sailors enjoyed a free daily rum ration.

This classic Cuban white rum is a mainstay behind bars the world over. Aromas of tropical fruit with distinctive vanilla and almond notes alongside banana and apricot. Ideal for a classic mojito.

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Beam Suntory

Havana Club Cuban Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $36.99 Pernod Ricard

A golden rum that is rich, round and creamy with notes of vanilla, caramel and a hint of wood thanks to a second finish (double ageing) in young white oak barrels before the final blend. Stolen Gold 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99 Beam Suntory

A smooth, full-bodied and versatile gold rum. Aged for a minimum of two years in ex-whiskey charred oak barrels. Aromas of butterscotch and cinnamon spice; smooth and buttery on the palate with notes of toffee apple.

Barrel aged for a minimum of two years and then carbon filtered to remove any trace of colour or impurities. Aromas of cocoa and fruit, which continue on the palate, and a sweet delicate mouth feel.

Spice and natural flavours are blended with Caribbean rum before ageing in charred white oak barrels. A smooth rum with notes of rich vanilla, brown sugar, warming spices and a hint of oak.

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $41.99 Pernod Ricard

A new release in New Zealand from Havana Club, the Spiced expression is inspired by Cuba. It balances sweet vanilla and aromatic spice with hints of juicy ripe guava, toasted coconut and fresh pineapple. DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 63

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Bacardi Carta Oro 40% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99 Lion

This golden rum was used in the original Cuba Libre, made to celebrate the end of the Cuban War of Independence. Ageing in toasted oak barrels gives its golden hue and mellow flavours of vanilla, buttery caramel, toasted almond and sweet banana, balanced by orange zest and a light oaky finish.

Bacardi Spiced is a more recent release with the rum aged in charred American oak barrels then charcoal filtered and blended with spices. Stolen Smoked

Angostura 5YO

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $46.99 Beam Suntory

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Federal Merchants

A more recent release from Bacardi, with the rum aged in charred American oak barrels then charcoal filtered and blended with spices. It has a hint of barrel smoke, subtle dried fruit and intense creamy butterscotch on the palate with a slightly peppery finish.

Stolen Smoked uses freshly roasted Colombian coffee beans, Madagascan vanilla, Moroccan fenugreek and a smoking process using American hardwood to infuse the aged Caribbean rum with layers of flavour. It has aromas of tobacco, vanilla, toffee, cacao and roasted coffee. On the palate there is deep freshly brewed coffee, vanilla, warm caramel and dark chocolate with a long smoky finish. Ideal served neat, or in any rum, rye, or bourbon cocktail.

Five years in oak barrels gives this rum a rich golden colour, with flavours of chocolate, spice, vanilla and toasted oak leading to a warm and mellow finish. Serve as a sipping rum or use in spicedriven mixed drinks.

Coruba Gold

Angostura 3YO Reserva

Bacardi Spiced 40% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99 Lion

37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99 Lion

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $47.99 Federal Merchants

This 100% Jamaican blend is a versatile entry-level rum, whose golden colour derives from ageing in small oak barrels. Smooth on the palate with hints of brown sugar, nutmeg and vanilla.

Aged in barrel for three years, this white rum is charcoal filtered to remove any colour from the ageing process. The rum is dry, with a rich vanilla flavour and smooth finish.

Coruba Original

Appleton Estate Signature Blend

37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99 Lion

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $47.99 and 1L RRP $55.99 Lion

A mellow, full flavoured rum. Aromas and flavours of molasses, cocoa and caramel, and a hint of spice.

Fifteen select aged rums (aged for an average of four years) are combined to create the Signature Blend from Jamaican rum producer Appleton Estate. This rum has aromas of rich fruit and sweet caramel, with flavours of subtle orange peel, dried apricot, fresh peach, and a hint of molasses and woody notes.

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Beenleigh White Rum 37.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $49.99 EuroVintage

A bright white Australian rum. Soft and rounded on the palate, it has molasses and hazelnut character, with a hint of oak and vanilla.  Black Magic 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Hancocks

A blend of light and dark rums made in the Caribbean. Aromas of caramel, spice, cinnamon and vanilla lead to flavours of rich fruit cake and a long finish of vanilla and brown sugar. Plantation Original Dark Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Proof & Co

A richly exotic dark rum with black peppercorn, clove, cinnamon, baked cherry, and molasses on the nose. Fruity on the palate with white raisins and dried pineapple and a spicy, minerally character moving to a dry, spicy finish.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Plantation Three Stars White Rum

El Dorado Cask Aged 3 Years

Bayou Reserve Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Proof & Co

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 Tickety-Boo

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

This rum has delicate scents of brown sugar, honey and coffee bean, developing into baking spices. Light-bodied on the palate with flavours of dark chocolate and egg cream.

This three-year-old full-flavoured caskaged rum has aromas of citrus and vanilla, enhanced by notes of chocolate and raisins. A smooth, rounded palate with coconut; fruity with a dry, rounded finish.

Sagatiba Cristalina

Skipper Dark Rum

38% ABV, 700ml $49.99 Thirsty Camel

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 Tickety-Boo

Sagatiba Cristalina is a Brazilian cachaça made using multi-distillation to separate any impurities and create a pure and crystalline liquid. Clean and delicate with a sweet/spice character.

Aromas of treacle, butterscotch and honey, with hints of black pepper, espresso bean and charred oak. It is buttery smooth in the mouth with flavours of crème caramel, gooey toffee and custard with pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Notes of cinnamon and ginger on the lengthy finish.

This rum from Louisiana is matured in bourbon barrels for up to three years using the Solera ageing method. It has aromas of creamy vanilla with hints of apple and cinnamon. The palate opens with a dry oak-like character, followed by pronounced cinnamon and maple. A dry rum with lingering notes of dark fruit and wood.

Santisima Trinidad 3YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Tickety-Boo

Designed for use in cocktails, the threeyear-old expression from Ron Santisima Trinidad has aromas of sugarcane and oak with a hint of almonds. In the mouth there is slight sweetness with defined notes of sugarcane, wood, almonds, vanilla, grapes and dried plums.

RRP $50 - $64.99 Beenleigh Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 EuroVintage

This Australia rum is copper pot distilled and aged in ex-brandy vats and American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Aromas of soft vanilla and subtle spice lead to a palate of vanilla, rich spice and a hint of citrus.

Bacardi Reserva Ocho 8 Años 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Lion

A selection of barrel-aged reserve rums aged for a minimum of eight years are blended to make this more premium offering from Bacardi. It has aromas of vanilla, toffee, honey and caramel with toasted oak. The flavour is smooth and rich with notes of prune, apricot, nutmeg and vanilla, and a soft wood finish.

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

A spiced rum inspired by the Creole baking traditions for which its hometown of Louisiana is famous. Bayou Rum is rested for up to 30 days with a special blend of Creole baking spices, creating aromas of cinnamon and sweet banana and a palate full of maple, banana, allspice, clove, vanilla and pepper. Lingering finish. Cruzan Black Strap Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Beam Suntory

Robust liquorice and molasses flavours makes this rum ideal for mixing into tropical cocktails: it pairs well with lemon, lime, ginger and pineapple. Its deep black hue is also great for adding colour to drinks.

Bayou Spiced Rum is inspired by the Creole baking traditions for which its hometown of Louisiana is famous.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 65

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

El Dorado Cask Aged 5 Years

Beenleigh Double Cask 5YO

Appleton Estate Reserve 8YO

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

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.99 EuroVintage

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Lion

A deep golden-hued rum with aromas of dried tropical fruit, caramel, butterscotch and molasses. Flavours of vibrant spice, fruit, caramel and toasted coconut, fading to vanilla.

This Australian rum is aged two years in ex-brandy vats and three years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. It has soft aromas of molasses, fruit toast and dried coconut. In the mouth there are rich Demerara and traditional fudge notes with a hint of floral characteristics. Apricot and dessert pastry notes emerge too.

Appleton’s Master Blender, Joy Spence, manages the rare ‘reserve stock’ at Appleton, two of which add complexity and depth to this blend of 20 select aged rums. The Reserve Blend is full-bodied and smooth with notes of spice and nuts, oaky honey, subtle vanilla and dried orange peel.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Tickety-Boo

Flor de Caña 7 YO (Gran Reserva) 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Hancocks

A full-bodied rum with aromas of toasted coconut vanilla and figs. On the palate there is honey and dark chocolate, leading to a long, smooth finish. Havana Club Añejo 7 Años 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Pernod Ricard

A combination of barrels that have been aged and blended, with the minimum age of any barrel being seven years. A rich rum with aromas of cocoa, vanilla, cedar, sweet tobacco and lush tropical fruits. Flavours of sugarcane, chestnut and caramelised tropical fruit sit above a backbone of oak and rich brown spice. Winner of ‘Best Overall Rum’ at the NZ Spirits Awards in 2020 and 2021. The Kraken Black Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Thirsty Camel

This inky black rum produced in Trinidad and Tobago is infused with herbs and spices. Aromas of nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon lead to flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate, clove, rich fruit cake and toffee. Rich and spicy. 66 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.99 Federal Merchants

Sailor Jerry rum is distilled in the Virgin Islands and has a Caribbean influence with flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and rich vanilla. It has a long, dry finish with a hint of toasted toffee. Goes especially well with ginger. Angostura 7YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Federal Merchants

A blend of select rums aged for a minimum of seven years at House of Angostura’s Trinidad distillery. Aromas of vanilla, molasses, coffee, spice and oak lead to flavours of chocolate, honey, toffee, caramel, coffee and roasted nuts.

Bayou Single Barrel A limited-edition rum matured in rye barrels for two and a half years, creating aromas of smoked oak with bursts of pepper and tropical fruit. Complex flavours of spice, oak, honey, pineapple and creamy banana. Beenleigh Traditional Rum Liqueur 20% ABV, 750ml RRP $59.99 EuroVintage

A rum liqueur with aromas of plum and apricot alongside caramel and toffee dessert notes. Pronounced, silky rum notes with a long finish. Black Collar Gold Rum 38.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Beverage Brothers

A small batch rum made in Black Collar’s copper still in its Bay of Islands distillery. The aroma is almost creamy with subtle butterscotch and vanilla. It’s light and smooth on the palate with more butterscotch and slight vanilla sweetness balanced by oak. The lingering, creamy finish is of vanilla and oak.

EXCLUSIVELY DISTRIBUTED BY WHISKY GALORE E: trade@whiskygalore.co.nz | P: 0800 WHISKY (944 759) 834 Colombo Street, Christchurch

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Black Tears Spiced Rum

Langs Jamaican Rum Pineapple

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Tickety-Boo

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 EuroVintage

This dry spiced rum from Cuba uses coffee, cacoa and aji dulce – a sweet chilli pepper synonymous with Cuba’s cuisine. The complex palate is of gentle cocoa with a punch of coffee on the finish, along with the lingering, peppery spice. Elegant and well-balanced.

A classic pineapple and rum combo with earthy sweetness and notes of coconut, vanilla, molasses, rum and subtle spice. On the palate there’s fresh pineapple, rich caramel, cinnamon, oak and a touch of lime. The finish lingers with fruits and spiced oak.

Brugal Añejo

Ratu Signature Blend 8YO

Spirited Union Queen Pineapple & Spice

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Hancocks

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Hancocks

Brugal Añejo offers a clean, dry rum that’s ideal for traditional rum serves, without an overly sweet finish. It has light aromas of wood with hints of chocolate. Buttery in the mouth with a slight hint of caramel and wood tannin. The finish is long and dry.

Aromas of zesty orange, dark chocolate and coffee, with a velvet mouth feel of coconut and spiced oak followed by a lingering fresh citrus flavour.

Langs Jamaican Rum Banana

Savoury, smoked oak aromas give way to the rich sweetness of caramel, vanilla and tea leaves with a mouthwatering liquorice finish.

This new arrival hails from Amsterdam’s Spirited Union distillery, where they infuse single origin rums with fresh ingredients to create “botanical rums”. The limited-edition release uses queen pineapple, cassia wood and cinnamon. It has complex fruity notes and tropical freshness, with the natural sweetness of the pineapple balanced by the heat of the spices.

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 EuroVintage

Aromas of warm banana bread, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla lead to a palate full of fresh sweet banana over classic rum flavours. A fruity finish. Langs Jamaican Rum Mango & Ginger 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 EuroVintage

The scent of fresh and fruity mango coulis mixes with warming hints of fresh ginger. Intense tropical fruits in the mouth, alongside lime and crystallised ginger. The ginger heat builds in a long, spiced finish.

68 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Ratu Dark Rum 5YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Ratu Spiced Rum 5YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Complex charred oak and citrus aroma with a rich vanilla and candied orange flavour, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and star anise.

Spirited Union Pink Grapefruit & Rose 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Hancocks

This intriguing rum expression combines citrus and blossom – with fresh pink grapefruit, blood orange, vapour distilled rose petals and elderflower blossom all in the mix.

El Dorado Cask Aged 8 Years 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Tickety-Boo

Aromas of subtle tobacco mix with caramel toffee alongside dried stone fruit and flambéed banana. The mouth-feel is smooth, soft and faintly sweet, with traces of oak and butterscotch.

The new Spirited Union rums hail from Amsterdam, where single origin rums are infused with fresh ingredients.

DISTRIBUTED BY FEDERAL MERCHANTS & CO.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Goslings Black Seal

Diplomático Mantuano

LWF Distilling Rhubarb Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Federal Merchants

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 LWF Distilling

A blend of aged rums made in small batches, Bermuda-made Goslings has a distinctive dark colour. Rich, smooth and full-bodied with subtle butterscotch, vanilla and caramel.

A blended rum from Venezuela that is aged for up to eight years in white oak casks, previously used for ageing bourbons and malt-whisky. A dark golden colour, this rum has aromas of dried fruits (plums), oak and a delicate spiciness. Notes of dried fruit, wood and vanilla on the palate with a slightly dry finish.

Infused with up to six different varieties of rhubarb, this rum has a pretty pink hue and a fruity nose. The finish is of delicate, tart rhubarb.

Mount Gay Rum Eclipse 37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $64.99 Hancocks

Mount Gay describes this new release as a “heritage blend” and the embodiment of the Mount Gay style. Eclipse is crisp and aromatic with distinctive aromas of vanilla and banana and underlying caramel, summer fruit and spice. On the palate there is an oaky character with slight burnt notes. Plantation Barbados 5YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Proof & Co

This five-year-old Barbados rum is aged in bourbon barrels for three to four years, then sent to Cognac Ferrand in France for finishing in cognac casks, which draws out notes of wood and nutmeg. It has aromas of leather and caramel with hints of cinnamon, dried coconut and vanilla. Initially sweet on the palate, with molasses and hints of leather, alongside orange rind, salted butter and allspice. The finish is sweet with fiery spice at the very end.

70 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Diplomático Planas 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

An intense white rum made from a blend of pot still, column and batch kettle rums aged for up to six years. Fresh tropical aromas of coconut and ground coffee with a palate that is slightly fruity with creamy flavours. Serve neat, or in more delicate cocktails.

LWF Distilling Spiced White Rum 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 LWF Distilling

This rums starts with an intense citrus nose that leads to spice and a sweet, earthy manuka honey note. LWF Distilling White Rum 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 LWF Distilling

RRP $65 - $89.99

This was the first release from LWF Distillery when it launched in 2019. The white rum uses molasses from Bundaberg in Queensland with a specialty yeast and five-times filtered New Zealand rainwater. It has a fruity nose, smooth mouthfeel, and ends with a sweet caramel ‘rum funk’.

LWF Distilling Feijoa Rum

Black Collar Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 LWF Distilling

This seasonal release from Taranaki distillery LWF uses distinctive feijoa to create a green-hued rum with a fruity aroma, intense feijoa sweetness and a tart tang.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.95 Beverage Brothers

This deeply golden New Zealand rum is made with 100% natural spices and designed to be served neat. It has aromas of cinnamon, cloves and a hint of almost raisiny sweetness. It’s smooth and rounded in the mouth with a subtle spicy kick of clove and charred oak and sweet vanilla to balance.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

RUM BRANDS Ableforth’s

Black Heart

Coruba

This British spirits brand is based in Kent, England. Founded in 2011 it also produces Bathtub Gin, Cold Distilled Absinthe and Cherry Brandy.

This was the New Zealand Navy’s official rum when sailors used to receive a free daily rum ration – a practice that lasted into the 1950s.

Coruba rums are all natural and distilled in Kingston, Jamaica. The Coruba brand is owned by Campari Group.

Angostura

Black Magic

Cruzan

A spiced blend of light and dark rums produced by New Orleans company Sazerac.

Cruzan Rum is located in Saint Croix, in the US Virgin Islands. The distillery was founded by the Nelthropp Family and has been in operation for more than 200 years. Cruzan takes its name from the word ‘Crucians’, which refers to the people of St Croix.

House of Angostura has been producing rums for 130 years and is the major producer in Trinidad today. It is best known for its production of Angostura Bitters, which were invented by the company’s founder in 1824. Appleton Estate

Appleton Estate is in Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, where all its rums are produced. It is the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica in continuous production, with the first known documentation of rum made on the Estate dating back to 1749. Appleton Estate’s Master Blender is Joy Spence, who became the world’s first female Master Blender when she was appointed in 1997, after 16 years with the company. Bacardi

One of the world’s best known rum brands, Bacardi traces its origins to the 1830s when Spanish wine merchant Facundo Bacardi Masso moved to Cuba. His experiments with refining rum using a proprietary strain of yeast, charcoal filtering and ageing in white oak barrels gave Bacardi its distinctive flavour and created the world’s first clear rum. The bat logo was inspired by the bats that lived in the rafters of the first distillery that Masso established with his brother. Bacardi is owned by Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held, family-owned spirits company in the world. Bayou Rum

Bayou Rum was established in 2013 in Louisiana and uses fresh locally grown sugarcane at its craft distillery. Its signature recipe uses 100% single estate molasses produced by the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the United States. Every batch is distilled by hand using copper pot stills and aged in 200L bourbon and sherry casks. Beenleigh

The Beenleigh Rum Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in Australia, commencing operations in 1884. It still operates from its original building on the Albert River in Eagleby, Queensland. It uses molasses sourced from Australia’s only remaining family-owned sugar mill and pot stills its rums using its original copper equipment. Black Collar

New Zealand distillery Black Collar was established in Northland in 2017. Its first launch, Black Collar Vodka, won a Silver Medal at the 2018 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Black Collar also makes gin.

Black Tears

This Cuban rum launched in 2019 and is owned by The Island Rum Company. Black Tears takes its name from the Cuban song, ‘Lagrimas Negras’ that tells the story of a young woman who sobbed into a vat of rum, filling it with her sorrow. It was the first Cuban spiced rum brand. Black Tot

A UK rum brand that launched in 2010 with Black Tot Last Consignment: a blend of rum made up of the very last remaining stocks of British Royal Navy rum discovered in naval warehouses in Dartmouth and Deptford. Black Tot takes its name from ‘Black Tot Day’ (31 July 1970) when the last rum ration was issued aboard ships of the British Royal Navy, ending a 300-year-old tradition. More rums followed in 2019, with Black Tot blending rums from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica. Broken Heart

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

Don Andres Brugal Montaner founded Brugal in the Dominican Republic in 1888. Five generations later, the rum is still crafted by the Brugal Family, with only family members able to hold the title of a ‘Maestro Ronero’ (Master of Rum). Bumbu Rum Co.

A Barbados rum brand based in an historic distillery that was founded in 1893 and continuously operated for more than 120 years. Bumbu rums are based on 16th century native recipes and are blended by hand from island rums and native spices from across the West Indies. Captain Morgan

This rum brand launched in 1944 and is named for Captain Henry Morgan, a 17th century Welsh privateer who became Sir Henry Morgan in 1673 and was named Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica in 1680. He lived on his sugar cane plantation in Jamaica until he died in 1688.

Diplomatico

The distillery that produces all of Diplomático’s rum was established in Venezuela in 1959. Today, it is 100% Venezuelan and privately owned under the name Destilerías Unidas S. A. (DUSA). The company is one of the largest rum producers in Venezuela. Diplomático is distributed in over 70 countries and holds the “Ron de Venezuela” DOC (Protected Denomination of Origin). Don Papa

A rum brand owned by Philippines company Bleeding Heart Rum Co. It is made on Negros Occidental in the Philippines and is named in tribute to Papa Isio, an historic figure from Negros who helped drive the Spanish from the island in the 1890s. The rum uses locally grown and milled sugar cane. El Dorado

El Dorado rums are distilled in South America’s Guyana by Demerara Distillers, which operates the last remaining distillery in the country on the banks of the Demerara River. Many sugar estates and distilleries merged during the early 20th century culminating in the amalgamation of all the various stills and equipment in 1998 by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL). El Dorado launched in 1992 and DDL became the first rum producer in the world to market a premium quality aged rum: El Dorado 15 Year Old Special Reserve. Flor de Caña

A sustainably produced premium rum brand from a family estate in Nicaragua that dates back to 1890. Flor de Caña is Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade certified, distilled with 100% renewable energy and naturally aged without sugar. Goslings

Goslings is synonymous with its home of Bermuda, where it is regarded as the national drink. It takes its name from wine and spirits merchant James Gosling, who first opened a shop in the town of St George’s in 1806.

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SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Grenada Bay

McJaggery White Rum

Sagatiba

This Wellington craft distillery was the first in the capital and was founded by two friends from Titahi Bay, who combined their distillery location in Wellington’s northern suburb of Grenada with their Titahi Bay origins to come up with the Grenada Bay name. Grenada Bay offers three bottled rums as well as private casks.

The first release from the NZ Rum Co. – an Auckland based small-batch rum distillery founded in 2020. Founder Rob O’Connell decided to make a dream into a reality after years of skippering superyachts around the world. McJaggery White Rum won the Innovation Award at the NZ Spirits Award 2021.

A cachaça (Brazilian rum) brand that launched around 12 years go and translates as “infinite possibilities”.

Havana Club

Merser & Co.

Havana Club was first created in Cuba in 1934. In 1993, Pernod Ricard S.A. and Corporación Cuba Ron S.A. launched a joint venture to produce and market Havana Club globally. It is one of the best-selling rum brands in the world.

This London rum brand launched in 2019 and is owned by the Hayman family, owners of Hayman’s Gin. It sources aged Caribbean rums that it blends and bottles at its rum blending house in central London – said to be the first in the capital in more than a century. Rum blending houses were once a fixture of 18th and 19th century London.

Helmsman

A New Zealand rum brand that launched with its spiced rum (using Caribbean golden rum) and has since added a white rum to its range. Honest

A new New Zealand spirits brand created by two friends, who distil their spirits in Auckland. Honest is carbon neutral and certified plastic-free. The Kraken

A black spiced rum produced in Trinidad and Tobago. It takes its name from the gigantic legendary sea monster, known as a Kraken. Langs Rum

A Glasgow-based brand that uses Jamaican rums for its range of flavoured rums. A blend of molasses-rich pot and column distilled rums, blended and infused with natural fruit flavours. Lunatic & Lover

This Auckland craft distillery was founded by husband and wife team Matt Bridge and Angie Bradley, who launched their two rums in 2020. Bridge uses vapour distillation in his process, describing Lunatic & Lover as “botanical rum”. Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested Botanical Rum won the ‘Best in NZ’ Rum Category Trophy and Best Packaging Award at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. LWF Distilling

A Taranaki farm-based distillery in Oakura. ‘LWF’ stands for ‘Life Worth Funding’, inspired by distiller Janet Charteris’ former life in the corporate world and a desire to return to grassroots and give back to the community. Matusalem

The Matusalem brand was founded in 1872 in Santiago de Cuba by brothers Benjamin and Eduardo Camp and their partner Evaristo Alvarez. They believed ageing was the key to making rum with the finest flavour and the name ‘Matusalem’ derives from the old Spanish proverb, “This is older than Matusalem” referring to the patriarch of the Old Testament who was said to have lived for 969 years. The Barn Swallow logo was adopted after flocks of swallows nested in the barrel ageing warehouses.

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Mount Gay

Mount Gay Rum has been made in Barbados for 300 years and is the world’s oldest commercial rum distillery. It was named for Sir John Gay Alleyne, the first manager of the company. No.8 Distillery

A new Dunedin distillery that was opened in 2021 by business partners Michael Wilson and Julien Delavoie, who also own café and venue Dog with Two Tails. As well as the Pineapple Rum Elixir, the portfolio includes gin and absinthe. Penny Blue

A single estate rum brand made on the island of Mauritius at the Medine distillery, which has been producing rum since 1926. The sugar cane is grown and processed on the estate, where distilling and ageing also takes place. The rum is named after the famed ‘Penny Blue’ stamp from Mauritius, which was created in 1847 as part of the inaugural postal service. However, it contained a printing error, making the 500 stamps produced some of the rarest and most expensive in the world today. Plantation

Founded by entrepreneur Alexandre Gabriel in the mid-90s, Plantation represents an artisanal range of rums from a variety of terroirs in the Caribbean. Pusser’s

This Royal Navy-style rum made in Guyana is produced in exact accordance with the Admiralty’s specifications for rum (last used when the Royal Navy discontinued its daily ration in 1970). The blend is the same as it was on British warships. Ratu

A rum brand produced by the Rum Co. of Fiji, which has been operating since the 1980s in Lautoka, Fiji. Russell Rum

This rum brand is part of Blush Gin, an Auckland craft distillery founded in 2017. Blush also makes a range of gins.

Sailor Jerry

The distinctive hula girl on this rum’s label is the creation of Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins, the man dubbed “the father of the old-school tattoo”. A former US Navy sailor, Collins set up shop in Honolulu in the 1940s, where his intricate Asian-influenced American tattoos became highly sought after. The rum came about after his protégé, Ed Hardy, co-founded Sailor Jerry Ltd in 1999, to keep Collins’ legacy and artwork alive. Sailor Jerry rum is distilled in the Virgin Islands. Santísima Trinidad

A Cuban rum brand made at a distillery that was founded in 1944. It is named for Santísima Trinidad, the town in which it is made. Skipper

Skipper Dark Rum has been produced and aged in Guyana since 1930, and still boasts the original label on its bottle. Spirited Union

An independent distillery in Amsterdam that specialises in botanical rum and has a particular focus on sustainability. It sources single origin rums that it combines with botanicals to create its range. Stolen Rum

The Stolen Rum brand was founded by two New Zealanders in 2010 and now has teams in Auckland, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Stolen sources and bottles its rum around the world, including in the Caribbean. Waiheke Imperial

Based on Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Imperial produces premium bottled water from an aquifer deep below the island. It also uses this water in combination with organic ingredients to create its rum, gin and bee tonic. Wray & Nephew

This historic rum brand is the best-selling high proof rum in the world. Its origins trace back to 1825, when John Wray opened a bar in the Jamaican seaport of Kingston and began producing his own rum. His nephew, Charles James Ward, joined the business 35 years later and J. Wray & Nephew Ltd was born. Zaya

A premium rum brand that uses rums sourced from the Caribbean. The name ‘Zaya’ is said to mean “triumphant woman”.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

McJaggery White Rum is a new arrival on the local scene and won the Innovation Award at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. McJaggery White Rum 43% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.95 NZ Rum Co.

A new arrival on the local distilling scene, NZ Rum Co makes its rum from natural sugarcane jaggery (as opposed to molasses). The result is a refreshing, dry white rum with aromas of fresh green and dried grasses, and flavours of tart tropical fruit, like green banana peel and papaya. Winner of the Innovation Award at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Lion

A blend of rare golden rums that have all been aged for a minimum of 12 years. This deep bronze rum has flavours of oak, fruit, cocoa, molasses, orange peel, rich vanilla and subtle coffee with a bittersweet finish. Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $70 Thirsty Camel

A Solera rum with an intense, rich nose of wood, toasted nuts and butterscotch. It has a smooth texture with flavours of cocoa, pronounced oak and a cognac-like finish.

Honest Six Spiced Botanical Rum

Mount Gay Black Barrel

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99 Mineral

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Hancocks

This local newcomer has an initial burst of citrus and a delicate hint of vanilla, combined with aromatic notes of ginger and cloves. Intense orange peel is followed by a subtle hint of scorched sugarcane, with spicy warmth of cinnamon and ginger and lingering nutmeg. The finish is warm and comforting with undertones of cloves and elegant spice.

Double ageing in deeply charred bourbon oak barrels creates an undertone of classic bourbon spices balanced with oaky vanilla and sweet caramel.

Helmsman Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Hancocks

This New Zealand-brand rum is made from a blend of Caribbean golden rum and spices. Initial aromas of fruitcake are followed by banana, vanilla and a hint of warm spice. A full-bodied rum with flavours of rich fruit, cinnamon and toffee. Helmsman White Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Hancocks

The white rum from Kiwi producer Helmsman is aged for over a year in stainless steel tanks and plain oak casks, which creates its light blonde colour and sweet flavour.

Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Proof & Co

This rum was named for Reverend Stiggins, the character in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers, whose favourite drink was “pineapple rum.” The rinds of Queen Victoria pineapples are infused in Plantation 3 Stars White Rum and distilled, and then the pineapple fruit is infused in Plantation Original Dark rum. The distillate and fruit infusion are then blended and cask aged. The rum has aromas of honeydew melon and a hint of Jamaican ginger cake with pineapple notes. Flavours of spiced molasses, and shortbread accompany a juicy, slightly earthy element from the pineapple with notes of vanilla, lemon, mango and spearmint on the finish. Zaya Gran Reserva 16 40% ABV 750ml RRP $74.99 Thirsty Camel

A blend of rums aged up to 16 years – this has aromas of baked fruit and spiced vanilla and a palate that’s smooth with caramel, spice and toasted oak. The finish lingers with a hint of smoke.

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SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Pusser’s Rum

Grenada Bay White Rum

Bumbu Rum Original

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Thirsty Camel

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $78.99 Grenada Bay

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Brandhouse

This Royal Navy-style rum uses the same blend that it supplied to British warships up until the Royal Navy discontinued its daily ration in 1970. Pusser’s Rum uses five West Indian rums (three from Guyana, two from Trinidad) aged for at least three years. It has aromas of demerara sugar, molasses, dried fruits and spices, with flavours of deep vanilla and honey.

This delicate white rum from Wellington craft distillery Grenada Bay is triple distilled with cardamom and pear, adding an earthy sweetness to the palate.

This rum from Barbados is aged up to 15 years in American bourbon barrels. It has rich and complex aromas of Madagascan vanilla, soft caramel, and oak. Notes of cinnamon, roasted nuts, banana and allspice on the palate and a light, smooth finish.

Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum 63% ABV, 700ml RRP $76.99 Thirsty Camel

An aromatic and intense rum at 63% ABV with top notes of citrus, pear and pineapple, married with bottom notes of honey and molasses. No.8 Pineapple Elixir 36% ABV, 250ml RRP $39, 700ml RRP $77 No.8 Distillery

A brand new release from new distillery No.8 in Dunedin. Distiller Julien Delavoie says he first started making this style of rum, aged with fruit and spices, as a 16-year-old in France. This version was cask aged for a year. It has an aroma of sticky sweet pineapple, but not cloying, with a hint of earth and verging into raisin, fruit cake and baking spice. The pineapple persists on the palate with a burst of freshness and a rounded mouthfeel. The finish is delicately sweet. Light and luscious. A second release is scheduled for October.

Ableforth’s Rumbullion 42.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Proof & Co

Spiced and full-bodied, Rumbullion is a blend of Caribbean rum with Madagascan vanilla, zesty orange peel, clove, cassia and cardamom. It has intense aromas of sweet vanilla and flamed orange zest with a hint of old-fashioned cola, along with cloves and cinnamon. On the palate, it is a combination of bitter orange marmalade and spices with hints of honey, cinnamon, molasses, toffee apples, crème brûlée and cloves. The finish is long with spice, cinnamon, orange and sweet vanilla. Broken Heart Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Giesen

A spiced rum from New Zealand spirits brand Broken Heart. Smooth and well balanced, it is aged three years in barrel and uses natural spices of galangal, vanilla, orange peel, cloves and cinnamon, with distinct caramel, candied walnuts and cinnamon on the palate.

Cuban rum Santisima Trinidad 7YO has a hint of raisin on the nose, with flavours of oak, vanilla and sweet almonds.

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Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Proof & Co

This 100% pot still Jamaican rum was created to revive the quintessential rums of the 19th century and the tradition known as “rum funk”, with intense aromas and flavours of black banana and flambéed pineapple. Xaymaca Special Dry has a complex, slightly smoky and meaty aroma, with fruity, herbal and sour notes building. It’s dry on the palate, with a floral and fruity profile of rose water, pear, white grape and apricot, with coconut milk, allspices, bread and nuts. Santísima Trinidad 7YO 40.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Tickety-Boo

This expression from Cuba’s Ron Santísima Trinidad has a hint of sweet raisins on the nose, while in the mouth there is oak, vanilla and sweet almonds. El Dorado 12YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Tickety-Boo

The youngest expression in El Dorado’s Luxury Cask Aged Range, which are rums designed to be savoured. The 12YO has aromas of lush tropical fruit and spice with hints of honey and dark sugar. The palate is round, mellow and full-bodied with rich flavours of fruit and spice and a dry finish.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Russell Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 Blush Distillers

The team at New Zealand’s Blush Distillers use oak-aged Caribbean rum in their spiced rum, which includes nutmeg, clove, and local citrus. Angostura 1919 40% ABV, 70ml RRP $89.99 Federal Merchants

A specially blended multi-award-winning rum named for an important date in the development of the rum industry in Trinidad & Tobago, as well as the Caribbean. After a fire in 1932, which destroyed the Government Rum Bond, the master blender of Fernandes Distillers bought the charred casks, only to discover they had been filled in the year 1919. The prized rum was blended and called “1919 Aged Rum.” A soft rum with complex toasty flavours from extended ageing in charred barrels. Bumbu Rum XO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Brandhouse

The XO expression from Bumbu is aged up to 18 years in American bourbon barrels and then finished for at least six months in Spanish sherry casks. It has aromas of toffee, toasted oak, and vanilla, leading to a palate of orange zest, peppery spice, and a hint of coffee.

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Charles Merser & Co Double Barrel 43.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Hancocks

A golden rum with aromas of vanilla, tropical fruit and a toasty oak character. The palate is mouth-coating, warming and generous with soft notes of vanilla, more tropical fruit and some vinous notes created through the cask maturation process. Toasty oak returns on the finish alongside sweet vanilla and hints of pastry cream. Don Papa 7YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Glengarry Spirits

This small batch rum has a light fruit aroma and is smooth and delicate on the palate with a long, rich finish. Flavours of vanilla, honey and candied fruits. Flor de Caña 12 YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Hancocks

An ultra-premium rum from Nicaraguan distillery Flor de Caña. Aromas of red fruits, honey and toasted nuts leading to a palate of wood, vanilla and baked apples, with a smooth and well-balanced finish. Plantation OFTD Overproof Rum 69% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Proof & Co

An intensely flavourful rum, ideal for cocktail making. Notes of coffee, orange, plum and truffles on the nose. In the mouth there are bursts of caramel, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, oak, nutmeg, and smoke. Lingering finish with dark chocolate and clove.

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A sipping rum that is aged in small oak casks for up to 12 years. It has aromas of maple syrup, orange peel, brown sugar and liquorice, with flavours of sweet toffee fudge. Serve neat, on the rocks, or use in a premium Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Black Tot Caribbean Rum 46.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Crafted from a marriage of fruity Barbadian, full-bodied Guyanese and vibrant Jamaican rums, the Black Tot gets its name from the ration of rum issued daily to sailors of the Royal Navy. A rich and complex rum with flavours of golden syrup, tropical fruits and a leathery hint. A note of coffee and chocolatey mocha on the palate, with butter toffee and oaky spice. A roasted banana character on the finish, ending this rich, fruity and slightly funky rum. Penny Blue XO Single Estate Mauritian Rum Batch #007 41.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This Mauritian rum is released in small batches, with variations on the proportions of different casks. Each batch in the series retains a level of continuity but is distinct; high levels of complexity are a hallmark of XO. The nose is fresh and well balanced with a subtle smoky wood spice and a touch of tobacco. The palate is mouth filling and generous, dominated by sweet fruits, wood spice and cooking spices. A very long finish reminiscent of prunes macerated in wellaged rum.

Distributed in New Zealand by Tickety-Boo Liquor Ltd. Phone 09 377 7597 or email sales@tickety-boo.co.nz for further information. www.tickety-boo.co.nz

The essence of Cuba in a bottle

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

RRP $90 - $124.99

Bayou Mardis Gras XO Single Batch

Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados

Grenada Bay Golden Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Tickety-Boo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Proof & Co

This Louisiana rum is matured in bourbon barrels for up to six years using the Solera ageing method and then partially finished in sherry barrels. Aromas of dried dark fruit and cedar wood lead to a complex palate of orange marmalade and dark stone fruit with blackcurrant and honey. A long, dry finish with black pepper, sherry and hints of smoke.

The 20th Anniversary bottling of XO rum from Barbados is aged in bourbon barrels before being shipped to France for a secondary maturation in Ferrand Cognac casks. It has hints of spicy oak on the nose, with guava, coconut and dried banana. On the palate it is spiced and creamy, with sweet vanilla notes and caramel. Finishes with notes of caramel and toasted oak.

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $93.99 Grenada Bay

This rum from Wellington distillery Grenada Bay is aged in oak barrels and is smooth on the palate with hints of smoky sweetness. The distinctive bottle is sealed with organic beeswax. Mount Gay XO New Edition 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Hancocks

A triple cask bend with an ageing scope wider than the current release rum, to allow for a wider palette of aromas and flavours. Round and complex with notes of salted caramel, baked fig, clove and dark chocolate. Santísima Trinidad 15YO 40.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Tickety-Boo

An intense woody aroma with caramelised, toasty character and prunes and raisins, alongside a slightly sweet fragrance. Complex flavours of wood, almond and walnut leading to a long finish.

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El Dorado Special Reserve 15YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Tickety-Boo

A cognac-like rum with a complex nose of dark coffee, candied orange, almonds, dark chocolate, pepper and rich vanilla. It’s silky and rounded on the palate, with flavours of grilled tropical fruit and smooth, oaky spice. Brugal 1888 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Hancocks

A double-aged rum that rests first in ex-bourbon American oak casks, followed by a second maturation in ex-sherry Spanish oak casks. On the nose there are red and dried fruits, a spicy woodiness and hints of cinnamon. It’s well-rounded and smooth on the palate with toffee, vanilla, peach, cocoa and cloves. Longlasting finish with a hint of honey.

Goslings 151 Overproof 75.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $114 Federal Merchants

This overproof version of Goslings original Black Seal rum is described as “muscular, but refined.” Clocking in at 75.5% ABV (The ‘151’ refers to the US proof strength), it’s designed to enhance mixed drinks as opposed to serving neat; or its makers also suggest using it for flambéing desserts. Don Papa 10YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Glengarry Spirits

This is a dark, intense rum thanks to the Filipino rum making tradition of not refilling casks after evaporation. It has rich aromas and a palate of dried fruit, cacao and a hint of oak.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Flor de Caña 18 YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $120 Hancocks

As with all rums from Nicaraguan distillery Flor de Caña, this sugar-free ultra-premium rum is sustainably produced (carbon neutral and Fair Trade certified) and naturally aged without artificial ingredients, distilled with 100% renewable energy and Kosher certified. It has aromas of nuts and caramel with intense vanilla and spices on the palate and a long, smooth finish. Matusalem Gran Reserva 23 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $120 Thirsty Camel

This premium offering from Matusalem has subtle aromas of dried fruit, fresh honey and a floral hint over a sweet toffee base with notes of mango and exotic wood. The palate is creamy with liquorice, roasted almond, hazelnut and dried fruit. A sherry-like finish. Diplomático Distillery Collection No.3 Pot Still 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Ageing for eight years in new American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-single malts barrels has developed aromas of red and tropical fruits with underlying notes of toffee and vanilla. Balanced and wellstructured on the palate, where wood flavours combine with coffee and dark chocolate notes. Ends with a deep and lingering finish.

RRP $125 and above Lunatic & Lover Silver 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $125 Lunatic & Lover

This debut rum from Auckland distillery Lunatic & Lover uses molasses from the nearby Chelsea Sugar Factory as well as locally grown fruit and herbs, alongside more exotic spices. It’s described as a ‘botanical rum’ thanks to the use of vapour distillation. Aromas of bright citrus and clean herbal top notes from bay leaf and mairehau lead to a complex palate of baking spice, subtle heat and green pepper (courtesy of the horopito) that mellows into a warm earthiness and rich molasses finish where the quality of the base rum shines through. Angostura 1824 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Federal Merchants

A blend of rums aged in charred American oak bourbon barrels for a minimum of 12 years then hand-picked by House of Angostura’s Master Blender from selected casks. These rums are then hand-blended and re-casked before being hand-drawn, filtered and bottled. The 1824 has rich aromas of vanilla, honey and warming spice followed by a long complex finish. Serve as a sipping rum.

Angostura 1787 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99 Federal Merchants

A super-premium rum made from a blend of rums aged for a minimum of 15 years. It has aromas of banana, dried fruit and oak with top notes of apples. The medium-bodied palate has hints of dried prunes, sweet rounded oak and subtle toffee, leading to a long, crisp finish. Grenada Bay Cherry 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $154.99 Grenada Bay

The team at Wellington’s Grenada Bay distillery blend their premium rum with Central Otago cherries and mature it in ex-Pinot Noir French oak barrels. During ageing, they roll and rest the barrels to replicate the movement of a sea voyage, creating a velvety, luscious rum bursting with ripe cherry flavour. Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $155 Lunatic & Lover

The Lunatic & Lover Silver rum is aged six months in oak for this Barrel Rested expression, which won the Trophy for Best NZ Rum at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. The oak melds a sweet and woody vanilla aroma with the rum’s orange top notes. The herbal element of the Silver remains, but is more subdued and integrated with the spice notes from the heavy barrel char. Deep, rich coffee and chocolate work with the tannins from the wood to dominate the finish.

Angostura 1787 is a super-premium rum made from a blend of rums aged for a minimum of 15 years.

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SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Waiheke Imperial Rum 2019 38% ABV, 1L RRP $155 Waiheke Imperial

This limited-edition rum (only 500 litres were produced) is smooth and spiced with vanilla, cinnamon and ginger. Floral aromas develop into long notes of cinnamon, ginger biscuit, walnut and manuka honey. El Dorado Special Reserve 21YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99 Tickety-Boo

Described as being for “true rum connoisseurs”, this 21-year-old rum has a nose of lush tropical fruit and spice with hints of honey and dark sugar. A round, mellow, full-bodied palate with rich flavours of fruit and spice. Goslings Old Family Reserve 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99 Federal Merchants

The ultimate ‘after dinner’ rum. This expression is crafted from the same Bermuda blend as Black Seal, then aged for 16-19 years in charred oak barrels. It has a complex nose with leather, chocolate and a hint of pepper, and a smooth and elegant taste with traces of smoke, vanilla and cigar box. Each black bottle is hand-filled, hand-labelled and numbered, then stopped with a cork and covered in sealing wax – the same way the Gosling family first bottled their Bermuda rums in the early 1900s.

Mount Gay Rum 1703 Old Cask Master Selection 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $199 Hancocks

The 1703 Master Select is a blend of copper column and copper pot rums from Mount Gay’s oldest reserves – ranging from 10 to 30-year-old rums – created and hand-picked by Master Blender Allen Smith. Due to the scarcity of Mount Gay’s most mature casks, the company releases just one batch annually. This rum has aromas of oak and caramel, balanced, rounded flavours of caramel, spice and toast, with a delicate finish.

New arrival Goslings Old Family Reserve is aged 16-19 years in charred oak barrels to make the ultimate ‘after dinner’ rum. Flor de Caña 25 YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $220 Hancocks

A full-bodied rum with aromas of vanilla, wood and dark cocoa. There are fruity notes of almond and nuts on the palate, with a full and long finish that lingers.

Black Tot 50th Anniversary 54.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This bottling celebrates the 50th anniversary of Black Tot Day – (31 July 1970) when the last rum ration was issued aboard ships of the British Royal Navy, ending a 300-year-old tradition. The release of just 5000 bottles marries rums from Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad. It has aromas of warm cinnamon and nutmeg, caramel, apple and a hint of citrus with chocolate raisins and freshly ground coffee. In the mouth there’s intense liquorice and vanilla bean paste, leading to lime, dark chocolate and brandy-poached pears. The finish is long and lingering. Diplomático Ambassador Selection 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

The ‘Ambassador’ is the flagship rum of Venezuelan distillery Diplomático, created by Tito Cordero, the 2011 Golden Barrel Awards Master Rum Blender of the Year. After long maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, the spirit is transferred to Spanish PX sherry casks for two years. The result is a rich and luscious rum with notes of dried fruits with big toffee, banana and sweet spice flavours.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 92. 80 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

Distributed by Federal Merchants & Co | federalmerchants.co.nz | 09 578 1823

OPINION – SPIRITS

Dominic Roskrow

UK-based world spirits expert Editor - Stills Crazy

Spotlight on whisky rules As distilleries around the world push the boundaries with their spirits, it’s forcing debate in the Northern Hemisphere around what defines whisky, as Dominic Roskrow explains…

SHOULD A country’s spirits drinks have a Geographical Indication (GI)? Is it possible, for example, to define a gin as specifically from New Zealand? Probably, if it contains only or mainly locally-sourced botanicals from a pre-approved list. The GI issue has become something of a hot potato in the Northern Hemisphere, where Welsh whisky is seeking to define itself, and Irish whiskey distilleries are arguing about what should or shouldn’t be allowed. Scotland has long had definitions in place for what can be called Scotch whisky. The country makes four types of whisky: single malt, grain, blended malt, and blended. Its views that whisky must contain just grain, yeast and water, that the spirit is made up with a wash distilled in a pot still and matured for at least three years are widely adopted across Europe and respected across the world. Scotch whisky must be matured in oak barrels in Scotland and bottled in Scotland. The rules are overseen by The Scotch Whisky Association, which was set up by the major whisky companies such as Diageo and Pernod Ricard. The Association argues that the rules ensure a high standard of whisky and protect its reputation worldwide. But there are anomalies. If you mature spirit for three years and a day in a cask that has been used several times before and is very tired, and then colour it caramel so that it looks old, where’s the quality in that? 82 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

As distilleries spring up around the world and bring innovation and blue sky thinking to the sector, Scotland looks like an unwieldy tanker in a sea of speed boats. And after years of telling the world that whisky makers can’t cut corners and Scotch whisky needs 10 or 12 years to reach its peak, how can you explain the plethora of Non Age Statement whiskies that are considerably younger, and taste it? Or the fact that different climates, different temperature extremes, and different levels of humidity all affect the maturation process? Then there’s the cask itself. What is it made of (world distillers aren’t bound by

the oak barrel rule)? If it’s oak, what sort of oak is it (there are huge differences between French oak, American oak and East European oak)? What size of barrel is being used, how many times has it been used before, and what did it previously contain? As distilleries spring up around the world, unfettered by tight rules, and bring innovation and blue sky thinking to the sector, Scotland looks like an unwieldy tanker in a sea of speed boats. How is it possible, for instance, that it’s okay to use a cask that previously contained beer or wine, but not cider? One company in Australia has made a whisky using a cask that previously contained cola. For years, Irish Distillers pretty much defined what Irish whiskey could be, but a while back the country got its own Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) – and promptly fell into dispute with its most scholarly and educated new distillers. Nothing is more Irish than Pot Still Whiskey, which has nothing to do with the still and everything to do with the grain recipe. Look it up and you’ll find countless definitions referring to it as a mix of malted barley and un-malted barley. That’s plain wrong. Pot Still is a mix of malted barley and another un-malted grain. The new distillers want to make whiskey using ancient recipes where other grains are included. At the time of writing, the IWA was reconsidering its definitions. What happens next will influence whether whisky can evolve to compete with other sectors – or stay plodding on with the slow-reacting tanker.

A DISTINCTIVE NEW LOOK AND

F L AV O U R F O R WA R D P O RT F O L I O

SPIRITS NEWS

Hastings Distillers launches bespoke tastings HAWKE’S BAY’S Hastings Distillers has unveiled a new, super-premium tasting experience at its French salon-inspired tasting room. The distillery’s Bespoke Tasting is a special 90-minute guided tasting for those with an interest in the flavour profiles and ingredients of gin, or those wanting to broaden their gin knowledge,. Guests begin their flight with a L’Opera aperitif (Trophy winner at the New Zealand Spirits Awards) followed by a series of handcrafted Hastings Distillers gins, served with a platter of local produce. To conclude, guests can choose

a cocktail from the menu. The gins served during the Bespoke Tasting include the popular East Block 200, which took out double gold at the NZSA, as well as the International Wine and Spirit Competition gold-medal winning Albertine. Kate Galloway and David Ramonteu founded Hastings Distillers in 2019 and offer New Zealand’s first Biogro-certified organic spirits and liqueurs. Other gins and liqueurs available exclusively through the Bespoke Tasting will change according to season or whim, says Galloway. “Guests will be able to dip

into our small catalogue of interesting, exclusive or one-off gins. If we’ve produced something special or seasonal, we’ll be sure to have it available.” She says the Bespoke Tastings are an excellent opportunity for the couple to share their passion for premium spirits, and to engage more fully with their customers. “We enjoy getting to know our guests, and being able to step away from the day-to-day to sit, taste, laugh and learn with them.” (Read more about Hastings Distillers on page 27.) hastingsdistillers.com

SHOWCASE

New arrivals at Thirsty Camel DISTRIBUTOR THIRSTY Camel is expanding its portfolio with a range of spirits now available for order and with more arriving in the coming months. AVAILABLE NOW

Disaronno Velvet Liqueur Italy’s beloved liqueur has released its second line extension in 500 years with Disaronno Velvet Liqueur. Designed to be a dessert in a glass, it is presented in a sleek bottle. Cutty Sark A blended Scotch whisky that was born to be mixed. It has subtle vanilla flavours and is refreshing, light and easy to drink.   Cutty Sark Prohibition The Prohibition Edition of the classic Cutty Sark has subtle hints of vanilla and spice from American Sherry oak casks.

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Super smooth with soft lingering warmth, it’s a rich and robust whisky, perfect for cocktails.   The Sexton The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey has been created for the modern whiskey drinker, to be enjoyed neat or in a range of cutting-edge cocktails. Made from 100% Irish malted barley, The Sexton single malt is triple distilled for smoothness in copper pot stills and aged exclusively in hand selected Oloroso sherry butts. COMING SOON…

Zaya Rum A premium dark aged rum sourced from the islands of the Caribbean. Crafted with a blend of aged rums for aromas of baked fruit and spiced vanilla and a smooth palate of caramel and toasted oak.

400 Conejos Rated Mexico’s #1 Mezcal, 400 Conejos has aromas of wood and agave, flavours of citrus spice and fruit and a wellbalanced finish. Creyente A full-bodied Mezcal with elegant and lingering smoky notes that blend subtly with sweet fruity traces, fresh oak, mesquite and light herbal hints. It has a sweet flavour, reminiscent of cooked agave, with pleasant smoky notes and hints of fruit. The finish is rich, yet smooth. Templeton Rye – new look A new look is coming for Templeton Rye across its aged expressions. The new packaging will roll out across its 4YO, 6YO and 10YO rye whiskies. Distributed by Thirsty Camel

Distributed by:

SPIRITS NEWS

SHOWCASE

New look Naked Malt arrives in NZ PREMIUM BLENDED single malt brand Naked Malt is now available in New Zealand through Hancocks. Naked Malt is comprised of a selection of Scotland’s finest single malts, including The Macallan, Highland Park and Glenrothes. The blended malt is matured in first-fill Oloroso sherry oak casks and it is from these “naked” casks that have never held whisky before that Naked Malt takes its name and its distinctive flavour. The ageing process, along with the blend of single malts, results in a rich and fruity whisky with a soft spice finish. Naked Malt’s debut on the New Zealand market coincides with its new brand launch globally. Previously Naked Grouse, there has been no change to the

award-winning liquid but Naked Malt now features a contemporary new design and is presented in 100% recyclable packaging. The bottle, which remains transparent to showcase the liquid, is embossed with a stunning “Naked” first-fill sherry cask. Each bottle also carries the signature of Naked Malt Master Blender, Diane Stuart, to acknowledge the meticulous blending, care and craftmanship that goes into every specially selected cask. Naked Malt 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Hancocks

New Bumbu Cream THE LATEST addition to the Bumbu Rum range from Barbados is Bumbu Cream – a blend of Bumbu rum, spices and real cream. The rich rum cream has a deep, complex array of aromas, including chai, coconut, and cinnamon. Ideal served chilled straight, on the rocks,

or in a cocktail. Bumbu Cream is presented in a heavyweight painted white bottle with gold and black artwork, crowned by a custom-made gold stopper embossed with the Bumbu “X” insignia. Bumbu Cream 15% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.

Brandhouse

SHOWCASE

Juno Gin - creating a world-class distillery experience DAVE AND Jo James, the creators of Juno Gin, are on a mission to create a new destination experience in Taranaki. In four short years of business, they have worked with some of New Zealand’s finest botanical growers (not to mention countless backyard hook-ups and roadside foraging) to produce over 25 unique gin recipes. More than 10 of these have won awards, including back-to-back Tasters’ Pick awards from the NZ Gin Guide for their signature Juno Extra Fine Gin. The family-owned business is growing and they have committed to increasing the capacity of the distillery. “Scaling-up our humble Kiwi shed to a purpose-built production facility will enable us to export Juno Gin all around the world and give our fantastic fans a much better experience,” says Jo James. The Juno Gin Cellar Door will be an educational space designed to showcase New Zealand’s finest botanical growers

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through hands-on activations and gin master classes. To help make this happen, they have recently employed Tess Kerslake – Juno’s brand ambassador. She will oversee the new Cellar Door and facilitate distillery tours and tastings. Tess’s priority is to make sure all Juno’s visitors feel really welcome. The space will also be more than a cellar door – it will be a space to celebrate and promote the vibrant food and beverage industry in Taranaki. The vision is to make this a must-do experience when you visit New Plymouth. There will

also be an outdoor covered area with working gardens to host pop-up music and art events. Work is already underway with amazing local companies like Shed Boss, 4-Site Design, BOON Architects and Jones and Sandford to name a few. The new facility is on track to be commissioned by October 2021 and open to the public in November. The production expansion is 100% funded by Juno Gin and this where they need your help. Will you join us in this journey and help us create a really unique Taranaki experience?

Juno Gin’s PledgeMe campaign goes live on August 4, 2021 at pledgeme.co.nz See junogin.com for more information.

STOLI® PROUDLY SUPPORTING OUTLINE A FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL 0800 SUPPORT LINE FOR THE NZ RAINBOW COMMUNITY

Every Bottle Purchased of Stoli® LGBTQ+ Harvey Milk Limited Edition Donates $1 to Outline

Distributed in New Zealand by Tickety-Boo Liquor Ltd. Phone 09 377 7597 or email sales@tickety-boo.co.nz for further information. www.tickety-boo.co.nz

SPIRITS NEWS

Bellini introduces bar stars BELLINI AT Hilton Auckland has announced two new team members to lead the bar, and the return of its popular Mixology Masterclasses. New Bar Manager Bastien Cervero is joined by new Head Bartender Alexandra Bardou. Cervero joins the team after previously managing Emporium Bar and Eatery for the past two years, and prior to that he worked in various bars around Europe, including the Sofitel Biarritz Le Miramar in France. Bardou was previously at Spring Kitchen Bar at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Wellington and has

extensive experience working in premium Melbourne establishments, such as Pepe’s Italian & Liquor, George on Collins and Berlin Bar. Alongside the two new team members, Bellini Bar is also bringing back its Mixology Masterclasses. The classes offer lessons with their expert mixologists in three cocktail classics, each paired with a small dish. The Hilton Auckland has also announced that chef Des Harris will be its new Culinary Director, working across Bellini, FISH, in-room dining and the private dining room.

Bellini Bar Manager, Bastien Cervero

Bellini Head Bartender, Alexandra Bardou

SHOWCASE

New look for Benriach whisky range SPEYSIDE DISTILLERY Benriach has launched its flavour-forward portfolio and new look in New Zealand – elevating the Scotch whisky with a premium bottle and label design, creating a range that is easier for consumers to navigate.

Benriach is available in New Zealand exclusively through distributor Hancocks. The story so far…

Benriach’s unique whisky making heritage dates from 1898, when founder John Duff built his distillery. It stands on the site

of the old Riach farm in north Speyside, drawing water from a mineral-rich aquifer, deep beneath the distillery. Thanks to a long-standing tradition of distilling three styles of whisky: classic unpeated, Highland peated, and triple distilled, together with an eclectic selection of casks from around the world, Benriach’s whisky makers are able to explore the full flavour possibilities of single malt, creating some of the richest, most multi-layered whiskies in Speyside. The tradition continues today, under the guidance of Master Blender Rachel Barrie. Design inspiration

Remaining true to its creative heritage, the new design for the Benriach range takes inspiration from the original packaging used for the first ever single malt released by Benriach in 1994. Authentically rooting Benriach in its home, the portfolio colour palette is inspired by the colours of Speyside, the whisky region in which the distillery sits. The new design reinforces Benriach as a more premium single malt, rooted in its creative history whilst providing a more distinctive and navigable range. Hancocks

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SPIRITS NEWS

Elemental fires up Navy Strength gin THE MARLBOROUGH distillery behind the gin named the best in New Zealand has launched a new Navy Strength version, complete with a live gunpowder test. Elemental Distillers released its Roots Norwester Navy Strength Dry Gin at an event at its Rapaura distillery. In July, its Roots Marlborough Dry Gin won the Trophies for Best New Zealand Gin and Best Overall Gin at the New Zealand Spirits Awards 2021. (See more page 26.) The new gin was gunpowder tested in a live recreation at the distillery, overseen

by a retired Royal Navy Lt Commander, Royal NZ Airforce Chief Armourer and local Muzzle Loaders Club. Elemental’s Ben Leggett says it was a huge amount of fun. “The core event saw me pour a sample of our Navy Gin into a howitzer shell and ignite with a cannon fuse in authenticity of its ‘proof’. We even had an authentic Royal Navy Lt Commander drilling our troops and signalling me to raise the gin pennant. Not a bad way to launch a new gin product!” Mineral

SHOWCASE

Premium rum Spirited Union joins Hancocks DISTRIBUTOR HANCOCKS is growing its premium rum portfolio with the addition of Spirited Union from Amsterdam. The independent distillery produces exceptional botanical infused rums, creating a new flavour-driven category for the spirit. Hancocks has just launched its first two Spirited Union rums with Queen Pineapple & Spice, and Pink Grapefruit & Rose, with Organic Coconut to follow in November. Spirited Union aims to make its supply chain as sustainable as possible by working in a solar powered distillery, eliminating single use plastic, making each bottle by hand at the distillery and working with sustainable partners. Spirited Union Queen Pineapple & Spice: This rum celebrates the sweet taste of Queen Victoria pineapple. Mellow notes of pineapple with a rich finish. Spirited Union Pink Grapefruit & Rose: Made by distilling the skin of blush-pink

grapefruits to match the refreshing floral taste of Swazi rum. Infused blood orange adds a bitter-sweet sour note and a vapour-infusion of garden rose petals and elderflower gives an intense floral aroma. Spirited Union Organic Coconut Rum: Unites tropical Belizean rum with sundried organic coconut flakes. Infusing

Madagascan vanilla and Peruvian cacao gives a sweet, nutty and creamy flavour. The rum is brought down to mixing strength with organic coconut water. Spirited Union rums (38% ABV) are RRP $59.99 for 700ml. Hancocks

Flor de Caña rum pledges a million trees IN CELEBRATION of Earth Day this year, premium rum brand Flor de Caña has pledged to plant more than one million trees by 2025. Flor de Caña is one of the most environmentally friendly distilleries in the world and the only one to be both Carbon Neutral and Fair Trade certified. In addition to planting 50,000 trees every year, the brand captures and recycles all CO2 emissions during the fermentation process and uses 100% renewable energy to distil its rum. The Flor de Caña range is distributed in New Zealand through Hancocks. Through its own annual reforestation program, Flor de Caña has already planted nearly 750,000 trees since 2005, and now, in partnership with the environmental charity One Tree Planted, the brand will launch a global reforestation campaign that aims to ensure a greener future for generations to come. The campaign is titled “Together for a Greener Future” and will include a series of initiatives with retailers, bars, restaurants and on social media

(#TogetherForAGreenerFuture) to engage eco-conscious consumers and raise awareness on the importance of reforestation. Individuals can donate through the One Tree Planted platform, which guarantees that one tree will be planted for every dollar received. In turn, Flor de Caña will match all individual donations received during the campaign, doubling the impact. Hancocks

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021 89

SPIRITS NEWS

Stoli Harvey Milk campaign to support LGBTQ+ in NZ DISTRIBUTOR TICKETY-BOO Liquor is working with premium vodka brand Stoli to help support New Zealand’s Rainbow youth as part of an international campaign. Stoli has launched a special 2021 Stoli Harvey Milk bottle to support the LGBTQ+ community around the world. Harvey Milk was an American politician and the first openly gay elected official in the history of California, where he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. It’s the first time Stoli’s Harvey Milk campaign has been promoted outside the North American market and New Zealand will be the first country in the world to support it. Stoli ‘Harvey Milk’ LGBTQ+ Special Limited Edition will be available in New Zealand through Tickety-Boo and Managing Director Kevin Rowe says $1 from every bottle sold will go to OutLine in New Zealand – an all-ages

Rainbow mental health organisation providing support to the Rainbow community, their friends, whānau, and those questioning. It offers a support line and specialist counselling and peer support services. “Youth suicide is a real issue in New Zealand and we are hoping to work with our key On and Off premise Trade Partners to raise some financial support for the New Zealand LGBTQ+ through Outline,” says Rowe. “Funds raised through this campaign will go towards the running of the 0800 OutLine support line and upcoming online chat support service, making the critical support OutLine offers more accessible to those who need it.” Kevin Rowe says Tickety-Boo is planning on-premise events and off-premise fundraising campaigns through Q3 and Q4 2021. Tickety-Boo Liquor

SHOWCASE

Bruichladdich champions transparency in Scotch A NEW campaign from Islay’s Bruichladdich Distillery is designed to bring a new level of transparency to single malt Scotch. The ‘Know What is in Your Whisky’ campaign shines a light on some of the under-observed factors affecting flavour in Scotch – namely the quality and provenance of the distillers’ ingredients – and addresses the need for more education and awareness around these. Bruichladdich Distillery’s philosophy is engrained with ideals of provenance, traceability and transparency. Their recent B Corp certification, as well as their willingness to share their experiences with fellow whisky-makers, is proof their business operates an open-door policy. Considering whisky holistically, Bruichladdich have stepped outside convention and tradition to trace ingredients and their flavours from origin to bottling. Explore The Classic Laddie

These efforts are typified in the composition of their flagship Bruichladdich bottlings in The Classic Laddie. The creation of each subtly different batch is a painstaking process for Head Distiller, Adam Hannett. He must curate the flavour potential of the barley’s provenance, regionality and the complexities of cask maturation to celebrate nuance within the house style.

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Bruichladdich Head Distiller Adam Hannett 200ml size

The distillery publishes every recipe of The Classic Laddie on its website. Consumers can access information unique to the ingredients in their bottle by entering a code on the back of their bottle. Alongside each recipe, the distiller has added education pieces to the website, including how ingredients affect flavour, why transparency is important and what the EU law allows.

“Our customers are engaged with us across our big picture thinking down to the granular detail of how our whisky is made,” says CEO Douglas Taylor. “We’re determined to highlight the complexity behind every batch of The Classic. There are no shortcuts taken in their creation, therefore we have no secrets… that’s what’s meant by ‘No Hidden Measures’. Some may dismiss this level of detail as unnecessary, but it’s important for us to make whisky accessible AND allow a more sophisticated conversation to take place.” Hancocks

GU ID

W ZEA

2020

LA GI

N OI T

ORDER JUNO GIN: Email info@thirstycamel.co.nz

ZEA

2021

junogin.com

NEW

Each drop divine. Pure New Zealand mountain water. Botanicals—fresh, local, hand-selected. Freeing mother nature to become spirit through artistry in the copper still.

URNE

We are creating a world-class distillery experience, will you join our journey?

Aotearoa’s goddess of gin.

DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY

Distributors 8-Wired

Dhall & Nash

Grenada Bay

Peckham’s Cider

Thirsty Camel

022 106 1709 8wired.co.nz

0800 369 463 dnfinewine.com

027 892 5723 grenadabay.nz

03 543 2959 peckhams.co.nz

info@thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz

The Apple Press

Elephant Hill

Hancocks

Pernod Ricard

Thomson Whisky

0800 LOVE APPLES theapplepress.co.nz

06 873 0400 elephanthill.co.nz

0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com

021 626 636 thomsonwhisky.com

Asahi Beverages NZ

Emerson’s

Lion

Proof & Company

Tickety-Boo Liquor

09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

0800 107 272 lionco.com

022 350 9288 proofandcompany.com

09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz

Beam Suntory

Emporium Brewing

Lunatic & Lover

Q Liquid

Tohu Wines

0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz

09 281 0572 lunaticandlover.com

09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

03 520 9230 tohuwines.co.nz

Beverage Brothers

Epic Beer

LWF Distilling

Radburnd Cellars

Tuatara Brewing

03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz

0800 212 337 epicbeer.com

lwfdistilling.com

06 651 1815 radburndcellars.co.nz

0508 TUATARA tuatarabrewing.co.nz

Blush Distillers

EuroVintage

Blushgin.co.nz

0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

Boneface Brewing 04 529 7042 boneface-brewing.com

Bostock Wines 06 873 9046 bostockwines.nz

Brandhouse 0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz

Clearview Estate 06 875 0150 clearviewestate.co.nz

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

DB Breweries 0800 746 432 db.co.nz

Federal Merchants 0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz

Garage Project 027 535 0917 garageproject.co.nz

Giesen 03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz

Glengarry 0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz

Go Green Beverages 027 511 9882 buybeer@ gogreenbeverage.com

Marisco

McCashin’s Brewery 03 547 5357 mccashins.co.nz

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

Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

No.8 Distillery 03 477 4188 no8distillery.com

The NZ Rum Co. 09 281 0090 thenzrumco.nz

ParrotDog

Good George Brewing

04 384 8077 parrotdog.co.nz

07 846 9364 goodgeorge.co.nz

Passage Rock

92 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

09 372 7257 passagerock.co.nz

Red + White Cellar

Villa Maria

0800 946 379 redwhitecellar.co.nz

0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz

Sprig & Fern

Vintners NZ

03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz

0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

Squawking Magpie

Waiheke Imperial

06 878 1800 squawkingmagpie.co.nz

09 372 3192 waihekeimperial.com

Stonecroft

Whisky Galore

06 879 9610 stonecroft.co.nz

03 377 6824 trade.whiskygalore.co.nz

Tantalus Estate

Whitehaven

09 372 2625 tantalus.co.nz

021 738 315 whitehaven.co.nz

Taylor Brown

Wine by Jenny Dobson

09 447 3801 taylorbrown.co.nz

winetrust@xtra.co.nz

Te Awanga Estate

06 835 1825 zeelandt.co.nz

06 875 0553 teawangaestate.co.nz

Zeelandt Brewing

DISCOVER THE FLAVOURS BEHIND OUR UNPEATED ISLAY SINGLE MALT:

BRUICHLADDICH.COM/AGE-OF-TRANSPARENCY SCAN THE CODE WITH YOUR CAMERA’S PHONE OR ENTER THE FIVE-DIGIT-CODE ON THE BACK OF YOUR BOTTLE TO DISCOVER ITS COMPOSITION

LAST ORDERS – MT FYFFE DISTILLERY

Of land and sea Mt Fyffe Distillery in Kaikoura had won an award for Best Emerging Product even before its official opening. Owner and distiller, Justine Schroder, explains her story so far… How did Mt Fyffe Distillery come about?

After having my children, I tried to get back into midwifery but living on the farm and after the Kaikōura earthquake it was impossible. I’m a botanical gin drinker and it didn’t take me long to figure out that I’m surrounded by botanicals that could be used in making a cracking gin. I took a distilling course just under two years ago and have never looked back. What inspired your two gins?

I wanted to produce gins that were story inspired, using botanicals that I could sustainably forage from the area. Woolshed Gin was my first: it had to be a classic London dry gin and my inspiration was the farm and family. My brother is a graphic designer in the UK and designed the labels; my son Jack (9) helped pick botanicals while Toby (10) drew the woolshed on the bottle, and my husband has helped with all manner of practical things. I wanted to take the gin-lover on a journey through the farm: kanuka hedges that protect the stock from adverse weather, elderflower bushes that hang over the lamb pens, and mint and rosemary whose smells are always around the garden. It’s rural, rustic and botanically bold. Shearwater Gin is a contemporary dry gin. I wanted to create something that signifies all that Kaikōura is…mountains and sea. The Hutton shearwater bird is endemic to the coastline and this little bird’s flight path inspired my botanicals. Rosehip and blue borage from the mountains are paired with 94 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2021

karengo seaweed from the coast, which creates this fresh, beautiful, oceanic gin. It’s Kaikōura in a bottle and I love it. A donation from bottle sales on each purchase also goes towards trusts and charities close to my heart too. What have been some highlights so far?

I had a dream to make this into a reality and to show my children that with hard work and determination dreams can come true. As I worked through all the processes, found the blends, developed and marketed the brand it all started to fit into place and when I realised it was going to happen, that was a wonderful moment. Attending the NZ Spirits Awards and meeting gin makers, people I’ve aspired

“Rosehip and blue borage are paired with karengo seaweed... Shearwater Gin is Kaikoura in a bottle and I love it.” to for the last two years. To then win the Emerging Product Award was an incredible feeling. A week later I launched my gin in Kaikōura. Supporting local, sustainability and giving back are all part of the business that I have built. Attending my first Gindulgence in July as the newest gin distiller in New Zealand and serving the public my gin was a real highlight. What are some of the lessons?

I spent ages with my brother designing labels. I didn’t realise how important it was to trademark the names early on. One was red flagged and after

failed discussions I had to retract it and rethink. It was probably one of the best things that happened but at the time I was devastated. Having no real business, marketing or computer experience probably had me on the back foot…I’ve learnt as I’ve gone along. And photography with drinks and bottles was a good learning curve… rocks are uneven (take blue tack), ice melts fast and herbs wither under the lights! What has feedback been like so far?

Amazing! My website was live a week or so before the official launch and a few sales had started trickling through. Being so new to the business I ring customers up to get their feedback on the ordering process and of course the gin. Attending Gindulgence a week after launching was nerve-racking but I quickly realised how fantastic it is to explain my gins to the gin-loving punters. The learning curve hasn’t finished as I look to getting some distribution across New Zealand. What are the plans from here?

After a hectic two months I need to regain some balance – my two young children need some attention, and we’re sheep farmers and the lambs aren’t far away. Over the next six months I have a few festivals and events and I also want to explore the possibilities of releasing seasonal gins. I’m a small boutique distillery and along with my 40 litre copper alembic still (‘Bruce’) we can only produce 34 bottles at a time. That’s perfect as I want to be hands-on: from foraging and drying my botanicals, through to the distilling, bottling, labelling, marketing and paperwork. mtfyffedistillery.co.nz

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