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Victoria Wells Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz
WELL, THAT was a bit of a whirlwind start to 2023.
I think most of us were just hoping for a summer with no lockdowns or other sudden surprises, and with locals and tourists out and about enjoying the sunshine and spending up large. You know, a proper summer.
Instead, Jacinda Ardern got back from holiday and swiped left on continuing to lead the country and then Chris Hipkins was less than a week into the job before he found himself dealing with catastrophic weather events in the central and upper North Island.
As I write, we’re still in the grips of it as hundreds of homes and businesses try to clean up after the torrential rain of recent days. (They could tell us there’s a swarm of locusts coming next and it probably wouldn’t surprise anyone.)
Change is certainly the one constant in these unpredictable times.
From a drinks industry point of view, some of the biggest changes continue to come in the no/low category, and our feature in this issue looks at recent research that tracks this sector’s trajectory
perception of flavour, aroma and texture to figure out if a certain consumer profile will like a new food or drink, providing instant insights and massively reducing market testing time.
2022 Invivo X SJP Sauvignon Blanc
and just how fast it is expected to grow over the next few years (see page 16). The other news that caught my eye while putting this issue together is a New York company that has combined artificial intelligence with the world's largest sensory database to develop an AI that can predict consumer preferences when it comes to new food and beverage products (see page 21). Essentially, the AI has been built to model human sensory
It comes hot on the heels of the AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT, which is already making waves globally for its incredible potential and this is all no doubt the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what we’ll see AI do in the future. Maybe one that keeps an eye out for locusts would be useful.
Enjoy the issue, Victoria.
Partly because I’m an SJP fangirl from WAY back, but mainly because this is a simply delicious, intensely fruity wine. (Pg 26)
Sprig + Fern Summer Chill Hazy
It might not have felt like summer at times, but this new offering from Nelson brewers Sprig + Fern transports you straight to the back deck with a sea view and a smell of barbceue in the air. (Pg 40)
Scapegrace Uncommon Japanese Yuzu Lemon Vodka
This limited edition release from New Zealand distillery Scapegrace heroes the distinctive yuzu fruit from Japan, as grown in Horowhenua by Neville and Junko Chun. A bright, refreshing and deliciously citrus twist on a classic vodka. (Pg 52)
They could tell us there’s a swarm of locusts coming next and it probably wouldn’t surprise anyone.
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
ADVERTISING
Roger Pierce advertising@drinksbiz.co.nz
+64 274 335 354
drinksbiz.co.nz
Associate Member (NZ)
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FEBRUARY
Saturday 11 February
Marlborough Wine & Food Festival
New Zealand’s longest-running wine and food festival returns for 2023 at Renwick Domain. marlboroughwinefestival.com
Friday 17 – Saturday 18 February
Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival –Carterton
A celebration of Wairarapa wines, with top wineries from around the region. To be held at ‘The Cliffs’ on the banks of the Ruamahunga River. wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz
MARCH
Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 March
Indulge Festival – Auckland
A new four-day festival showcasing New Zealand food, wine, design and music. To be held around Auckland’s Silo Park, Wynyard Point and Jellicoe Harbour. indulgeauckland.co.nz
Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 March
DramFest – Christchurch
New Zealand’s largest whisky education and tasting festival is set to take place following the COVID postponement of the 2022 event. dramfest.co.nz
Saturday 4 March
Kegkoura – Kaikōura
KaikŌura craft brewery Emporium Brewing host the region's very own craft brewing festival. Tickets available from the website. emporiumbrewing.co.nz/kegkoura
Saturday 4 March
Marchfest – Nelson
The 15th annual Marchfest will showcase a wide range of craft beer from the Tasman region and around New Zealand. To be held at Founders Park. marchfest.com
Saturday 11 March
Wildfoods Festival – Hokitika
The iconic Wildfoods Festival returns to Hokitika for 2023 with wild food, a live music line-up including Sir Dave Dobbyn and a partnership with Garage Project. wildfoods.co.nz
Saturday 11 – Sunday 12 March
Gindulgence – Christchurch
A selection of some of New Zealand’s leading gin distillers at Ilam Homestead, with gin, cocktail and tonic masterclasses. gindulgence.co.nz
APRIL
Saturday 1 April
Harvest Hawke’s Bay Food & Wine Festival
A new food and wine event to be held riverside on Tuki Tuki Road in Hawke’s Bay. Sixteen wineries and eight eateries will showcase their wine and food at this day-long event. harvesthawkesbay.com
MAY
Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 May
The Great NZ Food Show – Hamilton
A two-day consumer show of food, beverage and culinary products to be held at Claudelands in Hamilton. Exhibitor details available on the website. greatnzfoodshow.com
Friday 26 – Sunday 28 May
The Food Show – Wellington
The country’s largest consumer culinary event returns to Wellington over three days at Sky Stadium. Exhibitor details available on the website. foodshow.co.nz
Note: While event details were correct at time of print, we recommend checking individual event websites for the latest updates.
SPARKLING WINE brand Veuve du Vernay has a long and successful legacy in New Zealand – since arriving here in 1997 it has built a loyal consumer following to become the country’s number one French sparkling wine1
A long-term partnership with local distributor EuroVintage has seen the international brand become the go-to sparkling for New Zealand consumers seeking an authentically French experience, but it is far from resting on its laurels.
“We are a French brand, but we are rooted in New Zealand,” says Xavier Pignel-Dupont, the APAC Managing Director for Castel Group, which owns Veuve du Vernay. “We have a long story with Kiwis, and a long story with EuroVintage too. When you have such a long partnership it means that together we are really building into the long-term.”
This long-term vision includes plans this year to increase consumer and brand awareness through digital campaigns, a new local consumer website, in-store activity and highlighting innovative NPD elements across the range.
The Veuve du Vernay range of sparkling wines is made in the famed French wine region of Burgundy and was founded in the 1960s by winemaker Robert Charmat. He named his wines for a widow in the town of Vernay who helped his father during his own early winemaking days. ‘Veuve’ in French means ‘widow’.
Veuve du Vernay is made by the renowned house of Patriarche, which is owned by Castel Group, the largest producer of French wines. It is sold in 70 markets around the world and is a top performing French sparkling wine in the U.S. and number one in New Zealand.
Here, the Veuve du Vernay range includes a Brut, Brut Rosé, Ice, Ice Rosé, and a recently released 0% alcohol expression.
As Veuve du Vernay builds on its growth in New Zealand it is drawing on research commissioned by Castel Group to better understand the Kiwi sparkling wine consumer.
“We wanted to understand more about shopper motivation and the key brand attributes that consumers found important when choosing Veuve du Vernay,” explains Kerry Wheeler, GM Sales and Marketing at EuroVintage.
Carried out by Sapien Research in mid-2022, the Sparkling Wine Consumer Analysis2 revealed that Veuve Du Vernay buyers are more likely to have a higher income, buy sparkling wine more frequently than other sparkling wine buyers and they associate the brand with a wide variety of occasions – both casual and celebratory.
The research also showed that Veuve Du Vernay stands out within the sparkling category because of its French/ international connection, which gives it a feeling of exclusivity and elegance.
“These brand associations provide a key point of difference for Veuve Du Vernay versus other sparkling wine brands, and are closer to champagne brands, but at a much more affordable price,” says Wheeler.
She says Veuve du Vernay’s French heritage came through strongly in its appeal for consumers. “It was one of
the key driving factors as to why people really love the brand. It has that French authenticity and elegance.”
Xavier Pignel-Dupont says the research has confirmed exactly what the brand is seeking to convey. “The fact that Kiwi consumers like that Veuve du Vernay is French and find it to be elegant and sophisticated is our point of difference from local sparkling and sparkling from Australia. It makes Veuve du Vernay distinctive and unique.”
Kerry Wheeler says the brand’s 200ml format is likely a significant driver when it comes to Veuve du Vernay fans enjoying the wine more regularly on a casual basis, rather than just at special occasions. “The three packs of 200ml really provide that flexibility, so you don’t have to open a whole bottle,” she says.
Innovative style
Although a familiar name on New Zealand shelves, Veuve du Vernay creates fresh appeal with a range of limited-edition bottle wraps that highlight its New Zealand connection and French roots.
“To be a leader, to gain new consumers and to gain a new generation we need
to bring surprise,” explains PignelDupont. “We need to bring new temptations. Why would you buy the same bottle every day? Let the new generation discover Veuve du Vernay as well.”
These stylish wraps have included a New Zealand flag design as well as a Toile de Jouy design (right), the pattern made famous by Marie Antoinette at Versailles, in pink and blue to reference the wine’s French heritage.
A new pohutukawa wrap will also be released in late 2023 for the festive season.
A particularly striking release is a temperature sensitive wrap for the Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé (750ml), in which the label’s design evolves as the temperature changes and reaches its ideal serving point.
The Veuve du Vernay 0% sparkling wine is also easily recognisable on shelf with a distinctive bright blue label and is expected to perform well as demand grows quickly for lo/no alcohol options in New Zealand.
With this enhanced understanding of the New Zealand market, Kerry Wheeler says they are putting Veuve du Vernay “front and centre” for sparkling wine consumers.
The coming months will see more investment in social media and the launch of a new consumer website, as well as increased ranging in-store, print and digital mailers, and media support.
“Our expectation and goal is to keep the [market] leadership,” says Xavier Pignel-Dupont. “We have a strong position in the market and now we are increasing our investment for above the line to continue to bring awareness and create more content for the brand. And this will definitely help our retailers.”
1 IRI NZ Grocery market data MAT 01.01.23
2 Research source: Sapien Research, Sparkling Wine Consumer Analysis, April 2022
• Veuve du Vernay Brut (3 x 200ml pack, 750ml, 1.5L magnum)
• Veuve du Vernay Brut Rosé (3 x 200ml pack, 750ml, 1.5L magnum)
• Veuve du Vernay Ice (3 x 200ml pack, 750ml)
• Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé (3 x 200ml pack, 750ml)
• Veuve du Vernay Zero Alcohol Free (750ml)
Veuve du Vernay is priced from RRP $18.99.
Veuve du Vernay is distributed exclusively in New Zealand by EuroVintage
“The fact that Kiwi consumers like that Veuve du Vernay is French and find it to be elegant and sophisticated is our point of difference from local sparkling, and sparkling from Australia.”
- Xavier Pignel-Dupont, Castel Group.
THE DRINKSBIZ team was greatly saddened to learn of the passing of respected drinks writer and Drinksbiz columnist Dominic Roskrow in late 2022. He died in England after a short illness in November. He was 61.
Tributes flowed from around the international whisky industry following news of his death.
Dominic had been the spirits columnist for Drinksbiz for more than a decade, offering insightful commentary on whisky
AN ANNUAL survey of New Zealanders’ drinking habits has found that more than half of those surveyed tried a low alcohol drink in 2022 – up 9% on the previous year.
The research for the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) was conducted by Curia and surveyed 1250 people across New Zealand.
The NZABC says that its annual survey aims to understand New Zealanders’ views on how alcohol is perceived across a number of issues. One set of questions asked what respondents were drinking and how they drank overall.
The results showed that 56% of those surveyed tried a low alcohol drink in 2022, up 9% on 2021, while 69% had tried a ‘premium’ drink, up 13% from 2021.
The research also found that of those who had tried a premium wine, beer or spirit, 45% consumed it more slowly.
“The trend of going ‘no and lo’ and ‘sipping and savouring’ your drinks appears to be cementing itself into the way we drink,” says NZABC Deputy Chair, Robert Brewer. “This means we are actively choosing to slow down when we drink and, for others, it’s about choosing a lower alcohol option.
“Drinking higher strength options more slowly and/or choosing lower alcohol options are great trends and mirror the overall decline in drinking over the last couple of decades,” added Brewer.
“We’re drinking approximately 25% less per capita than we did in the early 80s and we’re drinking less harmfully as well. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to better understand and then accelerate the changes we are beginning to see in our drinking culture.”
and the wider global spirits industry in each issue. A drinks writer for more than 30 years, Dominic was a highly regarded figure in the whisky world, having edited several whisky publications including Whisky Magazine, The Spirits Business, and Whisky Quarterly. He also wrote more than 15 drinks books and, with Gavin D. Smith,
was tasked with revising and updating Michael Jackson’s Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch (7th edition, 2015).
Dominic was regarded as an authority on and staunch supporter of New World whiskies. In mid-2021 he launched an online magazine, Stills Crazy, dedicated to celebrating the best of New World whisky. He had also created an awards programme, the New Wizards Awards, to recognise independent whisky producers and bottlers from around the world.
New Zealand held a very special place in Dom’s heart, and he was a huge fan of the All Blacks, having been to the All Blacks XV v Barbarians game in London shortly before his death.
His contributions to the pages of Drinksbiz will be very much missed by the team.
NEW ZEALAND’S largest independent spirits brand, Scapegrace, has announced an ongoing partnership with independent music company LOOP that will align it with leading and upcoming New Zealand artists and music.
It says the LOOP partnership will enable Scapegrace to showcase its RTD range across popular music festivals, providing an opportunity to sample product en-masse to a wide audience, nationally.
The initial summer events included three L.A.B festivals in Tauranga, Hastings and Whangarei and three Summer Thieves shows in Waihi Beach, Hamilton and Leigh.
Scapegrace co-founder and marketing director Mark Neal says, “We could not be more excited about this partnership between two leading New Zealand brands, both creatives in their own right. The partnership with LOOP provides Scapegrace the opportunity to create a canvas for both brands to creatively collaborate on music, entertainment and cross-promotional activity over the summer.”
Mikee Tucker, Founder of LOOP says they’re thrilled to be partnering with Scapegrace. “The core driver of our business has always been around forming meaningful relationships with Kiwi-owned innovators, and this partnership is exactly that.”
NEW ZEALAND Winegrowers has launched its new global brand platform – New Zealand Wine, Altogether Unique –designed to highlight the very best of the New Zealand wine industry.
It is New Zealand Winegrowers’ first brand refresh since 2006, and the new visual identity is rolling out across global markets.
“With global activity returning to ‘normal’, it’s more competitive than ever to have the voice of the New Zealand Wine brand heard, and a clear premium brand message is essential,” says Charlotte Read, General Manager Marketing, New Zealand Winegrowers. “Creating a compelling brand positioning for New Zealand Wine is important as we seek to engage and motivate evolving wine drinking audiences.”
New Zealand Winegrowers worked alongside creative agency Many Minds to incorporate the latest consumer insights, define its brand essence and create an accompanying new visual identity.
“The combination of New Zealand’s location, people, and climate is simply magic. There is nothing else like it on earth,” says Mike O’Sullivan, Creative Director, Many Minds.
“There were key words that came back from the insights, like our people, nature, and purity, which formed the foundation pillars of the New Zealand Wine essence of purity, innovation, and care.”
New Zealand Winegrowers says that the origins of the three circular forms in the logo represent these three unique selling points. These three circular shapes were further crafted into more geometric organic forms reminiscent of fronds on a grapevine but rendered in a more bespoke
and timeless style. It says the result is a highly contemporary mark, unique to New Zealand, that gives New Zealand Wine a more distinct visual presence on the world stage.
A short storytelling video featuring Kiwi actor and winemaker Sir Sam Neill (Two Paddocks) also aims to create an emotional connection to New Zealand wine.
“This storytelling asset will tell the foundational story of New Zealand wine through the lens of the key pillars of purity, innovation, and care – aspects that make New Zealand wine and the New Zealand wine industry, so unique and special,” says Charlotte Read.
WEST
craft
Reefton Distilling Co. has partnered with independent spirits distributor Iconic Beverages to launch nationally in Australia. Iconic Beverages will distribute its multi-award-winning flagship product Little Biddy Gin in the Classic and Pink expressions.
Reefton Distilling Co. founder and chief executive, Patsy Bass, says they’re thrilled with the new partnership. “We’re incredibly excited to expand our reach and capability in Australia through Iconic Beverages. Their commitment to brand building, and strong network both on- and off-premise, make
QUEENSTOWN HOSPITALITY software
business Loaded is launching its global campaign, following the raising of $3.25 million via a combination of equity and debt, with an initial entry into Australia planned for early 2023.
Loaded is an SAAS-based (Software as a Service) hospitality management platform, which helps hospitality businesses monitor and manage their revenue, labour, inventory and budgeting from one place. It was founded by hospitality entrepreneurs James Arnott and Richard McLeod, who started hospitality company Cook Brothers Bars in 2004, which today has 13 hospitality outlets across New Zealand.
Loaded CEO Richard McLeod says that crossing the Tasman is the first step in expanding globally and the expectation is that this will happen rapidly once market traction is achieved in Australia. “With 900 customers at home who have demonstrated significant profitability and efficiency improvements when adopting Loaded and very few competitors in the market globally – we’re pretty excited about the opportunity ahead,” says McLeod.
Invest South, a local investment fund, is the major participant in the capital raise and will also appoint a director to the board of Loaded.
Other local private investors have also invested directly and through the Mainland Angel Investors network.
Loaded has also attracted support in the form of a $1.25 million loan from MBIE through the Queenstown Economic
them a natural fit for our team.”
The news comes just months after Reefton Distilling Co. opened its new distillery on the edge of Reefton, with bottling and warehousing on site.
Iconic Beverages Brand Manager Andy Kelly says they are excited to bring Reefton Distilling Co. to Australian consumers. “When the Reefton Distilling Co. team approached us to launch Little Biddy in Australia we were thrilled. Their exceptional range of spirits is backed by an iconic and authentic story, and we can’t wait to build on their success to date.”
A NEW food, wine and design festival is coming to Auckland’s waterfront in March, with some of the country’s leading wineries set to take part.
Indulge will be held at Auckland’s Wynyard Point and Jellicoe Harbour over four days from 2-5 March, 2023 and feature renowned chefs, designers and restaurateurs, along with a range of New Zealand wineries.
Indulge has been created by the team behind the popular Urban Polo events in New Zealand and Singapore.
Transformation and Resilience Fund (QET Fund) which is administered by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
“The support from MBIE on top of the significant equity raise means that we are in a position to invest further in building our product and development team almost entirely in Queenstown, which is important to us as a company founded by born and bred Queenstowners,” says McLeod.
Loaded was originally developed as a central management system for Cook Brothers Bars, which famously purchased the Captain Cook Tavern in Dunedin when Loaded founders Richard McLeod and James Arnott, both of Queenstown, were in their fourth year as university students.
Urban Events Managing Director, Simon Wilson, says he is delighted to have so many quality brands involved, with wineries such as Bannockburn’s Akarua, Blenheim’s te Pā and Waiheke’s Cable Bay among those confirmed already.
Other winery exhibitors include Two Rivers, Akarua, Hunting Lodge, Villa Maria, Waitiri Creek, The Uncommon NZ, Cable Bay, 495 Wine Direct and Mawhitipana Ridge Estate, with organisers saying more will be announced.
Indulge is expected to host around 20,000 people over the four days and has been created in partnership with NZME and is supported by Tourism New Zealand and Auckland Unlimited. indulgeauckland.co.nz
AN ORGANISATION dedicated to helping new and existing craft distilleries to thrive and grow has crossed the Tasman to launch in New Zealand.
The Distillers Institute (TDI) began in Australia in April 2020 and offers a training course covering key areas of running a distillery business, from a vision and business plan, to financing, marketing, distribution, customs requirements and more.
TDI has now launched its course in New Zealand with craft spirits advocate Marcel Thompson (author of Still Magic and Gin Ventures) as its local lead. It has also been supported by Distilled Spirits Aotearoa and industry figures Rob Auld of Southland’s Auld Distillery and Patsy Bass of Reefton Distilling Co.
Anne Gigney is one of the five founders and is the Director of the Tasmanian Whisky Academy, a Board member of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (APac)
and advocate for education in Australia’s distilling industry.
Gigney says that The Distillers Institute was established in Australia to help aspiring and existing distillers to successfully start and grow their distilling or spirits business, with the goal of building a compliant and robust distillery business that will withstand the test of time.
She says the time is right to bring TDI’s course to New Zealand given the fast-growing craft spirits industry here. “Having been here in Australia to see what the early years and fails look like, we know it will make
a big difference,” says Gigney. “It’s about making great decisions right at the outset so you know where you are now, where you’ll be in a year and where you’ll be in 10. Our goal is to futureproof those folk heading into the industry.”
The Planning your Successful New Zealand Distillery course is tailored for the New Zealand market, including links to all Customs NZ requirements and others.
Gigney says that New Zealand students will also join the TDI distilling community, which has more than 440 students, primarily in Australia, and gives access to a monthly Masterclass webinar showcasing distillers and suppliers from Australia and New Zealand with the goal to build capacity and reach within the industry. thedistillersinstitute.co.nz
HOSPITALITY NZ says that the refusal by Government to put chefs on its immigration Green List will hurt hospitality businesses and customers.
The government announced in December that it will expand the Green List settings to make it faster and easier for more workers in the healthcare, education and construction sectors to access the work to residence pathway in New Zealand.
Hospitality NZ CEO Julie White says they are “beyond frustrated” to see that
chefs have been left off the immigration Green List. “We asked for them to be included on the list as a bare minimum, but this was shut down by the Government, saying they can already come in. But they have totally missed the point. The global shortage of skilled staff means we need more competitive and attractive immigration settings.
“Chefs are allowed to work in New Zealand, but they have to uproot their life to settle in a country where there is no certainty of residency,
versus Australia, where there is automatic residency. All we asked for is competitive policy settings that at least give us a chance of attracting people.”
She says that hard-hit hospitality and accommodation venues will miss out on desperately needed business over the summer high season thanks to the Government refusing to change immigration settings for chefs and other much needed hospitality roles. “Hospitality and accommodation businesses are telling us they will have to
continue cutting opening and restaurant hours, and days, and refuse accommodation bookings over the summer because they won’t have enough staff. This is an ongoing disaster for many businesses on top of the struggles of the past two years,” says White.
The Government had said that the Green List settings will be reviewed again in mid-2023 and new Prime Minister Chris Hipkins indicated to business leaders in late January that he wouldn’t rule out changes to the immigration settings.
(RTD) products grow by more than +7% in volume across those 10 key global markets in 2022 and is forecasting consumption to increase by a third by 2026, spearheaded by growth of no-alcohol products.
THE RAPID rise of the no/low alcohol category in New Zealand has been increasingly evident over the past couple of years with a greater range of local and imported products, dedicated retail space in-store and online, and increased mainstream media coverage of the growing no/low consumer shift.
Now, new research from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the global leader in alcohol data and analysis, shows that this growth is only set to gather pace.
Its newly released IWSR No- and LowAlcohol Strategic Study examined 10 focus markets (Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, South Africa, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States), and found the market value of no/ low alcohol products in 2022 surpassed USD$11 billion, up from USD$8 billion in 2018.
It reports that increasing consumer demand saw no- and low-alcohol beer/ cider, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink
IWSR says that the pace of growth of the no/low-alcohol category is expected to surpass that of the last four years, with forecast volume CAGR of +7%, 2022-26, compared to +5%, 2018-22.
No-alcohol will spearhead this growth, expected to account for over 90% of the forecast total category volume growth.
“The dynamic no/low-alcohol category presents opportunities for incremental sales growth as consumers are recruited from drinks categories such as soft drinks and water. Brand owners have an opportunity to recruit non-drinkers of alcohol,” comments Susie Goldspink, Head
The steady growth of the no-low movement around the world is set to continue apace, as new research from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis reveals…
of No- and Low-Alcohol, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.
“As more people opt to avoid alcohol on certain occasions – or abstain from it altogether – no-alcohol is steadily increasing its share of the no/ low category.”
Following the December 2022 release of the IWSR No- and Low- Alcohol Strategic Study, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis has reported the following key points:
No-alcohol products spearhead overall category growth
No-alcohol volumes grew 9% in 2022, increasing their share of the overall no/ low-alcohol space in the world’s 10 leading no/low markets to 70%, up from 65% in 2018.
“No-alcohol is growing faster than lowalcohol in most markets,” says Goldspink.
“The countries where this does not apply, such as Japan and Brazil, are earlystage low-alcohol markets with a small volume base.”
Improved taste, production techniques, and a diversification of consumption occasions are driving no-alcohol’s dominance over low-alcohol in many markets. IWSR expects no-alcohol volumes to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of +9% between 2022 and 2026.
The maturity of the no/low-alcohol category varies widely by market.
Germany, the world’s largest and most mature no/low-alcohol market, will see relatively slow growth due to beer market maturity and lack of innovation.
Meanwhile, more dynamic growth will come from markets including Australia, Canada and the US, which will all see double digit volume compound annual growth rates, 2022-26. The world’s most valuable no/low-alcohol markets are Germany, Japan, Spain, the US, and the UK.
No-alcohol beer/cider will contribute nearly 70% of the overall no/low-alcohol growth between 2022 and 2026. Almost all of the no-alcohol RTD growth will come from the US and Japan, whereas no-alcohol wine growth is expected to be more fragmented, but positive, across markets. No-alcohol spirits will see some of the more dynamic growth, as brand owners invest in innovation, and products are given more space by retailers and the on-trade.
Low-alcohol is expected to grow at a 2% volume CAGR, 2022-26, with much growth driven by the low-alcohol beer and wine categories. The US is the dominant driver of low-alcohol wine, with early seeds of innovation and traction in others.
No/low consumers are maturing at a global level, with Millennials the largest age group.
Switching between alcohol and no/low is common, both in the same occasion and between different ones. 78% of consumers of no/low products also
No-alcohol beer/cider will contribute nearly 70% of the overall no/low-alcohol growth between 2022 and 2026. – IWSR Drinks Market Analysis
drink full-strength alcohol; the largest subset (41% of no/low consumers) are classified as ‘substituters’, who choose no/ low products when avoiding alcohol on certain occasions.
However, ‘abstainers’, who refrain from drinking alcohol altogether, account for 18% of no/low consumers, and their numbers are rising in most markets, with younger legal-drinking-aged consumers at the fore. The ‘abstainers’ group has changed most in size in the past year, with nine out of 10 markets seeing an increase.
says Goldspink. “Pair this with the rise of functional beverages – often containing ‘mood-enhancing’ adaptogens or nootropics – and the result is a strong outlook for no-alcohol.”
Consumers
As no/low products permeate a wider variety of occasions – low-alcohol often in low-key social settings, no-alcohol alone or unwinding with a partner at home –newer recruits to no/low are increasing their frequency of consumption.
With people motivated to drink no/low by lifestyle, rather than necessity, growth is now being driven both by recruitment of new consumers and by greater participation. Daytime consumption of both no- and low-alcohol has increased this year, signalling potential for the category to expand beyond alcoholreplacement occasions.
“This pattern of avoiding alcohol on certain occasions or altogether is driving no- over low- alcohol growth,”
The biggest challenge facing the no/low category is one of availability: in many markets, no/low products lack visibility in the mainstream on-trade; among retailers, there is often confusion about where they should be displayed – in the beer/wine/ spirits aisle, among soft drinks, or on their own. In both channels, the choice of products is often limited.
Cost has become less of a barrier for non-consumers of no/low-alcohol, dropping from 14% in 2021 to 7% in 2022. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, cost as a barrier to purchase currently remains unchanged among those who do consume no/low drinks. Where no/low is established, prices are similar to equivalent full-strength alcohol categories.
Product innovation focuses on packaging, flavour, and functional benefits While many NPD approaches so far involve modification of ABV (alcohol by volume), some producers are focusing on innovation in packaging, functional benefits, and flavour, to broaden the options available to consumers and to allow brands to keep consumers within their portfolios.
Examples of these include sliding ABV scales and multipacks, the use of botanicals to create more intense flavour, and the introduction of spirit alternatives across a wider range of categories, such as aperitifs, dark spirits, and agave.
There are also signs of increasing product focus on functional benefits, such as added nootropics, vitamins, and adaptogens, with product messaging shifting from the absence of alcohol to flavour and other benefits. Some mixer brands are also broadening their range to offer products that can be enjoyed without a spirit or spirit alternative.
Find out more at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis – theiwsr.com
Switching between alcohol and no/low is common, both in the same occasion and between different ones.KELSEY CHANCE / UNSPLASH
FRENCH SPECIALIST glass company
Saverglass has created new bottle variations that are enhanced by engraving. These offer customisations that take the design and characteristics of the bottles to the next level and emphasise the elegance and personality of each model.
faithfully reinvents the Bordeaux style – is irresistible.
Unique character
These innovations in the world of wine make it possible to offer new, revisited designs with strong character, and ideal versions for a limited series that complements existing models.
Whilst the Bordelaise ICON is admired for its aristocratic elegance, this new variant – which masterfully and
The name ‘Duomo’ is suggestive of the flamboyant domes of the Italian Renaissance, and reawakens traditional lines with shoulders adorned with a magnificent set of horizontal stripes. This elegant vision contrasts with the simplicity of the bottle’s body, perfectly suited for customising with decorations or a label.
The Duomo models, and their Bourgogne-style sister Zebra models, are aimed at estates looking for evermore sophisticated bottles, where etched designs reinforce the already assertive character of the Bourgogne Vin Grand Cru and Bordelaise ICON bottles.
With these models, Saverglass offers an ideal container for limited series or special cuvées that will catch the eye of consumers, either on the shelves or at the best restaurants.
Etched to enhance
Originally from the world of perfumery, the use of etching to enhance silhouettes is now an essential part of premiumisation for both spirit and wine bottles, providing even more sophistication.
Perfectly mastered by Saverglass, engraving allows extremely precise, fine and delicate ornaments to be created, with well-defined contours beautifully carved in the glass.
Engraving is skilfully applied on the Bordelaise and Burgundy shapes, which are an iconic part of the Saverglass wine collection, completely transforming them by delicately chiselling ridged patterns into the glass.
Find out more about the ranges from SAVERGLASS 09 522 2990 saverglass.com
Whilst the Bordelaise ICON is admired for its almost aristocratic elegance, this new variant is irresistible. Suggestive of the flamboyant domes of the Italian Renaissance, DUOMO reawakens traditional lines with shoulders adorned with a magnificent set of horizontal stripes.
With these models, Saverglass offers an ideal container for limited series or special cuvées that will catch the eye of consumers, either on the shelves or at the best restaurants.
IWSR DRINKS Market Analysis has released preliminary 2022 data across the total beverage alcohol industry in the US that shows all major categories – beer, cider, wine, spirits, and ready-to-drink (RTDs) – posted growth across premiumplus price tiers.*
It says that while total volumes of wine (-2%), beer (-2%) and cider (-4%) all declined in 2022, the premium-and- above segments of each grew: wine (+6%), beer (+4%) and cider (+11%). Total spirits volumes were up +2%, with premium+ up +13%, while RTDs showed moderate gains at less than +1% with premium+ up +38%.
High-income drinkers, earning over $150,000, were especially secure, and across all demographics, Millennials show more confidence than older drinkers. IWSR consumer data shows consumer spending and purchasing volume were up in 2022 vs 2021 in most tracked categories.
It says that despite industry-wide price increases, premiumisation (or trading up to higher-priced, often higher-quality products) is still driving all segments of beverage alcohol.
IWSR Drinks Market Analysis says that premiumisation is occurring most notably in spirits. Overall, 33% of Americans said they had spent US$50 or more on a bottle of alcohol in 2022, against just 24% in 2021. Furthermore, six in 10 online shoppers say they spend more on alcohol online than in-store.
“Another area where premiumisation is proving to be a key factor driving volume is at-home consumption,” says Brandy Rand, Chief Strategy Officer, IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. “With a vast majority of Americans consuming alcohol at home, 46% say they are likely to treat themselves to better quality drinks there, which is also beneficial for wine and beer.”
Other key insights from IWSR include: Spirits category has 25th straight year of volume gain
Long-term premiumisation of spirits has boosted the category with evident crossover in RTDs as pre-mixed cocktails and spirit-based RTDs gain ground.
Total whisky category volumes (up +3% in 2022 vs 2021), surpassed vodka
(less than +1% growth in 2022 vs 2021) last year for the first time in almost two decades. US whiskey holds the largest share of total whisky volumes, as well as percentage growth (+4%), with value increases led by bourbon which increased by +8%.
Agave spirits contributed US$1.6bn to the spirits industry in 2022. This growth accounted for 70% of the overall volume growth and 65% of overall value growth of total US spirits.
straight years of volume gains but saw a much lower growth rate than in previous years, (+1%) in 2022, as malt-based hard seltzers slow down. Spirit-based RTDs, hard teas and FABs show momentum however and premiumisation is evident across the RTD category as value increased by +6%.
Sparkling wine achieves 21st consecutive year of volume and value gains While sparkling wine sees continued growth, the total wine category declined by volume for the second straight year, decreasing -2% in 2022 vs 2021. From a value perspective, total wine posted modest growth (+1%). Still wine continues to drag down overall wine performance (-3%) as declines in the standard-andbelow segment were unable to be offset by advances occurring in the premiumand-above tiers.
Within still wine, a strengthening trend of health and wellness is bringing awareness to the no- and low- alcohol subsegments. In other wine segments, rice wine/sake (+3%) and flavoured wine (+8%) performed well. Rice wine/sake benefited from a return to the on-premise, while flavoured wines attract younger LDA consumers drawn to flavour, a halo effect from the RTD category.
Though no/low products are a mere 1% volume share of total beverage alcohol in the US, the category’s growth rate was +15% in 2022. No/low-alcohol wine and beer hold the largest share, both in volume and value.
Also notable in 2022 - tequila surpassed US whiskey by value to become the second most valuable spirits subcategory in the US. Tequila alone is set to overtake vodka in 2023 to become the industry leader by value.
Traditional spirits are expected to overtake traditional beer as the share of servings leader for the first time in modern history this year. This means on a drink-by-drink basis, more Americans will drink traditional spirits.
While total beer continues to recover from pandemic losses, imports (led by Mexican beer) showed positive volume gains at +4%. Domestic beer commands a 79% volume share of total beer and struggles from long-term decline, weighing down overall beer performance.
The RTD category (which includes all alcohol bases) was able to post seven
Channel dynamics point to strengthening on-trade recovery
Usual channel dynamics were severely disrupted by Covid-19, with ecommerce and brick and mortar off-trade sales benefitting from on-trade restrictions. Near-term corrections will see the picture stabilise over the next five years. Ecommerce share was up +1% in 2022, at a much more moderate performance than pandemic highs. On-premise recovery is evident with the channel up +24%, and with a full return to pre-pandemic volumes expected in 2023. Half of consumers expect their on-trade drinking to remain the same, although many are watching what they spend and reducing the frequency of visits.
GASTROGRAPH AI – the first artificial intelligence solution designed specifically for predictive product development in the food and beverage industry – has announced the commercial launch of SensoryLink, the company’s new Platform as a Service (PaaS) and its recent capital raise.
The US$7 million capital raise included both existing and new investors, including Cornes Technology, Leawood Venture Capital, BASF, and the Sony Innovation Fund, among others, and will help support the global commercial launch of the SensoryLink platform.
The Gastrograph AI machine learning platform efficiently models human sensory perception of flavour, aroma, and texture to understand consumer preferences for multiple targeted demographic segments and provides market and formulation insights that drive brand success for major global CPG firms.
“We provide actionable insights to the global food and beverage industry across multiple geographies and demographic segments for a wide variety of products,” said David Purdy, Chief Executive Officer.
“These customised predictions are delivered with high-resolution analysis that enables major food and beverage companies to access real-time consumer preference information to make quicker, more informed decisions.”
Purdy says that Gastrograph AI delivers full cycle capabilities, from curated data collection via its mobile app to leveraging revolutionary algorithms and a proprietary database, to deliver highly accurate and detailed predictions of flavour, aroma, and texture preferences.
Gastrograph AI’s founder and Chief Scientist, Jason Cohen, says that they have assembled the world’s largest sensory database, covering over 30 countries, and can combine this with their proprietary algorithms to deliver critical insights for over one billion distinct consumer profiles. “Now the food and beverage industry can test products and gain market insights in weeks, rather than months, to identify unique product profiles, evolving consumer preferences, and product optimisation opportunities.”
WAIHEKE DISTILLING Co. has launched its new artisan Gin & Tonic RTD.
Spirit of Waiheke Artisan G&T is anchored on the craft distillery’s signature gin, which embodies the land, wind and sea. The contemporary dry gin is distilled with botanicals, kelp and citrus and paired with an island-inspired tonic.
The premium RTD is 7% ABV and presented in a 250ml slim can with a
striking black and white illustration.
Waiheke Distilling Co., which opened in early 2021, says the new RTD is an exciting and convenient way to introduce its artisan products to a broader range of discerning customers.
Spirit of Waiheke Artisan G&T is available in 250ml singles at RRP $12.50 and 4-packs at RRP $48 Waiheke Distilling Co.
NEW ZEALAND beverage company
Zangria has launched a new flavour for summer, releasing Zangria Pineapple, Mango & NZ Wine.
Zangria is designed to be a unique New Zealand take on a traditional sangria and the new release is made with an applegrape ‘fruit wine’, which is blended from Marlborough wine grapes and Hawke’s Bay apples. It is then combined with real pineapple and mango fruit juice before a final top up of lightly sparkling water.
The new release joins the original Marlborough Rosé, Watermelon and Berries flavour, which launched last summer.
Zangria founders Bonnie Shum and Mitch Wiffin say their goal is to continue to push the boundaries of the traditional wine and RTD category, injecting their creativity into the brand’s taste and branding thanks to their combined backgrounds in the wine industry and advertising.
Zangria is batch brewed and contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners. Each can contains under 5.5 grams of fruit sugars. At 4.8% ABV, Zangria is classified
as a fruit wine and its founders say it is a great substitute for a low-alcohol wine or a full-strength RTD.
• Zangria Pineapple, Mango & NZ Wine 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99
• Zangria Rosé, Watermelon and Berries 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99 and 10-pack RRP $29.99.
Zangria
AFTER WINNING four golds at the 2022 NZ Artisan Awards, Marcus Walker of Alice Hard Brewed Tea has his sights set on expansion around New Zealand.
Alice Hard Brewed Tea launched in July 2021 and Walker says he is working to keep up with demand for his sparkling alcoholic iced tea following the Gold Medal wins at the Artisan Awards for each of the four flavours (5% ABV) entered:
• Green Tea – Lime & Marigold
• Herbal Tea – Hibiscus, Rosehip & Apple
• Rooibos Tea – Orange & Lemon Peel
• Black Tea – Strawberry & Vanilla
The teas are made from a large pot of sweetened tea that is allowed to cool before champagne yeast is added. The yeast converts the sugars, leaving a dry sparkling iced tea with residual sugar levels from 0.1g/100ml.
The brand name was inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll story of Alice’s encounter with the Mad Hatter at his tea party in Wonderland, and the logo of four rabbits comes from a set of porcelain rabbits that Marcus Walker’s grandmother had.
The four Alice Hard Brewed Tea flavours are 5% ABV and available in four packs or a ‘Mixed Tea Collection’.
Alice Hard Brewed Tea
It’s festival season and alcohol licensing lawyer
Pervinder Kaur has some useful tips on what to know about applying for a special licence…
MY FIANCÉ and I went out on a date night recently. It was an amazing evening here in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The riverside eateries were buzzing with energy. Everybody looked so happy to be out and enjoying the warmer weather in this part of the world.
We Kiwis look forward to the summer season each year. Whether it is culture, sport, food and wine, or all of the above, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Summer is also the time when many festivals, functions, and other special events are underway. Whether the event is small or large-scale, if you plan to sell alcohol at an event or provide alcohol at no charge but where there is an entry fee, then you are required to have a special licence in place.
Examples of events that generally require special licences are sporting events, concerts, farmers’ markets and fairs, and any private gatherings where alcohol is being sold or supplied for a fee or donation.
What is a special licence?
A special licence allows the sale or supply of alcohol at certain events. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (Act) has introduced two different types of special licence: the on-site special licence and the off-site special licence.
The on-site special licence allows the sale or supply of alcohol at the event, whereas the off-site special licence allows the sale or supply of alcohol that will be taken away and consumed at another place. The type of licence your event requires will depend on when (and where) guests are consuming alcohol.
Most councils require applications for a special licence to be filed at least 20 working days before the event. However, you should aim to apply even earlier to help ensure it is processed in time. If you wish to apply for several events on one application, these events must be linked in some way, such as a series of related meetings or a series of related match dates for a club’s sports season.
circumstances where it would be more appropriate to issue a full permanent licence or where it would be appropriate for a licensee to seek a variation to existing licence hours (s 41). It is recommended to seek expert legal advice if you’re unsure whether your event would meet the criteria required under the Act.
What hours apply to special licences?
A special licence can allow the sale or supply of alcohol at any time of day or night. However, the district licensing committee may set certain hours as a condition of the licence. Remember, unlike other on-licences, there is no additional drink-up time allowed outside the hours the special licence is granted for.
Who reports on applications?
What is an ‘event’?
“Event” is defined in the Act as including “…an occasion and a gathering, and any series of events” (s 5). It is generally expected that an applicant for a special licence can articulate the nature and date of any event or series of events as part of the application process (Re New Zealand Police LLA 454/94). This is necessary so the relevant district licensing committee (DLC) can establish whether the application simply expands upon business as usual or is instead a bona fide separate event.
The law now explicitly prohibits a special licence from being issued in
Applications are referred to the Police, Licensing Inspector and Medical Officer of Health for consideration. They may require further details or want to meet you about your application. Any opposition must be founded on the Act’s criteria for the issue of special licences (ss 142 and 143) including: the object of the Act, the applicant’s suitability, its staff, systems and training, any relevant local alcohol policy, and the design and layout of the premises where the event will be held. It is vital for the success of the application that it is carefully drafted and includes sufficient information for the DLC to enable it to grant the application. Don’t be afraid to seek expert advice. It will save you money and effort in the long run and you will have time to focus on the actual event.
It is vital for the success of the special licence application that it is carefully drafted and includes sufficient information.
The 2022 harvest was the biggest ever for Sauvignon Blanc in New Zealand, and the wines are punching above their weight in quality too, says Joelle Thomson.
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $18.99
Giesen
Purity is dialled up in this aromatically focused, tropical and citrus expression of Sauvignon Blanc. It’s made from grapes grown in the Wairau Valley, Marlborough’s large sea of vines devoted largely to this singularly successful white grape variety. 17.5/20
RRP $18.99
Beverage Brothers
Punchy, pure and powerful. The 2022 Pā Road Sauvignon is packed with fresh flavours of thyme, gooseberries and lemon zest, making it a great dry white to pair with fresh seafood. The wine is a blend of Marlborough grapes, with just over half from the Redwood Hills Vineyard in the windswept Awatere Valley, while 46% are grown in the Wairau Valley, which adds riper tropical fruit aromas. 17.5/20
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $19.99
Giesen
‘Uncharted’ is an apt name for this dry, flinty and lime-zesty expression of Sauvignon Blanc from the Awatere Valley. This area lies south of Blenheim and is cooler, windier and edgier in climate, with diverse terraced vineyards that provide a range of flavour profiles ranging from crisp acidity through to tomato stalk and pronounced citrus flavours. Really good drinking and great value. 18/20
2022
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $19.99
EuroVintage
Hunter’s intensely aromatic Sauvignon Blanc rocks crisp, refreshing acidity with succulent lemongrass aromas and seductive flavours of ripe citrus zest, crunchy green apples and passionfruit. Its medium body suits a light chilling, which accentuates its dry style and long finish. This vintage has a very modest 11.8% ABV; light by most modern standards and a lovely characteristic for summer drinking. Certified vegan wine. 17.5/20
2022 Wairau River
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $19.99
Federal Merchants
A warm, dry ripening season in 2022 created beautiful conditions for high quality, super-concentrated flavours in this succulent Sauvignon Blanc. A zingy, zesty and deliciously fresh wine, offering excellent value. 17.5/20
2021 Clos Henri Petit Clos
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $21.99
Maison Vauron
Ten generations of winemaking in the village of Sancerre in the Loire Valley led the Bourgeois family to New Zealand in 1999 where they expanded their Sauvignon Blanc production, starting with this humbly priced, deliciously tasty wine. Classic cool temperature fermentation in stainless steel retains freshness, and this wine’s complex creamy flavours come from three months on lees (yeast cells), which adds depth, balance and body. Distinctly drier in style than many Marlborough Sauvignons. All grapes at Clos Henri’s vineyards in Marlborough are certified organic too. 17.5/20
‘Uncharted’ is an apt name for Giesen’s dry, flinty and lime-zesty expression from the Awatere Valley.
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $21.99
EuroVintage
Channel your inner fashionista with a sip of this soft, smooth and subtle Sauvignon Blanc with its bold aromatic intensity, light body, intense flavours and lingering finish. Skin contact, French barriques and larger oak hogsheads bring structure, complexity and richness of flavour to this fruitforward wine. Superb value for money as well as being a fun brand. 17.5/20
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $21.99
Marisco
This wine has delicious depth of flavour with rich, fruity appeal, but a totally dry taste carrying citrus, ripe melon and fresh green herb aromas. It delivers outstanding concentration and a next-level taste, without the price tag to match. A fabulous wine for drinking now and over the next two years. 18.5/20
RRP $21.99
Marisco
This lively new vintage of Leefield Sauvignon Blanc is driven by the fruitforward appeal of passionfruit, classic Marlborough Sauvignon gooseberry aromas and a support structure of succulent acidity. It’s a vibrant dry white wine with delicious length of flavour and great drinking, offering great value. 17.5/20
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $21.99
Whitehaven Wines
A great vintage for Whitehaven Wines in Marlborough. This is another outstanding expression of ripe, concentrated fruity flavours with a dry appeal in every succulent sip. Drinks beautifully now with its ripe tropical notes of pineapple, green mango, melon and passionfruit. Impressive. 18.5/20
RRP $22.99
Mora
Mora means ‘to pause’ in Latin and that’s certainly what this wine made me do by shining a fresh new light on Central Otago Sauvignon Blanc. It has a medium body, dry, flinty freshness and a smooth, soft texture that comes from three months lees ageing. This builds structure and adds a creamy note to the wine with its flavours of guava, fresh herbs, hints of passionfruit and zesty, vibrant palate. 17.5/20
2022 SOHO Stella
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $22.99
SOHO
SOHO Stella Sauvignon Blanc is inspired by the uber-stylish designer Stella McCartney. The wine lives up to her name with suave depth of flavour and succulent tropical notes dialled up high in this refreshing, zesty, dry wine with its long finish.
18.5/20
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $23.99
Astrolabe
One of New Zealand’s classic great whites made from a blend of grapes grown in Marlborough and rocking rich, ripe, tropical fruity vibes with flavours of passionfruit, guava, pineapple and ripe pear. These are beautifully tempered with vibrant freshness and a light zingy touch.
18/20
2021
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $24.99
Urlar
A dry, flinty and downright delicious
Sauvignon Blanc made by winemaker
Jannine Rickards of Urlar Estate in Gladstone in the central Wairarapa. This outstanding wine has bold flavours of freshly picked herbs and notes of tomato leaf, balanced by a creamy barrel ferment smoothness and subtle hints of tropical fruit with a lingering, succulent finish.
18.5/20
2022
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $24.99
Forrest Wines
This wine is next-level thanks to Beth Forrest’s winemaking philosophy of enhancing Sauvignon Blanc’s tropical flavours and then reining them in with a touch of salty je ne sais quoi. Green herbs, floral aromas and a slightly salty hint all carry the ripe aromas of fruit in beautiful balance. Certified vegan wine. 18.5/20
Blanc
RRP $24.99
EuroVintage
This aptly named Sauvignon Blanc is a left-field take on this country’s most produced wine. In this example, it is lightly bubbly, thanks to the wine being bottled while it’s still fermenting and sealed with a crown seal to retain the CO2 that is produced naturally during fermentation. This accounts for the wine’s light sparkling style, which was traditionally referred to as pétillant naturel by the French and is now widely abbreviated to ‘pet nat’. It’s also cloudy, as the yeast cells from the fermentation remain in the bottle, adding savoury flavour notes. This is a tasty, dry Sauvignon that works beautifully on a hot day, served lightly chilled. 17.5/20
RRP $25.99
Vintners
A top Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc with fresh, flinty, herb and tropical fruit aromas from the cool climate sub region of the majestic Te Muna Valley, situated seven kilometres from Martinborough village. Stony vineyards are planted on river terraces and the region’s cool nights add distinctive freshness to the grapes’ natural acidity in each sip of this lively dry wine. 18.5/20
SAUVIGNON BLANC is the largest volume wine made and grape planted commercially in New Zealand. This made the 2022 vintage an incredibly important one for this country as it was 20% bigger than the previous largest harvest in 2020, and was also 47% up on the small volume year of 2021. This grape and the wine it makes are not only commercially successful, but are also producing higher quality wines than ever before, thanks to hard work on the part of winemakers to coax the best out of it. This is why wines such as Greywacke Wild Sauvignon and Dog Point Section 94 are thriving, alongside other examples made with barrel fermentation, ageing or both.
Paddock Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $25.99
Vintners
This is one of Marlborough’s top expressions of Sauvignon Blanc. It has outstanding zesty freshness, complex tropical and herbaceous flavours, depth, and great length for superb drinking. It may have higher natural acidity than a Chardonnay, but this wine works well in place of one. Drinks well now and can improve in depth of flavour for up to five years. 18.5/20
2021
RRP $26.99
Mineral
Sunshine and smoothness in a glass thanks to hot days and cool nights in Marlborough, along with 45% of the grapes in this wine being fermented in large, old French oak. This provides creamy notes with a barrel ferment quality and character, not unlike a Chardonnay but with more distinctive tropical flavours here and a long finish. 18.5/20
2022
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $27.99
Astrolabe
Distinctive and delicious with smooth, nutty aromas and a fresh herbal taste balanced by succulent Sauvignon Blanc acidity, which is enhanced by the cool climate on the coast at Kēkerengū where the grapes in this wine are grown. This area provides higher acidity with its colder nights and this in turn gives the wine its lingering flavours and character. 18.5/20
2022 Big Sky Martinborough
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $27.99
Big Sky Wines
One of the Wairarapa’s most deliciously succulent and bone-dry whites with fabulous flinty flavours and a dry style. This outstanding Sauvignon Blanc is made by Jeremy Corban and Katherine Jacobs at Big Sky Wines in the stunning Te Muna Valley in Martinborough. They give this wine a little time on lees postfermentation, in old oak, which builds texture. 18.5/20
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $28
Whitehaven Wines
This wine is named for the late co-founder of Whitehaven Wines, Greg White. The winery is now run by his wife and daughter. This wine is made with grapes grown entirely in the Awatere Valley, south of Blenheim. Here, the cooler nights tend to preserve noticeably higher acidity and more citrus flavours in the wines, which comes through here as lemongrass, basil and lime in a wine with a lingering fresh finish. 18.5/20
RRP $29.99
AONZ Fine Wine
Blanc
A complex, dry, super-succulent Sauvignon Blanc from the great North Canterbury wine region – one of the most unsung areas in New Zealand’s wine industry. This wine has concentrated deep and rich flavours of ripe passionfruit combined with creamy textures and a long finish. A great white that is dry, expressively Kiwi in taste and sings of the South Island’s potential for outstanding white wines. 18.5/20
RRP $29 - $30
Hancocks
This weighty, interesting and complex Sauvignon Blanc tastes of citrus zestiness and tropical notes of guava. It is made from grapes grown on the Woolshed Vineyard on Loveblock Farm. This vineyard is situated in the lower Dashwood area of the Awatere Valley, south of Blenheim. Hand- and machine-harvested grapes are fermented separately with wild yeasts in a range of vessels including stainless tanks, a concrete egg and old French oak barrels. 17.5/20
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $29.99
Negociants
This is one of Martinborough’s most sought-after Sauvignon Blancs thanks to its succulent citrusy notes and subtle suggestions of tropical scents, which lead into a wine with pineapple and mango flavours balanced by freshness and a lingering finish. 17.5/20
2021 Te Mata Cape Crest
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $33.99
EuroVintage
Te Mata Estate is a pioneer of dry white Bordeaux-inspired blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon, in this case also incorporating a smidgeon of the littleknown Sauvignon Gris grape, which is a distinct grape variety in its own right, rather than a blend, despite its name. This wine is bone-dry and has complex flavours of full-bodied, creamy, barrel-derived smoothness, sitting comfortably alongside tropical notes and fresh herb aromas.
18.5/20
2022 Cambridge Road Bianco
RRP $34.99
Cambridge Road
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris all rub shoulders in this dry white blend, which was made by fermenting the grapes in large format (860 litre) older French oak barrels with wild yeasts. It’s a complex wine with a light to medium body and a lingering finish. Savoury notes, creamy texture and softness all make this a superb summer white. It was bottled with minimal sulphur dioxide at 10 parts per million. 17.5/20
Te Mata Estate is a pioneer of dry white Bordeauxinspired blends of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
2021 Jules Taylor OTQ Limited
Release Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $35
Hancocks
OTQ is a smooth, medium-bodied Sauvignon Blanc that began as a smallscale passion project for winemaker Jules Taylor, hence the name ‘On The Quiet’. It has softness and a rich, fuller-bodied style than most Sauvignons, which makes this wine appealing to all white wine lovers. A little time on lees adds impressive complexity. 17.5/20
2020 Pegasus Bay North
Canterbury Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $35.99
EuroVintage
This maverick take on a dry white Bordeaux blend has superb complexity aligned with freshness. A wide spectrum of fruit flavours, from green plums to ripe limes and passionfruit, are enhanced by savoury lees influence and outstanding acidity. The 70% Sauvignon Blanc in the blend provides bright tropical fruit flavours with 30% Semillon in the support role, bringing creaminess and body. This wine is always aged for a year prior to release, allowing integration and further complexity to develop. It is a beautiful drink now and can age for up to a decade, improving over that time. 19/20
2022 Huntress Waikoa
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $36.99
Huntress Wines
‘Waikoa’ translates from Māori as ‘happy waters’ and is winemaker Jannine Rickards’ take on a skin contact white made entirely from Sauvignon Blanc. Fresh citrus flavours and lively acidity are both enhanced by a grippiness that comes from the phenolic influence of extended grape skin contact. This adds a layer of complexity to the freshness of the wine, which was bottled with minimal sulphur dioxide. 18.5/20
RRP $38.99
Negociants
Some wines are made big, and others find their own way there, such as this perfectly named Wild Sauvignon from winemaker Kevin Judd. Aromas of vanilla and lemon zest lead into a dry, full-bodied wine with savoury notes of oatmeal and cedar and a crisp, lingering, intense finish. I love this great style, which is made from a combination of hand- and machine-picked grapes all fermented in French oak, with a small percentage being new. The wine’s name refers to the wild yeasts used for fermentation and while lees stirring adds body, it was used judiciously for a subtle influence, which comes through in this outstanding expression of Sauvignon. 19/20
2019 Pegasus Bay Finale
Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
RRP $44.99
EuroVintage
Two years in oak adds depth and stunningly savoury complexity to this highly viscous, botrytis-influenced blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. A luscious, honeyed sweet white that is full-bodied with amazing depth of concentration and a long zesty finish. 19/20
2017 Dog Point Section 94
Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $45
Red & White Cellar
Complex, dry and full-bodied with structure and flavour to burn. This great white is made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes grown on Section 94, a distinct area of Sauvignon Blanc vines on one of Marlborough’s oldest vineyard sites. It’s named after the original Lands and Survey maps of early New Zealand and its flavours span a greater spectrum of deliciousness than most Sauvignons: from white floral notes through to green apple aromas, oatmeal and sourdough. 18.5/20
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 68.
RRP $44.99
Negociants
Ox Hardy Wines is a wine company with a long legacy inspired by Thomas Hardy, who planted some of the first vines in South Australia in 1891. Today, the business is run by his descendants, including Andrew Hardy (aka “Ox”), who makes this dark and delicious spicy Shiraz. It’s made with grapes grown in Blewitt Springs in McLaren Vale, south of Adelaide, where sea breezes cool the vines, adding balance to its bold fruit power. It was aged for 18 months in oak and bottled with minimal filtration.
17.5/20
RRP $24.99
Vintners NZ
The silly season may be done and dusted, but wine lovers need good quality, affordable bubbles on a regular basis. Enter Villa Sandi Prosecco, one of my favourites for its consistency, freshness and light body, all of which make it a deliciously appealing aperitif with white fruit flavours and great balance. Love the 11% ABV too. 17.5/20
Pinot Noir
RRP $54.99
Caro’s Wines
The Doctors Flat Vineyard in Bannockburn always creates one of the most full-bodied expressions of the Pinot Noir grape. Firm, deep in colour and with robust but smooth tannins, this wine is from a site that is possibly the highest altitude vineyard in Bannockburn. It results in Pinots with spicy, staunch textural qualities in their youth, which evolve over time into complex, rewardingly delicious wines. 18.5/20
Martinborough
RRP $39.99
Cambridge Road
Wild yeasts, a portion of carbonic maceration and ripe fruit from Hawke’s Bay all make this a beautiful expression of the Syrah grape thanks to sensitive winemaking by Martinborough winemaker Lance Redgwell, who purchased grapes from Stonecroft Vineyard to make this wine. It has textural interest and a medium body, which gives it fabulous balance and a lovely long, flavoursome finish. 18.5/20
RRP $116.99
Mondillo Wines
Silky smooth, fleshy Pinot Noir from Dom Mondillo, who describes the 2019 Bendigo growing season as cool in spring and leading to great flavour concentration in the grapes grown that year. This wine tastes ripe and rich with a superb silky texture that leads you back in for sip after sip. Deliciously seductive. 18.5/20
Ox Hardy Wines is a wine company with a long legacy inspired by Thomas Hardy, who planted some of the first vines in South Australia in 1891.
Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 – Gold Medal
NZIWS 2021 – Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir
NZIWS 2021 – Gold Medal
NZIWS 2022 – Gold Medal
IWC – Trophy for Champion Red Wine
IWC – Trophy Champion Central Otago Pinot Noir
IWC – Gold 96 Points
A CENTURY is a long time for a human life, but it’s not a long stretch for a fine wine brand, which can take at least a couple of decades to build brand awareness.
This is exactly what Nigel Greening and Blair Walter from Felton Road Winery have been doing extremely successfully for the past quarter century. So successfully, in fact, that it may seem surprising to know that Felton Road Wines is only 25 years old and, for the first time in 15 years, the team has launched its first new single vineyard Pinot Noir.
That new wine is MacMuir Pinot Noir, named for the vineyard of the same name on Felton Road, which is situated alongside the better-known Calvert Vineyard. The new wine was launched at the 25th anniversary of Felton Road Wines, in October last year.
A handful of wine writers were invited to the winery’s home in Bannockburn, Central Otago, to taste a selection of Felton Road’s old and new wines, focusing mainly on single vineyard Pinot Noirs from Block 5, Cornish Point, the Calvert Vineyard, the new MacMuir and also the Bannockburn blend: a wine made from grapes grown on nearly all of these different blocks of land around the winery and along Felton Road.
This is a dramatic corner of countryside. Gold mining sluicings define the landscape as much as the mountainous majesty of the arid surrounds. Lush green vines struggle to find their footing in the craggy dry rocks and the variation of the land’s aspect to the sun, wind
and its elevation all bring depth and a meaningful expression to the term ‘single vineyard’ wines.
Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter produces 100% biodynamically certified wines, meaning that all the grapes are grown without any chemicals and that the land is farmed in a sustainable fashion, with all waste recycled back into the property.
In a broad sense, the term ‘single vineyard wine’ has, I believe, been overused, often in a meaningless fashion; in a similar way to the buzz around the term ‘craft beer’. Both terms can fall victim to marketing hype and don’t always carry as much mana as I would like to see; speaking as one who is asked to critique these products.
But in the case of Felton Road, the wines do speak of a sense of place, even though these single sites sit right next to each other, in some cases. The two wines that speak to me of place more than any others, at least this early in their lives, are the 2021 Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir and the 2021 Felton Road MacMuir Pinot Noir. Incredible differences are apparent, from their aromas to the body, structure and feel of these two wines in the mouth and also the taste of the fruit.
It’s still early days for New Zealand’s young wine industry but a lot has happened at Felton over the past 25 years, not least climate change and the profoundly positive impact that has had on the wines, says Blair Walter. But that’s another story.
This first vintage of MacMuir Pinot Noir comes from the single vineyard site in Bannockburn of the same name. This wine has a superb fragrance of red berries, plum jam and elegant florals, which sits in a full-bodied silky Pinot Noir with enormous depth and complex spicy flavours. It drinks beautifully now and will keep for the long haul in a cool, temperature-stable cellar.
THE PREMIUM Liquor Co. has launched its latest venture with the opening of Shed 530 Estate – a winery, vineyard and cellar door in Hawke’s Bay.
Previously Moana Park Estate, Shed 530 Estate produces its own signature Shed 530 label from grapes grown in small, estate-operated vineyards across Hawke’s Bay, with its own boutique Chardonnay made on-site.
The new winery is helmed by Chief Winemaker Kel Dixon, who takes over from winemaker John Hancock.
A Hawke’s Bay local, Dixon’s winemaking experience has seen him produce over 30 vintages across Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Canterbury and in the south of France. Dixon says he’s
excited to take up the new role. “I’m thrilled to use all my years of experience in winemaking to support a winery with a real vision for the future in a region I’m passionate about.”
The estate is nestled in the Dartmoor Valley and overlooks an historic woolshed and established vines that date back 30 years.
Shed 530 Estate’s cellar door offers its own wine selection as well as boutique gin options, cocktails and local beers alongside a range of small plates and platters using locally sourced ingredients, such as cheeses from Hohepa Dairy and Origin Earth.
shed530.com
INNOVATIVE AND multi-award-winning Invivo has launched a new bubbly range in New Zealand: Invivo X Unity – made for celebrating everyday moments all year round.
Featuring a gorgeous Prosecco DOC and perfectly pink Prosecco Rosé DOC, Invivo X Unity is made for celebrating everyday moments all year.
Like adding some glam to an outfit with a handbag or turning a Friday night-in into a party, Unity elevates an ordinary drinking occasion into something that sparkles. Whether you’re glowing up to go out on the weekend or watching the Eurovision Song Contest at home, Unity will bring the glam to your glass for this, and every occasion.
Invivo X Unity is also the Official Prosecco of the Eurovision Song Contest and will be showcased at the world’s biggest musical gathering in 2023 in the UK. Enjoyed by the contestants throughout the contest, Invivo X Unity brings together the ultimate party wine with the ultimate party!
Invivo X Unity Prosecco Rosé D.O.C
A beautiful pale pink drop with a glimmer of fine bubbles. Strawberries shine through on the nose, with a hint of tropical flowers coming through. This crisp Prosecco Rosé has perfectly balanced acidity. Douze points!
Invivo X Unity Prosecco
A beautifully crisp Prosecco with notes of citrus and white flowers on the nose. Green apple and orange and lemon flavours fill the palate from the first sip in this well-balanced bubbly What better way to elevate any night. Saluti!
MISSION ESTATE Winery was awarded New Zealand’s only Syrah Masters medal in the 2022 Global Syrah Masters for its 2019 Mission Huchet Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay.
The competition is run by The Drinks Business magazine with wines from old and new world regions tasted blind by a judging panel of Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers and senior wine buyers. To win a Master award a Syrah must be judged “an outstanding example of its type, showing impeccable winemaking”.
Just six Masters medals were awarded: one for Mission and five for Barossa wineries. The very limited Huchet wines are described as “the ultimate expression of winemaking at Mission”. RRP $150.
Mission EstateCHURCH ROAD Chief Winemaker Chris Scott has been named New Zealand Winemaker of the Year for the fifth time at the annual Winestate Wine of the Year Awards.
It is also the third consecutive win for Scott, who has now won the title in 2013, 2016, 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Pernod Ricard Winemakers NZ, which owns Church Road, was named New Zealand Wine Company of the Year for the second year in a row.
“It’s a real honour to win Winemaker of the Year for a fifth time –wow!” said Scott. “This award is as much for the team here at Church Road as it is for me. We have such a huge amount of skill, experience and dedication amongst the Church Road family and an incredible fruit resource from some of the very best vineyards in Hawke’s Bay. It is a bit of a dream really, to do what we do and we’re lucky to be able to do it in such a beautiful part of the world.”
Church Road also celebrated additional wins with Church Road 1 Terraces Chardonnay 2021 awarded both Winestate Chardonnay of the Year across Australia and New Zealand, and New Zealand Wine of the Year, while Church Road 1 Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2020 won Merlot of the Year across Australia and New Zealand.
M c ARTHUR RIDGE Southern Tor Alexandra Pinot Noir 2020.
Sometimes it’s hard to add superlatives to a wine that is still garnering superlatives from wine writers, critics, and wine judges from all over the globe; suffice to say that whatever is added has probably already been said before.
So, here goes: two Gold Medals, two Trophies at the 2022 IWSC, 96 points from Decanter and a slew of 5-star reviews, including Bob Campbell MW choosing McArthur Ridge Southern Tor 2020 as his Business Desk wine of the year.
McArthur Ridge’s head winemaker, Matt Connell, then added the final touch by winning the mantle of New Zealand’s Top Winemaker at the 2022 NZ International Wine Show.
So, what makes this wine so special? Well, it’s all about the place and people.
McArthur Ridge is located just north of Alexandra, in the world’s most southerly and marginal wine growing area. Here, the soil and climate have created a unique symbiosis,
allowing the team at McArthur Ridge to produce epic cool climate wines that are becoming the benchmark for the area.
Nowhere is this more evident than with the McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2020, which is a taut, sinewy, high energy wine that is also sumptuous and smooth with incredible poise, balance and elegance. The palate is loaded with plum, dark cherry, Christmas
pudding, fresh leather and a savoury herbaceousness, offset with a lovely linear midline of acidity that keeps you wanting another sip…another glass.
Accessible now, McArthur Ridge Southern Tor 2020 Pinot Noir will also reward further cellaring for those with both the patience and inclination.
Discover McArthur Ridge wines at mcarthurridge.com
McArthur Ridge wines are distributed by Brandhouse – orders@brandhouse.co.nz
NEW ZEALAND agritech start-up Cropsy Technologies is leading a $1.3 million SFF Futures/AGMARDT co-funded project to help growers identify and replace ‘Ghost Vines’.
Founded in 2019, Cropsy is a New Zealand-based start-up with a unique and scalable AI-enabled vision system for crop monitoring.
It has been awarded a $534k project grant through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI’s) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund and a $200k AGMARDT Agribusiness Innovation grant to lead the project titled ‘You know I can’t harvest your Ghost Vines: Vineyard-scale monitoring of unproductive vines’.
“The project will develop tools to help growers understand the health and productivity of every vine in their vineyards in order to identify missing, dead, dying or otherwise unproductive grapevines,” says Cropsy’s Head of Product & Innovation Dr Gareth Hill.
“These vines receive all the labour, water, and other vineyard inputs that other vines do without contributing to the overall productivity of the vineyard. For all intents and purposes these vines are either missing or may as well be, which is why we call them ‘Ghost Vines’.”
Dr Hill says that ghost vines pose a hidden threat to the sustainability of the industry, both environmentally through inefficient land use and financially through lost production and avoidable vineyard expansion. “There are over 40,000 hectares of New Zealand vineyards with many tens-of-millions of vines. Monitoring
ARA IS getting into the spirit of summer with a major promotional campaign running from January through March to boost awareness and drive sales of the Marlborough wine brand.
Consumers who purchase a promotionally marked bottle of Ara Single Estate or Ara Zero wine can scan the QR code on the bottle’s sticker to enter the
draw to win one of eight $1000 Canopy Glamping holidays. One winner will be drawn each week of the promotion.
The Ara summer promotion is supported by a social media influencer campaign in which a group of influencers have been selected to experience Canopy Camping and communicate with their followers about it to drive awareness
the health and productivity of this number of vines reliably and scalably right now is simply impossible.”
Cropsy’s current vision system can measure the current state of grapevines. By also measuring and analysing the state of every vine and its neighbours over time, the Ghost Vines project will enable the diagnosis of declining productivity and disease at the earliest possible stage.
The two-year project is a collaboration with Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Indevin Group, Cloudy Bay Vineyards, and viticultural consultancy Fantail Consulting.
MPI’s Director of Investment Programmes Steve Penno says this innovation is unprecedented in New Zealand vineyards. “The technologybased and data-driven services developed through this project will enable the wine industry to manage their vineyards in a way that’s not currently possible and has the potential to lift productivity significantly – that’s a very exciting prospect.”
of the Ara brand and the ‘Glamping Holiday’ promotion.
A social media ad campaign is also running for the promotion’s duration and in-store tastings of the Ara wines range will be held throughout February and March to further support it.
Ara – born and bred in Marlborough Ara is a family-owned wine brand, having been bought by family-owned company Giesen Group in 2016.
It has vineyards throughout Marlborough, allowing it to capitalise on the distinct subregions to showcase Marlborough’s unique and world-famous characteristics.
Ara’s dedicated premium wine team, led by Senior Winemaker Jeremy Tod, has a proven reputation of melding the best of old world and new world techniques to craft bespoke wines.
Ara’s award-winning portfolio of premium wines, including its Single Estate and Zero wines, are crafted to deliver varietal expression in a unique coolclimate region.
Ara wines are also certified veganfriendly with the Vegetarian Society UK Ltd.
Giesen Group
Summer is in full swing, make sure you’ve got the latest beers and ciders ready to go…
< 0.5% ABV, 375ml RRP $4.99
Longbreeze Distributors
The zero or almost-zero beer category is really developing and now there’s Naked Mole’s NZ Hazy IPA to add to the mix. Pouring pale and slightly cloudy in the glass, the use of Nectaron, Riwaka and Wai-iti hops gives it a citrus nose mingled with flavours of stonefruit and passionfruit. A really classy addition to the non-alcoholic ranks.
3% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99
McLeod’s Brewery
While session ales are a fixture of the New Zealand beer scene, this is the first one (to our knowledge) designed specifically for long lunches. Taking the format of a Belgian Table Beer, this is a 3% ABV, lightly spiced and subtly fruity ale with hints of malt sweetness. It’s multi-layered and yet subtle enough to pair with most long lunch menus. A versatile addition to any table.
Anytime Ale
4% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 – also in keg
Badass Beverages
While Sloth is one of the seven deadly sins, it’s also a cute South American tree creature known for moving slowly, taking it easy, and generally being quite chill. Badass’s Sloth is definitely creatureinspired. It’s a 4% Kolsch-style session ale designed for long summer afternoons. Crisp, dry and refreshing with subtle hops, it’s a very drinkable, ‘test cricket on a hot afternoon’ kind of beer.
4.2% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $24.99
Epic Brewing
Epic says that after the huge success of Blue Low Carb Pale Ale, it was time to have a Hazy join the low carb family. Crush is a fresh and fruity hazy pale ale with full flavour and 75% less carbs than Epic’s Joose Party Hazy Pale Ale.
Hop Federation Sun’s Out Berry Sour
4.3% ABV – keg only
Kono
Riwaka-based Hop Federation has, of course, a wealth of hops to draw on, but mix them with berries from nearby Nelson and you’ve got the Sun’s Out Berry Sour. This limited edition, small-batch brew is vibrant in colour. It’s a refreshing glass of Nelson mixed berries with a tartness that really wakes up the taste buds.
Sawmill Pineapple & Coconut Sour
4.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99
Sawmill Brewery
You know those times when you really want a beer, but at the same time you want… a Piña Colada? Sawmill’s Pineapple & Coconut Sour combines tropical flavours over a sour base, creating a drop that’s the perfect mix of beer and tropical island cocktail vibes.
While session ales are a fixture of the New Zealand beer scene, McLeod’s Long Lunch Summer Ale is the first (to our knowledge) designed specifically for long lunches.
5.1% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 - also in keg Badass Beverages
First brewed in support of the legendary annual Auckland to Russell Coastal Classic boat race, Whenuapai brewers Badass decided to make it their flagship beer as well. A classic German lager, it’s crisp with hints of citrus freshness. One sip and you’re transported to the prow of a yacht, knifing its way through the swell as the Bay of Islands comes into view in the distance.
5.1% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99 and 888ml RRP $12.99 Sprig + Fern
Summer is all about chilling out, so Nelson brewers Sprig + Fern have come up with a beer with just that in mind. Their Chill Hazy is a medley of fruity and citrusy hops, all tied together and softened out with a slight haze. At a relaxed 5.1% this is an ideal beer for garden bars and barbecues.
5.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 McLeod’s Brewery
Whale Bay is a hidden Northland gem, and so too is McLeod’s Whale Bay Pale Ale. Arriving in a traditional Waipu tartan can, this is a hop-laden brew with resinous pine flavours and notes of pineapple and citrus all grounded nicely by sweet malts and a yeasty base. Made for enjoying with a sea view and some smoked kahawai if possible.
5.5% ABV – keg only Kono
Combining two very popular styles –sours and hazies – Hop Federation have produced a limited edition, small batch brew with big aromas of citrus, grapefruit and passionfruit. It has a full, rounded mouthfeel with a tart slightly sour finish. Refreshing, hazy and beautifully aromatic.
Pale Ale
5.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99
Sawmill Brewery
Sawmill’s Aotearoa Series celebrates exclusively New Zealand hops and malts with a new beer every month. Their #33 is a true New Zealand-style pale ale with Riwaka, Taiheke and trial hop NZH-102 from the NZ Hops Bract Programme. The result is a pale ale bursting with fresh hop flavours that speaks to the best of the New Zealand craft brewing scene.
Hazy IPA
6% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $25.99
Behemoth Brewing
Behemoth's Juice Campbell is a doublehopped hazy IPA positively dripping with fruit flavours. The Strata, Samba and Mosaic hops combine for flavours of mango, strawberry, passionfruit and citrus. The slight haze mellows and orchestrates the hop hit and keeps you going back for more.
Garage
California IPA
6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.50
Garage Project
Inspired by some of the coolest hoppy beer on the U.S. West Coast, Garage Project’s LA LA shreds the latest wave of IPA. It’s full of juicy aromatics with a soft malt mouthfeel. The GP team says: “…a heavy dose of West Coast alpha acid and a cool new approach to fermentation take this IPA to a new level.”
Saison
6% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99
McLeod’s Brewery
The McLeod’s team pair local Solberries (a unique berry developed by Northland growers Maungatapere Berries) to perfection with ultra-dry Saison yeast for this gem. It’s bursting with soft tropical berry flavours and layers of yeast-inspired spice over a lightly tart finish.
Sawmill Hazy Riwaka IPA
6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99
Sawmill Brewery
Riwaka is renowned for its hops so it’s only natural that Sawmill would dedicate this big, punchy IPA to the Tasman growing region. The beer pours hazy in the glass and hits with lime, lemon and big tropical juice flavour from the locally grown, world-famous, Riwaka hops.
Bach Brewing Ministry of Pleasure
Unfiltered Hazy IPA
6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99
Bach Brewing
Bach Brewing have dreamed up a Ministry of Pleasure responsible for Aotearoa’s “15,000km coastal amusement park”. The can is a riot of colour with a Big Mouth style amusement park on the front, while the brew itself is a riot of big-hitting hops – Riwaka, Amarillo and Mosaic – on a Gladfield malt base. The haze ties it all together with a soft, silky mouth-feel that keeps you coming back for more. Expect a tropical fruit basket with notes of passionfruit, mango, berry and orange.
7.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99
McLeod’s Brewery
Hop lovers will rejoice at this smallbatch offering from Northland brewery McLeod’s. Mosaic and Citra are added as a liquid hop extract for a maximum hop hit and the bright amber brew is bathed in juicy green hop flavours as a consequence. At 7.2% and arriving in a big 440ml can, it’s not an IPA to be trifled with. Would pair well with salmon dishes, or strong, spicy snacks like a good chorizo.
8.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99
Bach Brewing
A big-hitting double from Bach, brewed with the Rolls-Royce of malts, Maris Otter. It's big and bold, and punches your senses with a truckload of Citra cryo-hops, Nelson Sauvin and Simcoe. Pungent notes of grapefruit, stonefruit, pine, gooseberry. and a little melon and lychee.
Epic Hazy Zombie
8.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99
Epic Brewing
The fans asked and Epic has delivered. The brewery's iconic Hop Zombie has been around for over a decade and now there's a new Zombie lurching into town. Hazy Zombie is a new hazy take on the classic with the same massive hop aroma and flavours.
Perry Lubelski
4.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.99
Q-Liquid
Polish brewers Lubelski have a charming pear variant here. Perry Lubelski is made from the juice of freshly pressed, sweet Polish Konferencja pears. It is light, refreshing and naturally sparkling, containing no artificial colours or flavours.
Cider Lubelski Apple
4.5% ABV, 500ml RRP $5.99
Q-Liquid
Lubelski’s Apple Cider comes from the Lublin apple-growing region of Poland. The area has a long history of apples and its specialised soils and topography produces apples that imbue their ciders with regionally distinctive flavours. The Lubelski Apple Cider is a sweet yet refreshing cider that clocks in at 53 calories per 100ml.
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 68.
Michael Donaldson examines the CO
shortage
could lie ahead for brewers and consumers…
ONE DAY we were talking the carbon dioxide crisis, then the next day Jacinda Ardern resigned unexpectedly. I’m only slightly kidding, but imagine if the country ran out of beer! What Prime Minister could survive that?
Joking aside, I do think the CO2 shortage is a political problem to a large extent – not because of the beer angle, but because CO2 is so critical, in many unseen ways, for so much of modern living: from medicine to food safety.
The closure of the Marsden Point oil refinery and then the safety shut down of the Todd Energy Kapuni plant in January led to New Zealand running out of domestically produced CO2 for a period.
Garage Project helped put the CO2 ball in the government’s court, with their agenda-setting tweet in January when they announced they were officially out of CO2 at one of their production sites and added: “With small tweaks to @eeca_nz funding breweries could be investing in recapture technology to ease national demand & reduce gas imports.”
They are referring to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, which is funded by the various levies we pay for fuel, gas and electricity. EECA made a big deal last year about helping breweries to reduce their carbon emissions and they offer co-funding to help businesses meet emissions goals.
Co-founder of Garage Project, Jos Ruffell, said tweaks to EECA funding could help breweries afford expensive carbon capturing technology. EECA had declined Garage Project’s application for funding,
which Ruffell said was largely because its area in the industry was out of the scope of the authority’s mandate. They have a $250,000 carbon capture system on order from the US.
Carbon dioxide is used not only to make beer (and other beverages) fizzy, but for other tasks inside the brewery such as clean-in-place and purging oxygen from bottles and cans before they are filled. There are ways around some of these things with nitrogen but carbonation is the big one.
At the time of writing, the Kapuni plant is back operating at 30%, but it will need another shutdown and won’t be back to 100% until the end of April. Having just one domestic source of CO2 is a concern and MBIE is working with a number of interested parties on long-term solutions.
The other alternative is imported CO2 but that’s also costly and subject to fragilities of CO2 supply on a global scale. The rising cost of gas prices from the Russian invasion of Ukraine (and they were already going up before that) has impacted CO2 production in Britain, where the bulk of their supply comes from fertiliser producers who need natural gas to drive the process. They’d already had shutdowns before the Russian invasion.
The United States had its own crisis caused by a drop in ethanol production as Americans stayed at home during the pandemic and didn’t need ethanol for fuel. No ethanol production, no CO2 as a by-product. And then America’s biggest natural supply of CO2 in Jackson Dome, Mississippi, got contaminated.
Carbon capture kits can ensure selfsufficiency in a brewery as CO2 is one of the main outputs from fermentation and nearly all of it goes to waste. Capturing it for re-use solves two problems: helping the brewery, and reducing its carbon emissions. The kits are expensive, although Nelson’s Eddyline wisely invested in one last year and the big breweries have them, which ensures they can continue to produce the bulk of the beer consumed in New Zealand.
It all adds up to New Zealand being in a precarious position and until the problem is sorted out some smaller breweries may struggle.
However, it’s in bars where the current high prices and shortages might have a huge impact. Because taplines require CO2 to push the beer out of kegs and into glasses, if prices go up too much or there’s simply no supply, bars will need to switch to nitrogen, or more likely they will do away with draught beer and just serve packaged options.
2
and what
It all adds up to New Zealand being in a precarious position and until the problem is sorted out some smaller breweries may struggle.
Follow Mount Brewing Co’s head brewer Pawel, on a classic Kiwi summer road trip. Cruising to 3 iconic summer destinations in the North Island to create a tasty summer collab beer with our favourite NZ breweries!
mountbrewingco.com
RIWAKA BREWERY Hop Federation have given their Mixed Box a new look for 2023. It contains the same mixture of Hop Federation beers but with a revamped exterior. Hop Federation Mixed Box is a 330ml 6-pack of:
• 2 x Pilsner
• 2 x Hazy IPA
• 1 x Pale Ale
• 1 x APA
The beers range from 5.1% - 5.8% ABV and the Mixed Box is RRP $23.99
SHOWCASE
WHEN A first-time brewer takes out gold at the prestigious Brewers Guild New Zealand Beer Awards, the industry takes notice. When it’s a young woman, in a male-dominated industry, it’s even more impressive.
German Leonie Hoenig had no brewing experience when she arrived in New Zealand for a working holiday and started waitressing at an Italian restaurant in Mount Maunganui. “I wasn’t planning on staying, but I met my partner and now this is home,” says Leonie. “In fact, I got my residency a few weeks ago, so I’m truly a local!”
Driven
Her move into beer started when she took up a role behind the bar at Mount Brewing Co. “I hadn’t tried much craft beer before, as it is such a different style to what we’re used to in Germany, where they follow very traditional methods and recipes.”
Leonie soon started running brewery tours and navigating her way around the technical aspects of brewing. After three years of getting to know the ins and outs of Mount Brewing Co.’s beers, including
refining her brewer’s senses to recognise good flavour, texture and colour profile, Leonie decided to try brewing as a hobby, starting with a basic home kit to make a plum cider.
Good as gold
Leonie’s passion has taken her from homebrewing plum cider to being one of the industry’s rising stars.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have amazing support on my journey, and especially appreciate the mentorship I’ve received from our Head Brewer Pawel,” she says.
Leonie recently passed her brewing exam, which is notoriously difficult, and even more so given that English is her second language. In addition, her Lemongrass Pale Ale seasonal, was awarded Gold in the 2022 Brewers Guild New Zealand Beer Awards.
“Even though I can call myself a brewer now, it’s still a learning process,” she says. “It feels very much like it’s still the beginning of my journey and there are so many more opportunities for me, and the industry as a whole, so I’m excited to stay the course.”
mountbrewingco.com
2022 Brewers Guild New Zealand
Beer Awards
Gold: Lemongrass Pale Ale
New World Beer & Cider Awards 2022
Top 30: Golden Hour
Top 100: Green Gelato Pastry Sour, Rhubarb Cider
Australian International Beer Awards
Gold: Golden Hour
Bay Hospitality Awards 2022
Outstanding Producer
100% craft brewed fermented non-alcoholic beer (not alcohol removed). Tropical and citrus characters from the Citra, Mosaic and Nectaron hops for an unmistakably beer finish.
ENTRIES HAVE rolled in for the ninth New World Beer & Cider Awards, with the Top 30 brews to be showcased at New World stores nationwide.
As Drinksbiz went to print in early February, entries were scheduled to close at 5pm on Friday 17 February, with judging to take place in mid-March.
A 29-strong independent judging panel will again be led by award-winning beer writer and judge Michael Donaldson and includes beer and cider brewers from some of New Zealand’s best-known breweries.
The 2023 competition includes specific classes for more unusual and creative beers and ciders, like sour beers, barrel-aged beers, and ciders with spices, botanicals or honey, and again features a special class for the growing category of low and no alcohol beers and ciders under 1.15% ABV.
SHOWCASE
“The introduction of a new dedicated class for low alcohol beers helped deliver not just one, but two, non-alcoholic beers in the 2022 Top 30, which went on to become two of the top sellers in the awards line-up,” says Michael Donaldson.
Judges will select their Top 30 beers and ciders and award a Supreme Winner. These products will receive national distribution through 140+ New World stores, active in-store promotion and comprehensive marketing during the Awards’ four-week promotion.
The next 70 best beers and ciders will be Highly Commended and will feature on the New World website, creating a Top 100 list for shoppers.
Entrants for the NZBCA do not need to be an existing New World or Foodstuffs supplier but each entry must be able to supply the minimum volume within the required timeframe in the event of being selected for the Top 30.
newworld.co.nz/discover/ beer-and-cider-awards
AS MORE consumers ask for quality non-alcoholic options, make sure you have premium craft beers on offer with help from Longbreeze Distributors.
The New Zealand company distributes some of the world’s best non-alcoholic craft beers from leading breweries Mikkeller, Vandestreek and Big Drop.
Mikkeller was founded in 2003 by Mikkel, a Danish maths and physics teacher who started out home-brewing in his kitchen. Today, Mikkeller is regarded as one of the world’s most innovative and cuttingedge brewers in the world and exports its beers to more than 50 countries.
Its award-winning non-alcoholic range uses a strain of specially developed yeast, that allows them to brew versatile non-alcoholic craft beers with flavour and fullness.
Available from Longbreeze:
• Mikkeller ‘Weird Weather’ NonAlcholic Hazy IPA (<0.5% ABV)
• Mikkeller ‘Drink’in The Sun’ NonAlcoholic Wheat Beer (<0.5% ABV)
Dutch brothers Sander and Ronald created vandeStreek Breweries after they started home-brewing in their garage in 2010. They now export their beers to 30 countries, including an exceptional range of non-alcoholic beers.
Some of their best-selling non-alcoholic brews include the award-winning NonAlcoholic IPA craft beer ‘Playground’, their Grapefruit IPA (probably one of the most refreshing IPAs you’ll ever try) and the popular vandeStreek NEIPA.
Available from Longbreeze:
• vandeStreek ‘Playground’ NonAlcoholic Craft IPA (<0.5% ABV)
• vandeStreek Grapefruit IPA (<0.5% ABV)
• vandeStreek NEIPA (<0.5% ABV)
UK brewery Big Drop was one of the world’s first breweries dedicated to quality non-alcoholic craft beer when it launched in 2016.
The brew team have perfected the
technique for making alcohol-free beer without the need for artificial removal of alcohol. The result doesn’t compromise on taste, yet is no more than 0.5% ABV.
Big Drop uses barley, rye, wheat and oats to give great flavour and aroma to its beers – over 20 specialty grains in fact!
Its wide range includes Stout, Lager, Pale Ale, Brown Ale, Golden Ale, Winter Ale, IPA and Double IPA, with more styles being added.
Available from Longbreeze:
• Big Drop Paradiso Citra IPA (0.5% ABV)
• Big Drop Galactic Milk Stout (0.5% ABV)
• Big Drop Uptown Craft Lager (0.5% ABV)
• Big Drop Pine Trail Pale Ale (0.5% ABV)
Order today at Longbreeze Distributors 027 205 2795
info@longbreezedistributors.co.nz longbreezedistributors.co.nz
THE BREWERS Guild of New Zealand Beer Awards are back for 2023. Here are the key dates to mark in the diary.
• 3 March 2023 - Expressions of interest for Judges and Stewards open.
• 29 April - Expressions of interest for Judges and Stewards close.
• 24 May - Online entries open.
• 2 July - Online entries close.
• 10-14 July - Send entries to GVI Logistics, Christchurch.
• 19-21 July - Judging at Riccarton Park, Christchurch.
• 5 August - Awards Dinner and Presentation Evening.
The Brewers Guild says that BREWNZ will also return for 2023, and will be held on 3-4 August, ahead of the Awards evening.
HAMILTON BREWERY Good George is doubling down on its non-alcoholic beer Virtual Reality, releasing it in a new 330ml 12-pack in March. The <0.5% ABV was first released in mid-2022 and has all the characters of a classic IPA softened by the haze and with none of the alcohol.
Virtual Reality Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA, 330ml 12-pack RRP $39.99
Good George
Whether it’s for sipping and savouring neat, or mixing into cocktails, there’s a wide range of local and international vodkas…
Note: Vodkas are listed alphabetically within their country of origin. Drinksbiz has again chosen not to include any Russian-produced vodkas in this year’s Vodka Report in response to that country’s invasion of Ukraine. While some brands have been associated with Russia in the past, we have clarified their origins and production within the Report where applicable.
42 Below
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $42.99
Lion
This iconic New Zealand vodka has a floral hint in the aroma, and is delicate, smooth and clean on the palate with a subtle sweetness.
Aquifer Plateau Vodka
40% ABV, 750ml RRP $57.99
The National Distillery Co.
This vodka from Napier distillery The National Distillery Co. is clean and crisp with the barest hint of vanilla sweetness on the nose. Slightly sweet on the palate with a full, smooth mouthfeel. A bright, classic vodka cut to proof using ancient volcanic water from the North Island’s central plateau.
Ariki Premium Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99
Beverage Brothers
A triple-distilled vodka with a Pacific flavour, thanks to Rarotongan vanilla and the use of a coconut-carbon filtration system, using coconut from the Kingdom of Tonga. The New Zealand influence in this clean, smooth vodka includes mānuka flower and water from the Tongariro plateau. A mellow finish.
Armada Vodka
40% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99
Armada Spirits
A crisp, fresh vodka with hints of crème brulee and vanilla on the palate with a smooth finish.
Black Collar Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99
Beverage Brothers
This vodka from Northland craft distiller Black Collar has a clean, fresh aroma, while on the palate it is dry with a subtle citrus note and a lingering warmth.
Blue Duck Rare Vodka
43% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.95
Negociants
An initial burst of pepper and spice on the tongue and a brief swell of warmth is followed by clean lemon flavours. This vodka is distilled seven times, making it smooth on the palate with a polished finish.
The Bond Store Kāpiti Coast Vodka
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $38
The Bond Store
This vodka showcases fresh filtered water from the Tararua Ranges and has a smooth, creamy finish.
Broken Heart Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99
Giesen Group
This vodka is made with water from Arrowtown and has a fresh aroma of lemon and a hint of sweetness. Crystal clear in the glass, it’s smooth, luscious and buttery on the palate with a subtle fresh lemon character. It won World’s Best Pure Neutral Vodka at the World Vodka Awards in 2022 and was awarded the Trophy for Best New Zealand Vodka at the NZ Spirits Awards 2022.
Broken Shed
40% ABV, 1L RRP $74.99
Federal Merchants
The co-creators of Broken Shed spent over a year refining the filtration process for this Wanaka-made vodka. It is distilled from whey and blended with New Zealand spring water. In the mouth it is clean and crisp, with a smooth finish.
Burnt Hill Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69
Mineral
This vodka goes the extra mile to ensure its gluten/dairy-free, environmentallyand vegan-friendly status. It uses pure sugarcane sourced sustainably as its base, and this is distilled eight times in a column reflux still. Fresh New Zealand spring water is added and the vodka is then passed through a crushed volcanic rock filter. It has a hint of sweetness in the aroma and is creamy on the palate with balanced sweetness and minerality. A soft finish.
Coast Road Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99
Premium Liquor Co.
Hailing from the Bay of Plenty, this vodka is smooth, clean, sweet and wellrounded, with subtle liquorice and vanilla notes. Crisp and refreshing, it finishes extremely smooth.
Coast Road Pink – Berry and Rhubarb Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99
Premium Liquor Co.
A delicate blend of natural berry and rhubarb flavours give a lusciously fruity character to this crisp vodka.
Heart Vodka
42% ABV, 1L RRP $71.99
Copperhead Road
Brewed and aged at Copperhead Road’s distillery in Rotorua, this vodka has a rich, complex aroma with a hint of sweetness. It is balanced on the palate with a complex savoury character. Rounded and mouth-filling with a lingering finish.
Dunedin Craft Distillers
Cacao Vodka
40% ABV, 250ml RRP $40 and 750ml RRP $88
Dunedin Craft Distillers
This vodka is a deep, dark chocolate surprise – made from cacao husks and nibs, macerated in Dunedin Craft Distillers’ bread-based spirits before final distillation. There’s no sweetness, just the pure cacao flavour in a smooth and crystal-clear spirit. The aroma is full of rich, earthy cacoa and the vodka is smooth on the palate. It is rounded and lush with cacoa flavour that lingers delicately on the finish.
Pure Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $45
Good George
A classic vodka with a hint of vanilla from Hamilton’s Good George. It is handcrafted in small batches and triple charcoal filtered. Smooth and pure on the palate.
Karven Starka Vodka
38% ABV, 50ml RRP $7 and 700ml RRP $80
Karven
A contemporary take on a barrel-aged vodka that originated in Eastern Europe. The grain vodka is rested in virgin American oak barrels for six to eight weeks and infused with mānuka honey and a selection of botanicals, giving it its amber hue. Aromas of oak and a creamy palate full of vanilla and honey, with a blend of wood and spice on the finish. Ideal as a sipping vodka.
Karven Vodka
40% ABV, 50ml RRP $7 and 700ml RRP $75
Karven
A contemporary vodka with a classic, rich vodka nose and delicate floral note. Intense and smooth on the palate with a velvety mouthfeel.
Burnt Hill Vodka goes the extra mile to ensure its gluten/ dairy-free, environmentally- and vegan-friendly status.
Kiwi Spirit JiŭJiŭ Blue Label Vodka
40% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99
Kiwi Spirit Distillery
This vodka from Golden Bay’s Kiwi Spirit Distillery is all about luck. The Chinese name ‘Jiŭ Jiŭ’ is a reference to “be lucky and make nine” from the ancient Chinese game now known as Baccarat, with nine being the best one can achieve. The vodka also has 22.5 carat gold leaf ‘8’ and ‘9’ shapes floating in the vodka as a further reference to good luck and success. It’s a triple distilled charcoal filtered vodka that uses water from one of the aquifers that feed Golden Bay’s renowned Te Waikoropupū Springs. It’s fresh and clean on the nose, and smooth and soft on the palate with a very slight hint of citrus and a long finish. Note: there’s a little button underneath the bottle that emits a blue light in three different modes when pressed, to light the bottle up for a special effect.
Kiwi Spirit JiŭJiŭ Red Label Vodka
50% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99
Kiwi Spirit Distillery
This is a high proof version of its sibling vodka above (50% ABV) but without the gold leaf addition. It’s a rich, elegant vodka with a hint of savoury spice on the nose. Smooth and mouthfilling with a lingering finish. At 50% ABV it’s ideal for cocktails and mixed drinks. Note: Like the JiŭJiŭ Blue Label, you can light this bottle up with a press of the button underneath as well.
Kiwi Spirit Premium Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99
Kiwi Spirit Distillery
This small batch distilled vodka from Kiwi Spirit Distillery in Golden Bay uses water drawn from an aquifer under the distillery that feeds the renowned Te Waikoropupū Springs. Smooth and elegant.
Koakoa Coffee Vodka with L’Affare
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69
The Bond Store
The distillers at The Bond Store on the Kāpiti Coast teamed up with fellow Wellingtonians and premium coffee roasters L’affare to create this coffee vodka. It combines Gusto Fair Trade Organic coffee and the award-winning Koakoa Vodka to create a vodka with rich notes of Black Forest chocolate and red plum, and a smooth cream finish.
Peaked Organic Chilli Vodka
46% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99
Peaked Distillery
This chilli vodka packs a punch, with flavours of red birds-eye chilli and hints of fresh herb and gooseberry. A pale yellow hue, there’s a hint of savoury chilli in the aroma before it hits the palate and fills the mouth with a delicious chilli heat that lingers.
• Unflavoured vodka is essentially alcohol (ethanol) blended with water, meaning the source of the water and the base of the alcohol are integral to creating a superior vodka.
• The word ‘vodka’ is derived from the Slavic ‘voda’ (‘little water’).
• The alcohol used in vodka is made traditionally from fermented grain (such as rye or wheat) or potatoes.
• The alcohol is distilled, usually more than once (e.g. in tripledistilled vodkas), to modify flavour and increase clarity.
• Repeated distillation also increases the ethanol level (sometimes up to 96%), meaning water is usually required to dilute the vodka back to its 40% ABV.
• Some vodka producers will also filter the distilled alcohol through activated carbon or similar, to remove any impurities or trace substances for a ‘cleaner’ taste.
Peaked Organic Pinot Noir Vodka
41% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99
Peaked Distillery
This vodka even looks like an aged Pinot in the glass. It has aromas of sweet red fruit with a raisiny undertone that leads to a palate rich and sweet with dried fruit character.
Peaked Organic Vodka
42% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99
Peaked Distillery
With a gentle herbal aroma and a hint of flint, this vodka is soft and balanced on the palate; creamy with a touch of sweetness.
Reefton Wild Rain Vodka
43% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99
EuroVintage
A smooth, clean vodka that makes use of the abundant West Coast rain that filters its way down the Southern Alps. Crisp and pure on the palate.
‘the reid’ Single Malt Vodka
44% ABV, 750ml RRP $114 Cardrona Distillery
Presented in a striking droplet-shaped bottle, this vodka is named for three of the Cardrona Distillery founders. It is made from a malted barley spirit base and twice distilled before it is blended with Cardrona alpine water. A rich, full-bodied vodka with a distinctive aroma of biscuit and banana on the nose. (The team at Cardrona refer to its ‘banoffee pie’ character). This continues on the palate with a slight banana sweetness, a hint of caramel and a warming finish. Cardrona also releases a ‘Bra Edition’ for breast cancer fundraising each year and a ‘Pride’ edition of this vodka.
Sandymount Gull Rock Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $65 Sandymount
This silky and subtly sweet vodka from Otago Peninsula distillery Sandymount is made from natural spring water sourced from beneath the distillery itself.
Scapegrace Vodka
40.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99
Hancocks
This vodka from award-winning distillers Scapegrace is bright and pure on the nose with a velvety palate that is balanced with notes of dry wheat and apple. The finish is creamy and viscous with a hint of floral sweetness.
Scapegrace Uncommon
Japanese Umeshu Plum
41.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99
Hancocks
This is one of two varietals released as part of Scapegrace’s limited edition Uncommon releases, which hero the stories of those producing boutique ingredients. This one showcases Japanese umeshu plum, from Horowhenua growers Neville and Junko Chun. The vodka is full of the slightly sour, juicy plum notes with a tart finish. There are just 2,500 bottles in each release, with each one individually numbered.
Scapegrace Uncommon
Japanese Yuzu Lemon
41.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99
Hancocks
This is the second varietal in Scapegrace’s latest Uncommon release and heroes yuzu lemon, as grown by Neville and Junko Chun in Horowhenua. The vodka features the slightly floral, zesty yuzu lemon character with a crisp finish. There are just 2,500 bottles in each release, with each one individually numbered.
Stil Vodka
37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99
Premium Liquor Co.
This vodka is made at the base of the Kaimai Ranges in the Bay of Plenty, using water collected from the Tautau and Waiorohi spring-fed streams. It is tripledistilled and charcoal filtered; smooth, rich and warm on the palate.
Stil Feijoa Vodka
37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99
Premium Liquor Co.
The original Stil Vodka made from springfed streams at the base of the Kaimai Ranges is blended with natural feijoa flavour to create a vodka that is distinctly New Zealand. Triple distillation and charcoal filtration create a crisp purity on the palate.
Stil Vanilla Vodka
37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99
Premium Liquor Co.
Natural vanilla flavour adds a subtle sweetness to the original Stil Vodka, which is made from water collected from spring-fed streams at the base of the Kaimai Ranges in the Bay of Plenty. Triple distilled and charcoal filtered.
Vesta 45
45% ABV, 200ml RRP $55
Juno
A limited-edition vodka, barrel-aged in Tasmanian oak. Full-bodied and intense, the vodka is smooth with velvety coffee, decadent chocolate and dark oak notes.
Vesta Coffee Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $88
Juno
This batch-distilled vodka is made in collaboration with Ozone Coffee Roastery and has notes of blackberry, raspberry and dark chocolate, drawn from the high quality natural-process Ethiopian coffee beans.
Vesta Extra Fine Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $80
Juno
A smooth, neutral creamy vodka from Taranaki distillery House of Juno. An excellent base for premium cocktails.
The Vicar’s Son Pure
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $115 (refill RRP $91)
The Vicar’s Son
The recipe for this tiny-batch vodka has been refined but it is still made from Gladfield malted barley and is quadruple distilled, unfiltered and cut with Antipodes water. It has a clean aroma with a slightly sweet banana character and a hint of marzipan. Light and refreshing on the palate with a hint of sweetness and a lingering warmth at the finish.
The Vicar’s Son Juniper Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109 (refill RRP $85)
The Vicar’s Son
Is it a gin? Is it a vodka? This vodka infuses
The Vicar’s Son Vodka with juniper, giving it a robust juniper aroma. But this ebbs a little in the mouth, where the vodka is luscious, gentle and smooth.
The Vicar’s Son Coffee Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109 (refill RRP $85)
The Vicar’s Son
A vapour-infused extraction of coarsely ground coffee beans is distilled with The Vicar’s Son Vodka to create this coffee vodka that’s ideal for an espresso martini.
Stil Vodka is made at the base of the Kaimai Ranges in the Bay of Plenty, using water collected from the Tautau and Waiorohi spring-fed streams.
Waiheke Distilling Co. Hibiscus
Honey Vodka
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $70 and 700ml RRP $90
Waiheke Distilling Co.
A luscious, velvety, and floral botanical vodka with honeyed floral aroma. Copper pot distilled on Waiheke Island, this vodka feels decadent on the palate but is sugarfree. The beautifully illustrated botanical designs on the Waiheke Distilling Co. premium craft range add great shelf appeal too.
Waiheke Distilling Co. Horopito
Spice Vodka
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $70 and 700ml RRP $90
Waiheke Distilling Co.
Botanicals are described as the “heart and soul” of Waiheke Distilling Co.’s artisan vodka range. This premium boutique botanical distilled vodka packs a punch, balancing Aotearoa’s native pepper (horopito) with the zest and zing of fresh lime.
Waiheke Distilling Co. Kawakawa
Summer Vodka
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $70 and 700ml RRP $90
Waiheke Distilling Co.
This crafted botanical vodka captures the taste of a Waiheke Island summer. It uses native kawakawa (the ‘tree of life’ in Māori tradition) to anchor the flavour profile, offset with hints of lemon, orange and cinnamon.
White Sheep Co. Sheep
Milk Vodka
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $59.99
Beverage Brothers
Fermenting sheeps’ milk for 12 days using special yeasts prior to distillation in a traditional copper still creates this smooth, unique tasting vodka, which has plenty of body and delicate sheep milk notes. Ideal for sipping.
Archie Rose Native Botanical Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99
Archie Rose
This vodka from Sydney craft distiller
Archie Rose is infused with native lemon-scented gum, native sunrise lime, Australian peach, and Roman chamomile. Aromas of candied lime peel, peach iced tea, elderflower, pink marshmallow and jasmine lead to a palate of panettone, sweet lemon, ripe peach and mint, rounded out by a burst of sherbet and candied orange peel.
Manly Spirits Botanical Vodka
41.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99
Thirsty Camel
This vodka is distilled with sustainably foraged Australian native marine botanicals, such as sea parsley and kelp, which create savoury sea air aromas and gentle umami flavours on the palate.
A semi-sweet, gentle, peppery style with vibrancy and a crisp, citrusy finish.
Haku Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99
Beam Suntory
A Japanese craft vodka made using 100% Japanese white rice and bamboo filtration. Haku has a soft aroma with a hint of rice sweetness, a rich complex taste and a smooth finish.
Chapel Down Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99
Glengarry Spirits
Based in Kent, Chapel Down makes its vodka from distilled Chardonnay grapes. Light citrus and floral aromas lead to a smooth, creamy palate and a hint of aniseed on the finish.
Mermaid Salt Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99
Whisky & More
Made on the Isle of Wight, off England’s south coast, this vodka has a pinch of locally sourced Wight Salt rock sea salt added. This adds a savoury/sweet character to this smooth, contemporarystyle vodka, which shines in cocktails, where the salt can really bring flavours to life.
Drumshanbo Sausage Tree Vodka
43% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99
Premium Liquor Co.
This rather unique vodka uses Irish grain vodka and marries the fruit of the African ‘Sausage Tree’ ( Kigelia Africana) with Irish nettles to create a smooth, subtly fruity spirit.
Graham Norton’s Own Vodka
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99
EuroVintage
This premium Irish potato vodka was developed in collaboration with a local Irish potato farmer and gin producer in Graham Norton’s hometown of Cork and is distilled using pure Mullaghmesha Mountain water filtered through 300-million-year-old West Cork red sandstone. The vodka is creamy with an earthy mouthfeel and hints of vanilla. A long, clean finish.
Grey Goose
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75.99
Lion
A premium vodka made from winter wheat grown in Picardy and spring water from the Cognac region. It has a gentle floral aroma and is smooth on the palate with a slight sweetness, a hint of almond and a lingering finish.
Pinnacle Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99
Beam Suntory
Made in France’s Cognac region, Pinnacle Pure uses winter wheat and spring water. It is distilled five times, giving it a fresh aroma, a clean, pure taste and a soft and slightly floral finish.
Tofka Toffee Vodka
29.9% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Tickety-Boo
A fusion of vodka and liquid caramel toffee, Tofka is smooth on the palate with an indulgent toffee sweetness.
Finlandia
40% ABV, 375ml RRP $21.99, 700ml RRP $34.99, 1L RRP $39.99
Hancocks
Finlandia is made using barley grown in the country’s north, where it ripens during the Finnish summer – a time when the sun doesn’t set for 72 days, known as the ‘Midnight Sun’. After distillation it is blended with glacial spring water. Finlandia has a dry, light and smooth taste with a clean finish. Also available in Cranberry, Mango, Lime, and Grapefruit variants.
Rammstein Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $68.99
Whisky & More
A German wheat vodka made especially for German metal band, Rammstein. Distilled several times from the whole grain, cleaned in a traditional, secret filtration process and finished with water specially prepared for vodka, making it a product of exceptional purity and mildness. The bottles are hand-filled in small batches in Berlin.
Esbjærg Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $34.99
Whisky & More
The recipe for this Dutch wheat-based vodka actually comes from Denmark, where Esbjærg Vodka was incredibly popular among Danish and Icelandic fishermen, even before World War II. Crystal clear, pure and smooth.
Icelandic Mountain Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99
Whisky & More
An extra smooth, gluten-free vodka that is made from pure Icelandic water and distilled seven times.
Reyka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99
Federal Merchants
This vodka from Iceland’s first vodka distillery uses Arctic spring water, lava rock filtration and a Carter Head still to create a smooth and delicately sweet spirit. Aromas of vanilla and citrus lead to a smooth, rounded palate with a classic grain profile and a hint of wild fruit on the finish.
Roberto Cavalli
40% ABV, 750ml RRP $99
Thirsty Camel
The vodka of fashion designer Roberto Cavalli is described as the first Italian super-premium vodka. It is crisp and smooth with a hint of lemon zest and a creamy finish.
Absolut Vodka
40% ABV, 1L RRP $52.99 Pernod Ricard
Arguably one of the best known and most distinctively packaged vodkas on the market. There is a wide range of flavours available within the Absolut range but the first was Absolut Original, which has a clean, rich flavour. It’s smooth and mellow with a distinct grain character and a hint of dried fruit. Other variants in the Absolut range (700ml RRP $45.99) include: Apeach, Citron, Grapefruit, Lime, Mango. Passionfruit, Pears, Raspberri, Vanilia, and Watermelon.
Motörhead Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99
Whisky & More
A pure and clean vodka made using 100% locally grown Swedish wheat from Sörmland and water from Malmköping. It has a rich, full and complex taste with a twist of grain to give it a rounder and softer character.
Precious Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99
Whisky & More
Described by its makers as “the world’s most luxurious vodka”, each distinctively packaged bottle of Precious Vodka comes with a genuine gemstone. Precious Vodka is made at one of the oldest distilleries in the eastern European region and is six times distilled for a super-smooth taste.
elit
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99
Tickety-Boo
The ultra-premium vodka from Stoli Group (makers of the Stoli range). First created in 2003, elit uses single-source grain. First filtered through quartz sand and charcoal, it then goes through a signature freezefiltration process at -18˚C to remove any trace of impurities. It has exceptional clarity and a silken, rolling mouthfeel. Elit is one of the highest-rated white spirits in the world, with a platinum score of 97 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute.
elit is the ultra-premium vodka from Stoli Group (makers of the Stoli range) and one of the highest-rated white spirits in the world.
Founded by Kiwi Geoff Ross in 1999, this New Zealand vodka brand became a cult hit and was sold to Bacardi in 2006. The name refers to it being made on the 42nd parallel (i.e. at a latitude of 42 degrees below the equator).
Absolut
Arguably one of the most recognisable vodkas in the world, Absolut as it is known today has been around since 1979 but traces its origins to the late 1800s. This Swedish vodka was first made in 1879 by Lars Olsson Smith (it is his picture on the bottle) in the southern Swedish village of Åhus. The brand is now owned by Pernod Ricard, who bought it from the Swedish state in 2008. Absolut is still produced near Åhus and every ingredient is sourced from within a 100km radius of the village.
Aquifer
A vodka from The National Distillery Company in Napier, which also has a wide range of gins. The company is based in the historic Art Nouveau building formerly known as The National Tobacco Company in Ahuriri.
Archie Rose
Founded in 2014 and located in Sydney, Archie Rose Distilling Co. produces a range of whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums, as well as one-off collaborations, limited releases and spirits experiences.
Ariki
New Zealand company Ariki takes its name from the Māori word for a paramount chief or leader, also known on other islands of Polynesia as Ari’i (Tahiti) and Ali’i (Samoa, Hawaii). The company says it refers to its position as the Pacific region’s first ultrapremium spirits brand. Ariki produces gin and vodka, both using Rarotongan vanilla and Tongan coconut, and supports organic growers in Polynesia.
Armada Spirits
One of New Zealand’s newer distilleries, Armada Spirits is based at Papamoa Beach in the Bay of Plenty. They launched their vodka in 2020 and produce gin and rum too.
Black Collar Distillery
This Northland distillery launched in 2017 and produces gin, rum and vodka.
Blue Duck Vodka
Part of the spirits range from New Zealand company Simply Pure, which also makes Black Robin Rare Gin. Simply Pure is a champion of ‘sustainable luxury’ and ethical consumption and donates a percentage of profits from the sale of its products to Forest & Bird.
The Bond Store
Based on the Kāpiti Coast, The Bond Store is a family business specialising in spirits and liqueurs, also under the Koakoa brand. Its range includes gin, limoncello and vodka.
Broken Heart
This New Zealand brand launched several years ago with a gin by Master Distiller Joerg Henkenhaf, following the death of the close friend and fellow Master Distiller with whom he had first created it. Both from Germany, the pair wanted to create a gin that reflected their new homeland. Henkenhaf has since expanded the range to include new gin expressions, as well as the vodka and a spiced rum.
Broken Shed
Launched in 2010, Broken Shed Vodka was one of the earlier entrants to the New Zealand craft spirits scene and is now distributed in the US too. It’s named for a rundown shed on the shores of Lake Wanaka, where two friends first came up with the recipe and spent over a year refining the filtration process. The vodka is still made in Wanaka, but the shed is now used for tastings and events.
Burnt Hill
A New Zealand distillery that produces a dairy- and gluten-free vodka made from sustainably sourced sugarcane and filtered through volcanic rock.
Cardrona Distillery
After opening in 2015, Cardrona Distillery in the Cardrona Valley has quickly made a name for itself in artisan spirits. Its range comprises vodka, gin, whiskies and limitededition liqueurs.
Chapel Down
Based in Kent, England, Chapel Down is a maker of wines, beers, ciders and spirits.
Chopin
An award-winning family-owned craft vodka distillery in eastern Poland. Its vodka-making heritage dates back to 1896.
Coast Road
A vodka brand made in the Bay of Plenty.
Copperhead Road Distillery
A Rotorua-based distillery where Chief Distiller Rod Roos makes their internationalaward-winning Pure Heart Vodka.
Crystal Head Vodka
A vodka made on the island of St Johns, off the Canadian coast. Its name refers to the fact it is filtered through layers of semi-precious crystals known as ‘Herkimer diamonds’, while its distinctive bottle is inspired by a legend that says the native tribes of the Americas possess 13 crystal skulls, said to project positive energy and enlightenment. It was created in 2007 by actor Dan Aykroyd (of Ghostbusters fame) and artist John Alexander.
Dunedin Craft Distillers
This distillery launched in 2020 as a small scale, sustainable, circular economy distillery. Founders Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell make gin and vodka from a base spirit that they make from scratch, using surplus bread as a carbohydrate source. It is the only distillery in New Zealand to produce botanical spirits from surplus bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill.
Drumshanbo
An Irish brand that is part of The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim in rural northwest Ireland.
Elit
The super-premium offering from Stoli Group. Elit was first created in 2003 and is one of the world’s highest rated white spirits, with a platinum score of 97 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute. It uses a signature freeze-filtration process to remove any trace of impurities.
Esbjærg
The recipe for this Dutch-made vodka originated in Denmark before WWI. Distiller Ole Pedersen was from the Danish fishing town of Esbjærg and used ice from Greenland – brought back to Denmark by the fishermen –to dilute his original vodka, giving it a uniquely smooth and pure taste.
Finlandia
The Finlandia brand was established in 1970 by Finland’s state-owned alcoholic beverage company Alko. It is now owned by BrownForman. Finlandia vodka is distilled in the village of Koskenkorva in Finland’s west, and then blended with glacial water in the village of Rajamäki, north of Helsinki.
Firestarter
This vodka brand is made in Moldova for Australian company Firestarter Beverages.
Good George Hamilton brewery Good George was founded in 2011 and has grown to become a major player on New Zealand’s local beer scene. It has since branched out into spirits, launching its first gins in 2020 and, most recently, vodka.
Gorilochka
A Ukrainian vodka brand owned by Petrus-Alco, one of Ukraine’s leading alcohol companies.
Graham Norton’s Own
The spirits range from UK talk show host Graham Norton, made in partnership with New Zealand’s Invivo & Co. It includes the potato vodka and a range of gins produced by West Cork Distillers, near Norton’s home.
Grey Goose
A French luxury vodka brand developed in the mid-90s and now owned by Bacardi. Grey Goose is made in France from locally grown wheat and spring water and its cellar master is Francois Thibault, a former cognac producer. The Grey Goose bottle features an illustration of French geese in flight.
Haku
The premium Japanese craft vodka brand from Japan’s House of Suntory.
Icelandic Mountain Vodka
This was the first spirit from the Icelandic Mountain Spirits Collection, which also includes a gin. The products are inspired by Icelandic legends of the guardians or Icelandic Spirits. Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (known as ‘The Mountain That Rides’ in Game of Thrones) is the brand spokesman and one of its owners.
JiŭJiŭ
A New Zealand vodka made in Golden Bay by Kiwi Spirit Distillery. Its Chinese name ‘JiǔJiǔ’ is a reference to “be lucky and make nine” from the ancient Chinese game now known as Baccarat, with nine being the best one can achieve.
Karven
New Zealand craft distillers Karven launched in late 2016 and produce a range of smallbatch spirits in Puhoi, north of Auckland. The range includes gin, vodka, vermouth, absinthe and amaro.
Kiwi Spirit Distillery
A distillery based in Golden Bay, producing a range of whisky, gin, vodka, and liqueurs.
Koakoa
A sister brand to The Bond Store from Kāpiti Coast.
Manly Spirits Co.
Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, this distillery has built a reputation as Australia’s coastal craft spirits producer, using locally sourced marine and coastal foraged botanicals.
Mermaid Salt Vodka
A vodka produced at the Isle of Wight Distillery off England’s south coast. It is made with a small amount of locally harvested sea salt, said to emulate “the gentle kiss of a mermaid”.
Motörhead Vodka
A Swedish vodka made using premium local ingredients for English rock band Motörhead.
Peaked Distillery
A small Queenstown craft distillery using only organic and locally foraged ingredients to make vodka and liqueur.
Pinnacle
A French brand owned by Beam Suntory. Pinnacle Vodka is made from French wheat and distilled in France.
Precious Vodka
Founded in 2010, Precious Vodka by Jewel Line was created to be a unique high-end experience that combines vodka with precious gemstones. It is produced by one of the oldest distilleries in the eastern European region and each bottle features a gemstone.
Rammstein Vodka
A German vodka made for German metal band Rammstein. It is part of a wider range of spirits, wine and other merchandise created for the band.
Reefton Distilling Co.
This West Coast distillery launched in late 2018 and was founded by Reefton local Patsy Bass. It uses locally foraged botanicals and produces a range of gins, as well as vodka, whisky and liqueurs.
Reyka
This Icelandic vodka brand owned by William Grant & Sons launched in 2005, after the company built what was believed to be Iceland’s first vodka distillery in Borgarnes, 100km north of the capital Reykjavik. It uses a Carter Head still (as does its sibling brand Hendrick’s Gin), as well as locally sourced arctic water and lava rock filtration.
Roberto Cavalli
The vodka brand of Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli. Cavalli developed the vodka in collaboration with his son Tommaso with the aim of creating the first super-premium Italian vodka.
Sandymount
Distiller Richard Wilson launched his distillery in May 2021, after he and his family moved to a farm in Sandymount on the Otago Peninsula. Sandymount produces a range of gins as well as vodka and whisky.
Scapegrace
This New Zealand distillery has been internationally awarded for its gins and launched its first vodka in mid-2020 and single malt whisky in 2022. It is currently building a new distillery in Central Otago.
Skyy
Launched in 1992, Skyy was America’s first quadruple distilled and triple filtered premium vodka. It was bought by Campari Group (now Gruppo Campari) in 2009.
Smirnoff
Smirnoff had its beginnings in Russia, but after Vladimir Smirnoff fled during the 1917 Revolution, he re-established the brand in Europe. Smirnoff production was then shifted to the USA, where it has been based since 1934. It is owned by British company Diageo.
Soplica
One of Poland’s oldest vodka brands, having first been produced in 1891.
Stumbras
One of the largest producers of distilled beverages in the Baltic States. Based in Lithuania, it was established in 1906 and exports its products to around 30 countries.
Status
A Ukranian vodka brand made at the Zlatagor Distillery, which is more than 100 years old, in Zolotonosha in central Ukraine. Owned by Petrus-Alco, one of Ukraine’s leading alcohol companies.
Stil
A New Zealand vodka brand made using water from the Tautau and Waiorohi springfed streams at the base of the Kaimai Ranges in the Bay of Plenty.
Stoli
One of the world’s best-known vodka brands. Formerly known as ‘Stolichnaya’ (the Russian adjective for a capital city) Stoli’s production has in fact been based in Latvia for more than 20 years. In March 2022, its parent company Stoli Group announced that it would rebrand to ‘Stoli’ following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and would engage exclusively with Slovakian sources to ensure 100% nonRussian alpha-grade spirit for its production.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Founder and master distiller Bert ‘Tito’ Beveridge created the recipe for his now world-famous vodka when he opened the first legal micro-distillery in Austin, Texas in 1995. He sold his first case of vodka in 1997 and Tito’s is now one of the fastest-growing spirits brands in the world.
Tofka Toffee Vodka
A toffee-flavoured spirit drink made with vodka. It originates from Courchevel ski resort in France.
The Vicar’s Son
A New Zealand spirits brand that launched in 2020. Its range comprises gin and vodka made in Auckland’s Point Chevalier and it’s believed to be possibly the world’s smallest commercial distillery, as each batch comprises a maximum of nine bottles.
Vesta
The vodka brand of Taranaki craft distillers Begin Distilling, which also produces Juno Gin.
Waiheke Distilling Co.
Waiheke Distilling Co. opened in early 2021 above Cowes Bay on Waiheke Island. It uses locally grown botanicals in its range of hand-crafted gins and vodkas, which are distilled and bottled on-site. The distillery site features a cellar door and garden bar, as well as a gin garden designed to showcase the botanical story of its spirits range.
White Sheep Co.
New Zealand sheep’s milk is the basis for the gin, vodka and cream liqueur made by White Sheep Co, which was founded by Sam Brown in early 2019.
Żubrówka
A Polish vodka that takes its name from the Russian for ‘bison grass’. Żubrówka’s taste derives from extracts of this rare Bison grass. Each bottle contains a blade of the grass, which has been hand-picked in the Bialowieza Forest, one of the last and largest parts of a primeval forest that once stretched across the European Plain and is now home to around 800 European bison.
Stoli
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $36.99, 1L RRP $49.99
Tickety-Boo
This famous global brand is synonymous with vodka. Stoli Group controls every aspect of making its vodka: from the selection of the wheat and rye grains, to planting, harvesting, distillation and bottling. It has a neutral aroma and is slightly sweet on the palate with a clean finish.
Stoli Gold
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99
Tickety-Boo
A more premium experience of the original Stoli, Stoli Gold is filtered through coils of gold thread. This amplifies the depth of the vodka and enhances the soft mouthfeel.
Stoli Citros
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99
Tickety-Boo
Delicately aromatic, with clear scents of sweet lemon at the start, building to a more intense blast of lime. The palate has subtle, zesty lemon with floral touches on the finish.
Stoli Cucumber
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99
Tickety-Boo
Clean and crisp on the palate, full of savoury cucumber flavour and with a smooth finish.
Stoli Lime
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99
Tickety-Boo
A smooth and balanced vodka, with an aroma of freshly squeezed limes. A zesty and natural tasting lime vodka, perfect in a Moscow Mule.
Stoli Orange
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99
Tickety-Boo
A light, floral aroma of orange zest and essential oils is balanced by richer elements of orange liqueur and marmalade. On the palate there is orange cream and hints of dark chocolate along with tangerine, mandarin and kumquat, and a lingering fresh zesty note of lemon.
Stoli Salted Caramel
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99
Tickety-Boo
One of the world’s most popular flavours in a vodka. Stoli Salted Caramel offers a balance of sweet and savoury with caramelised sugar and soft English toffee, balanced with a light saltiness that draws out the caramel.
Stoli Vanilla
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99
Tickety-Boo
This vodka has aromas of vanilla pod, crème anglaise, and chocolate, with undertones of toasted buttery grain, but without any heavy cloying sweetness. A creamy sweetness on the palate, but light and balanced with cocoa powder, white pepper and sweet spicy notes.
Stumbras Vodka Centenary
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99
Q Liquid
Distinct aromas of wheat grain and a rich, mouth flavour with notes of roasted nuts and a lingering finish. A stalk of wheat is placed in each bottle to enhance the flavour.
Firestarter Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99
Whisky & More
This attention-grabbing bottle contains vodka distilled from winter wheat and five times filtered. Aromas of sweet grains and floral hints lead to a silky palate with a dose of sweetness. Crystal clear and nicely balanced with notes of citrus on the finish.
Chopin Potato Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99
Whisky & More
Named for Polish composer Frédéric Chopin, this small-batch hand-crafted vodka is made in eastern Poland at an award-winning family-owned distillery. Made exclusively with potatoes grown in the Podlasie region of Poland and distilled four times. Full-bodied and earthy, it is creamy on the palate with a smooth, clean finish.
Soplica Classic
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $35
Q Liquid
A crisp, dry vodka, Soplica is one of the most recognised vodka brands in Poland, having been first produced there in 1891.
Żubrówka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99
Beam Suntory
Żubrówka’s flavour is derived from extracts of rare Bison grass, harvested from the ancient Bialowieza Forest. Each bottle also contains a hand-picked blade of the grass. The vodka has a green, grassy aroma that develops in flavour on the palate, alongside a peppery kick and a lingering hint of spice.
Vodka Gorilochka Wheat
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $23.99
Q Liquid
A traditional Ukrainian vodka made using artesian water and “Lux” class premium grain alcohol, it is light and soft on the palate. Awarded the Trophy for Best
Overall Vodka (Vodka – Varietal) at the NZ Spirits Awards 2022.
Vodka Status Platinum
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $27.99
Q Liquid
This vodka uses high-quality grain alcohol of the “Lux” class, five-fold filtration, and proprietary cold softening technology to create a crisp, classic vodka.
Crystal Head Vodka
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99 Hancocks
This vodka is made from grain spirit that is quadruple distilled and then filtered seven times, three of those through layers of semi-precious crystals known as ‘Herkimer diamonds’, before it is blended with glacial water from Newfoundland. Crystal Head has a smooth and creamy mouthfeel, a hint of sweetness on the palate and finishes clean and dry.
Skyy
37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $58.99
Thirsty Camel
Skyy is made using quadruple column distillation followed by a triple filtration process using California limestone. It has a citrusy aroma, while on the palate it is dry and crisp with a creamy mouthfeel and a peppery finish.
Smirnoff
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $40.99 and 1L RRP $49.99
Lion
Based in America since 1934, this classic triple-distilled vodka is smooth, clean and fresh on the palate with a lasting warmth on the finish.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka
40% ABV, 750ml RRP $64.99
Hancocks
This naturally gluten-free vodka is made from distilled corn. Creator Bert ‘Tito’ Beveridge uses the same pot still methods applied to fine single malt scotches and French cognacs. Clean and smooth, the vodka has a hint of sweetness on the nose and is rich and creamy on the palate.
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 68.
THE GREYTOWN Distilling Company (GDC) marked its opening in December with the release of three double-distilled gins celebrating the history of the South Wairarapa region.
GDC has established its own distillery near the centre of Greytown village and retail sales are available inside the Blackwell and Sons retail emporium at 110 Main Street, Greytown with tastings by appointment and on selected weekends.
GDC says the gins’ themes salute the events, personalities and forces of nature that have shaped South Wairarapa and contributed to its present-day character and prosperity.
The first theme – the Groundbreaker Selection – is described as honouring the pioneering men and women who, in the mid-19 th century, beat the odds to trek over the Remutaka Range and establish Greytown and its surrounding farmlands on behalf of the Small Farms Association.
Flavours within the selection include ‘Settler’, a London Dry gin with notes of coriander, angelica, ginger, lemon peel and sage; ‘SFA’, a musky blend with notes of eucalyptus and fennel; and ‘Tweed’, a sophisticated blend of spicy cardamom, followed by camomile and elderflower, and lemon peel just beneath the surface.
GDC says that its Master Distiller, Peter Warren, has taken care to use botanicals that the early settlers are likely to have encountered or had access to.
GDC will release a new selection of three gins every four months and each release will be strictly limited.
The Greytown Distilling Company supplies its gins in recyclable 375ml and 750ml stainless steel flasks and says it will be encouraging customers to act in the interests of the environment by returning their empty flasks in exchange for a discount on their next purchase.
greytowngin.com
AUSTRALIAN CRAFT distillery Four Pillars has launched its first non-alcoholic products, releasing alternative versions of its hugely popular Rare Dry and Bloody Shiraz gins.
The Four Pillars team say they’ve spent two years working on the non-alcoholic versions of their award-winning gins, dubbed ‘Bandwagon’ and describe the task as the
single biggest challenge they’ve faced since starting back in 2013.
The Bandwagon Dry (<0.4% ABV) is made using the same botanicals as the original Rare Dry Gin, but they are individually steam distilled for control of their flavour contribution and quality, and are then mixed with a water base. Four Pillars says that the heat and weight of alcohol is created through the
addition of fresh chilli and a natural fructose found in plants.
Bandwagon Bloody Shiraz (<0.3% ABV) is made using an alcoholfree base of highly concentrated Shiraz grape juice, alongside Tasmanian pepperberry leaf and citrus.
Four Pillars Bandwagon 0% is available now –700ml RRP $55.
Tickety-Boo
DISTRIBUTOR THIRSTY Camel is enjoying exceptional growth as the business heads into 2023 with a slew of major international brands joining its extensive portfolio.
Thirsty Camel began in 2004 and has firmly established itself as a leading premium importer and distributor of leading spirits, liqueurs and mixers, ranging from major international suppliers to craft producers.
“We’re dedicated to creating an environment where these brands can be given the focus and brand building support required to succeed,” says owner and Thirsty Camel Chief Executive Officer, Titch Hay. “The key is long-term relationships and premium products and experiences.”
A recent development was the addition of the balance of the Campari Group portfolio from January this year. Appleton Estate, Coruba, Riccadonna Sparkling
Wine and Wild Turkey are now all distributed by Thirsty Camel, joining the existing key Campari brands of Aperol, Campari, Skyy, The Glen Grant, Cinzano and Frangelico.
Titch Hay says it is an exciting start to 2023. “It will enable closer relationships with liquor trade customers and ultimately consumers. We continue to build on our premium portfolio and to build our team and in turn create the best customer service that we can.”
He says there will be continued activity around the Campari Group brands throughout the year. “Aperol is coming out
of the ‘summer of orange’ (sponsorship, events, tastings, media and instore and in-bar events and promotions) with Aperol Spritz on everybody’s lips and upcoming sponsorship of music festival Synthony.”
Hay says that Campari is a brand that’s always top of mind thanks to the popularity of Negronis, and will again sponsor Metro magazine’s Top 50 Restaurants and build to the world-famous Negroni Week later in 2023.
“Appleton and Coruba will also have some news coming across the year to
premium mixer brand in the world. FeverTree continues to be the premium mixer of choice for bar professionals, while more and more consumers are discovering how this range of tonics and sodas can elevate their at-home cocktail adventures too.
While the industry faces a number of challenges around global logistics and finances, as well as issues of hospo staffing closer to home, Titch Hay says that Thirsty Camel is well placed to
drive consumer choice and preference, and drive sales through on- and offpremise activity,” says Hay.
Rapid growth in cocktails continues and Thirsty Camel has a wide range of distinctive brands with unique appeal. Engine Gin from Italy is a Mediterraneanstyle gin presented in a unique engine oil tin, while Shanky’s Whip from Ireland is a versatile Irish whiskey liqueur full of amazing flavours and with a great story to tell.
Thirsty Camel is also the exclusive distributor of premium mixer range FeverTree – the biggest and fastest-growing
meet these and to assist its customers to weather the ups and downs.
“Logistics are an ongoing challenge, but working with world-class brand owners helps us to make the products available as best we can,” he says.
He points out that the company’s premium portfolio is also an excellent fit as consumers look for increased value. “As people’s spending gets crunched they continue to look for better products and better experiences, and premium alcohol choice will feature strongly in those purchase decisions.”
Discover Thirsty Camel’s portfolio at thirstycamel.co.nz
“We continue to build on our premium portfolio and to build our team and in turn create the best customer service that we can.” – Titch Hay, owner and CEO, Thirsty Camel.
A RANGE of gins created to celebrate the rugged and picturesque Southland region has been released by Auld Distillery – a family farm and distillery in remote Scotts Gap, just north of Riverton.
The small batch Auld Gin range has been crafted on land tended by three generations since 1883. It is one of the few sustainable distilleries in the world that grows its own grain to make the spirits, and sources all the required ingredients from the family farm to provide an authentic farm-to-glass experience.
“Over three generations we have worked the land in this isolated corner of New Zealand,” says founder and distiller Rob Auld. “Remote and beautiful, Southland is fertile country: perfect for crops and for cultivating curiosity. Our passion for grain and spirits is how we started, but it’s become bigger than that. We want to create a legacy. We are caretakers of the land and we want to ensure a sustainable future, not only for our family and farm, but for the community we live in too.”
Each of the three new gins has a distinct flavour profile that references its botanical origin from the nearby ocean, mountain or plains.
Auld Distillery Ocean’s Keep Inspired by the Southern Ocean and crafted with an oat base and a distillate of Bluff oysters and local botanicals. Notes of briny seawater and fresh shellfish, followed by a refreshing lingering citrus end.
WAIHEKE DISTILLING Co. showcased its range of gins to an elite audience in London late last year as part of the launch of a new book for the International Club for Rolls-Royce and Bentley Enthusiasts.
The Waiheke Island craft distillery had been approached by publisher St James’s House to be an editorial partner for Strive for Perfection: The Official Platinum Jubilee Edition.
The beautifully presented art book was released to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the throne, and explores the close ties between royalty and Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars.
It also features a luxury lifestyle guide for ultrahigh-net worth individuals, which includes a showcase of a select portfolio of exceptional products and services. WDC Director Liz
Scott says that Waiheke Distilling Co. was honoured to have its award-winning gins amongst the carefully curated selection of highend brands.
Scott attended the October launch of Strive for Perfection in London, where she showcased Waiheke Distilling Co.’s range of gins: Spirit of Waiheke, Red Ruby and London Dry to the exclusive audience.
waihekedistilling.co.nz
Auld Distillery Endless Fields
Takes cues from the Southern Plains and has a base of single malt barley. With initial hints of juniper followed by a bouquet of soft, fresh notes of citrus, coriander and floral-seeded grasses.
Auld Distillery Summit’s Reach
With a mighty wheat base, this gin offers a sturdy strength and a crisp alpine-like finish. With welcoming notes of juniper, a fresh burst of mountain botanicals comes next with kanuka, tussock, moss and lichens adding an injection of spice.
Auld Gin is available in 700ml for RRP$175 and as a seasonal release gift box containing one 200ml bottle of each of the three Auld Gin expressions for RRP $185.
aulddistillery.co.nz
HASTINGS DISTILLERS has opened a refill salon at its Hawke’s Bay tasting room to encourage customers to embrace circularity.
The rear of the tasting room on Heretaunga Street has been transformed into a refill area, where the three most popular of Hastings Distillers’ range can be found for refilling: The Albertine and East Block 200 gins, as well as the L’Opera aperitif.
Co-founder Kate Galloway says she and partner David Ramonteu (pictured right) had always intended to create an opportunity for recycling or reusing their distinctive bottles, and a refilling salon was the ideal solution. “So many of our customers are thoughtful and careful when it comes to choosing circular options, and some had already come in with their empties, asking us if we could reuse them somehow,” says Galloway. “We investigated that possibility, but customers being able to refill the bottles, rather than us reusing them, just made better sense.”
Customers who refill their empties are also rewarded with a $10 credit to spend on food or beverages in the tasting room.
hastingsdistillers.com
Alice Hard Brewed Tea 021 080 98419
alicehardbrewedtea.co.nz
Aotearoa NZ Fine Wine Estates 06 650 6307 aonzfinewine.com
Armada Spirits info@armadaspirits.co.nz armadaspirits.co.nz
Archie Rose nick@archierose.com.au archierose.com.au/nz
Astrolabe Wines 03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz
Bach Brewing 09 390 0149 bachbrewing.co.nz
Badass Beverages hello@badassbeverages. co.nz badassbeverages.co.nz
Beam Suntory 0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com
Behemoth Brewing 09 948 0425 behemothbrewing.co.nz
Beverage Brothers 03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz
Big Sky Wines 027 424 8974 bigskywines.co.nz
The Bond Store 021 667 683 thebondstore.co.nz
Brandhouse 0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz
Cambridge Road 06 306 8959 cambridgeroad.co.nz
Cardrona Distillery 03 443 1393
cardronadistillery.com
Caro’s Wines 09 377 9974 caros.co.nz
Copperhead Road Distillery 022 450 7397 copperheadroad.co.nz
DB Breweries 0800 746 432 db.co.nz
Dhall & Nash 0800 369 463 dnfinewine.com
Dunedin Craft Distillers 027 479 7714 dunedincraftdistillers.nz
Emerson’s 03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz
Emporium Brewing 03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz
Epic Beer 0800 212 337 epicbeer.com
EuroVintage 0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz
Federal Merchants 0800 846 824
federalmerchants.co.nz
Felton Road Wines
03 445 0885 feltonroad.com
Foley Wines 03 572 8200
sales@foleywines.co.nz
Forrest Wines 03 572 9084 forrest.co.nz
Garage Project 04 801 8076 (ext 3) garageproject.co.nz
Giesen Group 03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz
Glengarry 0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz
Go Green Beverages 027 511 9882 buybeer@gogreenbeverage. com
Good George 07 846 9364 goodgeorge.co.nz
Hancocks 0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz
Huntress Wines huntress@huntress.co.nz huntress.co.nz
Invivo Wines 0800 468 486 invivowines.com
Juno admin@junogin.co.nz junogin.com
Karven 021 723 090 karven.co.nz
Kiwi Spirit Distillery 03 525 8575 kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz
Kono
04 546 8648 kono.co.nz
Lion 0800 107 272 lionco.com
Longbreeze Distributors 027 205 2795 longbreezedistributors.co.nz
Maison Vauron 09 529 0157 mvauron.co.nz
Marisco
09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz
McLeod’s Brewery 021 382 342 mcleodsbrewery.co.nz
Mineral orders@mineralwine.co.nz mineral.co.nz
Mission Estate 06 845 9350 missionestate.co.nz
Mondillo Vineyards 03 442 6641 mondillo.com
Mora Wines 03 777 6161 mora.co.nz
The National Distillery Co. hello@nationaldistillery.nz nationaldistillery.nz
Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com
Peaked Distillery peaked.co.nz
Pernod Ricard 0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com
The Premium Liquor Co. 09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz
Q Liquid 09 636 7730 qll.co.nz
Red + White Cellar 0800 946 379 redwhitecellar.co.nz
Sandymount Distillery 022 305 6547 sandymount.nz
Sawmill Brewery 09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz
SOHO 09 360 5443 sohowineco.com
Sprig + Fern 03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz
The Vicar’s Son 021 832 440 vicarsson.co.nz
Thirsty Camel info@thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz
Tickety-Boo Liquor 09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz
Urlar 06 370 1935 urlar.co.nz
Villa Maria 0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz
Vintners NZ 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz
Waiheke Distilling Co. 09 372 7797 waihekedistilling.co.nz
Whisky Galore 03 377 6824 whiskytrade.co.nz
Whisky & More 029 773 0394 whiskyandmore.co.nz Whitehaven 021 738 315 whitehaven.co.nz
Zangria info@zangria.co.nz zangria.co.nz
Proud TO BE VOTED THE MIXER, BY THE WORLDS BEST BARS FOR THE 8 TH YEAR RUNNING
Let’s talk about that bottle first….
So much time and energy went into procuring the right bottle. In the concept phase the team pored over many salvage yards and various heritage glass examples and settled on ribbed teal because there’s nothing else like it. The copper front shield gives really nice premium cues and links to the copper still that Strange Nature’s distilled in, and the brown corked cap is the result of observing other high end global spirit brands.
A lot of our early comments on social media were things like: ‘Is it okay to buy this gin because we think the bottle’s beautiful?’ Then at the same time people were finding ways to reuse the bottle around their home, from using it as a water carafe to dangling fairy lights inside.
What else sets Strange Nature apart in such a busy gin category?
The story is really endearing. People like to back something that’s new and different and it’s in our name, right? We’re strange, from start to finish we are strange: from the way we produce our gin to how our gin tastes. It’s all about our unique base distillate and the layers of texture within the flavours coming through. We can put our hand on heart and say we’re a totally different offering.
How important is the brand vision?
The business showed foresight in the early days in engaging a great creative agency in Christchurch. There was lots of brainstorming to identify vision and values: what’s our brand identity, what’s our tagline? When you want to take this brand out internationally, distributors want to know that. They want to know how you’re going to position in the market and how you are going to communicate to consumers. Lines like ‘Seek strange, find wonder’ sparks curiosity with consumers. And ‘Go against the grain’, because we’re left-of-centre and it plays on the fact that some gins are made from a neutral grain-based ethanol. Our brand pillars are: Strangeness, Innovation (for the spinning cone technology at the heart of our origin), Provenance and Sustainability.
How important is sustainability to the Strange Nature story?
We are made from a by-product that was originally grown in a vineyard that is part of the New Zealand Winegrowers Sustainability Programme. But we want to do more. Last year we ran a trial bottle recycling programme with 20 popular New Zealand bars and restaurants where we took empty bottles back, sterilised and refilled them and returned them. We’re looking at other areas too. The cardboard that forms our carton for example, can we reduce the thickness? Once the juniper berries are distilled they're discarded, so can we be turning that into something? We’ve also challenged our juniper supplier to give us more information about the growers in Macedonia and their sustainability practices. Best practice for us is ensuring we have short and long term sustainability goals that everyone in our business is working towards.
Tell us about your recent export successes...
Distribution in Australia kicked off in midDecember last year with Dan Murphy’s, Australia’s largest premium retailer, and in the USA we’re working with Republic National Distributing Company, one of the top three distributors in the US. They represent massive global gin brands so we’re absolutely blown away that they took an interest in Strange Nature. From March, we’ll be shipping our first container to the US, with stock going into Texas, California and Colorado. The strategy behind those three states is that they’re the big gin states in the US and interestingly, states where New Zealand wine is popular at that premium US$20 plus price point. Those distributors and retailers love the idea that they can bring Strange Nature in off the back of the success of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Both trade and consumers know about New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, and now here’s a great trade-up for consumers to try something with similar characteristics – but it’s a spirit at 44% distilled with juniper.
What’s
There’ll be a limited edition launch in July to complement the Sauvignon Blanc Strange Nature. It’s a gin that talks to the season by way of what’s in the bottle and how it looks. We’ll also be announcing our global brand ambassador to the NZ market, complementing this with a media and trade event in April that will push the boundaries of strange. Keep an eye out for Strange Nature in Air NZ business lounges in New Zealand and Australia across February and March, as our team will be pouring G&Ts throughout an eightweek campaign. It’s exciting times ahead.
strange Strange Nature is the unique New Zealand gin made from the by-product of sustainably grown 0% wine. Strange Nature Distilling GM Rhys Julian talks beautiful bottles, brand vision, sustainability, and what’s next…
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