Drinksbiz December 2023 January 2024

DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 DRINKSBIZ.CO.NZ

Farming and winemaking in breathtaking harmony.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Victoria Wells

Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

Steps in a new direction WELL, WE made it through the election and the Rugby World Cup (just don’t mention the TMO), and so now it feels like we can release the collective breath we've all been holding and look ahead.

What will 2024 bring?

A new coalition Government for a start, and one that is putting more of a focus on the potential of the hospo industry, announcing that it is expanding the Tourism portfolio to become Tourism and Hospitality, under new Minister Matt Doocey.

It’s a really encouraging sign and recognises the important part that hospitality has to play economically, and will hopefully give the industry a more active voice at the highest levels.

As part of that, it would be fantastic to see much more emphasis on (and investment in) hospitality as a skilled profession – presenting it as a real career path.

Wouldn’t it be great if one day New Zealand operators could confidently draw on an ever-growing local pool of skilled hospitality graduates and experienced professionals, rather than having to rely on tourists passing through, or navigating immigration requirements to fill key roles?

Somehow, the end of the year has crept up behind us, trailing its tinsel and rattling its baubles.

We all know what it’s like to experience great service – whether that’s behind a bar or tableside – and it is a real skill that deserves real reward.

Obviously, there is also a wider conversation to have around that with

regards to pay, career progression and opportunities – but the change has to start somewhere, and having hospitality as part of the Government’s scope at least feels like a step in the right direction.

On another note, it’s Christmas.

(Again?!?) Somehow, the end of the year has crept up behind us, trailing its tinsel and rattling its baubles.

Thank you, from the Drinksbiz team, for another great year – it’s a delight to be a part of this industry. Thank you to all of you who read the magazine, who keep in touch with your news and new products and happenings with your businesses. Best wishes for an enjoyable and successful festive season and summer, and we’ll see you on the other side!

Enjoy the issue, Victoria.

My picks Hunter’s MiruMiru Rosé NV An always sensational bubbly that pours a beautiful pink in the glass and adds instant fun to any celebration. Amazing value for money too. (Pg 32.)

Simple Life Punchy hops and sparkling water combine in this deliciously refreshing local addition to the non-alc category. A fabulous option for those who want something more interesting than a soft drink when they’re not drinking (Pg 24.)

Sangre de Vida Tequila Añejo If ever a bottle was going to start a conversation, this is it. Heart-shaped and hand-painted with Mexican motifs, it contains the aged expression of Sangre de Vida (‘Blood of life’) tequila. (Pg 66.)

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 5

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

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

28

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

REGULARS

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BEER & CIDER

Cover story

10

Industry News

12

International News

21

RTD News

22

Non-Alcoholic News

24

Feature: Shake it up 28 WINE

50 Beer & Cider Report

48

Opinion: Michael Donaldson 54 Beer & Cider News

55

SPIRITS Associate Member (NZ) Drinksbiz is published

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every second month by

Wine Report: Bubbles

30

Opinion: Joelle Thomson

35

Top Picks: Rosé

36

Wine News

42

Trade Media Limited.

The contents of Drinksbiz are copyright and may

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not be reproduced in any form without the written

Spirits Report: Tequila & Mezcal

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permission of the publisher.

Opinion: Sarah Miller 72

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enquiries to Trade Media Limited, P O Box 37745,

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Distributors 6 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Parnell, Auckland.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

Raise a glass Drinksbiz publisher Karen Boult celebrates the community of our industry…

AS THE holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the year that has passed – a year filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments that have shaped our industry and our community. As the publisher of Drinksbiz I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with you, our valued readers, who make up the vibrant tapestry of the liquor industry in New Zealand.

In the spirit of the season, let’s raise a glass to resilience, innovation, and the unwavering spirit that defines us. The past year has been a rollercoaster ride for all of us, both locally and globally. We’ve navigated unprecedented challenges, witnessed remarkable adaptations, and come together as a community to support one another.

Locally, the liquor industry in New Zealand has displayed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

Our bars, liquor outlets, and licensed restaurants have weathered storms, adapting to changing regulations and finding new ways to serve their communities. The creativity and determination of our industry professionals have not only kept businesses afloat but have also set the stage for a brighter future.

8 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Internationally, we’ve seen a shift in consumer preferences and behaviours, with a growing emphasis on sustainability, craft, and unique experiences. The global liquor landscape is evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities. As we navigate this changing terrain, let us remember the strength we’ve shown as a community and the innovation that has propelled us forward.

The creativity and determination of our industry professionals have not only kept businesses afloat but have also set the stage for a brighter future.

This Christmas, let’s celebrate the small victories, the moments of camaraderie, and the resilience that defines us.

While the world around us may be transforming, the heart and soul of our industry remain steadfast. The holiday

season is a time to come together, share stories, and raise a toast to the bonds that connect us.

Looking ahead to the coming year, I am optimistic about the possibilities that lie before us. The challenges we’ve faced have fuelled a spirit of adaptation and creativity that will undoubtedly shape the future of the liquor industry. New Zealand’s unique position in the world of spirits, wine, and beer gives us a platform to lead and inspire.

As we welcome the New Year, let us embrace the opportunities for growth and collaboration. Let’s continue to support local producers, champion sustainability, and foster a culture of inclusivity within our community. Together, we can build a future that reflects the values and aspirations of our industry.

As 2023 draws to a close, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you – our readers, contributors, and partners. Your passion and dedication are the driving force behind the success of Drinksbiz. May this festive season bring you joy, warmth, and the company of loved ones.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Here’s to the journey ahead!

LAND ON THE

EXTRAORDINARY

COVER STORY – LEEFIELD STATION

Nothing by halves Marlborough winery Leefield Station is launching new wines and a major new campaign that showcases its authentic connection with the land…

IN THE heart of Marlborough’s Waihopai Valley is a place where exceptional sheep and cattle have been raised for more than a century, and now share their home with an exceptional vineyard.

Leefield Station is a unique offering in the wine world – a working farm alongside a working winery. The 2,200ha sheep and beef station is owned by winemaker and Marlborough local Brent Marris, who bought the property in 2012.

More than 660ha of the land has since been converted to vineyards and a stateof-the-art winery has also been built.

Part of a prestigious wine family, Leefield Station sits in the Marisco Vineyards portfolio with sibling brand The Ned, which has found huge success locally and in international markets.

Leefield Station’s first wines were released in 2016 to great acclaim, and now a new campaign, ‘Nothing by halves’, is set to draw in even more consumers.

‘Nothing by halves’ at Leefield Station

“As a brand, Leefield Station is still in its infancy in terms of distribution and 10 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

consumer awareness,” says Siobhan Wilson, General Manager Sales and Marketing for Marisco Vineyards.

“We know that the liquid inside the bottle is outstanding due to our amazing winemaking team. If we can engage people through an interesting and unique campaign and they try the wine, they will love it, and Leefield Station will become a go-to brand for them.”

moonlit skies, and shotgun cartridges all feature in the eye-catching campaign.

“It’s not like anything I have seen in wine marketing before,” says Wilson.

“Combining farming and winemaking in a sophisticated way that hadn’t been done before was tough, but our creative partners The Enthusiasts have nailed it.”

She says the campaign presents the simple authenticity of life at Leefield

Leefield Station is a unique offering in the wine world – a working farm alongside a working winery.

It is the dual world of winemaking and farming at Leefield Station that the new campaign captures with the tagline ‘Nothing by halves’. Use of strong, sophisticated imagery evokes the luxurious character of the wines, juxtaposed against the authentic, rural nature of their origins: majestic Angus bulls, plump grapes, wild mushrooms,

Station perfectly. “We are always striving to excel in all we do: from winemaking to bull breeding, from grape growing to animal husbandry – ‘nothing by halves’ is our mantra and it is what drives us on a daily basis.”

The new campaign has launched in New Zealand and will include print, digital, social, a new website, and OOH activity. There will

COVER STORY – LEEFIELD STATION

There’s 20°C between night and day here.

No wonder the flavour’s so intense.

“It’s not like anything I have seen in wine marketing before...

Combining farming and winemaking in a sophisticated way…”

– Siobhan Wilson - GM Sales and Marketing for Marisco Vineyards.

@leefield_station www.marisco.co.nz

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NEW – Expressions of Leefield Leefield Station Stockman Syrah 2021

also be POS for in-store and trade marketing activity with opportunities to visit Leefield Station. Wilson says products from the farm such as woollen and wooden items, chutney and honey will also be available to drive unique promotional activity at store level.

She says the intent is to go global in the coming months and provide assets and tools for international trade partners to build sales in their markets.

For Wilson, the importance of the new Leefield Station campaign in such a crowded market cannot be overestimated.

“We are no longer just competing against other wine brands. We are competing against alternative beverages, from alcoholic sodas to non-alcoholic spirits, low calorie beers and RTDs, low alcohol wine, non-alcoholic wine, wine spritzers – the list goes on and on.

“To build brand awareness and stay relevant in a vibrant and changing industry we must have a clear brand message that resonates with our consumers, that sets us apart and that they can connect with and feel part of. We have seen huge

success with The Ned ‘Let Go and Feel’ campaign, building brand awareness and continuing sales growth in a market that is flat. We intend to achieve the same with Leefield Station and our ‘Nothing by Halves’ campaign.”

The new Expressions of Leefield

The campaign launch runs alongside the release of three new wines from Leefield Station, made from grapes grown on some very special spots. GM of Viticulture, Anton Rasmussen, has created boutique vineyard sites throughout the property with small blocks of Syrah, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling.

“Anton and his team selected the best possible sites for these varieties,” says Wilson, “and they are not large plantings [but] the winemakers are hugely excited about the quality of the fruit, so we were super keen to create a range of wines that spoke to site and flavour. Hence ‘Expressions of Leefield’ – they are true expressions of the flavour that can come from this unique place.”

This robust Syrah will pair perfectly with anything off the grill, such as the simple richness of a rib-eye steak.

Equally as delicious with a smoked aubergine, tomato and butter bean stew.

Leefield Station The Gatherer Gewürztraminer 2022

An intensely pure bouquet of fresh lychee, white peach and apricot with delicate nuances of orange peel and ginger. Concentrated floral and fruit flavours dance on a deliciously plush palate that is balanced by juicy acidity with a dry and lengthy finish.

Champion Gewürztraminer Trophy – NZ International Wine Show Leefield Station Ridgeline Riesling 2023

Delicate notes of lemon, stone fruits and subtle honey hints define the aromas of this vibrant, youthful wine.

The palate is crunchy and fruity, complemented by minerality and natural fresh acidity to finish in a crisp, dry yet well balanced style.

Leefield Station wines are distributed by Lion.

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

Top honour for EuroVintage’s Nick Hern FOUNDER AND CEO of EuroVintage, Nick Hern, has been made a Knight of the French Order of Agricultural Merit for his exceptional contribution to the French wine industry.

The Order of Agricultural Merit was established in France in 1883 and was second in importance only to the Legion of Honour. It is bestowed on individuals by the French Republic for their outstanding contributions to agriculture.

Hern’s 40-year career spans a wide sector of the wine business: a brand manager with New Zealand Wines and Spirits Ltd in the 1980s, he established a family retail enterprise in the 1990s which

was subsequently sold to Lion Nathan, he was then managing director of South Corp/Penfolds Wines and began importing French wines in 1992.

In 1997, Hern established Vintage Wines and Spirits Limited, which in 2010 purchased Wellington-based Eurowine and now trades as EuroVintage. Today, the national distributor employs 70 people and sells 1.2 million bottles of French wine annually.

Hern was nominated for the prestigious Ordre du Mérite, by another recipient of the award, Xavier Pignet-Dupont, Asian Managing Director for France’s largest wine producer, Castel Groupe.

International Beverage acquires Cardrona Distillery GLOBAL DRINKS business International Beverage has acquired premium New Zealand spirits producer Cardrona Distillery.

The acquisition includes the Cardrona Distillery and visitor centre near Wānaka, plus Cardrona’s portfolio of super-premium brands including Cardrona single malt whisky, The Reid Vodka, The Source Gin and Rose Rabbit liqueurs.

Desiree Reid, who founded Cardrona Distillery in 2015, will remain as Managing Director.

In a statement announcing the acquisition in September, International Beverages

said that following its recent acquisition of the Larsen Cognac business, the Cardrona deal will give it a foothold in the “dynamic” New World spirits category, to complement its Scotch whisky and spirits brands, which include Old Pulteney, Speyburn and Caorunn Gin. International Beverage says it will focus on investment in the purpose-built distillery site and maximising the potential of Cardrona’s brands in the core New Zealand, UK and USA markets as well as using its global network to build select new routes to market.

12 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

French Agriculture Counsellor Vincent Hebrail with Nick Hern of EuroVintage.

The award was presented by Vincent Hebrail, Agriculture Counsellor at a ceremony in Auckland in late November.

Hern says he was surprised but honoured to receive the award. “I have been fortunate to work with some of the leading French producers and brands over many years, but the award also acknowledges the EuroVintage team who have worked hard in the trade selling these wines for a long time.”

CCEP NZ closes gender pay gap COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) has closed its gender pay gap to 0% and achieved the Advanced GenderTick Accreditation.

CCEP NZ met the requirements set by GenderTick across the six pillars of Pay Equity, Leadership Representation, Flexible Work and Leave, Gender Safe Workplace, Gender Inclusive Culture and Supporting the Menopausal Transition.

Additionally, CCEP NZ met the criteria for Advanced Accreditation around remuneration, parental leave and policies that ensure a safe and welcoming environment within the workplace.

Closing the gender pay gap to 0% means that the median hourly rate of pay across the business is the same for males and females.

CCEP NZ calculates pay gap

by MindTheGap and Statistic NZ’s formula. CCEP NZ also has processes in place to

ensure that the pay gap remains closed, including a quarterly review on renumeration data.

Clare Parkes, General Manager of People and Culture at CCEP NZ said that she is proud of CCEP NZ’s continued commitment to improving gender equality in the workplaces and meeting the benchmark for best practice in gender equality. “It shows how our systemic processes of hiring and rewarding performance are unbiased in applying the right remuneration for the role regardless of gender.

Our leaders are committed to creating a workplace where everyone’s welcome and achieving the GenderTick is testament to this,” said Parkes.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Čuvar Winery launches SIR GEORGE Fistonich has launched a new wine venture, Čuvar Winery, based in Hawke’s Bay. The new winery is part of the Fistonich Family Vineyards company, which Sir George founded in 2021 and which owns vineyards across Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.

Čuvar, (pronounced ‘chu-var’) translates as ‘guardian’ in Croatian. “Čuvar pays homage to the Croatian wine and viticultural pioneers and many others, who played an important part in shaping what New Zealand’s wine story is today,” says Sir George.

Winemaker Michelle Richardson is at the helm of Čuvar’s two wine collections: the Iris Collection (in tribute to Croatia’s national flower) and the Guardians Collection. Čuvar Winery is located at what was formerly Esk Valley Winery and while the site is not yet open to the public, plans are underway. “Our vision is spacious, sun-drenched patios overlooking the terraced vines and the Pacific Ocean,” says Sir George. “Beautiful spaces will be available to host intimate or large weddings and corporate events. We [also] have plans to build

Sir George Fistonich

walking and cycle tracks around the site.”

Opening dates are expected in 2024. cuvarwinery.com

Lyre’s teams up with David Guetta

Lyres co-founder Carl Hartmann with new global brand ambassador David Guetta

NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS brand Lyre’s has announced a partnership with superstar DJ and music producer David Guetta, who will become the brand’s global ambassador.

The partnership marks Guetta’s first venture into the non-alcoholic spirits market, which is expected to see a 6.5% CAGR during the forecast period 2023-20301.

Carl Hartmann, Lyre’s co-founder, said: “I’m

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excited and privileged to announce our partnership with David Guetta. As one of the greatest DJs and producers of all time, and with over 100M engaged fans worldwide across all social networks, I can think of no one better to help us on our mission to change how the world drinks.

“With David’s following worldwide, performing at top nightclubs and festivals, I’m looking forward to working together to

SEALOVERSGIN.CO.NZ

introduce Lyre’s onto menus at venues globally,” says Hartmann.

Regarding the partnership, Guetta says: “We’re about to change the party scene together!

It’s all about inclusivity and freedom of choice!

There’s always that ‘cheers’ moment at events… Lyre’s is a non-alcoholic alternative that allows me to enjoy the moment with a quality drink, without consuming alcohol.”

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Drinks innovation from Ethique founder A START-UP launched by Ethique founder Brianne West aims to cut global use of single-use plastic drink bottles by tens of millions every year.

West stepped down as Ethique CEO earlier this year, a decade after starting the $100 million beauty business in her kitchen as a 24-year-old biochemistry student.

Her new social enterprise is based in Christchurch and aims to take on the beverage market, which produces over 583 billion single-use plastic bottles annually, with less than 10% of these recycled1,2.

It will offer concentrated effervescent drink mixers called ‘Incrediballs’. The circular tablets dissolve on contact with liquids, such as water, to release flavouring. Each ‘Incrediball’ makes the equivalent of a 350ml beverage and can be added to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic hot or cold beverages to enhance the taste.

Brianne West says it will be the world’s first effervescent drink tab in fully home

Brianne West

compostable packaging. She says industry feedback has been positive and they have already been approached by local supermarkets interested in stocking the product when it launches in April next year. incrediballs.com

1. Production of polyethylene terephthalate bottles worldwide 2004-2021 – Statista.com; 2.Worldwide Soft Drink Market Size. US$0.85tn converted to NZD – Statista.com

Deep Creek in liquidation AUCKLAND BREWERY Deep Creek has gone into liquidation after more than 12 years in business.

In a statement, the Deep Creek team noted that while they had made it through the COVID period it had been a difficult time for the brewery due to market pressures in New Zealand and also in its key export market of China.

While that market had since rebounded, Deep Creek co-founders Jarred Maclachlan and Paul Brown said a recent product recall proved too much. “In 2023 the Chinese market rebounded strongly but very recently we had a can seaming issue that required our beer to be recalled from the market. The cash flow impact of this recall was significant and proved to be a step too large for our team to overcome. We are deeply saddened by this.”

Deep Creek was founded in Auckland’s Browns Bay in 2011 and had subsequently expanded to a larger brewery space in Silverdale, north of the city.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Diary Dates JANUARY

Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 January

Gindulgence – Wellington A line-up of 29 gin distilleries from around the world at Frank Kitts Park. gindulgence.co.nz Saturday 27 January

Siona C. Collier and Michael Fraser Milne at Blair Castle.

The Great Kiwi Beer Festival - Christchurch

Whisky Galore toasts new Keeper of the Quaich

An array of New Zealand breweries at Hagley Park. greatkiwibeerfestival.co.nz/christchurch FEBRUARY

MANAGING DIRECTOR of Whisky Galore, Siona C. Collier, has been made a Keeper of the Quaich at a special ceremony in Scotland. Her father, Michael Fraser Milne, is a Master of the Quaich and Whisky Galore’s Rare Malts Manager, Stephen Le Petit, is also a Keeper.

The ceremony was held at Blair Castle in October and fellow New Zealander Jak Jakicevich from Glengarry was also inducted. The Keepers of the Quaich are an exclusive international society dedicated to recognising, rewarding and celebrating those who have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry.

Saturday 10 February

Marlborough Wine and Food Festival New Zealand’s longest-running wine and food festival returns for 2024 at Renwick Domain. marlboroughwinefestival.com Saturday 17 February

The Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival A celebration of the beginning of the 2024 grape harvest season to be held at ‘The Cliffs’ Riverside Reserve with local wineries, restaurants and food producers. wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND SEA LOVERS GIN Sometimes it seems like there’s a never ending tide of new gins hitting the market, but this exciting project from the talented team at Lunatic & Lover distillery and renowned gin consultant Jill Mulvaney, looks to chart an entirely different course.

Featuring hero botanicals of South Island Kelp, Waiheke Oyster Shells and Rosemary, the gin offers a remarkable and refined drinking experience and at the same time, pushes marine conservation and sustainability messages to the fore. For every bottle sold, $5 is donated to Our Seas Our Future, a conservation organisation dedicated to protect New Zealand’s marine ecosystems. The by-line of “From the Ocean, For the Ocean” sums it up perfectly.

He comments: “Primarily, this endeavour is all about the liquid. It started with me being blown away how that first sample really captured the oceanic note in such a beautiful and balanced manner. When the idea of linking the product to a marine conservation cause fell into place, it made so much sense! It’s immensely gratifying to not only release a phenomenal Gin but also contribute to the preservation of New Zealand’s outstanding marine environment, which holds deep personal significance for me . ”

The collaboration was sparked by chance - during an impromptu sampling at an industry event, Jill unveiled a ‘sea’ gin recipe inspired by stormy beach walks on her Waiheke Island home. “I walk on the beach most days, and I particularly enjoy the freshness that storms bring, that combination of sweet rain and salt sea. Often, after a storm the seaweed glistens on the sand, and you can just feel its potential as an embodiment of the elements. I love its silky texture and salty minerality. ” The concept immediately resonated with Matt Bridge, founder of Lunatic & Lover Distillery, whose career as a seasoned professional sailor has been intimately intertwined with the ocean’s embrace.

SEA LOVERS GIN (700ML) RRP $86 AVAILABLE AT SEALOVERSGIN.CO.NZ ENQUIRIES: HELLO@SEALOVERSGIN.CO.NZ

INDUSTRY NEWS

2023 Young Vit and Young Winemaker winners This year saw the youngest-ever winners crowned for both national titles…

AFTER MONTHS of studying and competition challenges, the winners of the 2023 Young Viticulturist and Young Winemaker of the Year were announced, following their relevant National Finals.

This year, two of the youngest people ever have taken out the titles, highlighting the talent coming into the wine industry.

Tai Nelson, 25, from Soljans in Kumeu, Auckland became the 2023 Young Viticulturist of the Year, while 22-yearold Alena Kamper from Sacred Hill in Hawke’s Bay became the 2023 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year.

Tai was named the winner on 31 August following the national final at Paritua in Hawke’s Bay. He was thrilled to raise the trophy and take home a wonderful prize package including an Ecotrellis Travel Grant and a hybrid Hyundai Tucson for a year. The other finalists were Nick Putt, Zac Howell, Nina Downer and Tristan van Schalkwyk.

The group had been tested on trellising, irrigation, machinery, pest and disease management, and wine knowledge. They also underwent an interview and prior to the competition had each submitted a report on their recommendations for establishing and managing a sustainable vineyard that would thrive long into the future.

Tai Nelson will now represent the wine industry in the 2024 Young Horticulturist of the Year competition.

Alena Kamper won her title on 1 November following the National Final at The Bone Line in North Canterbury, 18 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Above: Young Viticulturist 2023 (from left) Nina Downer, Nick Putt, winner Tai Nelson, and Zac Howell.

Left: Young Winemaker 2023 (from left) winner Alena Kamper with fellow finalists Callum Haynes and Eliana Leal.

having competed against fellow finalists Callum Haynes and Eliana Leal. They were tested across a range of winemaking skills, such as blending, judging, tasting, laboratory skills and industry and export market knowledge.

The Awards ceremony took place at the wine industry celebration in Christchurch where the trio also had the

opportunity to meet the legendary Oz Clarke OBE. As part of her overall prize package, Alena has won a trip to Burgundy to learn more about the Mercurey cooperage and will be an Associate Judge in the New World Wine Awards. She also reviews two wines for this issue of Drinksbiz (see below).

Top Drops from Alena Kamper 2023 YOUNG Winemaker of the Year, Alena Kamper, reviews two of her favourite wines…

Smith & Sheth CRU Heretaunga Albariño

RRP $40 Aotearoa NZ Fine Wine Estates If Hawke’s Bay was to be summed up in a bottle of wine it would be the Cru Albariño from Smith & Sheth, with its ripe gooseberries, waxy kaffir lime leaf, and sweet, fleshy yellow nectarines. Fermented in barriques with fruit from the Bridge Pa, the palate has a lick of French oak providing a plush body and texture to the wine accompanied by a hint of sherbet-like sweetness and vibrant, punchy acidity. Flavours of fresh cut pears, orange blossom and mandarin peel combine impeccably on the palate. Like a Hawke’s Bay summer, the wine is incredibly inviting, with a magnetic finish drawing you back for more.

2019 De la Terre Barbera

RRP $48 De la Terre ‘De la Terre’ literally translates from Italian to ‘of the earth’ and is a perfect descriptor of the 2019 Barbera. Wild herbs, crushed roses, and ripe, fleshy Doris plums capture the expression of the low-yielding handpicked fruit from the Havelock Hills. Soft acid is balanced by the supple and delicate flavours of freshly-picked boysenberries and dried, sweet strawberries. As the wine unfolds, savoury notes of black tea and a light smokiness are revealed, alongside well-structured tannins, giving the wine a lovely lingering richness.

Herbal, earthy, and complex in the best possible way.

Distributed by Federal Merchants & Co

SHOWCASE

Just the Tonic from Saverglass COMPRISING THREE complementary designs, the TONIC range from premium French glassware specialist Saverglass has something for everyone. The superbly simple design of the elegant original TONIC bottle has birthed the lighter weight Gym TONIC bottle, and the superb and lower profile Super TONIC. TONIC

A discreet design with subtle details and a compact shape provides the TONIC model with all the ingredients to become a must-have for super premium spirits in the future. Its mid-sized minimalist shape has been designed to make it easier and more comfortable to grip. Its contours are shaped by small details: a delicate rounded carnette finish mirrors the punt mark in the glass base and creates a balanced interaction between reflections.

And since details are what make the design, a slight pinching in the body gives TONIC its unique character. The resulting creative label panel allows it to be customised for all spirits.

GYM TONIC

A sleek design, compact shape and slim silhouette characterise GYM TONIC, a model reminiscent of its older cousin, the successful TONIC range. Just like its predecessor, GYM TONIC offers details that make the difference: a slight curve of the body, the characteristic rounded shoulder, a short neck surmounted by a rounded lip and, finally, a rounded and delicate punt mark. A low profile that seems to have it all! Finally, its light weight (529g) only adds to its appeal, allowing it to win over a large number of spirits, whether dark or light.

SUPER TONIC

A sleek design, ultra-compact shape and meticulous details make the SUPER TONIC model highly desirable. This range, with its low profile, echoes that of the TONIC range. It has the same characteristics: a short neck surmounted by a small, rounded lip, and a glass base featuring a subtle punt mark, attractively reflecting light. The slight curve of the body, a very important detail, offers a way for brands to personalise this body shape to suit

TONIC FAMILY

their own preferences. This magnificent design work, combined with the expertise of our master glass-makers, gives this SUPER TONIC every chance of becoming an emblematic range in the Saverglass catalogue. The absolutely precise proportions of this model should win over a large number of high-end spirits. So over to you for your SUPER creations!

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

A TONIC FOR EVERY SPIRIT The TONIC collection forges a whole new style, taking on a colorama pop design reminiscent of the audacious traditions characterizing the 1980s Memphis movement. With TONIC, design is a game. As for the rules, well that’s up to talented distillers of whiskey, rum, vodka, gin, tequila, and other spirits! And if Tonic’s lines and volumes seem understated, it’s only to offer versatile containers capable of bringing out the unique aura of each spirit.

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

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 revealed SIPS IN Barcelona has been announced as No.1 on the list of The World’s 50 Best Bars 2023.

The iconic list was announced at an awards ceremony held in Singapore and features bars from 28 cities around the world. It is the 15th year of the awards, which recognise the bartenders, bar owners, and brands at the forefront of the international cocktail scene.

Located in the heart of Barcelona’s L’Antiga Esquerra de l’Eixample district, Sips combines elegant design with cutting-edge technique and is the creation of Simone Caporale and Marc Álvarez (pictured right).

Caporale was one half of the creative duo that led London’s Artesian to The World’s Best Bar title a record four times, while Álvarez spent almost a decade at Ferran and Albert Adrià’s revolutionary elBarri restaurant group. The duo are described as having “a disruptive approach to creative mixology [which] shines through in innovative haute couture serves at pret-a-porter prices”.

The bar’s seating orbits a futuristic workstation in place of the traditional bar. This is to remove any barrier between guest and bartender, with the aim of centring the human aspect of service to create a multi-sensory, immersive drinking experience.

Across the Tasman, Sydney’s Maybe Sammy placed No.15 and was crowned The Best Bar in Australasia for the fifth time, while Melbourne’s Caretaker’s Cottage joined the list for the first time at No.23.

Other notable awards were the inaugural Bareksten Best Bar Design

Chivas Brothers announces plans for Islay distillery CHIVAS BROTHERS, the Pernod Ricard business dedicated to Scotch whisky, has announced plans for its first distillery on the isle of Islay.

The new distillery marks the first time Chivas Brothers will introduce an Islay whisky to its Scotch portfolio, which includes The Glenlivet, Royal Salute, Chivas Regal and

Marc Álvarez and Simone Caporale of Sips in Barcelona – named World’s Best Bar 2023

Award, which went to Night Hawk in Singapore, and the Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award, which was awarded to The American Bar at Gleneagles in Auchterarder, Scotland for its Book of Berries menu. Inspired by the 20th-century ‘observer books’, this menu features 18 cocktails, each dedicated to a single botanical berry sourced from the local hills of Perthshire.

Renato ‘Tato’ Giovannoni of multiaward winning Florería Atlántico in Buenos Aires was voted Roku Industry Icon. Other special award winners, announced in the run-up to the event, included Tres Monos, Buenos Aires, named the winner of the Michter’s Art of Hospitality Award, and GN Chan of New York’s Double Chicken Please, winner of the Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award.

Top 10 in World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 1. Sips, Barcelona 2. Double Chicken Please, New York 3. Handshake Speakeasy, Mexico City 4. Paradiso, Barcelona 5. Connaught Bar, London 6. Little Red Door, Paris 7. Licorería Limantour, Mexico City 8. Tayēr + Elementary, London 9. Alquímico, Cartagena 10. Himkok, Oslo See the full results at worlds50bestbars.com

Ballantine’s. Chivas Brothers has a goal to be carbon neutral in distillation across all its sites by the end of 2026 and says that in keeping with this target, design of the Islay project will be carbon neutral in distillation from inception.

The distillery will be at Gartbreck Farm, west of Bowmore at Saltpan Point on the shore of Loch Indaal, with views facing Bruichladdich and Port Charlotte across the loch. Once operational, its production will focus on Islay single malt, celebrating the region’s distinctly smoky and peated profile.

Chivas Brothers says the land purchase signals its long-term intent to become part of Islay’s fabric, as it has been for decades through Speyside and the surrounds.

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 21

RTD NEWS

BEE lands for summer

Ready for summer with Pals THE PALS team has been busy in the lead-up to summer, dropping four new products and some new-look packaging.

In early October, Pals revealed ‘The Beige One’, a blend of vodka, pink guava, lime and soda. The minimalist beige can is a departure from the brand’s well-known pastel colour palette and plays on an April Fool’s joke this year when Pals teased launching a beige flavour, saying they had “run out of colours”.

Just a couple of weeks later, three new products arrived – including two tequila-based RTDs. Pals Classic Margarita, Pals Chilli Margarita and Pals Gin Citrus are packaged in a new look 250ml can with a cream background and checkerboard design. All three are 5.8% ABV. The Classic Margarita combines authentic Blanco Tequila (distilled in Jalisco, Mexico), Triple Sec, Mexican limes, and sea salt. Chilli Margarita is described as “a wellbalanced, spicy rendition of the classic, with the inclusion of just the right amount of heat from habanero chillies”. Gin Citrus Twist blends triple distilled gin, Sicilian lemons and juicy tangelos with Pals’ bespoke mix of juniper-forward botanicals.

The Pals team says that sourcing a high-quality, authentic tequila distillery and creating the final product has taken just over two years. “We genuinely go through dozens of rounds of samples when creating new flavours to land on the perfect balance of ingredients,” says Nick Marshall, Pals Co-Founder and Director.

“We don’t take any shortcuts, so the process requires a lot of patience, but the result is an authentic, high-quality range that looks and tastes great. The whole team is really proud of what we’ve created.”

Pals Vodka, Pink Guava, Lime and Soda (5% ABV) 330ml 10-pack RRP $30.99.

Pals Classic Margarita, Pals Chilli Margarita and Pals Gin Citrus Twist (5.8% ABV) 250ml 10-pack RRP $31.99.

Federal Merchants 22 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

THE CHRISTCHURCH duo behind native honey sparkling mead range Buzz Club have released a new line of alcoholic lemonades called BEE. BEE is a 5% ABV honey-based alcoholic lemonade available in Lemonade (a blend of lemon and sparkling mead) and Pink Lemonade (a blend of lemon, berry, and sparkling mead) and packaged in 1.25L PET bottles or 330ml cans.

Creators Edward Eaton and Wilbur Morrison say they’re particularly excited by the potential for the 1.25L PET format for summer, with initial sales already beyond their expectations.

“We wanted to re-imagine what has typically been viewed as outdated packaging formats,” says Eaton. “It was important for us to offer our lemonade a little lighter in alcohol and higher in quality than what has been traditionally available in PET bottles.

They’re fully recyclable and less packaging results in lower impact on the environment and savings we can pass on to our customers.”

BEE launched in nine New Zealand stores, growing to over 300 in less than eight weeks. Eaton and Morrison say it is New Zealand’s first supermarket-compliant alcoholic lemonade and is primed for broad reach.

BEE Lemonade and BEE Pink Lemonade (5% ABV) 1.25L PET RRP $10.99 and 330mL can 6-pack RRP $22.99 For wholesale inquiries email sales@drinkbee.co.nz drinkbee.co.nz

Major Major x SACHI release NEW ZEALAND RTD brand Major Major has teamed up with Kiwi electronic duo SACHI for its latest release: Major Major Sparkling Tequila Margarita with Citrus Twist.

SACHI, made up of Nick Chrisp and Will Thomas, this year became one of only three New Zealand acts to play at Tomorrowland in Belgium, with around 400,000 attendees from over 200 countries. The release of the Major Major SACHI collaboration also coincided with the release of SACHI’s single “Feel Good”.

Nick Chrisp said it’s the first time SACHI has been involved in creating something like the Major Major RTD. “We decided on the citrus twist flavour because its fresh, Margarita-esque tones take us to summer with friends, over beautiful food and drink, festivals and music. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the things that we and our audience love.”

It’s the first Major Major release to use tequila and Senior Brand Manager Caroline Taku says the fun iridescent 320ml can ten packs are an evolution of the contemporary-cool black packaging of previous Major Major flavours. “It gives a nod to SACHI’s recognisable brand and provides a bit of fun.”

Major Major Sparkling Tequila Margarita with Citrus Twist (4.8% ABV) 320ml 10-pack RRP $29.99.

Asahi Beverages

RTD NEWS

New ALBA Chilli Margarita NEW ZEALAND-BASED RTD brand ALBA has a new addition to its range with the release of ALBA Chilli Margarita.

The new canned sparkling Margarita (5.9% ABV) features a spicy chilli hit from iconic New Zealand brand Kaitaia Fire.

ALBA founder Michael Tutty was inspired to create the RTD brand post-COVID. He took his passion for tequila all the way to Mexico, engaging with the governing bodies that regulate tequila as well as local distilleries, immersing himself in the traditions and earning his Diploma in Tequila.

ALBA’s commitment to authenticity and quality bore fruit when it received early approval from the Mexican Tequila Regulatory Council and it unveiled its first canned Margarita in March of 2022, blending quality tequila with Mexican agave syrup and lime juice, extracts, salt, and sparkling water.

ALBA has since added Coconut and Grapefruit Margarita expressions, and a canned Cuba Libre to its RTD range.

ALBA’s Chill Margarita features the same qualities as its Classic Margarita, but with the spicy inclusion of Kaitaia Fire.

ALBA Chilli Margarita (5.9% ABV) 250mL 4-pack RRP $15.99.

For wholesale inquiries email hello@drinkalba.com drinkalba.com

SHOWCASE

Japan’s famous frozen-lemon RTD hits Kiwi shores JAPAN’S BEST-SELLING RTD1 is now available in New Zealand, with the arrival of iconic Kirin Hyoketsu.

The popular beverage is a blend of vodka, soda and frozen natural lemon juice. The New Zealand debut comes hot on the heels of Kirin Hyoketsu’s successful Australian launch in August.

‘Hyoketsu’ translates to ‘freeze’, and is named for its signature technique, which freezes lemon juice at -18°C to lock in the intense and authentic citrus flavour, delivering a perfect blend of sweet and sour lemon notes to the beverage.

Distributor Lion New Zealand is confident that Kiwis will love the vodkabased RTD that has been hugely popular in Japan since 2001.

“Kiwis have a deep appreciation for both Japanese culture and pre-mixed drinks, of which Kirin Hyoketsu is the perfect culmination,” says Russell Curtis, Brand Director, RTDs, Spirits and Wines for Lion New Zealand. “We’re feeling really energised and excited about this launch and have high ambitions for the brand in New Zealand.”

Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon balances a low sugar content, without compromising on

taste. It is meticulously created using the innovative ‘Hyoten Toketsu method’, honouring the art of the Japanese lemon sour.

“The flavour is clean and crisp, without any lingering aftertaste that so many RTDs often leave behind. A refreshingly light, delicious summer drink in the convenience of a 330ml ice-cold can,” says Curtis.

With a balanced 6% alcohol content, low sugar content of 0.3g and just 116

calories per can, Kirin Hyoketsu is set to become the go-to summer bevvie for sunny afternoons to late-night karaoke sessions, and everything in between.

Kirin Hyoketsu Lemon (6% ABV) 330ml can 6-pack RRP $19.99 Available exclusively through Lion NZ 1 Premix drinks (ready-to-drink) brand by volume and value in 2022 (IWSR Drinks Market Analysis)

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 23

NO/LO ALCOHOL NEWS

Hop into the Simple Life PERFECT FOR summer – Bach Brewing has just released its new Simple Life: a hop-infused sparkling water. Bach’s Craig Cooper says that hop water is a developing trend in the USA. Simple Life has zero sugar and zero carbs, but all the flavour of New Zealand hops with Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, and Riwaka infused in crisp sparkling mineralised water. Simple Life pours crystal clear and has a heady tropical and citrus hops aroma. It’s light, refreshing and full of hops flavour.

Simple Life Sparkling Hop Water (0.0% ABV) 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99

Taste of Vietnam with Ecology & Co. NEW ZEALAND alcohol-free spirits maker, Ecology & Co., has released ‘Hanoi Dry’ – the latest in its special edition range. The new blend features key ingredients of Vietnamese pandan and lemongrass.

Head distiller and co-founder, Will Miller, says: “I’ve always loved the smell and flavour of pandan, known as the ‘vanilla of the east’, and wanted to try distilling it and incorporating it into a blend.”

The outcome is a unique mix that leaves a lingering pandan vanilla taste on the palate, flanked by citrusy lemongrass notes and a front of traditional juniper pine notes.

The release of Hanoi Dry follows the sell-out success of Ecology & Co.’s Mediterranean-inspired “Juniper Garden” earlier this year.

Miller says they hope to release a special edition Summer blend in time for Christmas.

Ecology and Co.’s special edition releases are in addition to the core range of ‘London Dry’ and ‘Asian Spice’. The distillery is already exporting to the Middle East and has just sent its first consignment to London.

Ecology & Co.

Bach Brewing

0% All The Bitter arrives in New Zealand A NEW range of awardwinning non-alcoholic cocktail bitters are now available in New Zealand.

All The Bitter is available for trade to order through non-alcoholic online drink store The Chiller. Described as “Classic bitters for mindful drinking”, the 0% cocktail bitters were created by two former sommeliers and include Aromatic, Orange, Lavender and New Orleans – each specifically designed to complement different drinks without the addition of alcohol.

Founder of The Chiller, Amanda Boock, says that because traditional bitters contain more than 40% alcohol, their inclusion in

alcohol free beverages can easily cross the 0.5% ABV line.

“You wouldn’t add bacon fat to your vegetarian meal, so why would you add alcoholic-bitters to your non-alcoholic cocktail?” says Boock.

“With a dramatic rise in the number of non-drinkers and the lift in social pressure around alcohol, we’ve seen a demand for more variety and better quality.”

With 50 serves per bottle and a two-year shelf life, Boock says that All The Bitter bitters are ideal for use at home and a perfect tool for bars and restaurants.

The Chiller

24 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

New Red Bull Apricot Sugarfree RED BULL has added a new option to its range with the arrival of Red Bull Apricot Edition Sugarfree. It offers a blend of apricot and strawberry with a touch of peach – and all with no sugar. Red Bull Apricot Edition Sugarfree is available in 250ml cans and 4-packs.

Red Bull NZ

NO/LO ALCOHOL NEWS

SHOWCASE

Fresh new flavours from Kc Kombucha BOUTIQUE KOMBUCHA producer Kc Kombucha has added new Indian Saffron and Wild Berry flavours to its line-up – perfect for the growing community of Kiwis redefining social drinking and seeking healthier alternatives.

The two new flavours join Kc Kombucha’s core range of Japanese Lime, Spring Time, and Passionfruit Lush. As with the rest of the range, the new additions contain less than 1% alcohol by volume.

Kc Kombucha founder, Gail Matthew, is a qualified naturopath and says she was fuelled by a desire to create healthy, great-tasting drinks that would take kombucha out of niche health product territory and give it sophisticated broad appeal for Kiwi bars and pubs looking to expand their no/lo alcohol offerings.

“As a non-drinker, I wanted a healthy, flavour-filled beverage I could enjoy all night without resorting to high-sugar soft drinks or juices. I also wanted people who do choose to drink spirits to have a lowsugar, healthier mixer option.”

She says the new Indian Saffron release is a unique take on ginger kombucha, a flavour Kc fans have been requesting. “We have used dried turmeric and fresh ginger, so the flavour is clean and fresh.”

Wild Berry is made with luscious blackberries and raspberries. “We don’t use flavourings or concentrates, only real fruit,” Matthew says.

The drinks are packaged in a new-look bottle featuring a striking brighter white label to give it great fridge appeal in bars and restaurants, and liquor retail.

Kc Kombucha is available in 330ml bottles, as well as 6-pack and 12-pack formats.

For wholesale inquiries contact: hello@kombuchacity.co.nz 0274 882 934

LEGAL NOTES

Pervinder Kaur

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

Plan for success It’s time to look ahead – alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur has some tips on resolutions to make for your business going into 2024…

FOR ALCOHOL licensees, the advent of a new year offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on your business operations and responsibilities. Taking the time to set a few New Year’s resolutions around key areas can help you improve compliance, enhance customer experience, and ensure the responsible sale and supply of alcohol – all ultimately promoting safer and more successful licensed premises.

Here are 10 useful business resolutions to consider as we head into 2024.

1. Staff Training and Education

Commit to ongoing staff training in the responsible sale and supply of alcohol – including the legal drinking age, checking IDs, recognising signs of intoxication, and educating staff about the minimum employment standards.

Ensure all employees have a valid Manager’s Certificate and that there is a Duty Manager on duty at all times when alcohol is being sold and supplied.

2. ID Verification

Reinforce strict ID verification procedures to prevent underage sales. Regularly update staff on the latest techniques to identify fake IDs.

3. Responsible Service Policies

7. Alcohol-Free Events

Review and update your premises’ responsible service policies to ensure they align with current best practices.

Communicate these policies clearly to all employees and patrons.

Plan and host alcohol-free events or nights to promote responsible drinking. At the very least, ensure you have enticing nonalcoholic drink options on your menu, or a no/lo alcohol section in your store. There is an ever-growing range of no-alcohol options across beer, wine, and spirits available from local and international brands, so take the time to explore these.

4. Intoxication Awareness

Train staff to recognise signs of intoxication and to intervene when necessary. Encourage staff to be vigilant in refusing service to intoxicated patrons.

5. Refusing Service

Emphasise the importance of refusing service to anyone who appears intoxicated or underage. Provide staff with scripts and strategies for handling difficult customers.

6. Designated Drivers and Transport Options

Promote having designated drivers and offer alternative transportation options to patrons.

Sign-post these alternatives clearly in bathrooms and around the bar area. Consider collaborating with local transportation services to offer discounts or partnerships.

The advent of a new year offers a crucial opportunity to reflect on your business operations and responsibilities.

26 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

8. Monitoring and Compliance

Regularly review your licence conditions to ensure you are in compliance with local alcohol laws.

Stay informed about any changes in regulations and adjust your practices accordingly.

9. Reporting Incidents

Establish clear protocols with staff for reporting incidents of alcohol-related harm or disturbances.

Cooperate with local authorities and reporting agencies as required.

10. Community Responsibility

Participate in local initiatives to address alcohol-related harm, such as supporting programmes for substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Remember, these resolutions are meant to be ongoing commitments to responsible alcohol service and compliance. Regularly revisit and adjust your action plan to ensure the safety and satisfaction of your patrons and the wellbeing of your community. Seeking advice from an alcohol licensing expert from the start can also set you up for success and ultimately save you money in the long run.

FEATURE – COCKTAILS

Shake it up Cocktails are back with a bang – is your business making the most of the opportunity?

DEMAND FOR cocktails is on the rise across bars and restaurants around New Zealand, with offerings expanding from classics to more tailored cocktail experiences and no/lo alc options too.

This shift comes as consumers seek out more premium and/or more ‘mindful’ options, as the variety of spirits available continues to grow, and as consumer brand knowledge increases significantly, thanks in part to social media.

Businesses are encouraged by the greater profit margins that cocktails bring, further helped by the wider variety now available in pre-batched options.

Research1 from industry body Spirits New Zealand has revealed that 90% of bar and restaurant venues now offer cocktails as part of their menu, with 80% anticipating that cocktails are likely to increase in popularity over the next 12 months.

Respondents reported that the Espresso Martini is the most popular cocktail they serve – both in 2023 and at the same time last year. The Margarita comes second in 2023, replacing the Mojito, which was runner up in 2022.

For the 10% of survey respondents whose venues didn’t offer cocktails, 28 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

time was cited as the main barrier, with ‘experience of staff’ also a major reason.

However, 40% of respondents also said they pre-batch and make cocktails to order, while 10% said they now only serve pre-batched cocktails.

Hospo veteran Frankie Walker has seen first-hand how New Zealand’s cocktail landscape has changed in recent years. He founded cocktail company Black Pineapple Co. in 2016 after more than 25 years in the UK and New Zealand drinks industries. Black Pineapple’s team of drinks experience experts cater for large groups and corporate events and the company also offers pre-batched cocktails for trade, alongside a range of cocktail kits for consumers.

Here, Frankie Walker gives his thoughts on how venues can make the most of the cocktail surge.

Frankie Walker – Director of Black Pineapple Co.

As a venue owner, you’ll know only too well how much the hospitality industry

has been affected by COVID. The impact of the pandemic, combined with the increasing cost of living, has seen consumer habits change. But there is a silver lining. At Black Pineapple, we’ve seen an opportunity to capitalise on these changed habits with the mighty cocktail, and here’s why.

Cocktails are increasing in popularity

Consumers are drinking less but are more discerning with their spend and are drinking better.

This is the ‘sip and savour’ trend, where consumers drink more slowly and savour their drinks, so are choosing more premium options, like the cocktail, to enjoy the experience.

The OPUS: On Premise User 2 Study highlights that consumers, on average, are prepared to pay $11.60 for a glass of wine and $9.82 for a beer – and $17.42 for a cocktail.

Where a patron may have previously had three averagely-priced drinks on a night, they are now choosing to savour one high quality cocktail. According to CGA’s Pulse Reports, 32% of those

FEATURE – COCKTAILS

“Cocktails are often a symbol of a venue or experience that’s premium or high-end and can attract a customerbase that’s willing to spend more.” - Frankie Walker surveyed said they’d had a cocktail in a bar, restaurant, or similar venue during the month of July 20233 compared with 22% in July 20224.

In short, to attract the crowds, cocktails are now an essential part of any menu or offering for a bar or restaurant.

so be prepared to invest in some professional photography for engagement and impact.

- Facebook has a similar audience age to Instagram, and is also where those aged 35+ will be hanging out if they are using social media.

Cocktails make great content

Cocktails make money

The visual appeal of cocktails means they’re photogenic and more shareable on social media than any other drink. You’re more likely to see an Instagram post of someone in a holiday destination with a cocktail in their hand – or even a cocktail looking fab on its own – than you would any other beverage.

Cocktails have great consumer pulling power. They are often a symbol of a venue or experience that’s premium or high-end and can attract a customer-base that’s willing to spend more.

According to the OPUS: On Premise User Study5, the average monthly spend of a cocktail drinker is $214 per month, whereas the average monthly spends for beer and wine drinkers are less than $204 per month each.

Cocktails are also more profitable than most other drinks. The average cocktail sits about 50% higher from a price point perspective, sells with an 8% higher margin, and makes an incredible 68% higher gross profit. In dollar terms, this means you’ll be making about $5.50 more gross profit per cocktail compared with other drink categories.

Now really is the time to make the most of the more discerning, postCOVID consumer with a well-curated cocktail offering!

How to leverage social media to promote your cocktail offering

• Ensure your venue is on the big three social media channels: TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

• Know your audiences and channels: - TikTok is where your 18-34-year-old audience sits. In fact, this age group are such super-users that many of them are more likely to search TikTok before Google when looking for information.

- Instagram’s user group is predominately 25-34-year-olds. It’s the most visual of the channels,

Guidelines for successfully capitalising on the cocktail:

• The drinks need to look and taste incredible. This is a no-brainer.

If they’re good, they’ll attract return customers.

• Know your customers and design your cocktail menu to suit them. Ensure your cocktails are accessible, with ingredients your customers know and tastes they enjoy. Consider having non- and low-alcoholic options on your menu, such as European aperitifs or virgin twists on well-known cocktails, for those who want to moderate or ‘switch’ between a full strength and lo/ no alcohol tipple.

• The person who serves your cocktails must create an awesome customer experience. Invest in well-trained, engaging staff.

• Your cocktails should be served lightning fast. Not only does this keep the customer happy, but efficient service means best returns.

This is where pre-batching comes in – prepping what you can ahead of time speeds up the serving process considerably.

• Consider putting the standard drinks for each cocktail on the menu. This can be more helpful than ABV as some drinks are much taller than others, so this will help patrons to meet their moderation goals.

Find out more at blackpineapple.co.nz

1. Survey conducted via Survey Monkey amongst 113 bar and restaurant personnel and between September 5 and September 18, 2023.

2. April 2023; Survey of 3,000 nationally representative on-premise consumers surveyed online about their out of home experience and usage; CGA by NIQ 3. July 2023; 500 consumers (aged 18+) surveyed about their on-premise behaviour; CGA by NIQ 4. July 2022; 500 consumers (aged 18+) 500 consumers (aged 18+) surveyed about their on-premise behaviour; CGA by NIQ 5. April 2023; Survey of 3,000 nationally representative on-premise consumers surveyed online about their out of home experience and usage; CGA by NIQ

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 29

WINE REPORT - BUBBLES

Wine writer Joelle Thomson rounds up great bubbles for the festive season – from lively non-alc options, to New Zealand sparkling wine, and great champagnes…

30 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

WINE REPORT – BUBBLES

Zero alcohol sparkling With growing numbers of Kiwis choosing to reduce their alcohol intake or not drink alcohol at all, it’s more important than ever to have delicious non-alc options for celebrations that are more than just soft drinks or juices.

Plus & Minus Zero Alcohol Prosecco

Lindauer Free Rosé

Giesen Zero Alcohol Sparkling Wine

RRP $11.99 Stone Pony

RRP $17.99 Lion

RRP $19.99 Giesen

A light and lovely bubbly with no alcohol but more than enough character to make up for it, with Prosecco-like flavours of fresh pear, hints of red apple, and a crisp lemon tang on the finish. 17.5/20

This pink alcohol-removed sparkling wine is made predominantly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from vineyards in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. Full of lush strawberries, red fruits and citrus. Rich on the palate with a creamy, lingering finish. 16.5/20

This is a flavoursome new addition to New Zealand winery Giesen’s innovative 0% alcohol range. Initially created as full-strength wine, spinning cone technology then distils it into three parts: aroma, alcohol, and body. Leaving the alcohol behind, Giesen chief winemaker Duncan Shouler and his team then recombine the aroma and body to maintain the wine’s distinctive nose and crisp, dry style but with no more than 0.5% ABV. This sparkling zero alcohol wine has aromas of lemon, grapefruit, and pear, and is lively on the palate with a crisp, dry finish. 16.5/20

McGuigan Zero

RRP $13.99 EuroVintage This zero alcohol sparkling wine from Hunter Valley winemaker McGuigan is dry and lightbodied with aromas of citrus, green apple and a hint of pastry on the finish. 16.5/20 Lindauer Free Brut

RRP $17.99 Lion Lindauer is one of New Zealand’s most popular sparkling wine brands. Its Free* range offers a zero alcohol (*less than 0.5% ABV) option in Brut and a Rosé (next column). The Brut is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from vineyards in Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. It’s fresh, with aromas of green apples and citrus fruit and a creamy lingering finish.

16.5/20

Lyre’s Classico Grande

RRP $17.99 Lyre’s Crafted in the style of an Italian sparkling wine, this is an excellent festive offering from leading non-alcoholic drinks brand Lyre’s. Lifted aromas of lime, fresh peach and green apple with floral notes lead to a palate rich with peach and red apple and a crisp finish. 17.5/20 Not Guilty Rosé Prosecco

RRP $17.99 EuroVintage Freshly picked summer strawberries and raspberries spring onto the palate in this lightbodied pink sparkling wine. A great addition to the growing zero alcohol wine category.

17.5/20

Pizzolato Prosecco

RRP $20.99 Procure An Italian zero alcohol wine that is full of flavour and style. Its festive bottle plays the part, adding fun and bling to any occasion.

This wine contains 30 grams residual sugar per litre, which is surprising as it has floral aromas and an almost dry taste on the finish. A very refreshing, light-bodied style. 17.5/20

Lyre’s Classico Grande is crafted in the style of an Italian sparkling wine and an excellent non-alc festive offering.

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 31

WINE REPORT – BUBBLES

RRP $20 – $29.99 Villa Sandi Il Fresco Prosecco

RRP $22.99 Vintners Villa Sandi is a large, family-owned producer of Prosecco, situated in a grand villa in the hills of Marca Trevigiana in north-east Italy. This is one of the family’s flagship wines and tastes dry with appley fresh flavours, a ripe lemon aroma and lively bubbles. One of my personal favourites. 18.5/20 Brilla Prosecco

RRP $24.99 Procure Prosecco lends itself to a little bling and Brilla does it brilliantly with gorgeous floral relief work on the bottle, and in the aromas and flavours. This wine has a touch of honeyed sweetness, a light body and refreshing, just offdry finish. 17.5/20 Matahiwi Estate Blanc de Blanc

RRP $24.99 Grey Beard Trading Matahiwi’s enormously popular Blanc de Blanc is a fabulous expression of Chardonnay with bubbles at an affordable price and with convincingly champagne-like flavours.

Winemaker Miles Dinneen makes this wine at Matahiwi Estate winery in the northern Wairarapa, using grapes grown in Hawke’s Bay’s Dartmoor Valley. A great collaboration of regions and talent. 18.5/20 Pā Road 2022 Sparkling Rosé

RRP $24.99 Beverage Brothers Pā Road Rosé is a light-bodied pink sparkling wine from Marlborough. It is made from Pinot Noir grapes that were lightly pressed to provide a pale colour and lovely summery berry fruit flavours. It represents very good quality and value for money. 17.5/20

32 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Vilarnau Cava Brut NV

RRP $26 Negociants ‘Cava’ is the Spanish name for sparkling wine made in the same way as champagne, with secondary fermentation and ageing in the bottle. The main differences between the two (aside from being made in different countries) are the grape varieties used and the length of ageing, which is typically less for cava, in order to achieve greater volume and economies of scale. Traditional cava grapes are Parellada, Macabeo, and Xarello (all Spanish), and this wine is an outstanding expression of modern cava with long lees ageing providing creamy richness, balanced savoury notes and delicious length of flavour. It is also certified organic.

17.5/20 Hunter’s MiruMiru NV

RRP $29.90 EuroVintage Hunter’s Wines has a long history of making top-shelf sparkling wine, emulating great world classics with its long lees ageing and use of the classic champagne grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which provide toasty depth of flavour to the crisp, citrusy freshness of MiruMiru bubbly. ‘Mirumiru’ is the Māori word for ‘sparkling’ and this wine won a Gold Medal, Best in Class and the National Champion Best New Zealand Sparkling Wine at the 2023 Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships. A superb wine, especially at this modest price. 18.5/20 Matahiwi Estate Brut Rosé

RRP $29.99 Grey Beard Trading Pinot Noir grapes are lightly pressed to create this fresh pink bubbly, which is made at Matahiwi Estate in the northern Wairarapa.

This light- to medium-bodied sparkling wine is made in sealed tanks to gain its fizz and retain its fruity freshness. It tastes dry, with aromas of fresh toast and summer berries, and represents fabulous value for money. 17.5/20

RRP $30 – $39.99 Daniel Le Brun Méthode Traditionnelle Brut NV

RRP $32.99 Lion Daniel Le Brun is one of the most iconic names on the New Zealand wine scene and the creator of this successful, popular and high-quality bubbly. Full-bodied, dry and crisp with creamy aromas and a long citrusy finish.

This is a very good expression of Marlborough sparkling wine. 17.5/20 Quartz Reef Brut NV

RRP $35.99 Vintners Quartz Reef Brut is one of New Zealand’s best sparkling wines, made using the champagne method of production. It emulates the blanc de noir style because it is a white wine made mostly from Pinot Noir (about 70% of the blend), with the balance being Chardonnay.

This formula is consistent and the reliable depths of toasty, savoury flavours in a dry wine make this bubbly a winner. It is also certified organic, thanks to winemaker Rudi Bauer’s attention to detail in his Bendigo vineyard.

Bauer pioneered this bubbly in the early days of Central Otago’s wine scene. 18.5/20 Hunter’s MiruMiru Rosé NV

RRP $36.90 EuroVintage Winemaker Jane Hunter loves pink sparkling wine when it’s dry, fresh and has a hint of savoury richness to complement its fresh berry flavours. This wine succeeds on all counts and is staggeringly good value for money. 17.5/20

WINE REPORT – BUBBLES

Cuvée No.1 is one of the most popular sparkling wines from No.1 Family Estate in Marlborough.

2018 Huia Blanc de Blancs

RRP $37.99 Mineral Certified organic sparkling wine is something of a rarity in most parts of the world and this wine delivers big time on its ethical values and creamy smooth flavours. Huia founders and former owners, Claire and Mike Allen, were among the earliest sparkling winemakers in Marlborough and devoted many years to perfecting their formula. 17.5/20 Mumm Marlborough Brut Prestige

RPP $37.99 Pernod Ricard This is a great new addition to Marlborough’s sparkling wine scene and is a relatively new brand in Marlborough, made in collaboration with G.H. Mumm Champagne from France.

The blend of this wine is 46% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay and 9% Pinot Meunier, the three classic champagne grapes, used here to craft an impressively full-bodied, toasty and nuanced sparkling wine with a long, crisp finish. 17.5/20 No.1 Family Estate Cuvée Blanc de Blancs

RRP $39.99 No.1 Family Estate This is one of the most popular sparkling wines from No.1 Family Estate and is a Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs (white of whites). Its flavours translate as creamy, smooth and peachy with the balance of crisp freshness on the finish.

17.5/20

RRP $40 – $49.99 2018 Diamond Heart Blanc de Blancs

RRP $40 Marisco Chardonnay’s creamy smooth nuances shine in this wine, which was fermented partially in older French oak barrels to give it weight, depth and complexity. It spent three years ageing on lees in bottle and was freshly disgorged in February this year. The Diamond Heart sparkling wines are named for Rosemary Marris, wife and business partner of winemaker Brent Marris, who made it in her honour.

17.5/20 Diamond Heart Waihopai Cuvée

RRP $40 Marisco Deliciously full-bodied and with toasty, savoury flavours, this wine is made from a blend of 73% Pinot Noir and 37% Chardonnay. All the grapes were hand-picked at Marisco’s Waihopai vineyard and the wine gains further depth, roundness and body from partial ageing in French oak, prior to its secondary fermentation in bottle. The long lees ageing of three years adds further complexity and savoury flavour notes to this impressive wine.

18/20 Mumm Marlborough Rosé

RPP $42.99 Pernod Ricard A beautiful, pink méthode traditionnelle from Mumm in Marlborough, made in collaboration with Champagne Mumm. The wine is given long lees ageing in the bottle, which adds freshly baked bread aromas to intermingle with the summer berry notes and taste of this lovely wine. 18/20

Nautilus Marlborough Cuvée Brut NV

RRP $43.99 Negociants Consistently one of the best New Zealand sparkling wines, thanks to winemaker Clive Jones’ long term at the helm of Nautilus and the fact that this wine is modelled on Bollinger, down to the fine details. Made from 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, the wine has toasty aromas of mushroom and savoury sourdough leading into a full-bodied and fresh sparkling drop. It is released to market in small volumes to retain quality and freshness of flavour.

18.5/20 2020 Echelon Méthode Traditionnelle

RRP $44 Spy Valley The evocatively named ‘Echelon’ is a labour of love that shines the spotlight on the freshness and creamy aromas of Chardonnay, a portion of which was fermented in older oak barrels to dial up the flavour, which is balanced by 48% Pinot Noir. A wine with aromas of freshly baked bread, toasty nuances and delicious depth. 17.5/20 2019 Clos Henri Solange Méthode Traditionnelle

RRP $45 Maison Vauron ‘Solange’ is the new name of Clos Henri’s traditional method sparkling wine from its Marlborough vineyards. The wine is 100% Pinot Noir (making it a ‘blanc de noirs’ – ‘white wine from red grapes’) and the flavours here are beautifully rich and full-bodied: savoury toast with a hint of creamy appeal for balance and deliciousness. 18.5/20

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 33

WINE REPORT – BUBBLES

No.1 Rosé

André Clouet Grande Reserve NV

RRP $49 No.1 Family Estate

RRP $62.99 Dhall & Nash

Daniel and Adele Le Brun have easily earnt their name, No.1, for their pioneering role in crafting sensationally complex but fresh and accessible sparkling wines, made in the mould of champagne. Daniel comes from a champagne family with a fascinating history, but his role in Marlborough today makes the future as enticing as the past is fascinating. This wine is one of my personal favourites and a consistent inclusion in the top three sparkling wines (in blind tastings) made in New Zealand. It has depth of flavour with fresh pastry aromas, delivered with a light touch in a seductively delicious wine with a full body. 18.5/20

A deep, savoury, toasty champagne made from 100% Pinot Noir and all from Grand Cru vineyards, which is French for the best vineyard sites. This wine is a ‘grower champagne’, meaning the grapes were grown and the wine made by the same people. It is also nonvintage but, unusually, aged on lees for four years in bottle before disgorgement. This is significantly longer than most champagnes and it tastes like it too, with full-bodied, intensely savoury, toasty flavours that bring sparkling Pinot Noir to the fore. An outstanding wine, especially at this price. 18.5/20 No.1 Reine Cuvée Reserve NV

RRP $50 and above 2019 Palliser Estate The Griffin

RRP $53.99 Negociants This is Martinborough’s leading sparkling wine in quality and has had a bit of a style departure this vintage, with winemaker Guy McMasters using a little more Chardonnay than in the past.

This change provides superb, crisp freshness and intense citrus aromas with nuances of lemon and grapefruit. A beautifully complex, layered, and full-bodied dry bubbly. 17.5/20

RRP $63 No.1 Family Estate Fresh, delicately flavoursome and full-bodied, this new wine from No.1 Family Estate is named in honour of winemaker Daniel Le Brun’s mother, Reine Vautrelle Le Brun. Her love of flowers is echoed on the wine’s label. It is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 43% Pinot Noir and 7% Pinot Meunier. Extended lees ageing of four years gives the wine its full-bodied weight, which is balanced to stand up to the low dosage of 2.8 grams per litre. Drinks beautifully now and can age superbly for two to three years. 18.5/20

RPP $54.99 Pernod Ricard

34 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

RRP $65 Vilaura This creamy, crisp, full-bodied bubbly is the newest sparkling wine to be made in the country and was launched late in 2023 by Sanne Witteveen and Jascha Oldham-Selak.

The pair were inspired after studying wine science and viticulture together and wanted to produce a beautiful expression of New Zealand bubbly made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their first harvest was 2019, all from Hawke’s Bay-grown Chardonnay grapes, and they have produced 4,500 bottles and 200 magnums. An impressive debut from a young new winemaking team. The name ‘Vilaura’ is a combination of the words ‘villa’ and ‘aura’, which translates to ‘house of energy’. 17.5/20 Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur NV

RRP $89 Negociants Champagne Ayala has forged a reputation for making dry champagnes with zesty citrus flavours and real depth of acidity that expresses the leading grape in the blend: Chardonnay, which makes up 45% of the wine. The balance is 35% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier, both of which add savoury notes. 18.5/20 Bollinger Special Cuvée NV

RRP $120 Negociants

Mumm Central Otago Blanc de Noirs

The newest Central Otago bubbly brings a deliciously savoury twist to the region’s wines by being a blanc de noirs: a sparkling white wine made entirely from Pinot Noir, which is of course the main grape of the deep south.

Made in collaboration with G.H. Mumm, this wine has flavours of toasted sourdough with a little lemon curd adding complex notes to this bubbly. 18.5/20

Vilaura Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blancs 2019

Champagne Ayala has forged a reputation for making dry champagnes with zesty citrus flavours.

One of the great champagnes and sparkling wines of the world, made from a blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay and 15% Meunier and given three years ageing in bottle. This method creates an extremely dry, rich, fullbodied sparkling wine with great complexity and dialled up toasty rich, savoury flavours.

19/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 82.

OPINION – WINE

Joelle Thomson

Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

When bigger is better Family-owned wine business Guigal in France’s Rhône Valley shows that quality and quantity can go hand in hand, as Joelle Thomson explains…

FOUR MILLION bottles is a lot of wine – especially when you consider that those are made by a company that employs fewer than 20 full-time staff each year, sources grapes from at least 850 growers, and ages most of its wine for at least three years.

The wine that has prompted this column is one of the most consistent, high-quality reds made with grapes grown in France’s Southern Rhone Valley. It is Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge.

This smooth, complex red is aged for three years prior to release, which means there are 12 million bottles of this wine at the winery at any one time: fermenting, maturing and being made ready for labelling, marketing, and shipping around the world.

“It’s a logistical nightmare, but the work ethic I’ve seen at Guigal is second to none and all with less than 20 fulltime staff headed up by family members, Marcel, Philippe and Jacques,” said Guigal brand ambassador, Brett Crittenden, on a visit to New Zealand in early October.

Crittenden is an effusive brand ambassador and clearly a crucial part of the business, with Guigal one of the eight most-recognised wine brands in the world. Its Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge has improved so much and so consistently over the past 15 years, it is sometimes tempting to imagine that this wine virtually sells itself. How this has happened is easy to quantify (see reviews below), but ‘why’ is perhaps the more interesting question.

The poster child for any winery is its most affordable wine, and if it has a surprise factor it is the best advertising

money can buy because it creates a culture of trust in the brand. And given the quality of the higher tier wines in the Guigal stable, this trust is well-placed.

The Guigal name is, along with Chapoutier, Chave and Clape, one of the most famous in the Northern Rhône. In this case, the company is both a negociant (negotiating deals with grape growers – at least 850 of them) and a winemaker based in Côtes Rôtie: one of the world’s benchmark wine regions and one of the tiniest.

This smooth, complex red is aged for three years prior to release, which means there are 12 million bottles of this wine at the winery at any one time…

Although Guigal is best known for its high-quality benchmark Côtes du Rhône Rouge and its staggeringly concentrated single vineyard Côtes Rôtie wines, it also produces stellar examples of Châteauneufdu-Pape, Hermitage, Gigondas and Condrieu. In 2017, the Guigal family purchased Château de Nalys and in 2022, they purchased Chateau d’Aqueria, a large estate in the southern RhÔne with 66 hectares of vines planted in the appellations of Tavel, Lirac and the Côtes du Rhône.

“I’ve never seen anything like Guigal in the wine business in over 50 years of

working in wine, in terms of passion, dedication and a constant quest for improvement,” says Crittenden.

Lest this all sound like an unrestrained rave about a large French wine company, the quality, potential ageing ability and delicious drinkability of the Guigal wines all show that it is possible to make a range of products in high volume that highlight great quality.

My top picks of the current Guigal range 2019 Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge

RRP $28.99 Impressive southern French red blend with the dark fruit, soft mouthfeel and complex aromas of 55% Syrah with Grenache and Mourvèdre adding depth, plumpness and richness of flavour. This wine is made with grapes grown by 850 growers, but the wine is produced entirely by the Guigal family. Improvements in quality over the past couple of decades include increasing the proportion of Syrah in the blend (adding weight and robust flavours), adding Mourvèdre to the wine (for complexity), and longer ageing, which softens and smooths it.

2020 Guigal Crozes Hermitage Rouge

RRP $53.99 Wines from Crozes Hermitage have improved immeasurably in quality as the region has morphed away from being mostly an area of co-op wineries, which did make up 80% of production. The region is now mostly made up of winemakers who grow their own grapes – or at least source and have control over where they come from. This change translates in the ripe depths of Syrah coming through in this complex and beautiful wine.

Guigal is distributed by Negociants.

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 35

TOP PICKS – ROSÉ

Pick of the pinks Rosé makes up nearly 10% of still wine production globally, with a range of styles (and shades) to choose from. Joelle Thomson has the pick of the bunch…

2022 Main Divide Rosé

2023 ME by Matahiwi Estate Rosé

2023 The Ned Marlborough Rosé

RRP $18.99 EuroVintage

RRP $19.99 Grey Beard Trading

RRP $19.99 Marisco

Dry, crisp Rosé made from a blend of red grapes grown in North Canterbury. Flavours here are savoury with notes of fresh, red summer fruit combined with dried fruit and a savoury edge that gives every mouthful a flavoursome point of difference. Tasty. 17.5/20

This northern Wairarapa Rosé is light-bodied and dry with fruity aromas of summer berry pudding. Savoury flavours combine in a wine with a lingering, tangy finish.

17.5/20

This fruity, medium-dry style of Rosé was fresh off the bottling line at the time of writing and lively with fruity aromas of strawberries and cream. Light-bodied and refreshingly crisp with a lingering, flavoursome finish of summer berries. 17/20

2023 Wairau River Rosé

2022 Saint Clair Pioneer Block Rosé

2023 Leefield Station Pinot Noir Rosé

RRP $20 Federal Merchants

RRP $20.99 Negociants

RRP $21.99 Lion

Flavours of orange zest, summer berries and candied raspberry make this a flavoursome, fresh new Rosé from this year’s vintage in Marlborough. 17.5/20

A lovely dry Rosé from Saint Clair Family Estates winery in Marlborough, whose winemaking team use 100% Pinot Noir grapes to produce this pale-coloured, deeply fruity and dry wine.

Aromas of fresh raspberries, dried cranberries and strawberries intermingle in each sip.

17.5/20

A dry Marlborough Rosé with red fruit flavours, this wine is made from Pinot Noir grown in the Southern Valleys. A light body with complex savoury aromas that intermingle with fruity summer berry flavours. 17.5/20

36 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

TOP PICKS – ROSÉ

2021 Spy Valley Rosé

2022 Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Rosé

2022 Triennes Rosé Méditerranée

RRP $24.90 Spy Valley

RRP $24.99 Hancocks

RRP $26 Negociants

This is a deeply coloured wine with a little sweetness but balanced well with freshness, so tastes off-dry. The perfumed aromas and lively depth of flavour reflect the quirky blend of Pinot Noir and Malbec grapes, which combine to provide more colour and tasty texture from Malbec’s tannins, and bright summer berry flavours. 17.5/20

Dry Rosés often go hand-in-hand with a pale colour, and this wine is a lovely example of ripe berry and cherry flavours held in a light-bodied, fresh style. Fab summery drinking, and yearround too. Offers very good value. 17.5/20

Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault grapes are all lightly pressed and blended to make this fresh and youthful wine from the south of France.

The flavours here are all about dried red fruit and wild herbs, in a light body with an unmistakably dry style. 17.5/20

2022 Big Sky Pinot Noir Rosé

2022 Elephant Hill Tempranillo Rosé

2023 Wild Earth Rosé

RRP $27.99 Big Sky Wines

RRP $28.99 Procure

RRP $28.99 Wild Earth Wines

Dry flavours of red berries combine with a creamy, smooth mouthfeel in this lively Rosé from Big Sky Vineyards in Martinborough’s eastern most region, Te Muna Valley. Intense summer berry flavours and interesting savoury complexity appear in this wine, which echoes the stunning landscape from which it’s made.

17.5/20

Spain’s greatest red grape, Tempranillo, is thriving in Hawke’s Bay where it was grown to make this dry, deliciously savoury Rosé. It has all the flavours of summer berries in the glass, alongside a beautiful lingering, savoury finish.

17.5/20

A light body, youthful fresh berries, and a savoury taste on the finish all combine in this medium pink-hued rosé from Central Otago.

A great match with smoked meats and fresh summery salads. 17.5/20

2020 Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé

2022 Villa Maria Attorney Pinot Noir Rosé

2023 Porters Pinot Rosé

RRP $29 Negociants A dry, light-bodied, pale pink blend of Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah: three of the great red grapes of the Southern Rhône Valley in France.

This combination results in a refreshing style with characters of dried fruit and a long, dry finish. 17.5/20

RRP $29.99 Indevin Fruity with sweet summer berries, fresh acidity adds length to each sip of this wine, which was made from certified organic Pinot Noir grapes grown in Marlborough. Light skin contact provides a pale colour and light notes of red fruit. 16.5/20

RRP $30 Porters Dry, vibrant, and super tasty, with great depth from Pinot Noir grapes grown in Martinborough. This wine has all the flavours of summer berries with a twist. It can easily stand up to beautiful cheese such as good Brie and tangy condiments on the side. Delicious.

18.5/20

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 37

TOP PICKS – ROSÉ

M de Minuty

2023 Wairau River Reserve Rosé

2022 Penfolds Max’s Rosé

RRP $35 Federal Merchants

RRP $35.99 Asahi Beverages NZ

RRP $35 Moët Hennessy

Dry, flavoursome and smooth, this top-shelf Rosé is one of the best pink wines made in Marlborough today and comes from the Rose Family, owners of Wairau River Wines. 18.5/20

Named after the late Australian wine pioneer Max Schubert, this wine is a light-bodied style made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Adelaide Hills, south of the Barossa Valley.

The cool sea breezes in the vineyards provide refreshing acidity to the redcurrant and dried cranberry flavours in this bold, dry and flavoursome Rosé. 17.5/20

Peter Mayle’s book A Year in Provence may have helped to boost pink wine popularity, but it is brands such as Minuty from southern France that keep the love affair alive. M de Minuty is made from grapes grown in the sun-drenched vineyards of Provence: Grenache (60%), Cinsault (35%) and Syrah (5%). These three popular red grapes rule the region, and here they are lightly pressed to make this pale pink, dry Rosé with its impressive summer berry flavours and savoury dried strawberry aroma adding complexity. This wine not only looks great, but is a beautifully balanced example of Rosé from the south of France. 19/20

2022 Mount Edward Rosé

2023 Palliser Estate Martinborough Rosé

2023 Trinity Hill Emma Rosé

RRP $31.99 Mineral Tasty, dry, and refreshingly savoury, combined with summery berry flavours. Mount Edward Rosé is light in colour and anything but in taste, with its zingy acidity adding depth. 17.5/20

2022 Cambridge Road Rosé of Venus Martinborough

RRP $35.99 Invisible This tasty Rosé is a defiantly, deliciously different style from winemaker Lance Redgwell, who uses Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes to give this romantically-named wine its complex aromas and zesty flavours. Red berries, light citrus aromas and a smooth texture combine in each glass of Rosé of Venus.

17.5/20

RRP $35 Negociants This fresh new Rosé is a style departure for Palliser Estate Rosés and has drier flavours with all the summer berry character you could wish for. Strawberry and raspberry aromas add attractive depth to this wine’s light body and zingy notes of bold acidity add length to every summery sip. 17.5/20

RRP $34.99 Hancocks A beautiful dry wine with medium pink colour and great depth of dried cherries, raspberries and savoury cranberry flavours. A crispy, crunchy mouth texture that leaves you reaching for the second (and the third) glass. Great Rosé – a wine that pushes this category to a new level. 18.5/20

2022 Te Kano Rosé

2023 Coal Pit Rosé

RRP $32 Te Kano Estate

RRP $38 Coal Pit Wine

Move over Negroni, here’s the summer Rosé to bring a new taste to the glasses of those who love their pink with a hint of orange. Complex flavours of orange zest in this pretty pink wine lead to a long, refreshing finish and a light touch of residual grape sweetness for balance and weight. Delish. 17.5/20

Central Otago is one of the wine world’s most evocative landscapes, conjuring images of grapes on the sides of mountains, as in the case of Coal Pit Pinot Rosé, which is made from hand-picked grapes grown on a site approximately 400 metres above sea level.

This chilly site in the Gibbston Valley makes for a beautiful wine (as well as landscape) and this Rosé (bottled unfined) is dry in taste with outstanding depth of flavour. 18.5/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 82.

38 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Take a moment to experience a great wine a millenia in the making Adega De Redondo Alentejo, Portugal

M&A CREATIVE AGENCY, PORTUGAL

0800 687 9463 www.vintners.co.nz

WINE NEWS TWO-TIME IWSC NZ PRODUCER OF THE YEAR

MÉTHODE MARLBOROUGH

Marlborough tops the National Wine Awards MARLBOROUGH PINOT Noir won top honours at the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand with Saint Clair Pioneer Block 5 Bull Block Pinot Noir 2021 named Champion Wine of the Show as well as scooping the coveted Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir.

Martinborough Vineyard Home Block Sauvignon Blanc 2023 won the Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc with Chair of Judges, Jane Cooper, commenting on the incredible balance of the wine, noting the tension between acid and fruit, calling it “a beautifully crafted Sauvignon Blanc that balances all the components with absolute precision”.

The Wanaka winemaking duo of Sarah-Kate and Dan Dineen took home the Winemaker of the Year award, thanks in part to the Auckland A&P Association Heritage Rosebowl, which they won for the second year running. Rewarding wines that reflect a consistency of style over time, a trio of vintages of Mount Maude Reserve East Block Riesling took this out as well as the Antipodes Riesling Trophy.

There were 18 Trophies awarded, including a new Organic Trophy to Loop Road Pinot Noir 2022 from Quartz Reef winemaker and organic winegrowing advocate Rudi Bauer.

Find full results at nationalwineawards.co.nz

Brown Brothers launches Moscato Strawberries & Cream spyvalleywine.co.nz Distributed by Red + White Cellar ph. 09 376 0760

IN TIME for the festive season, Brown Brothers has released its limited edition Moscato Strawberries & Cream in New Zealand.

The latest addition to the Moscato range, it combines Brown Brother’s best-selling Moscato with the flavours of strawberries, jam, and vanilla cream. It’s light, vibrant and lower in alcohol at 8% ABV. Brown Brothers Limited Edition Moscato Strawberries & Cream (750ml) RRP $16.99.

Taylor Brown

WINE NEWS

‘Promise to the Seas’ from Taylors SOUTH AUSTRALIAN winery Taylors has unveiled a new look for its Promised Land range as part of the family winery’s ongoing mission to save the seahorses – a vital indicator species.

The new design ushers in Taylors’ ‘Promise to the Seas’ campaign, supporting global marine conservation organisation

Project Seahorse, which is committed to the conservation and sustainable use of coastal marine ecosystems and the survival of seahorses.

“Since the beginning, the seahorse has symbolised our three generations of family winemaking at Taylors Wines,” says thirdgeneration winemaker and Taylors

Managing Director Mitchell Taylor.

Taylors is a prominent supporter of marine conservation through ongoing partnerships with Project Seahorse and the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.

Taylors new Promised Land range is now available – RRP $16.

Taylor Brown

New edition of Oxford Companion to Wine A FIFTH edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine has just been released, with more than 270 new entries, and existing entries reviewed and updated.

First published in 1994 to worldwide acclaim, The Oxford Companion to Wine is a uniquely comprehensive and in-depth A-Z reference book on every aspect of wine, with more than 4,000 meticulously cross-referenced entries covering topics as diverse as history, soil science, viticulture, winemaking, packaging, technology, regulations,

tasting, sustainability, and the language of wine, among many others.

Edited by Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson OBE MW, and Tara Q. Thomas, the new edition benefits from the knowledge and experience of over 100 hundred new contributors, all experts in their field or geographical region.

The Oxford Companion to Wine (Oxford University Press). Available in hardback and e-book.

SHOWCASE

Discover Terras Lusas THE FLAVOURS of Portugal are now available from distributor Vintners, with the arrival of Adega de Redondo’s Terras Lusas Red. This Gold Medal red wine hails from the Alentejo wine region in the southeast of Portugal, where they have been making wine for more than 2,000 years.

It is here that Adega de Redondo Winery was established in 1956, and today represents a family of 200 growers who collectively supply

the winery with a range of traditional Alentejo grapes, alongside well-known Portuguese varieties including red Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca.

These growers ensure an excellent supply of supple, flavoursome grapes that make some truly exceptional wines that punch far above their everyday price, with the Adega de Redondo Terras Lusas Red an excellent example.

Its distinctive label designs are a tribute to the most emblematic symbols of Portuguese culture

and create wonderful shelf appeal. Designs range from Portuguese traditional tiles to sardines, ‘fado’ music, Douro ‘Rabelo’ boats, the small ‘Santana Houses’ of Madeira island, the traditional striped houses at Costa Nova beach and even the famous Lisbon electric trams.

Discover the world of Terras Lusas for yourself.

Available now from Vintners.

0800 687 9463 sales@vintners.co.nz vintners.nz

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 43

WINE NEWS

The Hidden Sea arrives on NZ shores AUSTRALIAN WINE company The Hidden Sea has launched its range into New Zealand with a promise that for every bottle sold it will remove and recycle 10 plastic bottles from the ocean.

Founded by entrepreneur Justin Moran and retired AFL star Richie Vandenberg, The Hidden Sea was created to honour the ocean heritage of the South Australian site of their vineyard and make a positive, verifiable impact on the planet. The vineyard is located on the Limestone Coast, where the rich, fertile soil benefits from a submerged ocean that was once home to a thriving marine ecosystem.

The company’s goal is to remove one billion bottles by 2030, and they’re well on their way, with over 23 million bottles removed from the ocean since July 2020.

Distributed in New Zealand by Hancocks, the brand is targeted at socially conscious consumers who love great-tasting wine and want to feel part of something bigger than themselves.

Hancocks Brand Manager, Sam Baker, says they are excited to have such a fantastic brand joining the portfolio with such a great initiative. “Being an island nation, it’s important that we are always ensuring we do our best and support initiatives like this more and more for future generations.”

The Hidden Sea range includes a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Rosé, and a Shiraz. RRP $19.99 Hancocks

New World reveals its Top 50 for 2023 NEW WORLD released its list of ‘Top 50 Wines under $25’ for 2023, after judges assessed more than 1,200 entries.

The Top 50 winning wines were stocked in New World stores nationwide for five weeks after the results were announced in October.

New World Top 50 Under $25 - 2023 Champion Chardonnay & Champion White Wine of the Show: Caythorpe Family Estate Marlborough Chardonnay 2021 Champion Pinor Noir & Champion Red Wine of the Show: Stoneleigh Wild Valley Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 Champion Aromatic: Mud House Single Vineyard Riesling 2022 Champion Bubbles: Verde Brut Champion Pinot Gris: Brancott Estate East Coast Pinot Gris 2023

Simon Bishell of Caythorpe Family Estate with their winning wine

Champion Red Blend: Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Champion Rosé: Thornbury Hawkes Bay Rosé 2023 Champion Sauvignon Blanc: Anchorage Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2023 Champion Shiraz & Syrah: Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Syrah 2021 Champion Single Variety Red: Trapiche Pure Black Malbec 2021 (Argentina) newworld.co.nz/discover/ wine-awards

There’s 20°C between night and day here.

No wonder the flavour’s so intense.

@leefield_station www.marisco.co.nz

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

WINE NEWS

Wine for good with Borough BOROUGH WINE has released its 2023 wine range, with all profits from sales once again going to the Graeme Dingle Foundation Marlborough and plans to extend that further around New Zealand.

Borough was founded in Marlborough in 2020 by Socially Good Enterprises (SGE), a limited liability company with charity status. The wine brand is unique in that all parts of the process, from vine to bottle, are generously donated by grape growers, winemakers,

packaging suppliers, bottlers, carriers, and customers.

Alongside the launch of the 2023 vintage, Borough has undergone a rebrand with a website revamp to make direct online sales easier, and is exploring opportunities to partner with a distributor. They will also be offering the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s nine other regional organisations across New Zealand the opportunity to raise funds for their programmes through sales of Borough wine.

The 2023 Borough Marlborough wine range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Rose.

For the 2023 release, Lion New Zealand (Wither Hills) and Marlborough Vintners and their growers provided the grapes and winemaking for the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Rose, with Indevin Group, a new partner, donating the Pinot Gris wine.

Borough Wine is RRP $17.99.

Borough Wine

Winners at the Marlborough Wine Show ISABEL ESTATE was riding high at this year’s Marlborough Wine Show, with its Marlborough Pinot Noir 2021 named Champion Wine and collecting three other trophies as well.

The wine also picked up ‘De Sangosse NZ Champion Current Vintage Pinot Noir’, ‘The Coterie Wine of Provenance’ and ‘Wine Marlborough Ltd Champion Wairau Valley’.

Chief Judge Stu Marfell said the Champion wine was a clear standout for judges. “It showed not only how far we have come with Pinot Noir in Marlborough, but also a glimpse into the future. Pristine fruit, combined with thoughtful and sensitive winemaking has created a wine with elegance and vibrancy.”

There were 22 trophies presented at

The Marlborough Wine Celebration Evening Honouring 50 Years of Marlborough Wine.

The highly sought-after NZ Wine Centre Legacy Trophy, sponsored by Marlborough Research Centre, was this year presented to Tohu Wines for their TOHU Rewa Méthode Traditionnelle Blanc de Blancs 2011, 2014, and 2016.

Four pioneers of Marlborough wine were also recognised with Wine Marlborough Lifetime Achievement Awards at the dinner: James Healy, Dave

Pearce, Tessa Anderson and Murray Gibbons joined a growing list of industry leaders who have championed Marlborough wine for the best part of five decades.

The Workplace Wellbeing Impact Award 2023 was presented to Spy Valley Wines, alongside the Workplace Wellbeing Leadership Award 2023, which was presented to Yealands Wine.

See the full list of Trophy winnners at marlboroughwineshow. com/awards

Awards of Excellence Winners 2023 We are thrilled to announce our Trophy Winners from this year’s National Wine Awards.

Congratulations to all our winners and the outstanding teams that craft them.

Champion Wine of the Show SAINT CLAIR PIONEER BLOCK 5 BULL BLOCK PINOT NOIR 2021 MCC Label Trophy for Champion Sparkling DIAMOND HEART WAIHOPAI CUVÉE 2018

Wineworks Trophy for Champion Rosé STONELEIGH PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2023

Laffort Trophy for Champion Gewürztraminer SAINT CLAIR PIONEER BLOCK 12 LONE GUM GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2023

Classic Oak Products NZ Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir SAINT CLAIR PIONEER BLOCK 5 BULL BLOCK PINOT NOIR 2021

Antipodes Trophy for Champion Riesling MT MAUDE RESERVE EAST BLOCK RIESLING 2023 Dish Magazine Trophy for Champion Pinot Gris GIESEN ESTATE PINOT GRIS 2023 Guala Closures NZ Trophy for Champion Sauvignon Blanc MARTINBOROUGH VINEYARD HOME BLOCK SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 New World Trophy for Champion Chardonnay ISABEL ESTATE MARLBOROUGH WILD BARRIQUE CHARDONNAY 2022 NZ Winegrowers Trophy for Champion Other White Varieties YEALANDS ESTATE SINGLE VINEYARD ALBARINO 2023 Mainfreight Trophy for Champion Export Wine OTU CLASSIC MARLBOROUGH SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 Trophy for Champion Organic Wine LOOP ROAD PINOT NOIR 2022

Trophy for Champion Cabernet & Cabernet-dominant Blend MUDBRICK VELVET 2022 New Zealand Couriers Trophy for Champion Merlot CHURCH ROAD MCDONALD SERIES MERLOT 2021 Fruitfed Trophy for Champion Syrah TIPPING POINT OPPORTUNIST SYRAH 2021 Trophy for Champion Other Red Varieties BEACH HOUSE CABERNET FRANC 2021 winejobsonline.com Trophy for Champion Sweet Wine CLARK ESTATE SINGLE VINEYARD BOTRYTISED RIESLING 2022 Auckland A&P Association Heritage Rosebowl MT MAUDE RESERVE EAST BLOCK RIESLING 2014,2019,2023 Auckland A&P Association Winemaker of the Show SARAH-KATE & DAN DINEEN - MAUDE WINES

Congratulations to all Award Winners from the Auckland Agricultural & Pastoral Association, proud host of the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand

SUMMER DAYS For the festive season, festivals, and hanging with friends – the summer rush is coming, so stock your fridges and chillers with the latest releases…

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Note: Beers are listed in order of % ABV. Parrotdog Watchdog Non-Alc IPA

Yeastie Boys Blokequet

<0.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $20 Parrotdog

2.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99 Yeastie Boys

Easily one of the best non-alc beers we have tried in recent times. This new release from Parrotdog is full of lively hop aroma from the moment you open the can. Pours golden in the glass and is lush with citrus and stonefruit flavours over a pale malt backbone.

An impressive addition to the category.

Recommended.

Taking aim at our too-high rates of male selfharm, Yeastie Boys have brewed a “blokequet” – a drinkable bunch of flowers encouraging men to have a beer and check in with each other. Blokequet is a seasonal mid-strength hazy pale ale brewed with the Earl Grey blue flower. Every can sold makes a donation to

Sunshine Brewing Beachside Mango & Passionfruit Sour

Emporium Drop Cover Hold Kettle Sour

2.4% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $24.99 Sunshine Brewing Remember those tropical Just Juice ads?

Sunshine’s new Beachside is basically that in delicious beer form, and is now part of the Gisborne brewery’s core range. Mango & Passionfruit Sour pours a startlingly bright hazy yellow in the glass and the nose bursts with tropical juices. In the glass, mango is the dominant base with passionfruit providing a sweeping sourness over the top. A simple yet elegant ‘one-two’ that makes for a great drop.

Sawmill Nimble Pale Ale

2.5% 330ml 6-pack RRP $21.99 Sawmill Brewery Light on its feet but oh, so tasty, Sawmill’s Nimble Pale Ale is one of our favourite-ever lower ABV drops. From the classy, light blue can to the punchy pale ale flavours, Nimble is well balanced and flavourful enough to slake any thirst. Goes well with pretzels and other salty snacks and is a sessionable option at only 2.5% ABV – not that the flavour would ever let you know it. Recommended.

Sunshine Brewing’s Black Magic offers the best of both worlds: the fruit of a pale ale mixed with the malt of a black beer.

the I AM HOPE Foundation.

3.8% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 – also in keg.

Emporium Brewing This release from Emporium is an ode to their first batch that was knocked over by an earthquake! What they salvaged and what they’ve created since is a delicious kettle sour based on the Kveik yeast. The drop pours a little cloudy in the glass and the nose promises tropical fruit flavours, which arrive in generous bursts of sour guava, calamansi and papaya.

Sour lovers will be in heaven. Recommended.

Garage Project x Duck Island Ambrosia Ice Cream Sour

4.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.50 Garage Project

Sunshine Brewing Black Magic

Created in collaboration with Duck Island Ice Cream, this sour is full of creamy lactose, oats, wheat, sour cherries, raspberries, marshmallows and chocolate nibs. Creamy and delicious – a real sweet treat for summer.

4% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.49 Sunshine Brewing

Sawmill Awkward Ginger Beer

Sunshine’s Black Magic is a curious combination that offers the best of both worlds: the fruit of a pale ale mixed with the malt of a black beer for an invigorating, heady brew. The jet black can is 440ml, but at only 4% Black Magic is an eminently sessionable beer with the strong flavour profile of a much more alcoholic beer. An interesting new addition that will find a big following.

Recommended.

4.5% 330ml 6-pack RRP $23.99 Sawmill Brewery Brewed in the spirit of a traditional ginger beer with a malty beer base, Sawmill’s Awkward Ginger Beer will delight those looking to branch out from traditional beers. With a warm spice hit from the ginger and complexity added with the addition of cinnamon and lemon, this is an alcoholic brewed ginger beer for the discerning drinker.

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BEER & CIDER REPORT

Sawmill Awkward Quite Hard Lemonade

4.5% 330ml 6-pack RRP $23.99 Sawmill Brewery Although it’s called a “Lemonade”, Sawmill assures us this is actually a beer. Brewed with Hawke’s Bay lemons, this is a naturally fermented drop in which the lemon feels integral, rather than added. Good bitterness from the beer process wards off any hint of lemonade sweetness, leaving a superrefreshing drop that will really come into its own as summer heats up.

Hop Federation Brut Pilsner

4.9% ABV, 440ml can RRP $9.99 Kono Brewed to celebrate 10 years of Hop Federation, Brut Pilsner is a classy, crisp pils that looks great both in the can and in the glass. The addition of champagne yeast gives a finely beaded effervescence and brut-style bubbles for an elegant celebration of a beer. Dry and refined. Happy Birthday Hop Federation!

Emporium Dunkel Weizen

San Miguel Pale Pilsner

5% ABV, keg only Emporium Brewing

5% ABV, 500ml RRP $4 Beer Labels

A cross between the dark German dunkel and the hefeweizen wheat beer, Emporium’s Dunkel Weizen is a dark wheat beer packed with flavour, and part of their Anomalous Range. Pouring a tawny brown in the glass, the nose has all the hallmarks of a wheat beer. In the mouth however, the malts are super sweet and there is a wheaty afterglow of banana and clove spiciness. One for the connoisseurs.

This Filipino beer was first brewed in the San Miguel area of Manila in 1890.

The beer is a pale pils-style that is reminiscent of many super-light Asian ales, but this one has a strong hop character that gives it good backbone and bitterness. A great, refreshing drop.

Kaiser Bier

5% ABV, 500ml RRP $4 Beer Labels Kaiser Bier is a traditional lager from Austria. It pours a bright golden yellow in the glass and has appealing hop aromas. Clean and crisp on the palate.

Brewed to celebrate 10 years of Hop Federation, Brut Pilsner is a classy, crisp pils that looks great both in the can and in the glass.

50 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Sunshine Brewing Czech Lager

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.49 Sunshine Brewing A classic brew, Sunshine’s Czech Lager pours clear, crisp and golden in the glass.

Conditioned for 35 days, this beer is fresh and slightly bitter, imparted by classic Czech hops and yeast. A glass of pure Gisborne, Czech Lager is a real sunshine of an ale, as good for an elegant lunch as it would be for fish and chips at the beach.

Sunshine Brewing Life’s An Apricot

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.49 Sunshine Brewing Sunshine have returned to the American Wheat Beer they released last year brewed with peaches, but this time have added apricot to the mix. The wheat gives a slight haze but this beer is all about the juicy flavour profile – lush fruit on a beautiful neutral yeast base. An ideal accompaniment to a summer cheeseboard or grazing platter.

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Sunshine Brewing Sunrise 04

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.49 Sunshine Brewing Sunrise 04 is a Hazy Pale Ale that is part of Sunshine’s Sunrise hazy series. Using the Mosaic and Peacharine hops, 04 has a light haze and subtle flavours of mango and stonefruit.

Edelweiss Hefetrüb

5.1% ABV, 500ml RRP $4.50 Beer Labels Originating in the Austrian Alps, Edelweiss Hefetrüb is an unfiltered, golden drop with a strong wheat characteristic. The nose is packed with banana and the flavour profile is classic wheat with hints of spice. A true Austrian classic with roots back to the 17th century: you can taste the history and regional distinctiveness in the glass.

Sprig + Fern Nect Level Hazy Pale Ale

5.4% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99, 888ml RRP $13.49 Sprig + Fern Hops, haze, a video game of a can – what more could you want this Christmas? Sprig + Fern’s Nect Level is the first in New Zealand to use Nectaron Cryo Hops. First released in 2020, the Nectaron hop variety is now in a ‘cryo’ version, created by Yakima Chief Hops. This process takes the resins and aromatic oils from the whole hop cones and concentrates them into pellets. Sprig + Fern’s Nect Level is a cloudy, super-hoppy hazy with flavours of stonefruit, tropical fruit and citrus.

Bach Brewing’s Wit Dream White Hazy IPA is fresh and vibrant with characters of candy, passionfruit, peach and citrus.

Pacific Coast Neon Raspberry

5.5% ABV, 440ml can RRP $9.99 – also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery Pretty in pink, Pacific Coast’s Neon Raspberry is a berry sour with a beautiful burst of berry aromas, delivered from a knockout can. Made with a hefty dose of real raspberries, this vibrant pink drop smells like a fruited cider but the taste is all sourness and bite. Enjoy icy cold on a hot summer’s day. Recommended.

Emporium Under the Table Saison

5.9% ABV, 440ml can RRP $10 – also in keg. Out mid-Dec. Emporium Brewing

Sprig + Fern Encore ft. NZH-106

6.1% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.49, 888ml RRP $13.99 Sprig + Fern Sprig + Fern’s Headliner was the first beer to commercially brew with the trial hop NZH-106 from the NZ Hops Bract Brewing Programme.

The Nelson brewers have followed up the acclaimed release with Encore ft NZH-106.

They’ve lowered the alcohol to 6.1%, but the hop hit is still bold and right at the front of the ale. A super piney nose gives way to a flavour profile of tropical and citrus fruits – beautifully balanced and sure to please the hop heads out there.

Bach Brewing Wit Dream White Hazy IPA

6.2% ABV 440ml RRP $10.99 Bach Brewing Inspired by the summer seasonal Wits of Belgium, Bach Brewing have developed a hybrid recipe marrying a Belgian Wit yeast with the structure of a Hazy IPA. Their Wit Dream melds the hops Superdelic, Nelson Sauvin, Amarillo and Citra, along with a touch of fresh orange zest. The result is a beer that is fresh and vibrant with characters of candy, passionfruit, peach and citrus.

Kaikōura brewers Emporium have got a real fruit and spice number on their hands with their Under the Table Saison. Arriving in an attractive, deep green can, the traditional French farmhouse style is updated with the addition of peach and passionfruit juice making for an extra fruitiness up against the wheat and spice. A ‘long summer lunch’ kind of beer.

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BEER & CIDER REPORT

Hop Federation Hold the Line NZIPA

Red Horse Strong Beer

6.3% ABV, 440ml can RRP $9.99 Kono

8% ABV, 500ml RRP $5 Beer Labels

Hop Federation are based in the heart of Tasman’s hop country and Hold the Line is a celebration of New Zealand hops Southern Cross, Taiheke and Nectaron. The golden drop has a piney nose and the taste is all hoppy bitterness with a tropical assault on the senses to follow. Hop lovers will love this ode to the little green cones.

This extra strong lager is from Filipino brewers San Miguel. The distinctive red can promises the boldness you’ll find inside. Clear and sweet, you would hardly know you were drinking an 8% ABV drop. A classic lager with a distinctive finish.

Emporium Fred Barleywine

10% ABV, 440ml RRP $13 – also in keg Emporium Brewing

Garage Project Mātakitaki Valley Double Hazy IPA

8% ABV, 440ml RRP $11 Garage Project This is Garage Project’s fourth hop harvest collaboration with US East Coast brewing legends Trillium, and it explores new terroir with Nelson Lakes Hops in the Mātakitaki Valley from Freestyle Hops. A hop free boil and massive dry hop addition of hand-selected Nelson Sauvin and Motueka create a giant, juicy, hazy homage to one of New Zealand’s most exciting new hop growing regions.

This English-style red barleywine is positively dripping with malt, toffee, caramel and molasses flavours. Named by the brewer’s 4-year-old son, ‘Fred’ is based on the Maris Otter malt base and then aged for over a year to develop the complex interplay of sweetness that defines the style. At 10% and in a 440ml can, it’s a beer to savour.

Garage Project Beast Mode

12.3% ABV, 375ml RRP $20 Garage Project This is a dark Imperial dessert stout, infused with a massive shot of concentrated New Ground espresso and burnt Seville orange peel, then blended with four-year-old bourbon barrel-aged beer. A rich, complex, bittersweet blend of bourbon vanilla oak, roasted malts, caramelised citrus peel and coffee. Perfect as a dessert pairing or serve at the end of a meal instead of a sticky wine. Ideal for gifting too.

Peckham’s Perry has juicy ripe pear flavours with honey notes and a refreshing finish.

CIDER Peckham’s Orange-A-Tang

5.5% ABV, 330ml can RRP $5.99 – also in keg Peckham’s A super-summery and refreshing release from Peckham’s, Orange-A-Tang is tangy and packed with orange zest flavour. It’s made with handzested oranges gathered from Peckham’s own grove and then infused into an apple cider.

Peckham’s Perry

5.7% ABV, 330ml can RRP $5.99 Peckham’s This delicious Perry from Peckham’s in Upper Moutere is oozing with character. Made with juice from pears harvested in 2022, it’s been ageing in barrel for sublime texture and rich character. Juicy ripe pear flavours with honey notes and a refreshing finish.

Peckham’s Pommeau

17% ABV, 375ml bottle RRP $22 Peckham’s Step aside stickies – this luscious new release has been two years in the making and is now out of its French oak barrels and bottled, ready to enjoy. Pommeau is crafted from a blend of Dabinett, Brown’s, Yarlington Mill and Kingston Black apples and fortified with apple brandy. It’s decadent and sweet but light in texture, with notes of baked apple, caramel and butterscotch. Serve with (or instead of!) dessert. Ideal for gifting.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 82.

52 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Simple Life is packed with our brewer selected blend of New Zealand’s locally grown and iconic hops including Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka and Motueka, all infused in a crisp sparkling mineralised water.

Delivering tropical, citrus and grape-like flavours.

TRADE ENQUIRIES TO hello@bachbrewing.co.nz

OPINION – BEER

Michael Donaldson

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

But on the bright side…

At the end of a fairly grim year for beer, with some big names in financial trouble, Michael Donaldson highlights some of the positives from our brewers...

Brewery of the Year: Sawmill. Not a single offering from Sawmill missed the mark this year. But you could say that about many breweries. (I might be biased thanks to the numerous pints of their XPA that I’ve had after a round of golf at my home club, Titirangi. My wife swears by their Hazy IPA as her preferred go-to.)

Sawmill Nimble was an outstanding 2.5% breakthrough beer that I love to bits. I had a non-alcoholic Bare Beer when out for lunch and it was delicious. Their Riwaka fresh hop was an explosive flavour bomb…

I could go on and on.

Idea of the Year: I was super-impressed with what Colab Brewing created this year with their ‘Say It With Beers’ bespoke labelling offer. Other breweries are now jumping on this, but Colab were the first to nail the process and the customer interface.

Objective Beer of the Year: How can I objectively pick a best beer? Well, I looked at gold medallists from the New Zealand Beer Awards (where 8 Wired’s Wild Feijoa Sour Ale was named the Best Beer); the New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30 (where Lakeman Primate Pilsner was crowned Champion); and the votes for Beer Hug’s Choicest Craft Beer Box (where Behemoth Brain Smiles came out on top), and across those three events only one beer appeared in all three lists: McLeod’s Paradise Pale Ale.

Non-alc Beer of the Year: Parrotdog Watchdog builds on what others have created in the non-alc space and refines it superbly. Brilliant beer.

Subjective Beer of the Year: Wilderness Russet Pinot Barrel-Aged Flemish Red from Derelict Brewing Company in North Canterbury. It has layers of flavours – light balsamic acid quality, prune juice, apple skin, and with a ribbon of red wine running through it. Real depth and relatively sweet for the style, possibly from the 8% ABV. Achievement of the Year: Garage Project winning a Silver Medal with Chance Luck & Magic 2020 in the Belgian-style sour category at the World Beer Cup. They only 54 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Personality of the Year: Grant Caunter of State of Play. Grant is a force of nature in the non-alcoholic category, relentlessly pushing the message that abstinence doesn’t need to mean missing out on great flavour.

On that note…

“Parrotdog Watchdog builds on what others have created in the nonalc space and refines it superbly.” give out three medals at the WBC and it’s truly remarkable that a Kiwi brewery can be the second-best in such an esoteric category.

Innovator of the Year: Froth Tech’s discovery and isolation of Wilding yeast.

Hard work, technical know-how and a little bit of luck all led Froth Tech to making a commercial batch of New Zealand’s first native brewing yeast.

Quote of the Year: “Beer is like ice cream.

When Goody Goody Gum Drops came out, I thought ‘That’s wild, crazy’ and now you only have to walk past a Duck Island store and see the weird and wonderful things that are being done with ice cream flavours. There’s a real parallel between ice cream and beer.” – Bruce Turner of Urbanaut.

Style of the Year: Move over Cold IPA and make way for West Coast Pilsner. In the past few years, (possibly as a contrast to hazies) old school IPA has been getting leaner and cleaner, with the malt base pared right back to allow modern hopping techniques to showcase the flavour and aroma of hops. With the melding of pilsner-style malts to IPA hopping regimes, West Coast Pilsner is the natural endpoint of that trend. It’s a beer style you will see a lot of this summer.

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Open up with a Yeastie Boys Blokequet BREWERS YEASTIE Boys have teamed up with the I AM HOPE Foundation on a new release beer, created to shine a light on the issue of self-harm and get New Zealand men talking more about how they’re feeling.

“When you hear that most men receive their first bunch of flowers at their own funeral, it makes you stop and think,” says Yeastie Boys NZ GM, Josh Sanford. “And in a country like New Zealand where selfharm among Kiwi blokes is too high, we’re having too many funerals. Giving flowers to each other isn’t really something a lot of men do, but sitting down with a beer and chatting is.”

Described as a “drinkable bunch of flowers”, Yeastie Boys Blokequet is a 2.5% ABV hazy pale ale with scant bitterness, with an explosion of ‘flowers’ and tropical, citrus fruit to taste. The hop aromas have subtle floral notes from Earl Grey blue flower, notes of bergamot, orange citrus and white wine spice. Every can sold makes a donation to the I AM HOPE Foundation.

Yeastie Boys Blokequet 440ml RRP $7.99 Yeastie Boys

Garage Project bubbles over for Royal NZ Ballet GARAGE PROJECT is celebrating 10 years of creative partnership with the Royal New Zealand Ballet, releasing ‘Hops on Pointe Grand Cru’, a limited-edition imperial ‘champagne’ pilsner.

Hops on Pointe was originally brewed as part of RNZB’s 60th birthday celebrations in 2013.

“When the mighty milestone of 10 years approached, we knew that we had to put our best foot forward and brew something truly unique to mark the occasion,” said Garage Project co-founder and Head Brewer, Pete Gillespie.

Hops on Pointe Grand Cru is brewed with extra premium malts, Nelson Sauvin hops, and bottle conditioned with champagne yeast. The result is an extra-strong golden pilsner with a crisp citrus and crushed grape palate, rich tropical fruit aromas and lively, persistent effervescence.

Brewed to 10% ABV, the beer is finished in a 750ml champagne bottle with gold foil hood.

“After a decade of marking many of our happiest moments with the support of our Garage Project friends, it still gives us a tremendous thrill to see the RNZB brand on every can and bottle,” says RNZB Director of Marketing and Development Susannah Lees-Jeffries. “We believe we’re the only ballet company in the world with ‘our own’ beer, and it’s a special partnership that could only happen in Wellington.”

Garage Project

Beervana announces dates for 2024 NEW ZEALAND’S largest beer festival, Beervana, is set to return to Wellington’s Sky Stadium on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August in 2024, organisers have confirmed.

This year’s event drew more than 14,000 people over the two days in August, sampling more than 340 beers from more than 60 craft breweries from across New Zealand and Australia.

“New Zealand’s brewing industry is known for excitement, creativity and ingenuity which makes it one of the most exciting beer scenes in the world, and we had nearly 800 internationals attend the festival this year,” says Beervana Manager Ryan McArthur.

Tickets for next year’s Beervana will go on general release in June 2024. beervana.co.nz

MOTUEKA-BASED CRAFT brewery Hop Federation has opened its new taproom, just two minutes from its old Riwaka brewery. Now at 627 Main Road in Riwaka (next to The Riwaka Hotel), the new space has 12 beer taps and will showcase the full Hop Federation range, including any new seasonals, six-packs, 440ml cans, riggers and merchandise. It also has Tohu wines (from parent company KONO), and deli products. The new taproom sits on the region’s popular Great Taste Trail and is on the way to Golden Bay and the Abel Tasman.

Founded in Riwaka by Chief Brewer Simon and his wife Nicki Nicholas in 2013, Hop Federation became part of Māori business Kono in 2020. Earlier this year, Hop Federation opened its new brewery in Motueka to better cope with demand.

Kono

NELSON MAGAZINE

New taproom for Hop Federation

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 55

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Strong showings at Fruit Wine & Cider Awards THE FRUIT Wine & Cider Awards were held in Hawke’s Bay this year, with organisers noting the resilience and innovation of the industry after the challenges of the past few years.

Chairman Jody Scott said there had been a decrease in mead and fruit wine entries this year, but cider entries remained robust.

The 2023 Awards saw 17 Trophies, 22 Golds, 43 Silvers and 23 Bronze medals awarded. Scott said this was proportionally more golds and fewer bronze medals than last year, adding: “The overarching theme for this year’s awards has been an increase in the overall quality of submissions, a testament to the resilience and innovation of our industry.”

The 2023 Awards also saw the introduction of two new awards categories: the Champion Producer Award highlights the producer that demonstrated the best consistency across all entries, a testament to their dedication to quality and excellence; and the Packaging Award, to recognise the importance of packaging and showcase excellence in this vital aspect of the industry.

Overall Champion Trophies

NZ Champion Cider: S toke Red 2020 – Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard NZ Champion Fruit Wine & Mead: L othlorien Medium Sparkling Apple & Feijoa Fruit Wine – Lothlorien Winery Ltd NZ Champion Producer: Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard Best Packaging: R anga Alcoholic Gingerbeer – Ranga Cider Trophies

Modern Cider: H arvest Crisp Apple Cider – Harvest Cidery Traditional Cider: S toke Red 2020 – Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard Pear Cider / Perry: Pear Drop – Elemental Cider Cider with Berry Fruit: B oysenberry – Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard Cider with Non-Berry Fruits: BLACK – Morningcider Cider With Hops, Spices, Botanicals Or Honey: Pohutukawa Flower – Elemental Cider

Bottle Fermented: T he Earl’s Drop Perry – TeePee Cider Ltd Specialty Ciders: Roasted Apple – Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard Fruit Wine & Mead Trophies

Fruit Wine: Lothlorien Medium Sparkling Apple & Feijoa Fruit Wine – Lothlorien Winery Ltd Fortified Fruit Wine / Fruit Liqueur: Roaring Red Boysenberry – Ruahine Ports Mead: R hapsody – Beehave Craft Meadery Alcoholic Ginger Beer / Lemonade: Hazy Ginger Beer – Zeffer Cider Co. Alcoholic Kombucha / Hard Tea: B erries Alcoholic Kombucha – Kombucha Bros.

Chairman Jody Scott also confirmed that the Cider Festival would be returning to Nelson for 2024.

W: Full medal results at cider.org.nz

PART LOCAL LEGEND, PART NEW ZEALAND ICON. www.sunshinebrewing.co.nz

Sprig + Fern debuts Nectaron Cryo brew SPRIG + Fern Brewing Co. has become the first brewery in New Zealand to use the intense aromatics and flavours of Nectaron CRYO Hops, releasing new Sprig + Fern Nect Level Hazy (5.4% ABV).

The Nectaron hop variety was released in 2020 after 17 years of innovation by Plant & Food Research, bringing highly sought-after tropical fruit, citrus and stone fruit notes to a brew. The CRYO version, created in partnership with Yakima Chief Hops, takes the resins and aromatic oils from the whole hop cones and concentrates them into pellets. These aim to deliver maximum aroma and flavour compounds while reducing grassy and vegetal characteristics, in a smaller form factor – reducing wastage, storage space and transport costs, among many other benefits.

Dr. Ron Beatson, Brand Ambassador at NZ Hops Ltd, says: “When we opened up the first bag of Nectaron CRYO it just blew our minds with the array and pungency of the aromas.

There was big bold tropical fruit, citrus, passionfruit and, of course, the stonefruit it’s known for. It really was very intense.”

Alex Paxton, Tracy Banner and Callum Duncan from Sprig + Fern are shown the new Nectaron® Cryo Hops™ by Dr Ron Beatson and Dave Woods from NZ Hops Ltd.

Dr Beatson showcased the first New Zealand CRYO varieties at the Craft Brewers Conference in Nashville in May this year.

They included four of NZ Hops’ best sellers: Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, Riwaka and Nectaron. After a tour of North America to introduce brewers to the new products, NZ Hops began planning the introduction of CRYO to the New Zealand market, starting with a shipment of Nectaron CRYO to Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. “Three years ago we were very privileged to brew the first beer containing the newlytrademarked Nectaron hop,” says Tracy Banner, owner and Master Brewer at Sprig

+ Fern Brewing Co. “We’re flattered that NZ Hops Ltd have entrusted us once again, this time with the CRYO version. On brew day, Dr. Ron Beatson and Dave Woods [from NZ Hops Ltd] joined us with the special, air-freighted delivery of Nectaron CRYO. As soon as the bag was opened, we knew they were on to something special. We love brewing with Nectaron, and this was a greatly intensified version of everything we enjoy about the hop.”

Sprig + Fern Nect Level Hazy (5.4% ABV) is available now in limited quantities.

Sprig + Fern

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

So, we brewed you a beer. Inspired by the big bold flavours of Bird Dog IPA, but without the bite. Little Bird is an alcohol-free* IPA, with a deliciously-puritanical, true expression of the hop flavour.

It’s so tasty, you won’t even realise you’re not drinking.

Until the morning, of course.

Alcohol Free* IPA *Contains not more than 0.5% Alc/Vol

MALTY

HOPPY

LIGHT

DArK

sweet

bitter

SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

Agave spirits are on the rise – discover the growing range of tequila and mezcal now available in New Zealand…

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SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

Tequila – RRP $30-$69.99 Sauza Gold

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $47.99 Beam Suntory With aromas of sweet caramel and fruit, Sauza Gold has flavours of fresh agave with a hint of caramel and vanilla. Medium-bodied with a sweet finish.

Kaloré Pop Coffee Liqueur

Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado

El Jimador Reposado

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Lion

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Hancocks

A golden-style tequila from one of the world’s best known tequila brands, Jose Cuervo. Made from a blend of reposado (aged) and younger tequilas.

Two months in oak gives this tequila its light gold hue, along with flavours of spicy cinnamon and apple.

Jose Cuervo Especial Silver

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Lion

20% ABV, 1L RRP $48.50 Hi I.Q. Liquor

A smooth tequila with tones of lush agave, caramel, and fresh herbs.

A blend of 100% agave tequila with coffee liqueur.

Olmeca Reposado

Buen Amigo Gold

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $49.99 EuroVintage A brilliant gold-hued tequila with aromas and flavours of nuts with vanilla and cinnamon.

Ideal for use in cocktails and mixed drinks.

Buen Amigo Silver

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 EuroVintage A young tequila with intense flavour. Subtle notes of peach and lemon. Ideal for use in cocktails and mixed drinks.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 Pernod Ricard A tequila with notes of cooked agave, light vanilla, smooth chocolate, honey and light smoke.

El Jimador Blanco

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Hancocks A versatile tequila with aromas of agave, apple and spice and mild agave flavour. The finish is smooth, clean and warming.

El Jimador Añejo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Hancocks A rich tequila with aromas of vanilla, hazelnut and a hint of cinnamon. Aged for 12 months, its agave flavours have mellowed and sit alongside earthy notes with light cinnamon and other spices. A smooth finish with hints of oak and cherry.

Olmeca Altos Plata

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $62.99 Pernod Ricard Aromas of sweet, cooked agave with herbal notes and a subtle citrus quality. Smooth and soft, with lime and lemon characters and a lingering sweetness on the finish.

Olmeca Altos Reposado

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $62.99 Pernod Ricard Ageing for 6-8 months in white oak gives the reposado expression of Olmeca Altos its woody aromas with a hint of sweet orange and vanilla.

It is rounded and full on the palate with more sweet orange, cooked agave and subtle wood character.

El Jimador Añejo is a rich tequila with aromas of vanilla, hazelnut and a hint of cinnamon.

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New Zealand brand ALBA sources its Blanco and Dorado tequila from the small town of Magdalena in the highland region of Jalisco, Mexico.

Don Ramón Punta Diamante Reposado

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $64.99 EuroVintage

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Lion

This aged expression of Don Ramón is rested in white oak and has bright floral and herbal aromas with subtle vanilla and chocolate. On the palate there are flavours of citrus, cooked agave and herbs.

A blue agave silver tequila. When bottled, a special process is used to conserve its flavour and finish at freezing temperatures. It’s therefore recommended to keep this tequila chilled in the freezer and serve as a crisp, frozen shot.

Don Ramón Punta Diamante Silver

Cazcabel Coconut

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $64.99 EuroVintage

34% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Federal Merchants

Aromas of bright florals with notes of herbs and raw agave all persist on the palate. A pronounced herbaceous flavour with a hint of sweetness that evolves into a warming minerality.

This tequila has aromas of sweet coconut with underlying notes of earthy agave. The palate is rich and sweet with warm hits of coconut. The finish is smooth with sweet vegetal notes.

Jose Cuervo Tradicional Reposado

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Lion ‘Tradicional’ is the original Cuervo tequila. This 100% blue agave rested tequila has been aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months, giving it a smooth and subtle complexity.

Cazcabel Coffee

34% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Federal Merchants Aromas of chocolate and coffee with a hint of earthy agave lead to a palate rich with freshly roasted coffee, notes of chocolate, vanilla and agave. A smooth, dry, rich coffee finish.

Cazcabel Honey

34% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Federal Merchants Earthy, honey aromas and rich, sweet flavours of warm natural honey with a finish of caramel and smoky notes.

Tequila – RRP $70-$99.99 Arette Blanco

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $74 Tickety-Boo Sweet aromas of cooked agave are followed by fresh flavours of citrus and black pepper, followed by an earthy spice.

Arette Reposado

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $78 Tickety-Boo Aged for six months in American white oak, this tequila has aromas of citrus, caramel and cooked agave with citrus and vanilla favours, an earthy note and cinnamon sweetness. The finish is rich and spicy.

ALBA Blanco

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79 ALBA New Zealand brand ALBA sources its tequila 1500m above sea level, in the small town of Magdalena in the highland region of Jalisco, Mexico. Hallmarks include a smooth and slightly sweet finish with fruit characters typical in tequilas of this region. The Blanco has upfront agave aromas with fresh and sharp floral notes.

ALBA Dorado

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79 ALBA Like its Blanco sibling (above) the ALBA Pura Dorado hails from the highland region of Jalisco. It has soft, rounded caramel notes with a hint of dried herbs and honey.

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SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

1800 Coconut

Batanga Blanco

Espolòn Blanco

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Lion

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $82 Mineral

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $86.99 Thirsty Camel

Natural coconut flavour is infused into 1800 Silver to create this expression with its slightlysweet and medium-bodied tropical taste. Ideal for serving on the rocks or in tropical-inspired cocktails – it pairs particularly well with pineapple juice.

A crisp tequila with flavours of pineapple, guava, hints of cinnamon, clove and warming spices.

Batanga Reposado

A smooth and balanced tequila with delicate aromas of sweet agave, tropical fruit, lemon zest and a hint of pepper that continue on the palate along with vanilla bean, grilled pineapple and spice.

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $84 Mineral

1800 Reposado

Sesión Mocha

Ageing in American oak barrels creates complex flavours of coffee, vanilla, toffee and warming spices.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Lion This tequila is matured in American and French oak barrels for a minimum of six months. It has notes of buttery caramel, mild spices and a touch of smoke from the barrel finishing.

Cazcabel Reposado

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Federal Merchants

35% ABV, 750ml RRP $88 Tickety-Boo Aromas of chocolate fondant, biscuits, bread dough and dark roasted coffee with a roasted agave note. On the palate there’s dark chocolate, cold brew coffee and a creamy mouthfeel with a sweet finish.

A blend of specially selected white tequilas.

1800 Silver is a versatile tequila with a clean, balanced taste and hints of sweet fruit and pepper.

This rested expression of Cazcabel matures in American oak barrels for a minimum of nine months. It has aromas of agave with a touch of eucalyptus and hints of white pepper, caramel and toasted oak. The palate balances dry, earthy agave with vanilla and toasted oak.

The finish is long and complex with a jalapeño tingle.

Cazcabel Blanco

Corazón Blanco

Avión Silver

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Federal Merchants

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Federal Merchants

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Pernod Ricard

A fresh, crisp tequila with a spicy aroma, a slight hint of citrus and plenty of earthy agave.

Smooth and well-balanced with notes of earthy agave and citrus. A crisp finish with touches of black pepper and a light smokiness on the exit.

This unaged tequila has aromas of baked pineapple, roasted jalapeño, and tangerine zest. There’s a mineral tone on the palate and a creamy mouth-filling texture, leading to a spicy finish.

An intense agave aroma with subtle mint and rosemary, delicate floral and black pepper characters and hints of grapefruit and pineapple. Crisp and clean, well balanced and smooth.

1800 Silver

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Lion

1800 Añejo

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Lion A minimum of 14 months ageing in French oak barrels gives this tequila flavours of toasted oak, vanilla and butterscotch, with a spicy, well-rounded finish.

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Sesión Blanco

Don Ramón Platinum Silver

Cenote Blanco

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $90 Tickety-Boo

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $94.99 EuroVintage

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $98 Tickety-Boo

A fresh bright aroma of green peppers, cut grass, and a hint of green pineapple leads to a crisp, mineral palate that evolves into a lingering and lightly spiced finish.

Fresh notes of citrus and agave on the nose lead to lengthy flavours of agave on the palate.

Storywood Speyside 7 Reposado

A lively tequila packed with bright citrus and pepper on the nose. Continuous flavours of rich, cooked agave, spices, subtle wood, and green vegetables.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 World@BWS

Gran Orendain Blanco

Espolòn Reposado

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $91.99 Thirsty Camel Six months in American oak barrels gives this tequila a rich golden hue and a spicy nose with a hint of caramel fudge. The taste is bold and full-bodied with rich roasted agave, sweet tropical fruit, vanilla and a long spicy finish.

Storywood blends Mexico and Scotland, with the tequila aged in Scottish Speyside whisky barrels. The Speyside 7 Reposado is aged seven months and has a caramel character with hints of oak, vanilla and honey over an earthy agave base.

Aromas of green banana, fresh ginger and freshly baked cake lead to a palate with vanilla flavours lifted by a fresh, nutty spice and baked nectarines, then a warming finish.

Don Ramón Platinum Reposado Cristalino

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Federal Merchants

Storywood blends Mexico and Scotland, with the tequila aged in Scottish Speyside whisky barrels.

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $94.99 EuroVintage A soft aroma with clear and delicate notes of wood, vanilla, nuts, cinnamon and spice. These characters continue on the palate, which is soft and silky.

Calle 23 Blanco

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $95 Mineral Aromas of cooked agave with hints of citrus and herbs lead to a soft palate full of agave flavour, with notes of Granny Smith apples and pears in the lingering finish.

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A 100% agave Tequila with triple distillation. It has soft, cooked agave flavour with mint and herbal aromas. Fresh and lively.

Corazón Reposado

Sesión Reposado

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $94 Tickety-Boo

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $99 Hi I.Q Liquor

Aged 6-8 months in American Oak, this tequila has aromas of thyme, green grass, and agave nectar. Earthy tones on the palate with soft vanilla, almond, and fresh herb flavours.

Rounded and refined.

Jose Cuervo Agavero

32% ABV, 750ml RRP $99.99 Lion This unique expression is made from Jose Cuervo Reposados and Añejos and rested in North American oak barrels. It is blended with essences of the aromatic Damiana flower, which grows in the Jalisco region.

SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

Tequila – RRP $100-$199 Calle 23 Reposado

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $100 Mineral This tequila is double distilled in traditional pot stills and spends eight months in ex-bourbon oak casks. Delicate aromas of wood with cooked agave, it is a well-balanced tequila that is light and smooth in the mouth. Notes of roasted peppers and fresh figs, light wood, a big agave presence and well-balanced spiciness.

Gran Orendain Reposado

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $101 Hi I.Q Liquor Aged for 11 months in American oak barrels, this tequila has a smooth taste with delicate agave and wood aromas.

Arquitecto Blanco

42.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $101.99 Proof & Company A clean and crisp tequila made from agave grown at high altitudes. Notes of black pepper emerge alongside distinctive cooked agave.

Herradura Plata

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 Hancocks This ‘Plata’ expression from Herradura is aged for 45 days and has aromas of green and cooked agave, with herbal and slightly woody notes. Flavours of agave, wood and citrus give way to a smooth, clean and warming finish.

Arette Artesanal Suave Blanco

38% ABV, 750ml RRP $108 Tickety-Boo The Artesanal range from Arette is a more premium expression of their tequilas. The Blanco is crystal clear with a zesty, lemony aroma that persists on the palate along with dried herbs, juicy florals and cooked agave.

Smooth mouthfeel and fresh finish.

The Artesanal range from Arette is a more premium expression of their tequilas.

Cenote Reposado

Corazón Añejo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $108 Tickety-Boo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Federal Merchants

This golden-hued tequila is aged for three months in American oak, creating aromas of vanilla and wood and leading to a rounded palate of vanilla, wood spice and green vegetable characters.

Aged 16-18 months in American oak, this tequila has a fresh, forest-like aroma, with wellintegrated notes of spice. Light in the mouth, it is savoury with flavours of spiced tobacco, charred moss and coffee.

Calle 23 Añejo

Gran Centenario Plata

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109 Mineral

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Thirsty Camel

A full-bodied tequila that is double distilled in traditional pot stills and matured for 16 months in ex-bourbon oak casks. Oak aromas marry with a rich touch of vanilla and coffee and notes of herbs and spices. On the palate there is cracked coffee and tobacco balanced with agave and vanilla.

Blending in oak adds a subtle wood note and a smooth palate full of fruit-forward notes such as pear, lime and citrus, with a touch of black pepper.

Gran Orendain Añejo

Eleven months in American white oak intensifies the aromas of cooked agave in this tequila, along with hints of anise, fruit and spice. It is rich with flavours of sweet cooked agave, vanilla, butter and dried fruit. The finish is smooth and sweet with a hint of brown spice.

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $109 Hi I.Q Liquor Made from 100% agave, with a rich, full flavour and body from ageing in premium bourbon single use barrels. Smooth but intense flavour with aromas of cooked agave, caramel, chocolate, vanilla and coffee.

Herradura Reposado

40% ABV ,700ml RRP $109.99 Hancocks

Gran Centenario Reposado

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $111.99 Thirsty Camel Rested in new oak casks, this tequila has a touch of fruit on the nose, with sweet tones of cooked agave and light hints of oak, toasted almonds, vanilla, and clove.

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Arette Artesanal Suave Reposado

Don Ramón Platinum Añejo Cristalino

Tequila Ocho Plata

38% ABV, 750ml RRP $115 Tickety-Boo

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $119.99 EuroVintage

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $120 Mineral

Aged for six months in American white oak, this tequila has aromas of citrus, caramel and cooked agave, with citrus and vanilla flavours, an earthy note and cinnamon sweetness. The finish is rich and spicy, with an oily texture.

Serve neat or in a tequila-forward cocktail.

Aromas of nuts, vanilla and cinnamon continue on the palate, along with a delicate wood character. Lingering finish.

Ocho is the first tequila to designate both the year it was produced and the precise field from which the agave was harvested. Each estate, or “rancho” produces a limited amount of agave, adding to the rarity and collectability of each vintage of Ocho. The Plata is an unaged tequila – intense and lively with clean flavours.

Cenote Añejo

Ageing for just over two years gives this tequila a rich, dark copper hue. It has intense aromas of cooked agave and spices, which continue in the complex palate, along with dried fruit notes and toasted oak. The finish is smooth, sweet and slightly spicy.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $115 Tickety-Boo Ageing for a year in American oak gives this tequila its rich amber colour and lush, complex character. The nose is smoked and woody, with vanilla, spice and chocolate on the palate. The bottle is especially striking with its sculpted piña adornment on the cap.

Maestro Dobel Silver

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $117.99 Thirsty Camel Aromas of buttery caramel, cooked agave, olive, dried fruit and floral notes lead to a palate of caramel, honey, nuts and notes of vanilla.

Sangre de Vida Tequila Blanco

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $118 Hi I.Q Liquor “Sangre de Vida” translates as “Blood of Life”, hence the distinctive heart-shaped bottle.

This tequila has lush aromas of white flowers, lemons, spicy agave, ripe bananas, fresh mint, and notes of anise and pepper. Balanced on the palate with fruity, mineral notes and lemon, agave, and intense spice. Lingering finish.

Herradura Añejo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Hancocks

Storywood Speyside 14 Añejo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 World@BWS This tequila spends 14 months in single malt Scotch whisky barrels from Speyside. It has flavours of toasted oak, roasted nuts and treacle toffee.

Storywood Speyside Cask Strength 7 Reposado

53% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 World@BWS A cask-strength expression of the original Storywood Speyside 7 tequila. Bottled at 53% ABV, it brings added intensity to the notes of caramel, oak, vanilla, and honey over an earthy agave base.

“Sangre de Vida” translates as “Blood of Life”, hence the distinctive heart-shaped bottle.

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Tequila Ocho Reposado

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $127 Mineral In keeping with the ‘ocho’ in its name, this tequila is rested for eight weeks and eight days in ex-American oak whiskey barrels.

It has aromas of rich fruits with vanilla and butterscotch, leading to a palate of sweet, cooked agave notes balanced with sweet spice, cinnamon, and delicate vanilla. A long and creamy finish.

Gran Centenario Añejo

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Thirsty Camel Aged in new American oak barrels, the Añejo expression from Gran Centenario offers aromas of toasted oak, chocolate, caramel and nuts.

Soft and complex with a slightly sweet taste and a balanced profile.

Patrón Silver

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Lion This silver tequila is handmade in small batches.

It is soft, smooth and sweet on the palate with fresh agave, hints of citrus and a finish of light pepper.

SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

Storywood Cask Strength Sherry Reposado

53% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 World@BWS This limited-edition release is aged in Oloroso sherry casks for seven months and bottled at cask strength for added intensity. Bold and fullflavoured with sweet cherry and jammy dark fruits on an earthy agave base.

Arette Artesanal Fuerte

50.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $130 Tickety-Boo A higher strength white tequila with intense agave flavour. The ‘Fuerte’ expression from Arette comes directly from the “alambique de olla” without dilution.

Maestro Dobel Añejo

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $138.99 Thirsty Camel Ageing in select white oak barrels creates aromas of buttery caramel, almond and cinnamon, as well as fruity pineapple and apple with a slight smokiness from the toasted wood.

Wood is dominant on the palate with sweet nutty and vanilla flavours and hints of agave and fruitiness. A long, smooth finish.

Maestro Dobel Diamante Reposado

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $138.99 Thirsty Camel Made from a blend of Extra-Añejo, Añejo and Reposado tequilas, this tequila goes through a proprietary filtration process to selectively remove the colour, while preserving its complex mix of sweet flavours: caramel, honey, maple, nuts and vanilla.

Fortaleza Blanco

Maestro Dobel Humito

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $140 Tickety-Boo

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $154.99 Thirsty Camel

This tequila has rich aromas of citrus and cooked agave with hints of olive, earth and black pepper. On the palate there is more citrus and cooked agave with vanilla, basil, olive and lime.

A smoked tequila created using mesquite wood to replicate flavours from tequilas from the 1600s. A notably smoky and complex aroma with forward notes of mesquite wood, fruity florals, buttery caramel, cooked agave, and olive. Sweet caramel flavours with maple and honey top notes, layered with the essence of fresh cut mesquite wood. The finish is long, with hints of roasted nuts and vanilla.

Gran Orendain Extra Añejo 3 YO

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $145 Hi I.Q Liquor This tequila is aged more than three years in white oak barrels from France. Made from 100% agave. Intense amber colour.

Sangre de Vida Tequila Reposado

55% ABV, 750ml RRP $149 Hi I.Q Liquor This intense, higher-proof tequila has a fruity aroma, with caramel and soft notes of agave.

The palate starts with the fresh sweetness of agave and leads into citrus, spicy pepper and oak.

Storywood Cask Strength Double Oak 7 Añejo

53% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99 World@BWS This is the top of the Storywood range in the Cask Strength Limited Editions. It is aged 14 months in Speyside ex-whisky barrels and Oloroso sherry casks. Flavours of honey, caramel, dark fruits, cherry, and earthy agave.

Patrón Añejo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $159.99 Lion Patron Añejo is aged for over 12 months in a combination of French oak, Hungarian oak and ex-American whiskey barrels. Oak, vanilla and raisins on the nose continue on the palate along with honey, and a finish of caramel and smoke.

Arette Artesanal Suave Añejo

38% ABV, 750ml RRP $160 Tickety-Boo An elegant and complex aged tequila that spends at least 18 months in American white oak barrels. Aromas of citrus, dried fruit and a vanilla sweetness continue on the palate. The lingering finish has a hint of black pepper.

Fortaleza Reposado

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $160 Tickety-Boo Aromas of citrus, caramel, butter, cooked agave, and sage lead to a palate of cooked agave, citrus, vanilla, apple, earth, and cinnamon. The finish is long, rich and delicately spicy, with an oily texture.

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Herradura Seleccion Suprema is the distillery’s most ultra-rested ExtraAñejo tequila, spending 45 months in barrel.

Fortaleza Blanco Still Strength

46% ABV, 750ml RRP $160 Tickety-Boo Direct from the still, this tequila has aromas of fruit, baked ripe agave, green olive, and an earthiness. Slightly brighter and more intense at still strength, the flavours of butter, olive, earth, black pepper, and vegetal qualities are enhanced.

Casamigos Blanco

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99 Federal Merchants Rested for two months in American oak, the Blanco expression from Casamigos is crisp and clean with hints of citrus, vanilla and sweet agave, and a long smooth finish.

Casamigos Reposado

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $184.99 Federal Merchants This is the original Casamigos, aged for seven months. A golden colour, it is soft and slightly oaky with hints of caramel and cocoa.

It has a silky texture with a medium to long smooth finish.

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Tequila – RRP $200 and above Sangre de Vida Tequila Añejo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $200 Hi I.Q Liquor Each bottle of the Añejo expression from Sangre de Vida is hand-painted with motifs drawn from Mexico’s history and culture. This aged tequila has aromas and flavours of agave, oak, caramelised honey, mahogany, sweet potato, vanilla, flowers and pear. A rich finish.

Fortaleza Añejo

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $205 Tickety-Boo This golden-hued tequila is aged for 18 months in American oak, creating bold aromas of caramel, vanilla, butterscotch and cooked agave. It is rich and complex with flavours of butterscotch, caramel, toffee, citrus and hazelnut.

Casamigos Añejo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $209.99 Federal Merchants Aged for 14 months, this tequila has a complex aroma, with soft caramel and vanilla notes.

There is balanced sweetness from the agave, subtle hints of spice and barrel oak, and a lingering smooth finish.

Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $209.99 Lion One of Jose Cuervo’s most premium offerings, this Extra Añejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for an average of three years with the final blend including tequila from reserves aged over 30 years. Rich and vibrant, with full flavours of agave, vanilla, and a hint of florals.

Fortaleza Reposado Winter Blend 2022

46.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $215 Tickety-Boo A limited-edition release designed to capture the comfort of the winter season. The Reposado tequila is aged 6-9 months in new and used American oak. Aromas of cooked agave, vanilla, and oak, followed by a smooth and balanced palate with notes of caramel, honey, and spices. The finish is long and warming, with a touch of oak and pepper.

Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo

43% ABV, 1L RRP $499.99 Thirsty Camel A richly complex small batch artisanal tequila. It has aromas of caramel custard, dried fruit, and dark chocolate, which lead to a palate full of agave with a heady spiciness and complexity.

Herradura Seleccion Suprema

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $705.99 Hancocks This very special release from Tequila Herradura is the distillery’s most ultra-rested Extra-Añejo tequila, spending 45 months in American white oak barrels for an elegant and incredibly smooth tequila. Described as “the taste of unhurried excellence”, the extra ageing creates a rich, dark amber colour in the tequila with cooked agave, spice and floral notes on the nose and palate. Exceptionally smooth and complex, with a lasting, subtly sweet finish.

SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

Del Maguey San Luis Del Rio Crema de Mezcal

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99 Pernod Ricard A unique combination of roasted agave syrup and mezcal. It has a nose of roast agave, vanilla and pear, and notes of creamy almond, apple, coffee and pineapple on the palate with a long, sweet, smoky orange finish.

Del Maguey San Luis Del Rio VIDA Mezcal

42% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99 Pernod Ricard An artisanal organic mezcal, hand crafted and twice distilled, slowly in small wood-fired, riverside copper stills. It has aromas of fruit, honey, vanilla and roasted agave, with a palate of ginger, cinnamon, burnt sandalwood, banana and tangerine.

Mezcal Mezcal Divino

36% ABV, 500ml RRP $60 Tickety-Boo A fresh and delicate balance of traditional aromas characteristic of mezcal and maguey worm. Gently herbal with smoky and mineral notes that evoke the land on which the agave was grown.

Mezcal Monte Alban

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Federal Merchants Monte Alban Mezcal is produced with no added neutral spirits and no artificial additives.

It’s a solid 100% agave mezcal, with a mezcal worm in each bottle. A brilliant golden amber colour with hints of smoky agave and pineapple, it’s ideal for agave-based cocktails.

Amigos Aotearoa

TEQUILA AND MEZCAL Tequila

Takes its name from the city of Tequila in the Mexican state of Jalisco. Legally, tequila can only be produced in this state and in four other regions of Mexico and is recognised as a protected designation of origin product. To be a true tequila, it must be made from the blue agave plant (also known as Weber Blue Agave, after the German botanist who first classified it) and produced in one of those recognised areas.

Production: Agave plants are succulents that grow well in Mexico’s hot, arid conditions and produce thick, spiky leaves. Careful tending by the jimadores (agave harvesters) allows the plants to ripen fully – often taking up to 12 years.

When ready to harvest, the jimadores cut away the spiky leaves to reach the core, known as the piña, which resembles a giant pineapple without its top. The piñas are baked over hours or days (depending on the producer) and then mashed under a large stone wheel. The extracted agave juice (wort) is then

Amigos Aotearoa is a relatively new brand of mezcal, created especially for the New Zealand market.

37% ABV, 750ml RRP $95 B&R Beverages

fermented and distilled twice to produce clear tequila.

Ageing: This initial clear tequila can be bottled as ‘silver’ tequila (also known as ‘plata’ or ‘blanco’), or further aged in barrel to create reposado (for minimum two to eight months), añejo (minimum 12 months) or extra añejo (minimum three years).

Mezcal

Mezcal is an agave-based liquor that can be made from any of up to 30 different varieties of the agave plant. It is made in nine different regions in Mexico. While the harvest of piñas is the same as for tequila, the more artisanal mezcal producers use underground earthen pits in which to slow bake their piñas, which imparts the distinctive smoky flavour of mezcal.

These cooked agave may then be milled in several ways: using an electric mill, smashing with a wooden mallet, or using traditional Chilean Tahona horses to pull a heavy stone wheel that separates the agave fibres.

This relatively new brand was created especially for the New Zealand market by two friends with a love of mezcal. Working with a Maestro Mezcalero in Mexico, they created the flavour profile of Amigos Aotearoa, which has the hallmark smoky mezcal aroma and flavour, which deepens on the palate. It’s super smooth with a hint of sweetness.

Gracias a Dios Espadin Higo (Fig)

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $95 Tickety-Boo Distilled with Mexican Black Figs in a traditional ‘pechuga’ style (where a chicken or turkey breast is hung to cook in the vapours of the final distillation), this mezcal has a sweet smoke aroma and robust mouthfeel. The fresh figs, along with the Espadín Agave base, create flavours of stewed fruits and prune.

Gracias a Dios Espadín Joven

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $95 Tickety-Boo This mezcal is made from 100% Espadín Agave, grown for eight years. Flavours of spice and smoke give way to sweet fruits and a hint of citrus. Dry and spicy on the finish.

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SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

Gracias a Dios Espadín Mango

Ilegal Joven

La Travesia Destilado de Agave

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $95 Tickety-Boo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $103 Mineral

42.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $110.99 Proof & Company

A clean, bright, dry mezcal made with mangoes grown on the Oaxacan coast. It is full of mango character – from the initial aroma through to a palate of tropical sweetness with notes of creamy custard.

An un-aged tequila with full-bodied agave flavour. Eucalyptus and mineral aromas complement hints of green apple, fresh citrus, and red chiltepe peppers. Light smoke and lingering heat.

Intense smoke and a rich body make this mezcal ideal for serving neat or in mixed drinks.

Gracias a Dios Espadín Piña

400 Conejos Joven Mezcal

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $95 Tickety-Boo

38% ABV, 750ml RRP $104.99 Thirsty Camel

This special edition tequila is made with a different fruit each year by Gracias a Dios’ mezcal maestro, Oscar Hernandez, who always gives a bottle to his local priest. The latest release uses pineapple, which adds a tropical sweetness to the traditional smoky character of mezcal.

A well-balanced and smooth mezcal with soft hints of wood, sweet notes of cooked agave, and a pleasant smoky finish.

This mezcal has complex aromas of mixed berry jam, pine wood, celery, brine, prosciutto and light smoke. It’s sweet and lightly floral in the mouth with raspberry, papaya, rosewater, sugarcane syrup, and a touch of chalk.

Derrumbes Zacatecas

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $112 Mineral

Creyente Joven Mezcal

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $114.99 Thirsty Camel

The flagship of the Los Siete Misterios range, Doba-Yej is a well-balanced, versatile mezcal.

Lingering smoke on the nose blending with fresh oak, mesquite, and light herbal notes.

Sweet cooked agave on the palate, with more smoke and hints of fruit, yielding a smooth mezcal with layers of complexity. A rich finish with smoky mesquite wood flavour.

Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $115 Tickety-Boo Derrumbes Durango

Gracias a Dios Espadín Reposado

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $96 Mineral

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $105 Tickety-Boo

Floral and earthy on the nose with a palate that turns to sweet and fruity with mango, strawberry, wildflower honey, cooked agave, and a hint of minerality.

Don Ramón Mezcal

This 100% Espadín agave mezcal is aged for four months in American oak. It has aromas of spicy oak, wild herbs and citrus pith, while the palate adds spice, smoke and minty, fruity elements. Balanced and fragrant, with earthy notes.

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $99.99 EuroVintage

Derrumbes San Luis Potosi

This mezcal is made from 100% Salmiana Agave from Zacatecas, that has been matured for 8-10 years. It has the hallmark earthen smokiness of mezcal and notes of herbs, florals, and fresh citrus layered with a subtle fruity finish.

68 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Mineral Aromas of fresh pico de gallo, lime, sauerkraut, green chili, sharp gorgonzola – savoury and funky. A tequila with medium-full body. The palate is, at first, sweeter than the nose, with apple and lychee, but the fruits are quickly joined by salsa verde and blue cheese.

The flagship of the Los Siete Misterios range, Doba-Yej is a well-balanced, versatile mezcal: it has all the characteristics of a great mezcal to serve neat, as well as the character and strength to be mixed.

Alipús San Andres

47.7% ABV, 750ml RRP $115.99 Proof & Company This artisan mezcal is fermented in cypress vats and distilled by Don Valente Angel using agave Espadin grown at about 5,000 feet. It has an intense agave aroma and integrated smoke on the palate. A powerful tasting mezcal with strong fruit character.

SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

Alipús San Baltazar

47-49% ABV, 750ml RRP $115.99 Proof & Company This mezcal is produced by Don Cosme Hernandez and his son Cirilo. They use Maguey Espadín agave, which is roasted in a stone oven pit, then crushed using mule-driven Chilean tahona and fermented in pinewood tubs. It has gentle smoke aromas with flavours of roasted agave, a hint of sweetness, an earthy note and smoky finish.

Alipús San Juan

47.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $115.99 Proof & Company This mezcal is made in San Juan, where there are a number of destilerías along the river. The Alipús destilería belongs to the Cruz family and the distiller is Rodolfo Juan Juarez.

Alipús San Luis

48% ABV, 750ml RRP $115.99 Proof & Company Alipús San Luis is made by Mezcalero Don Baltazar, who uses agave Espadín grown in sandy soil at about 4100 feet above sea level.

He ferments the cooked agave in pine vats and distils in copper. His mezcals are rich, fullbodied, and often fruity.

Ilegal Reposado

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $117 Mineral Aged four months in American oak, Ilegal Reposado has slightly woody, caramel-like aromas with baked agave, cassia bark and chilli. On the palate there is butterscotch and caramel, soft wood smoke, cedar, pipe tobacco, agave and dried herbs. The finish is oaky with cocoa powder and orange rinds.

Derrumbes Destilado de Agave Tamaulipas

47% ABV, 750ml RRP $130 Mineral A blend of three different agaves: Funkiana and Univittata (endemic to the Tamaulipas area), together with Americana. The result is a highenergy spirit that feels sweet, dry and rich with multiple layers of flavour and aroma.

Gracias a Dios Wild Tobala uses agave harvested after 15 years. It is vegetal and funky, with notes of smoke and peat.

Derrumbes Michoacán

Gracias a Dios Cultivated Tobala

45% ABV, 750ml RRP $133 Mineral

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $145 Tickety-Boo

A combination of Michoacán’s iconic Chino and Alto agaves. Chino (Cupreata) brings mature fruit notes while Alto (Ineaquidens) adds a delicate herbaceous character. This mezcal is fermented under the red clay floor of the taberna in pinewood-lined pits to protect it from low temperatures before distillation.

Cultivated Tobala provides a very different profile to its older Wild brother (below). Herbal characters and smoke are present on the nose, while the palate offers fresh cut grass, lime and grapefruit peel. The finish is long and smoky with a light spiciness and dark chocolate aromas.

Del Maguey Chichicapa Single Village Mezcal

Gracias a Dios Madre Cuishe

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $134.99 Pernod Ricard

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $145 Tickety-Boo

Complex flavours with abundant citrus and a long smooth finish with overtones of mint.

Earthy and herbal, with lemon, cucumber and peppermint. A smoky character too, with notes of caramelised sugar.

Gracias a Dios Espadín Añejo

Gracias a Dios Mexicano

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $138 Tickety-Boo

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $145 Tickety-Boo

Made using six-year-old agave, double distilled and aged in one new American oak barrel for a year. High aromatic intensity with flavours of vanilla, caramel and spice; lingering smoke on the finish.

Intense tobacco aroma with dried herbs and spices, meatiness, and a hint of citrus.

Minerality on the finish.

Gracias a Dios Coyote

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $145 Tickety-Boo This mezcal is herbal and spiced. It has aromas of herbs and grapefruit peel. Cooked agave adds a caramel quality to the palate, and the finish is smooth, long and smoky.

Gracias a Dios Tepeztate

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $145 Tickety-Boo Smoke, minerality, grapefruit and lime peels, dried fruit and an earthiness combine in this mezcal.

Gracias a Dios Wild Tobala

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $145 Tickety-Boo This mezcal uses agave harvested after 15 years. It is vegetal and funky, with notes of smoke and peat. Balanced and complex on the palate with discreet fruit and spice, and a hint of lime zest. Flavours of capsicum and thyme are balanced with sweet agave notes; slightly tropical with a hint of mint. Long, rounded finish.

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SPIRITS REPORT – TEQUILA & MEZCAL

Le Tribute Mezcal (Cenizo Agave)

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $145.99 Tickety-Boo Distilled with Cenizo agave from Durango, Mexico. This mezcal is fruity with hints of tropical fruit, citrus, tamarind and a little smokiness with pine notes.

Los Siete Misterios Ensamble Espadín/ Cuishe

Los Siete Misterios Ensamble Espadín/ Tobala

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $210 Tickety-Boo

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $255 Tickety-Boo

The Espadín/ Cuishe is a blend of Espadín and the Cuishe Agave, also known as Barril.

Notes of herbs and citrus that lead to tobacco, pepper, and olive.

The Espadín/ Tobalá is a blend of Espadín and Tobalá, an agave renowned for its complexity and balance. Notes of citrus, herbs, and chamomile.

Alipús San Miguel

The Lost Explorer Tobala 10YO Mezcal

47.3% ABV, 750ml RRP $147.99 Proof & Company This release from Alipús is ‘Destilado en Barro’ – distilled in small clay pots, which is typical of the region of Sola de Vega, Oaxaca, where this mezcal is produced using agave Americana.

42% ABV, 750ml RRP $299.99 Federal Merchants

Los Siete Misterios Clay Pot Espadín has rich minerality with notes of avocado leaf, fresh herbs, flowers and citrus.

An earthy expression with hints of tobacco, cocoa, vanilla and leather, balancing wood aromas and umami flavours.

42% ABV, 750ml RRP $179.99 Federal Merchants

Los Siete Misterios Ensamble Espadín/ Mexicanito

The Lost Explorer Salmiana 12YO Mezcal

A sweet and herbaceous mezcal, well-balanced with hints of red apple, ripe fruits and a mild smoky layer to finish.

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $210 Tickety-Boo

42% ABV, 750ml RRP $379.99 Federal Merchants

The Espadín/ Mexicanito is a blend of Espadín and Mexicano, one of the largest agaves. Notes of freshly cut herbs and bright citrus balanced with smoky chillies and roasted vegetables.

Intensely herbaceous with a sweet and spicy profile, offering hints of green chilli, grapefruit and fresh agave.

Los Siete Misterios Clay Pot Espadín

46.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $510 Tickety-Boo

Ilegal Añejo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $170 Mineral A rich and rounded tequila that is aged for 13 months in new American oak barrels. It has aromas of maple, clove, and bitter orange with dark chocolate and sweet agave on the palate.

The Lost Explorer Espadín 8YO Mezcal

Casamigos Mezcal

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $209.99 Federal Merchants This mezcal from popular tequila brand Casamigos is made using the traditional method of baking the harvested piñas in earthen pits and then crushing them with a horse-drawn tahona wheel. It has aromas of fragrant herbs and fruit with a hint of smoke, leading to a palate of smoke and black pepper with a long, silky finish.

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $240 Tickety-Boo The first Siete Misterios Mezcal. Displays rich minerality with notes of avocado leaf, fresh herbs, flowers, and citrus.

Los Siete Misterios Clay Pot Coyote

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $340 Tickety-Boo Coyote is a rare agave that is easily mistaken for the Arroqueño. This expression combines notes of dry, scented herbs such as holy leaf, epazote, and pine needles with the bright citrus aromas of lime and grapefruit peel.

Los Siete Misterios Clay Pot Tobala

Considered to be the crown jewel of agave varietals, Tobalá is renowned for its complexity and balance. This expression features notes of tropical fruits, herbs, and piloncillo (Mexican cane sugar).

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 82.

70 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

OPINION – SPIRITS

Sarah Miller

Freelance Spirits Writer, Judge & Consultant

ginadingding.com

The comeback kid Tequila, and its lesser-known sibling mezcal, are on the rise, as Sarah Miller explains…

I MAY have been just ahead of the curve when I started to get geeky about gin, but my experience with tequila was a far more familiar and, frankly, clichéd one.

When I started at Manchester University in the late 1990s, the days of “Madchester” and the (in)famous Haçienda nightclub had drawn to a close, but the city’s hedonistic nightlife was still booming.

As a History of Art student unencumbered by tuition fees, I worked hard but played harder, and anthemic tunes like Chumbawamba’s ‘Tubthumping’ with its refrain of “He drinks a whiskey drink, he drinks a vodka drink, he drinks a lager drink, he drinks a cider drink…” aptly reflected the student culture of the time.

Terrorvision’s 1999 hit ‘Tequila (Mint Royale Shot)’ in particular captures the way the spirit was seen in the UK back then: “..so hard to say no [to], though it gives one the fever”. The pseudoritualistic slamming of shots with a lick of salt and a suck of lemon was the curse of tequila in the 90s and I, like many of my peers, swore off the spirit when I sobered up.

I didn’t touch a drop for the best part of 20 years, but tequila and I have both outgrown our party ‘til dawn lifestyles, and these days agave spirits are finally being appreciated for their complexity, variety and versatility.

Tequila’s largest market has always been North America, and with sales soaring, it is on track to overtake vodka 72 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

and become the most valuable spirits subcategory in the US. Two key factors have contributed to its ascendency. Firstly, the Midas touch of A-list celebrities has introduced a diverse and global group of consumers to a new affordable luxury. Justin Timberlake and George Clooney were among the first to kick off the trend and since then an almost endless list of stars have jumped on the tequila and mezcal train, including AC/DC, Michael Jordan, Rita Ora, LeBron James, Dwayne Johnson, Kendall Jenner, Eva Longoria, Mark Wahlberg and most recently, Matthew McConaughey.

The rise of cocktail culture has helped tequila shake off its late-night slammer reputation.

Secondly, the rise of cocktail culture has helped tequila shake off its late-night slammer reputation. With the spirit’s prominent character and diversity of styles, tequila can be savoured neat, in short full-strength cocktails (such as the US and UK’s favourite Margarita), or in lighter, longer highballs and ready-todrink hard seltzers.

Given the landscape, it’s little wonder that when Taylor Swift was spotted at an NFL game sipping on a can of Casa Azul

tequila soda (a brand in which her new love interest, Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce, had invested) it made sales spike and caused headlines around the world.

Where the US leads, we all tend to follow, so it’s hardly surprising that tequila is gaining traction in other markets including Spain, Australia and Japan.

Here in the UK, the growing interest in agave spirits and Mexican cuisine in general is palpable. Industry veteran Deano Moncrieffe launched London’s first agaveria, Hacha, in 2019 with a second site following in 2021, as Mexican restaurants such as KOL and Cavita also opened. Festivals celebrating the spirit have been popping up in London and Glasgow, and Hacha’s multi-award winning Mirror Margarita (a crystal-clear twist on the classic cocktail) is even available to purchase in a ready-to-serve format in supermarkets nationwide.

Tequila and (to a lesser extent) mezcal still dominate the category, with more flavoured expressions (and even a gin cut with agave spirit) entering the UK market, but it seems likely that, with time, their popularity will also boost other agaveadjacent spirits such as raicilla, bacanora, and sotol (which already has a celebrity backer in the form of Lenny Kravitz).

In the meantime, we might need to tell those Swifties to calm down. Rumour has it that some foolish ones are taking a shot of tequila every time they cut to Taylor during NFL coverage. That’s one 90s trend that definitely doesn’t need to make a comeback.

SPIRITS NEWS

New distributor, medals, and beer collab at Pōkeno Whisky THE PŌKENO Whisky Company has appointed Tickety-Boo as its on-trade distributor for New Zealand. The distillery, based south of Auckland, is already present in over 20 markets internationally. “We are delighted to be working with TicketyBoo and to bring a New Zealand whisky as an addition to their fabulous portfolio of premium brands,” says founder and owner Matt Johns. Tickety Boo will manage on-trade for Pōkeno Whisky, while it will continue to manage the off-trade in house, including its exclusive partnership with Liquorland.

The news comes as the distillery celebrates two Gold Medals at the Las Vegas Global Spirits Awards for Pōkeno Origin (94 points) and Pōkeno Discovery (90 points) in the Single Malt 12YO and Under category.

The Pōkeno Whisky Company has also launched a collaboration with Auckland craft brewers Behemoth Brewing, with two new single cask releases. Behemoth used casks from the distillery for the maturation of a Belgian Quadrupel Ale and an Imperial Stout. The casks were then returned to the distillery and filled with Pōkeno Single Malt, which had been fully matured in first fill bourbon casks, and then aged in the casks for a second maturation period of six months. The Quadrupel Ale Cask is bottled at cask strength (58.8% ABV) and has notes of tangy citrus fruits, sherbet lemon, pineapple, sweet malt, and zesty hops. The Imperial Stout Cask is bottled at 46.2% abv and has notes of earthy roasted malt, cocoa and coffee with hints of liquorice. RRP $199.

New Bluestone Vodka NEW FROM Dunedin distillery No.8 comes an ultra-smooth premium vodka that has already won Silver at the Spirits Business Global Vodka Masters 2023 and Silver at the NZ Spirits Awards 2023.

Bluestone Vodka is four-times distilled, made using spring water and filtered through Central Otago bluestone volcanic rock. Its recycled glass bottle features ecofriendly labels and a micro charcoal cork to maintain its clean, crisp taste. Distiller Julien Delavoie recommends serving Bluestone Vodka neat over ice.

Bluestone Vodka (40% ABV), 700ml RPP $65

Pōkeno Whisky and Tickety-Boo

No.8 Distillery

SHOWCASE

Last Minute proves a frontrunner in gin category WHEN KJ & Co Distillery (based in Wigram, Christchurch) launched Last Minute Original Gin a year ago, they were entering uncharted territory by creating a great tasting, highquality gin that was aimed squarely at disrupting the mainstream gin category.

KJ& Co’s National Brand Manager, Paddy Holder, says there is a good reason why Last Minute has been so successful from the outset: “Primarily, it is a gin that doesn’t pretend to be yet another ‘boutique’ New Zealand gin. It also shows that you don’t have to buy a $70+ New Zealand gin to get quality. Our LastMinute Original Gin has won multiple awards in New Zealand and globally.”

Exceptional sales for Last Minute

When you reach your 5-year sales target within 12 months, it’s a good indication that the parameters set by the leadership team at KJ & Co for Last Minute Original Gin, were the right ones. With sales well exceeding all expectations, Last Minute Gin has become the number one New Zealand gin by volume of sales within a national banner group and has quickly become a firm favourite amongst gin lovers nationwide.

Last Minute is a great every-day and affordable gin. It does all the little things well: it’s perfect for a G&T, works beautifully in a cocktail, and makes an excellent Martini… Gin Trifecta complete!

Quality wise, Last Minute Gin well exceeds customer expectations at this price point and offers a viable alternative to the many mainstream British offerings.

At KJ & Co, we believe that given an opportunity, Kiwis love to support a good quality and accessible New Zealand gin. From a market perspective, Last Minute Gin delivers excellent margin to retailers and fantastic returns to On Premise accounts, and we are seeing huge growth in these areas.

Last Minute range expands

On the back of the continued success of Last Minute Original, KJ& Co have added two new gins to the range: Last Minute Pink Gin and Last Minute Citrus Gin. These new releases are already showing phenomenal growth in their respective categories and are an excellent added value option for retailers looking for a real point of difference in an overcrowded gin segment – cementing the fact that Last Minute Gin is New Zealand’s gin!

Last Minute Gin (700ml) RRP $49.99 Distributed nationwide by Brandhouse NZ Ltd orders@brandhouse.co.nz brandhouse.co.nz

74 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

SPIRITS NEWS

SHOWCASE

Los Siete Misterios lands in New Zealand COVETED MEZCAL brand Los Siete Misterios is now available in New Zealand through distributor Tickety-Boo. Beloved by bartenders around the world, its distinctive family-crafted mezcals range from approachable copper pot distilled to super-premium clay pot distilled agave spirits.

Since its founding in 2010, Los Siete Misterios has developed a strong global following and built relationships with some of the world’s best bartenders through its partnership with World’s 50 Best Bars. In 2023, it ranked as the #1 Top Trending Mezcal in Drinks International 2023 Annual Brands Report and was also listed as the #2 Best Selling Mezcal for the first time.

Family traditions behind Los Siete Misterios

Brothers Julio and Eduardo Mestre founded the brand with the goal of making a mezcal that represented the customs, culture, and passion of their native Mexico.

The pair spent years sampling mezcal from villages across Mexico, partnering with local Maestros Mezcaleros who use traditional techniques honed over generations, to collaborate on a contemporary approach to traditional mezcal.

Beginning with highest quality agave plants, Los Siete Misterios follows artisanal and limited production methods for the crafting of its mezcal range, including distilling with natural agave from ripe plants, cooking in underground ovens, and often distilling with hand-made clay pots.

The mezcal movement in NZ

Mezcal is on the rise in the US, UK, and Europe, and growing in popularity across the Tasman too.

Tom Price, who works for Los Siete Misterios mezcal across Australia and New Zealand, says there is growing fascination with mezcal from the local bartending community and consumers, and it is inevitable that the spirit will become more sought after in New Zealand as well.

“We’re finding that a lot of bars in Australia are split-basing margaritas with mezcal and tequila to add body and flavour,” says Price. “It’s about consumer engagement and education leading to the growth of the mezcal category, so people are getting exposed to it in a positive way.”

He likens the experience of someone trying mezcal for the first time to someone who has never tried wine or whisky going straight to an intense Barolo, or heavily

peated Scotch. He says bartenders who understand mezcal have an important role to play in guiding consumers.

“I think there’s something to be said for being able to show these spirits in a place where someone can talk to them. I want people to try it in bars that know how to work with the product and experiment with it.”

Doba-Yej is the flagship mezcal in the range, and from there consumers can build to the Ensambles range, which showcases different agave, and then into the premium clay pot distillations.

“That’s where bars are really putting their best foot forward by doing tasting flights, engaging consumers and showing what makes mezcal so special,” says Price.

“It’s about sustainable growth of the category and having the whole Los Siete Misterios range there to reward bartenders and consumers when they want to delve into the wonderful world of mezcal.”

Los Siete Misterios – now available in NZ Artisanal The Artisanal mezcal range uses copper pot distillation and includes the flagship expression Doba-Yej, as well as Ensambles (blends of different agaves). This is the most common category of distillation, with 87% of the total mezcal production.

• Los Siete Misterios Doba-Yej RRP $115 • Los Siete Misterios Ensamble Espadin/Cuishe RRP $210 • Los Siete Misterios Ensamble Espadin/ Tobala RRP $255 • Los Siete Misterios Ensamble Espadin/ Mexicanto RRP $210 Clay Pot Clay pot mezcals are distilled in clay pots for unique body, flavours and aromas.

Highly unique, clay pot mezcal comprises less than 1% of all mezcal production.

• Los Siete Misterios Espadin Clay Pot RRP $240 • Los Siete Misterios Coyote Clay Pot RRP $340 • Los Siete Misterios Tobala Clay Pot RRP $510 Tickety-Boo

DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024 75

SPIRITS NEWS

The right Chemistry Chemistry Gin is hitting its stride just a year after launch, racking up awards at the IWSC 2023 (92 points), Gold at the Women’s Wine & Spirits Awards in London and accolades for its packaging.

The contemporary London Dry gin was created by medical biochemist and chef Marie van Drimmelen and her wife, Laura Bruce, under the Karori Drinks Company, a women-owned enterprise based in Karori.

The juniper-forward gin uses ethically-sourced botanicals including Sichuan peppercorns, sage, and seaweed and is presented in a distinctive recycled-glass bottle with a glass stopper and high gloss biodegradable label. Chemistry Gin’s packaging design was awarded Gold in the 2022 Best Design Awards, Gold at the NZ Pride in Print Awards 2023 and was one of seven ‘Black Medal’ winners worldwide at the World Brand Design Awards in 2023.

The couple also donates $2 from the sale of each bottle to support women in STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

Chemistry Gin (44% ABV), 700ml RRP $95. chemistrygin.com

Bati lands in New Zealand RUM CO. of Fiji has added to its line-up of rums with the introduction of BATI to the New Zealand market.

BATI is a range of versatile two-year-old rums, available in Spiced and Dark rum. It also includes flavoured liqueurs such as Coffee Rum Liqueur, Coconut Rum Liqueur and the just-launched Banana Rum Liqueur.

Its sibling brand RATU (already established in the New Zealand market) is Rum Co. of Fiji’s range of extra-aged premium rums and it has just relaunched with a refreshed pack design.

Rum Co. of Fiji holds a unique position as the original rum produced in the Pacific island nation and pays homage to its provenance through its hand-crafted process using local ingredients and the Fiji-inspired label.

“Fiji hosts the perfect environment to make rum: the pristine artisan water, volcanic soil and tropical climate perfect for growing sugar cane allows us to create a masterful and unique portfolio of rums,” says Rum Co. of Fiji Global Marketing Manager, Tracey McKay. CCEP

Michter’s named Most Admired Whisky Brand KENTUCKY-BASED BOURBON and rye producer Michter’s has been named the Most Admired Whisky in the world, marking the first time ever the honour has been given to an American distillery.

Michter’s ranked first in the 2023 World’s Most Admired Whiskies top 50 list, published by Drinks International, joining a winner’s circle of iconic brands including Yamazaki and Springbank.

The results are determined by an Academy of independent global drinks buyers, journalists, bartenders and whisky experts from more than 20 countries and represent the pinnacle of achievement in the global whisky trade. Michter’s says that the ranking shows that American whiskey is finally being recognised for its excellence by connoisseurs around the world.

“Michter’s is officially the trade’s favourite whiskey,” says editor of Drinks International, Shay Waterworth. “Not only does the brand have a fascinating back story, it’s also making some of the best whiskies in the world right now and clearly our global Academy agrees with me. Every trade show I attend I see a crowd of bartenders, importers and buyers surrounding the Michter’s stand, which further justifies its place at the top of our esteemed ranking. It’s also great for the trade to have its first American whiskey sit atop The World’s Most Admired Whiskies, my congratulations go to the whole Michter’s team for this great success.”

Tickety-Boo

Distributed by Federal Merchants & Co

SPIRITS NEWS

Thomson stars in new Woven release AUCKLAND WHISKY distillery Thomson has been selected by renowned UK whisky blenders Woven for a new release that marries New Zealand and Scottish whiskies.

‘Woven Hemispheres’ blends Thomson’s Mānuka Smoked Single Malt with whisky from Edinburgh’s North British Distillery. Thomson was the first distillery to use mānuka wood smoke in a single malt whisky.

Kiwi-born Nick Ravenhall of Woven is a highly-awarded figure in the UK whisky scene, and worked across different facets of whisky making in the UK and Europe before co-founding Woven Whisky. Now based in Edinburgh, he says he’s been watching with delight as New Zealand has developed its own vibrant whisky scene, with Mat and Rachael Thomson as pioneers in the space, and describes the creation of Hemispheres as “a completion of this journey”.

“When there was an opportunity for Woven and Thomson’s to work together, this just became a special project for me personally,” he says. “You’re taking whisky from a country where I’ve learnt my trade and bringing it to create something delicious with whisky from the land of my heart and my home.”

Mat and Rachael Thomson are thrilled by the new project and the potential

it offers for showing the uniqueness of New Zealand whisky to the world.

“Hemispheres talks about connectivity, and the power that whisky has to bring people together,” says Rachael Thomson.

“We’re privileged to be in a position to offer such a distinctly New Zealand whisky for blending, that has been smoked using native mānuka wood, bringing a brand new smoke flavour to the party. We feel we are sharing a piece of home. We’re so grateful to Nick, Duncan, Pete and the Woven team, who have executed the blend so beautifully. Hemispheres has a huge future ahead and we’re excited to share it.”

Woven Hemispheres is described as: “An oily, smoky and herbal whisky, with notes of orange, clove and honey that celebrates ever-expanding horizons of flavour.”

Woven Hemispheres will be available through Glengarry in the near future.

SHOWCASE

Big moves at Broken Heart Spirits MAJOR MOVES are underway at internationally award-winning distillery Broken Heart Spirits with a new distribution model and the launch of New Zealand’s first fully recyclable refill spirits pouches.

Distribution shifts in-house

After three years with a national distributor, Broken Heart Spirits has decided to bring its distribution in-house and will now serve the New Zealand market direct from its base in Queenstown.

Joerg Henkenhaf, Broken Heart Spirits owner and master distiller, says it is time to focus on relationship building. “With the economic climate the way it is, now is the time to be more connected with our customers, and going back to a ‘direct from distillery’ distribution model allows us to do this.”

As one of the longest-standing spirits companies in New Zealand, Broken Heart has very good relationships with many bars, restaurants and liquor stores nationwide, but feels it is time to nurture these directly. “We are currently on the lookout for a Sales Representative/ Brand Ambassador and will continue our journey towards a more sustainable industry through innovation and product development,” says Joerg.

78 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

New eco refill pouches

A key step on that journey is the launch of New Zealand’s first fully recyclable eco-refill pouches, with Broken Heart Spirits’ new ‘Bottle for Life’ concept designed to reduce the distillery’s overall carbon footprint.

Customers keep their Broken Heart bottle and purchase a Broken Heart refill pouch containing their spirit of choice.

The empty pouches can then be returned to any Soft Plastic Recycling Scheme, or direct to the Broken Heart Spirits distillery.

“A large percentage of our customers are repeat buyers,” says Joerg, “so it made sense to support them with a sustainable and more affordable way to replenish their favourite Broken Heart spirits.”

The pouches are also ideal for on-premise with less risk of breakage, and are lighter and smaller to store.

“With reduced overheads on the refill pouch, we can now offer our New Zealand-made, multi-award-winning premium gin at a more competitive cost,” says Joerg. “Whether this means offering Broken Heart as a house pour at your bar, or placing the refill pouches on your shelves, the overall result is less money spent.”

Broken Heart Spirits estimates that the pouches will reduce associated CO2

emissions by more than 95%, packaging will be reduced by 40% minimising the need for cardboard, and 2.3 tons of glass bottles will be eliminated from heading to recycling or landfill.

Broken Heart Spirits has also partnered with Trees that Count, dedicating funds raised by selling refill pouches to supporting local native tree planting projects and help the government in its goal to plant a billion trees by 2028.

For a full trade list or any other enquiries please contact orders@brokenheartspirits.com

T

he legends and mysteries of México inspire us to produce

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

CHATHAM IMPORTS, 245 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK NY 10016

highest-quality, traditional mezcal that respects and honors our Mexican heritage.

–Eduardo & Julio Mestre

Where Mystery Meets Tradition.

sie temisterio s mezcalsietemisterios

.com sietemisterios

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

Star power at Papa Salt launch

Tickety-Boo team with the Papa Salt co-founders

GUESTS AT the Auckland launch of new gin brand Papa Salt were delighted to see Barbie star and Papa Salt co-founder Margot Robbie mixing it up with the local drinks industry. Robbie is one of five co-creators of the gin and was in New Zealand for the brand’s debut with an event hosted by New Zealand

distributor Tickety-Boo at Savor Group’s Azabu in Mission Bay. Papa Salt won a Platinum Medal and ‘Best Gin’ at the 2022 L.A. Spirits Awards before launching in Australia in May and is now in New Zealand. Papa Salt Coastal Gin (700ml) is RRP $91.99.

D.I.T.A Absinthe from Hastings Distillers NEW FROM Hastings Distillers comes ‘Death in the Afternoon Absinthe’. Named after the potent absinthe and champagne cocktail created by writer Ernest Hemingway, the Biogro certified organic release from the Hawke’s Bay craft distillery is inspired by an old French recipe and contains 11 botanicals, including the “holy trinity” of wormwood, anise and fennel.

D.I.T.A Absinthe (68% ABV) 350ml RRP $75.

Hastings Distillers

Tickety-Boo

SHOWCASE

Explore and discover with Lunatic & Lover AUCKLAND CRAFT distillery Lunatic & Lover, creators of award-winning botanical rum, are at the forefront of exploration and experimentation with their range of boutique spirits.

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.

Lunatic & Lover Fundamental Unaged Organic Rum

Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested Botanical Rum

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $85

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $120

Fundamental is rum in its purest form – made from only molasses, water and yeast, distilled in a copper pot still and completely unaged. It was the first rum in New Zealand to be certified organic. Fundamental has aromas of red fruits, cream and peaches; it is silky on the palate with notes of chocolate and a soft liquorice finish. Awarded Gold at the NZ Rum Awards ‘The Rumbles’.

Lunatic & Lover Silver rum is aged for a minimum of two years in oak to create this Barrel Rested expression. 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.

Lunatic & Lover Silver Botanical Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $100 This rum uses carefully selected organic molasses 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

80 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Lunatic & Lover Organic Overproof Rum - Exponential

60% ABV, 700ml RRP $90 Made with a nod to the tradition of the high-octane, overproof rums often found in the Caribbean, ‘Exponential’ is an exploration of what it is possible to

create in an unaged rum using quality raw ingredients, some unusual yeasts and a dash of unconventional creativity. Big tropical fruit aromas lead the way with honey, floral elements and an indefinable wild note that adds complexity. Big tropical fruit flavour and the distillery’s signature rich, solid body and chocolatey molasses in a really solid finish. Certified organic. Awarded Gold at the NZ Rum Awards ‘The Rumbles’.

Lunatic & Lover Organic Spiced Rum - Spiced

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $80 Not your regular spiced rum, this richly complex release uses a range of botanicals that includes smoked black tea, orange peel, dried figs, sage, allspice, cacao nib, roasted dandelion, burdock root, and vanilla pods.

Light citrus brightness on the nose overlays a gentle toffee. Herbs and a deep, earthy dark chocolate develop with a little time in glass. Rich and indulgent on the palate with the dried fruit, cacao nib and roots creating an intense base layer with a mouthfeel to match. Lingering smoke on the finish.

To order call 021 225 5423 or email botanist@lunaticandlover.com

DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY

Distributors ALBA

Dhall & Nash

Lunatic & Lover

Proof & Company

hello@drinkalba.com drinkalba.com

0800 369 463 dnfinewine.com

09 281 0572 lunaticandlover.com

ordersnz@proofandcompany.com proofandcompany.com

Aotearoa NZ Fine Wine Estates

Ecology & Co.

Lyre’s

Red Bull NZ

021 664 239 michael@aonzfinewine.com

hello@ecologyandco.com ecologyandco.com

027 642 7236 Tim.Evans@lyres.co

customerservice.nz@redbull.com redbull.com

Asahi Beverages NZ

Emerson’s

09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

B&R Beverages Ltd

Emporium Brewing

020 4166 2974 info@amigosaotearoa.co.nz

03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz

Bach Brewing

EuroVintage

09 390 0149 bachbrewing.co.nz

0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

Beam Suntory

Federal Merchants

0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz

Beer Labels

Garage Project

027 511 9882 sales@beerlabels.co.nz

027 535 0917 garageproject.co.nz

Beverage Brothers

Giesen Group

03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz

03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz

Big Sky Wines

Glengarry

027 424 8974 bigskywines.co.nz

0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz

Borough Wine

Grey Beard Trading

027 334 5774 info@boroughwine.co.nz

021 712 784 greybeardtrading@gmail.com

Brandhouse

Hancocks

0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz

0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

Broken Heart Spirits

Hastings Distillers

03 442 0819 brokenheartspirits.com

06 870 3991 hastingsdistillers.com

The Chiller

Hi I.Q. Liquor Merchants

021 538 324 hello@thechiller.co.nz

09 634 4202 hiiqliquor.co.nz

Coal Pit Wine

Indevin

0800 0200 44 coalpitwine.com

info@indevin.com indevin.com

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners NZ

The Invisible Agency

0800 692 337 cocacolaep.com

022 0906 700 theinvisibleagency.co.nz

DB Breweries 0800 746 432 db.co.nz

De La Terre 06 874 3224 delaterre.co.nz

Kc Kombucha 0274 882 934 kombuchacity.co.nz

Kono 04 546 8648 kono.co.nz

Lion 0800 107 272 lionco.com

82 DRINKSBIZ DECEMBER 2023 / JANUARY 2024

Maison Vauron 09 529 0157 mvauron.co.nz

Makan Distiller 09 276 8185 makan.co.nz

Marisco 09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

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

Moët Hennessy 0800 226 650 moethennessy.com

Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

No.1 Family Estate 03 572 9876 no1familyestate.co.nz

No.8 Distillery no8distillery@gmail.com no8distillery.com

Pacific Coast Beverages 021 0393 155 pacificcoastbeverages.co.nz

Parrotdog 04 384 8077 parrotdog.co.nz

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

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

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

Porters porterspinot@xtra.co.nz porterspinot.co.nz

Procure 021 393 652 Procureliquor.co.nz

Sawmill Brewery 09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz

Sprig + Fern 03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz

Spy Valley 03 572 6088 spyvalleywine.co.nz

Stone Pony Wines orders@stoneponywines.co.nz stoneponywines.co.nz

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

Taylor Brown 09 447 3801 taylorbrown.co.nz

Te Kano Estate 03 928 6951 tekanoestate.com

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

Thomson Whisky thomsonwhisky.co.nz

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

Vilaura sales@vilaura.co.nz vilaura.co.nz

Vintners 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

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

Wild Earth Wines 03 445 4841 wildearthwines.co.nz

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

Yeastie Boys yeastieboys.co.nz