FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 DRINKSBIZ.CO.NZ
AVAILABLE NOW
FROM THE EDITOR
Victoria Wells
Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz
What to watch for 2024 I LOVE ‘year ahead’ forecasts. There’s something quite fascinating about the confident predictions of those who spend their days immersed in a subject – researching, interviewing, putting trends under the microscope, and then formulating a picture of what lies ahead for a particular topic or wider industry. So, when the latest Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report for 2024 arrived I dived straight in (you can read more about it in the feature on page 22), and a few things stood out straight away.
The first is what the report refers to as: ‘an era of innovation for dark, aged spirits’ kicking off in 2024. This is especially exciting for the growing ‘New World’ whisky and rum industries in New Zealand and the expectations for their potential on the world stage. The second is a marked shift towards nature as an influence for consumers (what they drink and even where they drink it), and for how drinks are created and the ingredients used (recycling, sustainable ingredient sourcing etc).
The report highlights tech advancements as a major area to watch in the drinks industry, especially the rise of AI (just hopefully not in a Blade Runner kind of way).
Then there’s the trend already causing ripples across all industries: the relentless march of the digital world. The Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report highlights tech advancements as a major area to watch in the drinks industry, especially the rise of AI (just hopefully not in a Blade Runner kind of way). We’ve already seen AI find a place in business planning, communication, consumer engagement, and even in the creation of drinks thanks to tools like AI cocktail recipe generator BarGPT. Given the leaps and bounds this tech has taken in the last few years, there's no doubt we're on the cusp of even bigger things this year – it will be exciting to see where it takes the industry next. Enjoy the issue, Victoria.
My picks 2023 Giesen Estate Sauvignon Blanc What can I say? I’m a sucker for a classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that packs in lush tropical flavours and citrus character. This new release from Giesen hits the mark perfectly and is incredible value. (Page 25.) Pacific Coast Dunes XPA Bright citrus and snappy pine notes combine in this brew from Mangawhai’s Pacific Coast. Ideal for those back deck drinks over summer. (Page 39.) Broken Heart Vodka A crisp, fresh vodka with subtle lemon character, this Arrowtown spirit is a deliciously versatile addition to shelves. (Page 50.)
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 3
CONTENTS
FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
PUBLISHER
Karen Boult karen@boult.co.nz +64 21 320 663 EDITOR
Victoria Wells victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz +64 27 575 9021 DESIGNER
Lewis Hurst A DV E R T I S I N G
Roger Pierce advertising@drinksbiz.co.nz +64 274 335 354
22
drinksbiz.co.nz
REGULARS
BEER & CIDER
Cover story
06
Industry News
08
Diary Dates
14
International News
16
Non-Alcoholic News
19
RTD News
20
Legal Notes
21
Feature: What's ahead for 2024 22
38 Beer & Cider Report
38
Opinion: Michael Donaldson 44 WINE
Beer & Cider News
46
SPIRITS Associate Member (NZ) Drinksbiz is published every second month by Trade Media Limited.
24
The contents of Drinksbiz
Wine Report: Sauvignon Blanc
24
Top Picks
30
Opinion: Joelle Thomson
32
Wine News
34
are copyright and may
48
not be reproduced in any form without the written
Spirits Report: Vodka
48
permission of the publisher.
Opinion: Sarah Miller 62
Please address all editorial,
Spirits News
subscription and advertising
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enquiries to Trade Media Limited, PO Box 37745,
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Distributors 4 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
Parnell, Auckland.
70
COVER STORY – BLACK COLLAR DISTILLERY
Only the best at Black Collar Award-winning rums from Northland’s Black Collar are in demand as the distillery looks to the future...
ON THE outskirts of Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands is a distillery producing awardwinning spirits – some of New Zealand’s best, in fact. Founded in 2017, Black Collar Distillery has grown into one of the largest independent distilleries in the country, making vodka, gin and rum. The Black Collar range is produced, bottled and aged at the distillery and sold throughout New Zealand and overseas. A taste for premium spirits
“At the very beginning, even before ordering our very first piece of equipment, our goal for the distillery was simple: we wanted to make premium spirits for people just like us, people like you,” says Black Collar Distillery founder, Jonathan Mclean. Today, that goal still stands strong and is at the forefront of everything that they do at Black Collar – from the taste of the spirits, through to the selection of ingredients and the packaging. 6 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
“We’re constantly pushing ourselves to improve our products and our Black Collar White Rum was no exception. It took two years to get to a point where we were really happy with it. The overproof version won a Gold Medal at the NZ Spirits Awards in May but we knew we could make it even better. Back to the drawing board we went to create the best overproof white rum that we could possibly ever make. We then heard that
“When I heard we won Best NZ Rum, Best in Class, and Best in Show at the Rumbles, I knew the past six years of hard work were really worth it!”
the Rumbles competition was coming up and knew it was the perfect opportunity to benchmark our white rum against the very best rums in New Zealand and the world.” Showstopper at The Rumbles
The inaugural Rumbles Rum Awards, sponsored by Super Liquor, was held in November 2023 in Auckland. An expert panel of judges sampled the finest rums from around New Zealand and the world. Black Collar White Rum 45% ABV received a Gold Medal, while Black Collar Overproof White Rum 60% won a Gold Medal, Best in Class Trophy, Best NZ Rum Trophy and the Best In Show Trophy. “I was really stunned to hear the results,” says Jonathan. “I was on a bullet train in Japan at the time as I’d just attended a spirits expo promoting Black Collar. I was live-streaming the awards ceremony watching Jamie, my business
COVER STORY – BLACK COLLAR DISTILLERY
“The next phase of the Black Collar journey will be another big step forward for the distillery and brand.” partner, take the stage to accept the awards. When I heard our name being called I knew the past six years of hard work was really worth it. It’s a moment that I’ll never forget.” The magic of distillation
The secret to gold medal-winning rum production at Black Collar Distillery lies with just three ingredients: molasses, water and yeast. Jonathan says they like to keep their rum as traditional and natural as possible. “Our organic molasses are mixed with water then we simply pitch our yeast. Our fermentation tanks are temperature controlled, and after just a few hours the yeast multiplies, eats all the sugar in the molasses, uses up all the oxygen and is transformed into alcohol. This alcohol, known as a ‘rum wash’, is transferred immediately into the pot still for a stripping run.
Black Collar founder Jonathan Mclean with business partner Jamie Chisnall at Black Collar Distillery.
“Once we’ve stripped all the remaining rum wash, we return the distillate to the pot still for the second distillation, known as a ‘spirit run’. This is where the rum really starts to come alive and is my favourite part of the process. The smells from the distillate coming off the pot still are amazing, the distilling hall is filled with tropical fruit notes and the different taste samples taken throughout the run are incredibly special. I really love making rum – it’s very rewarding.” Eyes on the future
When Black Collar Distillery first started in 2017, it was with a vintage-style 300L pot still called ‘Frankie’, a handful of oak barrels and a few tanks. “I look back at photos of when we first started and it’s humbling to see just how far we’ve come on this journey with Black Collar Distillery,” says Jonathan. “We now run a 1000L pot still, which is the most
advanced and efficient in the world, and we can strip up to 3000L in a day. This would have taken us well over a week to do in the early days!” Black Collar’s next investment phase is coming up shortly with the installation of dedicated stripping and spirit stills five times larger than they have currently. “The next phase of the Black Collar journey will be another big step forward for the distillery and brand. We have a solid six years of experience behind us and we look forward to improving on what we’re doing now by being even more sustainable, more efficient and making even better-tasting spirits.” Black Collar operates an ex-distillery, direct-to-store distribution model New Zealand-wide. To order, email orders@blackcollardistillery.com or phone the distillery on 09 407 4429. blackcollardistillery.com DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 7
INDUSTRY NEWS
New MD for Federal Merchants & Co. BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTOR Federal Merchants & Co has announced a change in leadership with the departure of CEO Aidin Dennis, who decided to step down and left the business at the end of 2023. Michael Morton, formerly Director and Head of Brand and Business Strategy, took over as Managing Director on 1 January. Morton has been with the business for three years, and prior to joining Federal held senior roles with William Grant’s, Red Bull, Bacardi, and Lion. In a statement, Federal Merchants said that Dennis had been with Federal since its inception in 2001 and served as CEO for the last 19 years, “overseeing and being instrumental in the growth to the strong business that we see today”. The New Zealand-owned beverage distribution business has a multi-beverage
Michael Morton
portfolio of local and international brands including Pal’s, Wairau River, Glenfiddich, Hendrick’s, Fireball, San Pellegrino, Angostura, Martini and more. Commenting on the change, Michael Morton said: “Federal Merchants is in the best shape it has ever been and Aidin leaves behind an amazing legacy.
Brad Erceg to head Frucor Suntory in NZ FRUCOR SUNTORY has announced the appointment of Brad Erceg as General Manager, New Zealand, effective from 1 January 2024. The company says that as part of its journey towards becoming Suntory Oceania, Erceg’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of the business in New Zealand. He will continue leading the commercial team and will also take on broader responsibilities for the sustainable growth of the local business. The Frucor Suntory NZ business boasts a diverse beverage portfolio of energy drinks, water, juice, carbonated soft drinks, RTD Coffee and is the bottling partner for Pepsi Co. Darren Fullerton, CEO Frucor Suntory Oceania commented: “Brad’s appointment to General Manager, New Zealand is recognition of his deep commercial acumen, strategic agility, and strong leadership. Having served as Sales Director – New Zealand 8 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
for nearly four years, this transition is a testament to his commitment to the market and his own career within the Suntory family, where he has played an integral part since joining the business as a Territory Manager in 2006.” The announcement comes as the business prepares to partner with Beam Suntory to create Suntory Oceania, positioning itself as the fourth-largest beverage group in ANZ once operational in 2025 in Australia and 2026 in New Zealand. Commenting on his new appointment Brad Erceg said: “At its core, Frucor Suntory takes great pride in our New Zealand heritage, which can be traced back to the Apple & Pear Marketing Board and the establishment of the Fresh Up brand over 60 years ago. As we embark on the next phase of growth, I look forward to collaborating with our customers and wider business to continue delivering market-leading beverage experiences to all Kiwis.”
Brad Erceg
Existing directors Mark Mayers, Bho Patel and Jewel Smith continue to work in the business and are super excited about what lies ahead. We have a fantastic team supported by amazing brands and with a seamless transition it is effectively business as usual, and we expect strong continued growth into the future.”
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Waiheke’s Tantalus Estate for sale PREMIUM VINEYARD Tantalus Estate on Waiheke Island is up for sale by tender. The 20-acre estate in the Onetangi Valley has been owned by the Aitken family for the past ten years. It houses a state-ofthe-art winery producing Bordeaux and Rhône style wines, a boutique craft beer brewery, a bespoke lounge bar and 160seat restaurant. Tantalus Estate has received multiple awards over the years, most recently winning the Hospitality New Zealand Excellence Awards 2023, Destination of the Year. It is rated as the ‘#1 Things to Do on Waiheke Island’ by Trip Advisor and was named as one of the Top Wineries in New Zealand by the 2023 The Real Review.
Wines from the Estate have also won numerous awards, including Gold and Silver medals in global wine shows such as the International Wine Challenge and the Decanter Asia Wine Awards. It has received Gold star reviews from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Jo Czerwinski and Lisa Perotti-Brown), Bob Campbell MW, Cameron Douglas MS, Michael Cooper, Sam Kim, and WineOrbit’s Candice Chow (along with the late Raymond Chan). The main hospitality building with its distinctive bell tower was designed by Cheshire Architects, while the awardwinning winery was planned to blend into the hillside of the valley. It makes use of innovative technology so that all stages of production are gravity-assisted. It features
square wine tanks to save space, and three South American ‘concrete eggs’ help to create Tantalus’ unique expressions of Syrah, Chardonnay and Merlot. In recent years, a wetland on the property has been replanted with thousands of native plants and has seen the return of native birds and wildlife. “Since we purchased this property in 2013, we have taken meticulous care to develop it into the premium and successful establishment that it is today,” says majority owner, Bruce Aitken. “The sale of a property of this significance rarely comes along and will likely attract attention locally and internationally,” says Matthew Smith of Ray White Waiheke, who is managing the sale.
Indevin partners with NZOC for Paris 2024 INDEVIN GROUP has announced it is partnering with the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) as its Official Wine Supplier for the Paris 2024 event, which begins in July. Indevin will provide its award-winning Villa Maria wines at all NZOC events around the globe, including those hosted at New Zealand House in Paris during the Olympic Games. NZOC CEO Nicki Nicol says the NZOC is proud 10 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
to welcome Indevin as an official supplier. “Indevin is known for excellence in winemaking and at the NZOC excellence is what we stand for so there’s a really nice synergy between our brands and we look forward to promoting and showcasing their fantastic locally made products.” Duncan McFarlane, CEO of Indevin, says, “We are thrilled to support this partnership with our Villa
Maria wines for the NZOC and Paris Olympic Games. This is the pinnacle event for New Zealand’s athletes and an opportunity for all New Zealanders to support the hard work and success of our team. At Indevin we believe that we’re stronger together, so we’re honoured to have Villa Maria contribute to the celebrations as our incredible athletes compete on the world stage.”
INDUSTRY NEWS
John Barker sets new direction for OIV
New CEO at Asahi Beverages ASAHI GROUP Holdings has announced the appointment of Amanda Sellers as the new Group CEO of Asahi Beverages, its Oceania business. Sellers has been the interim Group CEO since June 13 following the resignation of the previous CEO. Amanda Sellers joined Asahi Beverages almost five years ago as the Group Chief Financial Officer. She has been in the beverages industry for over 20 years, during which time she also held senior roles at Treasury Wines, including CFO Asia and Europe, and before that CFO Australia and NZ. “Amanda has played a critical role in the success and growth of Asahi Beverages as Group CFO and more recently as interim Group CEO of the business,” said Atsushi Katsuki, President and CEO of Asahi Group Holdings. “She brings to the CEO role more than 20 years of industry and leadership experience which will equip her well in leading Asahi Beverages, Oceania’s leading beverages company. “The Board of Asahi Group Holdings has huge confidence in Amanda’s ability to continue with the impressive growth trajectory of our business in Oceania, while also delivering our sustainability commitments and setting us up for longterm success in Australia and New Zealand. “With Amanda’s appointment as Group CEO of Asahi Beverages, we also celebrate Amanda becoming the first ever female CEO of a regional headquarters within the Asahi Group.” Amanda Sellers said: “It’s a tremendous honour to be entrusted with the leadership of Asahi Beverages at a key time for our business as we continue to invest in and grow our operations across Australia and New Zealand. “Asahi Beverages’ continued success in Oceania lies not just in our great brands, like VB, Asahi Super Dry, Schweppes, Long White, Cool Ridge and Allpress Espresso coffee, but our team’s passion and ability to innovate and meet our consumers’ needs in a rapidly evolving beverages market.” 12 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
Call for National Wine Museum in New Zealand NEW ZEALAND wine writer John Saker has called for the creation of a National Wine Museum, saying it is a crucial part of preserving New Zealand’s wine history and would have significant tourist appeal. Saker makes the plea in an opinion piece in the January issue of monthly subscription wine newsletter Te Whenua, which he edits. In the piece, Saker writes: “New Zealand’s wine history is a cellar in which we’ve only really started having a serious poke around.” He describes efforts so far to collate and preserve the country’s wine history as “piecemeal and uncoordinated” and suggests that wine industry body New Zealand Winegrowers should employ an archivist. “Someone whose job it is to gather together every picture and printed word (and
Mission Estate
whatever else) that pertains to the nation’s wine history from 1840 (the probable year of our first vintage) to the present.” From there, Saker says that planning should begin for the establishment of a National Wine Museum. With wine tourism already a significant market segment, he says such an institution would become a magnet for tourists “…and a source of pride for the industry and indeed, all Kiwis. It would be the right thing to do. Our past deserves no less.”
JOHN-HAYLER
Amanda Sellers
NEW OIV Director General, New Zealander John Barker, has shared his objectives for 2024 and his perspectives on the wine body’s new 5-year strategic plan (2025-2030). Elected during the 21st OIV General Assembly held in Spain last June, John Barker assumed his new role on 1 January for a five-year term. The OIV is the intergovernmental organisation of a scientific and technical nature of recognised competence for its work concerning vines, wine, wine based beverages, table grapes, raisins and other vine-based products. It is composed of 50 Member States, including New Zealand. John Barker Speaking in Dijon, at the OIV’s new year celebration, John Barker said that the OIV’s centenary in 2024 is an “opportunity to celebrate a century of achievements, to reinforce the commitment of Members to the Organisation, to raise the OIV’s profile and to look forward to the next 100 years and beyond.” He emphasised the important link between wine and vine products and the land, the climate and the people of their place of origin, which gives them both economic and cultural significance. He noted the OIV’s commitment to the integrity and authenticity of all products of the vine, as well as to responsible and moderate consumption. Looking ahead, Barker said he aims for the new Strategic Plan to set an ambitious agenda for the start of the OIV’s second century, with a strong scientific focus on the elements that will determine the future of the vine and wine sector, such as climate change and sustainability.
Distributed by Federal Merchants & Co | federalmerchants.co.nz | 09 578 1823
WHAT’S ON
Diary Dates FEBRUARY
Sunday 3 March
Friday 5 – Sunday 7 April
Saturday 10 February
North Canterbury Wine & Food Festival
The Food Show – Christchurch
Marlborough Wine and Food Festival New Zealand’s longest-running wine and food festival returns for 2024 at Renwick Domain. marlboroughwinefestival.com Saturday 17 February
The Wairarapa Wines Harvest Festival A celebration of the beginning of the 2024 grape harvest season to be held at ‘The Cliffs’ Riverside Reserve with local wineries, restaurants and food producers. wairarapaharvestfestival.co.nz
A celebration of North Canterbury wines alongside local food vendors and artisan crafts. ncwineandfood.co.nz
The country’s largest consumer culinary event is at Christchurch’s Wolfbrook Arena for three days. Exhibitor booking details are available on the website. foodshow.co.nz
Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 March
Saturday 6 April
Gindulgence – Christchurch
Marchfest – Nelson
A boutique gin event with more than 80 gins – local and international – on show at Ilam Homestead, along with insights from gin experts in the Gin Theatre. gindulgence.co.nz
The 16th annual Marchfest will be held at Founders Park in Nelson. A showcase of craft beer and cider, as well as lo- and no-alcohol options. marchfest.com
APRIL
MAY
Friday 5 – Saturday 6 April
Friday 3 – Saturday 4 May
MARCH
Taranaki Beer Festival
Gindulgence – Auckland
Saturday 2 March
The 2024 Taranaki Beer Festival will be held at TSB Stadium, New Plymouth, with over 30 craft breweries showcasing some of the best beer, cider and cocktails from around New Zealand. taranakibeerfestival.co.nz
A boutique gin event at Shed 10 on Auckland’s waterfront with more than 80 local and international gins on offer, alongside insights from gin experts in the Gin Theatre. gindulgence.co.nz
Kegkoura - Kaikōura Kaikoura craft brewery Emporium Brewing hosts the region’s very own craft brewing festival back for its seventh year. Tickets available via the website. emporiumbrewing.co.nz/kegkoura
14 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
SLUG
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 15
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Challenges continue for U.S. craft brewers THE BREWERS Association in the U.S. – the not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American craft brewers – has released its recap of 2023, describing it as: “…a year that proved challenging for many small and independent brewers facing a mature, competitive marketplace.” Its midyear survey indicated a production dip, with all signs pointing to production being down in 2023, the first time outside of a unique 2020 that independent brewers have seen such a decline. It says that craft’s challenges come in the context of a slow-growth environment for all beer and that pricing, demographics, and marketing/branding continue to be factors in beer’s continued share loss within beverage alcohol. Bart Watson, chief economist at the Brewers Association says that while many individual businesses are struggling, there is good news in the continued overall popularity of the category. “Independent brewers still sell more than one out of eight beers in the United States; beer drinkers spend roughly one out of four of their beer dollars on a beer from a small and independent brewer; and the industry
remains a source of jobs and community across the country. “While the Brewers Association, along with state guilds, will continue to fight for additional market access in areas such as direct-to-consumer shipping, many of craft’s current challenges will require new strategies to reach new and existing customers in new occasions with new
flavours and innovations,” says Watson. “To grow in 2024, small brewers can work to take share within the same pie or grow the pie in new ways.” The Association said that while supply chain issues moderated somewhat in 2023, climate change and persisting disruptions challenged brewers throughout the year.
Brown Brothers named ‘most powerful’ brand AUSTRALIA’S FAMILY-OWNED winery Brown Brothers has been named as the most powerful brand in the Australian wine market, according to the recently
published IWSR Australia Landscapes Report. The results are based on a combination of awareness, conversion, and connection
metrics among Australia’s regular wine drinkers and sees Brown Brothers overtaking Jacob’s Creek and Penfolds. “This achievement is a
remarkable milestone for Brown Brothers and reinforces our dedication to crafting exceptional wines that capture the hearts and palates of Australian wine lovers,” said Katherine Brown, Brown Brothers first female family winemaker and 4th generation Brown family. “We are extremely proud of this incredible acknowledgement from Australian wine drinkers to be recognised as the most powerful brand, but we remain grateful to our loyal consumers and industry partners who have played a significant role in building the strength of the Brown Brothers brand.” Brown Brothers’ has the #1-selling Prosecco in Australia with Brown Brothers Prosecco and #1-selling Australian white wine with Brown Brothers Moscato*. Taylor Brown *Circana Market Edge Australian Liquor Weighted Wine MAT 05.11.23
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SHOWCASE
Add Prestige with Saverglass Perfect for beer, cider or sparkling wines, the Prestige Swing Top from French specialist glass company Saverglass is a truly versatile bottle. A great foil for a premium product, with its elegant silhouette and perfect proportions, the 780g Prestige Swing Top will show off your product in a refined way. The beauty of our glass, which is eco-friendly and recyclable, comes from the power of fire, the purity of sand, and a craft honed over 100 years of glassmaking experience. At Saverglass, pure sand, soda and lime make up 95% of our glass composition. The remaining 5% are the most critical components, changing the mechanical, chemical and optical properties and affecting the fusion and refining of the glass. Never before have the planet and its protection featured so prominently in consumer concerns. The message is starting to gain ground, which is evident from the way consumers now seek to consume less but better.
Today, this “less is more” approach is progressing into the RRR trend: “reduce, reuse, recycle”. Many brands are starting to think about how they can be more responsible. Saverglass makes all of its bottles out of glass, an exceptional material that can be infinitely recycled. In keeping with this eco-friendly approach, the Prestige Swing Top facilitates the option of a reusable swing top. This offers consumes the opportunity to repurpose the bottle in addition to the bottle being 100% and indefinitely recyclable. Sustainable approach at Saverglass
Saverglass Group is working on multiple fronts to reduce its energy consumption: increasing the percentage of cullet (recycled glass from collected household glass) in products, changing raw materials, optimising product and packaging designs, and replacing furnaces that run on fossil fuels with low-carbon models.
PRESTIGE SWING TOP
The Prestige Swing Top will show off your product in a refined way.
Our objective is to produce our bottles sustainably by limiting the resources we consume and the waste we generate. In addition to using cullet, a recycled material, at Saverglass we strive to optimise how we use raw materials in the manufacture and decoration of our bottles. This philosophy guides our efforts to improve the efficiency of our manufacturing processes. At the same time, we have instituted a circular economy policy to authorise the recycling and/or reuse of packaging. Find out more about the Saverglass range 09 522 2990 saverglass.com
PRESTIGE BEER COLLECTION “UNDER PRESSURE”
The PRESTIGE Swing Top design is aimed at beers that seek an up-market packaging positioning. The design is characterized by its elegant silhouette. With perfect proportions, it will show off your beer in a refined way. Another advantage of the design is the adaptation to a swing top closure: easily reusable, sustainable and ensures hermetic preservation. Saverglass (NZ) Limited www.saverglass.com | Tel +64 9 522 2990
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Alcohol ecommerce growth moderates – IWSR NEW FINDINGS from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis’ ongoing assessment of the alcohol ecommerce channel show that beverage alcohol ecommerce is entering a period of normalisation following the Covid boom and subsequent postpandemic correction. It says that sales in the world’s leading 16 markets are expected to grow at a slower pace to reach just under US$40bn by 2027. That represents a 2022-27 value CAGR of +4.5% – compared to the +31% CAGR recorded between 2019 and 2021. The findings in the IWSR Ecommerce Strategic Study 2023 forecast that overall ecommerce value share of total beverage alcohol (TBA) will stabilise at around 4%-4.5%. Previously, the share figure had risen from 2.1% in 2018 to 3.7% in 2021. Return to bricks and mortar
“After the pandemic boom, ecommerce value saw a slight correction in 2022 (-2%) as restrictions in most markets were removed and shoppers returned to the on-trade and to bricks-and-mortar stores,” says Guy Wolfe, Head of Ecommerce Insights, IWSR. “In the near term, online growth will pick up but remain depressed by a weak macro-economic outlook, before a return to steadier growth from 2024.” According to the findings, while 24% of alcohol buyers in 2022 said they had made online purchases in the past six months, in 2023 that figure declined to 17% – accompanied by an increase in the use of physical supermarkets/grocers, and the on-premise. But, for those who still buy alcohol online, frequency has increased across all markets, although the pace of
growth here has diminished compared to prior years. The exception is China, where online purchasing frequency is still accelerating, thanks in part to the lingering impact of Covid restrictions on the supply chain. Evolution in buyer behaviour
“In the post-Covid environment, the behaviour of alcohol buyers is evolving in different directions,” says Wolfe. The overall proportion of consumers shopping online is down, but those who continue to do so are increasing their frequency. “This indicates that the channel is shedding ‘transient’ users who only adopted it out of necessity during the pandemic, but also maintaining or even gaining appeal among ecommerce loyalists.” While more modest growth is now expected to come from online alcohol sales in the future, with a corresponding return to more traditional purchasing channels, ecommerce should nonetheless remain a key priority for brand owners. “Online sales value is still forecast to outperform TBA to 2027. Furthermore, consumer research conducted by IWSR in Q3 2023 confirms that the digital space is a crucial source of information, influence and engagement for buyers across all channels,” says Wolfe. “Ecommerce therefore remains a key element within the big picture of total value.” Value remains vital
The IWSR Ecommerce Strategic Study 2023 also found that amid ongoing economic uncertainty, value-seeking behaviours are persisting in ecommerce. In terms of motivations to purchase,
stocking-up continues to gain in significance while treating declines. Meanwhile buying in bulk remains in evidence, though to a lesser extent than previously. “With continued pressure on disposable incomes and ecommerce shoppers in most markets demonstrating greater price sensitivity, it is more important than ever for brand owners to offer strong value propositions in the online space,” says Richard Halstead, COO Consumer Insights, IWSR. “This does not necessarily mean discounting, however, and can instead entail offering consumers a solution, such as free delivery, or a reason to treat themselves, such as limited-edition products.” Find more at theiwsr.com Note: The IWSR Ecommerce Strategic Study 2023 surveyed 10 core markets and six secondary markets, which together account for 90% of global ecommerce alcohol sales. Consumer research was carried out in the 10 core markets (Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, UK, US).
Corona Cero named first beer sponsor for Olympics AB INBEV has announced a partnership with the International Olympic Committee that will see it become a Worldwide Olympic Partner (TOP Partner) through 2028. Its zero-alcohol beer, Corona Cero, will also be the first ever global beer sponsor of the Olympic Games, “highlighting a shared 18 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
commitment to responsible consumption”. “The IOC is delighted to announce its new partnership with the world’s leading brewer, AB InBev,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “Our organisations share a vision of supporting sport and athletes. In line with Olympic Agenda 2020+5, both of
our organizations are also actively contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As the IOC redistributes 90% of all its revenue to support sport around the world, ultimately the revenue from this agreement will support every Olympic team and their athletes.” AB InBev CEO Michel Doukeris said, “...we are proud to be
the first beer sponsor for the Olympics at the Worldwide Olympic Partner level. Beer is the beverage of moderation and choice, and so it’s only fitting to lead with Corona Cero, for this occasion. This partnership illustrates the opportunity for our category to positively impact and engage with billions of fans around the world.”
NON-ALCOHOLIC NEWS
SHOWCASE
DIVIN 0.0% now in NZ
Cocktails from Naked Life AUSTRALIAN BRAND Naked Life has launched four new flavours in its non-alcoholic cocktail range. Cosmo, Canadian Rye & Dry, Negroni Spritz, and Passion Martini are all available in 250ml 4-packs. Distilled using botanicals, the award-winning range can be served exactly like a regular cocktail and captures the look, aroma, and flavour-style of the classic cocktails, but without the alcohol. Naked Life non-alcoholic cocktails are a ‘better for you’ range that is no/low in sugar and low in calories (less than 9 calories per serve) and contains no artificial colours or flavours. Naked Life 250ml 4-pack RRP $17.99 Hutchinsons
THE DIVIN range of French alcohol-free 0.0% Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire is now available in New Zealand through distributor Hi I.Q. Liquor Merchants Ltd. The DIVIN team collaborated with winemaker Villebois, the specialist in Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire, to produce its first alcohol-removed wines. Produced on the Atlantic coast and in the Loire Valley, the French Sauvignon Blanc wine used as the basis for these alcohol-free expressions was selected for its exceptional aromatic potential and balance of sweetness and acidity. The DIVIN range available in New Zealand includes: DIVIN 0.0% Sauvignon Blanc 2021
An aromatic nose with notes of white fruit, citrus (lemon), peach, grape, and white flowers. The mouth is well balanced, with a very pleasant acidity. (91 points IWSC 2023) DIVIN 0.0% Sauvignon Blanc Effervescent 2021
Notes of passionfruit and mango on the nose, as well as more delicate white fruit, peach and nectarine. The mouth expresses an elegant and light roundness, with ripe fruit notes balancing the refreshing bubbliness. (95 points IWSC 2023) DIVIN 0.0% Sauvignon Blanc Effervescent Rosé 2021
This gently sparkling wine is salmon-pink in the glass, with typical Sauvignon Blanc aromas of white and exotic fruits as well as citrus. A hint of red grapes provides the wine with its subtle red berry flavours (blueberry, raspberry, bramble), as well as its beautiful blush colour. Fruity and rounded on the palate with great freshness for a well-balanced experience. (95 points IWSC 2023) The Divin 0.0% range of wines is available exclusively through Hi I.Q Liquor Merchants Ltd. To order, phone 09 634 4202 or email info@hiiqliquor.co.nz
Sidekick Soda goes global THE MOTHER-AND-SON duo behind all-natural beverage Sidekick Soda are celebrating the brand’s entry into Australia and the US. The range of fruity soft drinks (which include approximately half the daily recommended dose of apple cider vinegar) are now available in WHSmith stores in Australia and will hit the shelves of exclusive Los Angeles-based healthfood mecca Erewhon in early February. Wānaka-based Fiona Tomlinson and son Rogie Tomlinson-Gillies began developing the range during the 2020 lockdown
and launched it to the local market in 2023. Sidekick Sodas are made from real fruit, organic New Zealand apple cider vinegar and pure New Zealand honey and are available in three flavours: Plum, Mango, and Strawberry & Plum. Fiona Tomlinson says the Sidekick Soda range is proving to have wide appeal. “Sidekick Soda also tastes great as a mixer, so it can be blended into mocktails and cocktails or served with gin or other spirits.” Sidekick Soda is RRP $5.90 per bottle. Sidekick Soda DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 19
RTD NEWS
Sundays Drinks adds two RTDs SUNDAYS DRINKS has launched two RTDs, adding to its existing offering of non-alcoholic beverages. The Hawke’s Bay company launched in July 2022 with the aim of providing health-conscious alternatives to traditional sodas. Following the success of its three initial nonalcoholic options, Sundays has now collaborated with fellow Hawke’s Bay business The National Distillery Co. to create two vodka and gin pre-mixes.
The new releases are Sundays Gin Soda with Lemon, Lime and Yuzu; and Sundays Vodka Soda with Blackberry, Raspberry and
Lime. Both are 4.5% ABV and available in 250ml can 6-packs for RRP $28.50. Sundays Drinks
Sundown launches Gin Berry Bramble NEW ZEALAND gin brand Sundown has launched Gin Berry Bramble – a new RTD cocktail in a glass four-pack. It blends the Bay of Plenty-based company’s smallbatch, botanically-infused gin with sweet blackberry and raspberry, balanced with fresh lemon juice. The packaging was decorated in watercolours by local designer and illustrator Kallola Brown. Berry Bramble contains only natural ingredients with no preservatives and joins the Sundown range of pre-mixes. Sundown Gin Berry Bramble (7% ABV) 250ml 4-pack RRP $16.99 Premium Liquor Co.
SHOWCASE
Call Mr Stubbs for quality cocktails at home AUSTRALIAN BRAND Mr Stubbs offers a ready-to-drink cocktail range for at-home mixologists wanting no-fuss, bar-worthy cocktails. The authentic and delicious Mr Stubbs range is inspired by popular classic cocktails, and the ready-to-pour cocktails are available in ‘Margi’ and ‘Espresso’ through distributor EuroVintage. Simply shake and serve!
The Mr Stubbs 700ml range available includes: • Mr Stubbs Espresso – inspired by the irresistible Espresso Martini, this barworthy espresso cocktail is bittersweet, rich, smooth and utterly delicious. • Mr Stubbs Margi – this zesty, mouth-watering margi will rival a real Margarita in Mexico (but way easier to organise). A classic with iconic saltiness and sweetness. Mr Stubbs (13.9% ABV) 700ml RRP $37.99. EuroVintage
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Scapegrace Perfect 10 for summer SCAPEGRACE DISTILLING Co. has released a limited edition mixed 10-pack of its RTDs. The ‘Perfect 10’ is made up of five flavours: Scapegrace Gin and Soda with Yuzu Lemon; Scapegrace Gin, Ruby Red Grapefruit & Hibiscus; Scapegrace Vodka, Pomegranate & Doris Plum; Scapegrace Vodka, Hawke’s Bay Lime; Scapegrace Vodka, Red Delicious Apple & Pear. “We’re really pleased to be offering a quality, batch distilled product, and consumers can really taste the difference with our real spirits-based RTDs,” says Scapegrace Co-Founder Mark Neal. Hancocks
LEGAL NOTES
Pervinder Davies
Associate at Corcoran French Lawyers specialising in alcohol licensing. pervinder@cflaw.co.nz cflaw.co.nz
Selling at the cellar door Cellar doors are a summer staple and provide an important connection between wine brands and consumers. Pervinder Davies explains what businesses need to know… NEW ZEALAND’S vineyards in their picturesque landscapes have made our cellar door experiences a cornerstone of the nation’s tourism and cultural identity. For many businesses, the sale of alcohol at cellar doors is not only a revenue stream, but also an opportunity to connect with consumers on a personal level. It is a chance for visitors to experience a wine brand in its ‘home’, and often get a behindthe-scenes look at how it is created. In a crowded market, these points of sale have become increasingly important as a way of setting a wine brand apart from its competitors. In this article, we look at the current landscape of wine sales at cellar doors in New Zealand, the specific responsibilities that sellers must uphold, and some potential changes ahead under proposed amendments to the current legislation. The Cellar Door experience:
The concept of selling alcohol at cellar doors has gained in popularity as a means for producers to create a unique and immersive experience for consumers. Visitors can engage with the craftsmanship behind the products, sample different varieties, and often learn about the production process directly from the experts. A ‘cellar door’ is the term used to describe manufacturers, producers, and distributors of wine who offer alcohol for sale from their premises. In order to sell alcohol from a cellar door to take away, an off-licence must be held.
On-licence: If a winery wants to sell alcohol for people to drink on-site, they need an on-licence. They also have to offer food and low- and non-alcoholic drinks. Off-Licence: If a winery wants to sell its wine (in bottles) that visitors could take away (i.e. off the premises), then an off-licence is needed. To obtain an offlicence, the business needs to show that 85% of its revenue has come from the off-licence sales. Remote Sales: This type of licence is needed when a winery sells alcohol via a website, over the phone, or by mail order, and then delivers it to the buyer. If a winery only has this type of licence then no visitor can buy alcohol at the winery itself. Special Licence: If a winery wants to host an event that their regular licence doesn’t cover, like a private function or promotional event, they need to apply for a special licence. Under the current legislation, tastings may be offered from the cellar door, but no fee can be charged. If a fee is charged, the tasting becomes a sale and an on-licence is required, meaning a winery must also offer a range of food and non-alcoholic drink options. This can be prohibitive for some smaller wineries. Not being able to charge visitors for tastings can make the product seem less valuable, is a cost to the winery and can lower profits, and can make visitors feel like they have to buy something to show they appreciate the tasting.
been proposed to the current law by way of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Cellar Door) Amendment Bill (Bill). The Bill, if enacted, will: • Define ‘winery’ and ‘winery cellar door’; • Enable wineries and operators of cellar doors to charge for tastings of no more than 40mls; and • Add a category of off-licence available to a winery holding an on-licence (similar to those available to hotels and taverns). While the cellar door experience is meant to be enjoyable, it is necessary to operate within the boundaries of the legal framework. Ensuring that alcohol is not sold to individuals below the legal drinking age and/or to intoxicated persons is a fundamental responsibility of cellar door sellers. Establishing clear guidelines for responsible service, such as limiting the quantity of alcohol served to an individual, is crucial to maintaining compliance. Sellers must maintain accurate records of all alcohol transactions, including the types and quantities of alcohol sold and the identification details of patrons. By prioritising these responsibilities, cellar door establishments can create a safe and enjoyable environment for visitors while upholding the integrity of their brand and contributing to a culture of responsible alcohol consumption.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Cellar
Note: Public submissions to the Justice Committee on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Cellar Door Tasting) Amendment Bill closed in September 2023.
Current position:
Door) Amendment Bill:
Wineries can sell alcohol in several ways, not just from the cellar door. These include:
These issues under the current legislation have been recognised and changes have
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 21
FEATURE – COCKTAIL TRENDS 2024
What’s ahead for 2024 Nature, AI, and ‘destination cocktails’ are all tipped as major influences on cocktail culture and the world of spirits for 2024… BACARDI’S ANNUAL Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report has become a muchanticipated window into key trends in cocktail culture and the spirits business each year. Now in its fifth year, the 2024 report has been created in collaboration with strategic foresight consultancy, The Future Laboratory (TFL) and draws on insights from Bacardi-led and external research, interviews with bartenders, and insights from The Future Laboratory to share the themes that are transforming flavour preferences, drink formats, and cocktail experiences in the coming year. Here are the macro-trends from the Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report for 2024:
to elevated lifestyle products as musthave pieces. This quality-focused shift transforms spirits into coveted collector’s items, with forward-thinking brands enhancing limited-edition bottles through crafted storytelling. Simultaneously, the NoLo category continues to evolve, embodying ‘The Sipping Spectrum,’ where moderation is synonymous with choice, quality, flavour, and social connections. IWSR research illustrates this flexible future in action, reporting that almost half of NoLo consumers choose NoLo options on certain occasions, and full strength on others.
Less but better
2024 will usher in an era of innovation for dark, aged spirits, with brands embracing unique ageing methods and novel flavour combinations. Distillers are venturing into uncharted territory, discovering new sources of innovation in the expanding category. Bold and unexpected pairings continue to lead, whereas regional
Next-gen drinkers are embracing a ‘less but better’ approach, continuing to support the ongoing premiumisation era for key spirits, liquors, and NoLo categories. With a conscious approach to the economic climate, consumers are seeking small luxuries – looking 22 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
Innovative ageing & blending
For the drinks industry, AI’s evolution will create all-new paths to experimentation and discovery. experimentation yields spicy, fruity, and zesty profiles in innovative formats. While enjoyers of dark, aged spirits are diversifying their palates, rum-based cocktails are continuing to grow in popularity. Tequila unanimously ranked as the number one premiumisation category with Mezcal named as the next to premiumise, as indicated by the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey 2023. Escapism elixirs
Cocktail culture is transporting consumers across destinations, countries and even eras – as classic spritzes and ornate sips
FEATURE – COCKTAIL TRENDS 2024 sundowner cocktails over the next year, and approximately a quarter in the U.S. and Mexico (27%) and Spain (26%). Getting back to nature
In the coming year, consumers will reframe their relationship to the natural world, impacting where they spend their time, the brands they support, and what they consume. With a resurgence in next-gen outdoor activities and a growing emphasis on sustainability, drinks brands are redefining their connection to the environment through intentional ingredients and eco-friendly practices. In the drinks world, 2024 will see brands and bartenders take a holistic approach to nature and its flavours – harnessing sustainably-sourced aromatics, florals, botanicals and oils to create cocktail experiences uniquely rooted in nature. According to the Bacardi Global Consumer Survey 2023, 44% of respondents in Canada and 43% of younger respondents in the U.S. intend to consume more cocktails made with natural ingredients in 2024. In emerging markets, the numbers are even higher with 51% in India, 47% South Africa and 44% in Mexico. Tech-enhanced tastes
help to recreate nostalgic, convivial moments year-round. In 2024, the link between drinks and destinations will deepen, with classic cocktails and European flavours whisking drinkers from the beach to the bar. This evolution isn’t just about where but also when consumers enjoy drinks. As for letting loose, non-traditional venues are on the rise, with Bacardi research indicating a shift away from nightclubs to festivals as the new hub for revelry. In South Africa and India, more than one-third of respondents are looking to enjoy more
Digital advancements are inciting change in ‘what’, ‘where’ and ‘how’ drinks are enjoyed, providing all-new routes to personalisation, brand experience and community. As consumers increasingly seek personalised brand interactions, AI is introducing exciting opportunities for tailored cocktail experiences, accessible anytime and anywhere. For the drinks industry, AI’s evolution will create all-new paths to experimentation and discovery, with brand innovators using the technology as a tool to bring consumers closer to branded cocktails and experiences, regardless of their location. While 8 in 10 younger consumers across select markets are looking to explore AI recommendations, they are adamant about maintaining the emotional connection and artistic finesse that only bartenders can provide.
“As 2024 arrives, people are looking to settle into the unsettled – welcoming tastes of optimism into our reality. In this landscape, people are reshaping cocktail culture, infusing it with fresh perspectives and finding memorable experiences back at the bar with friends. From redefining moderate drinking to a surge in sustainable attitudes, Bacardi is at the forefront, championing a world where people-driven cocktail culture thrives through innovation, experimentation, and overall better moments.” – Brenda Fiala, Global Vice President of Strategy, Insights & Analytics at Bacardi. Download the full Bacardi Cocktail Trends Report 2024 at bacardilimited.com
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 23
More to discover
It’s New Zealand’s most popular, most commercially successful and most exported wine, yet our Sauvignon Blanc still has the power to surprise and delight with its diversity of styles, writes Joelle Thomson.
WINE REPORT – SAUVIGNON BLANC
Under RRP $20
2023 ME by Matahiwi Estate Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc
2023 Babydoll Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $16.99 Grey Beard Trading
RRP $14.99 Yealands A light, fresh and dry Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with a brand that refers to the rather cute Babydoll breed of sheep. The makers of Babydoll Sauvignon graze these little sheep in their vineyards as they’re too short to reach the grapes but are perfect for keeping everything else in check. 16.5/20 2023 Giesen Estate Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $16.99 Giesen This is a lively new release from Giesen, with vibrant citrus adding length of flavour to every lush, tropical sip. Affordable, flavoursome and widely available, this wine represents very good value for money. 16.5/20
The vast, relatively dry region of the Wairarapa on the southern east coast of the North Island is small in terms of wine volume, but routinely produces exceptionally high quality wine, such as this light-bodied, dry and fresh Sauvignon Blanc with its green herb flavours and lively acidity. 17/20 2023 Borough Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $17.99 Borough Wine The Borough Wine range is unique in that all parts of its process are donated by grape growers, winemakers, packaging suppliers, bottlers, carriers and customers, allowing it to contribute all profits from its sales to the Graeme Dingle Foundation, which works to help empower young people. This new release wine has tropical fruit aromas leading into a classic, light-bodied and fruity Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Its tropical flavours are balanced by fresh green herb aromas and a vibrant structure of acidity that drives every juicy sip to a lingering finish. 17.5/20
The top Sauvignon Blancs The best wines in this year’s Drinksbiz Sauvignon Blanc Report all scored 19 out of 20 points, a heartening result in a country so strongly focused on producing Sauvignon Blanc in high volume for export markets. There is also growing diversity in the styles of Sauvignon Blanc made in New Zealand today. This translates to a variety of examples from cooler and warmer sub regions, as well as winemaking influences like fermentation in oak (old and new), malolactic fermentation and barrel maturation. Central Otago, North Canterbury and Kekerengu Coast south of Blenheim are at the cooler end of the climate spectrum, while Hawke’s Bay is at the warmer, and all of these areas are producing high quality wines to support the better-known styles from Marlborough.
2023 The Ned Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $19.99 Marisco The Ned Sauvignon Blanc tastes fruity, fresh, and flavoursome with aromas of green ginger, candied lemon, and fresh greengage plums. This is a lively, bright new 2023 release from Marlborough. 17/20
RRP $20 - $29.99 2023 Giesen Uncharted Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $20.99 Giesen Aromatic green herbs and fresh flinty flavours combine in this dry Sauvignon Blanc made entirely from grapes grown in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley. The wine gains depth and a very dry, textural flavour from spending time ageing on lees (decomposing yeast cells, left over from fermentation) in 1,000 litre German oak barrels, known as ‘fuder’. This adds mouthfeel and softens the wine. 17.5/20 2023 Leefield Station Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $21.99 Marisco A flinty, fresh, lively new Sauvignon Blanc from the Leefield Station vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough. This large tract of land has had a new lease of life with winemaker Brent Marris transforming part of it into vines and this wine is one of the tasty results from this year’s harvest. Tropical fruit aromas lead into a light-bodied, flavoursome wine with a long dry finish and crisp refreshing qualities. 17.5/20
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 25
WINE REPORT – SAUVIGNON BLANC
2023 Main Divide Sauvignon Blanc
2022 Forrest Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $21.99 EuroVintage
RRP $24.99 Forrest
How does the Pegasus Bay winemaking team create this Sauvignon Blanc at such an affordable price? The 2023 Main Divide Sauvignon Blanc is all purity and zing with succulence in every sip. Gooseberries, ripe kiwifruit, green plums and lime zest layer themselves over each other in this zesty Sauvignon with its tasty, lingering finish. Proof that North Canterbury has many strings to its wine bow. 18/20
Two generations on, Forrest Estate is stronger than ever thanks to the talented winemaking abilities of Dr John Forrest and winemaking daughter Beth Forrest; the latter bringing a fresh, flinty new style to this wine. It is dry and tangy with interesting complex aromas leading into a light-bodied, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc with a long, citrusy finish. 18.5/20
2023 Matahiwi Estate Wairarapa Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $25 Blanc
RRP $21.99 Grey Beard Trading Flinty aromas make this dry Sauvignon Blanc a lovely match with lightly pan-fried fresh fish, served with a slice of lemon. Light acidity leaves lingering flavours with every sip. Matahiwi Estate is in the Wairarapa, which is the southernmost wine region in the North Island and, as the crow flies, very close to and similar in wine styles to Marlborough. 17.5/20 2023 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $21.99 Red+White Cellar Spy Valley is one of Marlborough’s longestestablished wineries, named for the satellite communications station in the region. This is a classic Marlborough expression of Sauvignon Blanc with a light body and tropical fruit salad flavours in the glass. It offers freshness and accessibility in style and price. 17.5/20 2022 Vavasour Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $23.99 Foley Wines Vavasour is one of Marlborough’s oldest wine brands and famous for its pioneering role in the cool upper reaches of the Awatere Valley, which create the vibrantly fresh flavours in this new Sauvignon. Tropical flavours add flesh to the green flavour notes and the wine is rounded off with a citrusy tang. 17.5/20
26 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
2022 Settlement Heritage Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
The Settlement Sauvignon Blanc comes from a certified organic vineyard in the Omaka Valley in Marlborough, in which hot days are tempered by cool nights, which helps retain refreshing acidity in grapes. This translates to outstanding wines such as this incredibly affordable Sauvignon with all the tropical bells and whistles, which are held in superb balance by a juicy mid-palate with great succulence. 19/20
2021 Loveblock Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $27.99 Hancocks This wine from Loveblock has excellent complexity and savoury flavour notes, and ticks the ‘certified organic’ box too. It is made with grapes grown in the Lower Dashwood area of the Awatere Valley on an 11-hectare site that is certified organic with BioGro New Zealand. All grapes were hand-picked and fermented with wild yeasts in a combination of oak and eggshaped vessels, which lifts the wine’s textural qualities to flavoursome new levels. 18.5/20 2023 Astrolabe Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $27.99 Astrolabe
Awatere Sauvignon Blanc is a real treat for lovers of flinty, dry, complex white wines, and this one from Astrolabe is outrageously good value. The Awatere Valley is a cooler, windier sub region of Marlborough and its climatic conditions lessen Sauvignon’s hallmark tropical fruit aromas while lifting its drier taste, often with The acronym ‘AMW’ stands higher acidity, which for ‘Appellation Marlborough adds length to the Wine’ and is an important signifier taste and finish. 19/20 that a wine is made 100% from
AMW
2023 Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $25.99 Astrolabe
grapes grown in Marlborough. The trademark is assigned by a voluntary members group, and given the importance of authenticity in a high-volume wine region I have chosen to note it on all AMW-certified wines.
A classic tropicalscented, fresh-as-adaisy and approachably smooth Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc from one of the best winemakers in the South Island, Simon Waghorn, who co-founded Astrolabe Wines with his partner, Jane Waghorn. Together, they have built a topquality brand and make an outstanding range of Sauvignons, each one expressing a different sub regional climate in this country’s largest wine region. 17.5/20
WINE REPORT – SAUVIGNON BLANC
2023 Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
2022 Whitehaven Greg Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $28.99 Astrolabe
RRP $29.99 Whitehaven
This is one of the most interesting and delicious Sauvignon Blancs from the 2023 vintage in Marlborough. Winemaker Simon Waghorn is a dab hand when it comes to making top notch aromatic white wines, but this wine also expresses a fascinating vineyard site at Kekerengu, on the coast south of Blenheim. It tastes cool, fresh, and zesty; a little like diving into cool water on a hot day in a green forest. Ripe gooseberry and green plum aromas lead into a tangy, citrusy dry wine with great depth of flavour. 19/20
‘Greg’ Sauvignon Blanc is a fitting tribute to one of the visionaries who founded Whitehaven Wines in Marlborough: the late Greg White. The wine is flinty and herbaceous with the subtlest hints of tropical fruit and is made entirely from grapes grown in the windy, cooler climate of Awatere Valley, in south Marlborough’s Wairau Plains. It is an outstanding expression of complex Sauvignon Blanc made at a surprisingly affordable price. 18.5/20
2022 Villa Maria Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $29.99 Villa Maria Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc comes from a vineyard of the same name in the rocky Awatere Valley, south of Marlborough’s main grape growing area. The sea, wind and cooler climate all play a role in the style of wines made from grapes grown here, which lean strongly towards flinty, drier flavours and a vibrancy that suggests a cool climate. This distinctive Sauvignon Blanc has zesty acidity driving the flavours to a long, beautiful finish. 18.5/20 2022 Villa Maria Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $29.99 Villa Maria Taylors Pass is on the northern bank of the Awatere River in Marlborough, where cool winds provide fresh acidity in the grapes for this wine, balancing its bright and bold fruit flavours. I love the refreshing structure in each succulent sip. It drinks well now and will mellow and offer great drinking into the next two to three years. It is also a fab match with fresh, barbecued, or smoked fish. 17.5/20
2023 Dog Point Vineyard Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $29.99 Red+White Cellar This is one of the best Sauvignon Blancs made in New Zealand each year. It has distinctive complex aromas, a medium body and fabulous purity of flavour with tangy lemon adding to the tropical flavours we all know and love in Sauvignon. This wine has more weight, depth, and length than most Sauvignon Blancs and over-delivers, big time. 19/20 2023 Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $29.99 Negociants This exceptional dry, flinty, and layered Sauvignon Blanc expresses the dry, windy climate of Martinborough, one of the smallest wine regions in the country and an area where high quality tends to come ahead of high volumes. Winemaker Guy McMaster had no shortage of difficulties to deal with in the 2023 harvest, but this wine proves that where there’s a will there is the possibility of making great wine, even in tricky years. Flavours here span the tropical aromas of Sauvignon through to fresh herbs and a lingering citrusy finish. 18.5/20
RRP $30 - $39.99 2023 Blank Canvas Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $30 EuroVintage Fresh tropical fruit aromas drive this dry Sauvignon Blanc, made with grapes grown on the Holdaway Vineyard at Dillons Point, the eastern-most sub region in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. This is towards the coast and home to young alluvial silt soils, an impressive number of regeneratively farmed grapes, and some extremely impressive wines, such as the two from Blank Canvas featured in this report. 18.5/20 2017 Spy Valley Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $35 Red+White Cellar This rich, weighty Sauvignon Blanc is modelled on the best sweet wines of Bordeaux, which are always aged in oak, as this wine was for four years. The intense flavours of ‘raisined’ grapes combined with the naturally high acidity of Sauvignon Blanc and the lengthy ageing process all make this wine taste succulent, concentrated and smooth. Its lovely balance and lively style mean it can age for another 7-10 years. 17.5/20 2023 Saint Clair Family Estate Sauvignon Blanc Wairau Reserve
RRP $35.99 Negociants A superb and concentrated Sauvignon Blanc with fleshy flavours of tropical fruit, a full body, and long, dry finish. The concentration of flavour is great in this wine, which won a Gold medal and a Trophy at the New Zealand International Wine Show, and Gold at The National Wine Awards Aotearoa in 2023. 18.5/20
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 27
WINE REPORT – SAUVIGNON BLANC
2022 Rockburn Fumé Blanc Central Otago
2023 Huntress Waikoa Sauvignon Blanc
2020 Blank Canvas Abstract Three Rows Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
RRP $36.99 Hancocks
RRP $36.99 Huntress
RRP $45 EuroVintage
This modern, full-bodied, creamy, savoury and complex Sauvignon Blanc is an exceptional expression of New Zealand’s most popular white grape, only in this case the wine comes from the deep south. It is not made every year and volumes remain relatively small. The grapes were grown at Rockburn’s Parkburn Vineyard, and were all hand-picked and fermented with wild yeasts in French oak. A stunner to drink now and over the next three to four years. 19/20
‘Waikoa’ translates from te reo Māori as ‘happy waters’, which is a great description of this cool, crisp and complex blend of 55% Riesling with 45% Sauvignon Blanc, made by winemaker Jannine Rickards. Fermentation on skins adds body and savoury flavours to this tangy dry white with its refreshing, long finish. The grapes in this wine are certified organic and grown on vineyards in Gladstone in the centre of the Wairarapa. 18.5/20
A dry-farmed portion of the Holdaway Vineyard at Dillons Point in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley is kept aside to make this savoury, textural style of Sauvignon Blanc. All grapes are hand-picked, whole bunch pressed (adding structure) and fermented in aged French oak puncheons, which are slightly larger than barriques and accentuate texture and weight in the wine. This wine drinks well now at three years old, but clearly has strong ageing potential for another two to three years, potentially longer. 17.5/20
RRP $40 and above
2022 Clos Henri Otira Glacial Stones Sauvignon Blanc (AMW)
2018 Dog Point Vineyard Section 94 Marlborough (AMW)
RRP $36.99 Maison Vauron Otira is one of New Zealand’s top Sauvignon Blancs and takes its name from the Otiran Glaciation period thousands of years ago, which formed the stones on which the grapes in this dry, layered, complex Sauvignon Blanc were grown. Flavours of ripe tropical fruit combine with citrus aromas, making this wine an excellent match with shellfish and pan-fried white fish. 18.5/20
RRP $41.99 Red+White Cellar Cellar releases are fabulous things and Dog Point’s iconic Section 94 is always a late release these days as its flinty freshness and lively citrus notes really start to come into their own when the wine has aged and evolved. This six-year-old wine is the current release. Its piercing purity of citrusy acidity is supported by a creamy mouthfeel, and the weight of full oak fermentation in new French oak barrels adds texture to each sip. 18.5/20
2021 Villa Maria Woven Sauvignon Blanc
RRP $58.99 Villa Maria This complex, dry Sauvignon Blanc offers new insights of flavour into New Zealand’s most famous and successful dry white wine. It is a powerhouse wine: a complex, full-bodied Sauvignon from Marlborough, the world’s HQ of wine made from this popular white grape variety. Creamy smooth flavours support the wine’s purity and crisp acidity, which adds juicy succulence to the mid-palate. 19/20
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 70. 28 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
There’s 20°C between night and day here. No wonder the flavour’s so intense.
@leefield_station www.marisco.co.nz
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WINE – NEW RELEASES
Top Picks New release wines for lists and shelves, as selected by Joelle Thomson
2022 Čuvar Iris Merlot Cabernet Franc
2021 Oblix Chardonnay
RRP $33 Čuvar Winery
RRP $31.99 Fistonich Family Vineyards
Sir George Fistonich describes the Cornerstone Vineyard as the jewel in the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District’s crown and if this outstanding structured red is anything to go by, it’s an apt description. Merlot adds flesh to the bold structure of Cabernet Franc, which lends spicy notes and ripe dark plum flavours to the wine. Čuvar Winery is the flagship brand of the new Fistonich Family Vineyards range and the evocatively named Iris (in tribute to Croatia’s national flower) is a stunning, full-bodied red for drinking now and keeping for further flavour development over the next seven to eight years. 18.5/20
Combine hand-picked Gimblett Gravels grapes with wild yeasts and 100% barrel fermentation and meet this fabulously creamy, textured dry wine. It has fresh nutty aromas, oatmeal flavours, depth and weight thanks to the structural influence of barrel fermentation. This was in a combination of barriques and puncheons, partially new but mostly older: 42% new and 58% seasoned French oak. The 2021 Oblix Chardonnay is a great new addition to the range of top shelf dry whites from this country’s leading Chardonnay region. 18.5/20
Chillable reds are hotter than a warm day in an El Niño summer, and 2023 Big Sky Novello packs beautiful dry flavours.
2023 Big Sky Novello
RRP $29.99 Big Sky Wines Chillable reds are hotter than a warm day in an El Niño summer and this one packs beautiful dry flavours of cranberries, dried strawberries and a nutty, savoury finish. The word ‘Novello’ is Italian for ‘new’ and this wine was inspired by youthful light red wines made to drink chilled, which flatters the style. Think of it as a Rosé with a touch more colour and depth of flavour. This is a 100% Pinot Noir from the Big Sky vineyard in Martinborough. 17.5/20
2020 Castelvecchio Carso Cabernet Franc
RRP $43.99 Artigiano Cabernet Franc is hot right now and finally being recognised for its superb dark fruit flavours, structure and downright delicious character. Not to mention its age-worthiness. This wine is 100% Cabernet Franc and comes from a plateau across the border of southwestern Slovenia and northeastern Italy. Dry, rocky soils that are rich in iron and limestone provide outstanding ripening conditions for the grapes grown here, with the added benefit of ocean influence. Fermentation in French and American oak is followed by ageing for a year in larger Slavonian and French oak. This wine is statuesque and with a long life ahead if cellared well. Small volumes come into New Zealand thanks to Richard Klein’s Italian wine portfolio, Artigiano. 18.5/20
2019 Tohu Whenua Awa Single Vineyard Riesling
RRP $24.99 Tohu Is Riesling the most underrated wine in New Zealand, or simply vying for the title? This beautiful four-year-old dry Riesling tastes as fresh as a daisy and is incredibly concentrated with its lime zest aromas and flavours. It won a Trophy at the 2023 Global Fine Wine Challenge, where judges praised its lime, ripe apple aromas, great structure and potential to age further. 18.5/20
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 70. 30 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
Take a moment to experience a great wine a millenia in the making Adega De Redondo Alentejo, Portugal
M&A CREATIVE AGENCY, PORTUGAL
0800 687 9463 www.vintners.co.nz
OPINION – WINE
Joelle Thomson
Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com
World’s best wine book returns Joelle Thomson delves into the latest edition of the book regarded as a “must-have” for wine lovers everywhere…
“A MASTERPIECE, a magnum opus, a treasure trove, indispensable, a must-have on every wine lover’s bookshelf, desk and coffee table...” The descriptions of the long awaited fifth edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine are, unsurprisingly, universally flattering. So much so, that the 944-page book feels like a hefty weight of responsibility to any reviewer, even one who has followed this outstanding book from its inception in 1994 when Jancis Robinson, MW and OBE, was the sole editor. The book has come a long way since then. Both the third and fourth editions were edited by both Jancis Robinson and fellow Master of Wine, Julia Harding. This issue has seen the biggest style departure yet, as Robinson has handed the vast majority of editorial over to Harding, who chose Tara Q Thomas as her assistant editor.
The three writers, editors and co-conspirators on the new tome have surpassed the million-word mark for the first time in this fifth edition, which has 100 new expert contributors and 4,100 entries, including 272 new ones. The new Companion feels as substantial to read as it is to hold – all 3.2kgs of it. New entries include Estonia, Latvia, and Finland, Gabon, Senegal, and Uganda. North American wine is given greater depth than previously, along with Mexico. There is information on DNA profiling of wine grape varieties too, no doubt helped by Robinson and Harding’s painstaking work on their other impressively hefty tome, Wine Grapes, which they co-edited with José Vouillamoz. The chemistry of winemaking and how it affects taste is featured, along with trends and the history of screwcaps,
while a subtle sprinkling of dry humour throughout makes the complex material a lot more readable and digestible. The first edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine was published in 1994 and won every major wine book award, including the Glenfiddich and James Beard awards, as well as writer and Woman of the Year accolades for Robinson, both in the United Kingdom and in the United States. Impressive as that first edition was, I am in awe of this new release. The sheer depth of information contained within the entries (even those that are relatively brief) makes for impressive reading that inspires ‘lightbulb moments’ and is easy to retain, due to the accessible writing. The Oxford Companion to Wine – Fifth Edition (Oxford University Press). Available in hardback and e-book.
The editors Jancis Robinson, OBE and Master of Wine, is the founding editor of The Oxford Companion to Wine and was the first person outside the wine trade to have passed the notoriously tough Master of Wine exams. She writes weekly for the Financial Times and very frequently for JancisRobinson.com
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Julia Harding, Master of Wine, editor of The Oxford Companion to Wine, worked as a freelance book editor and became a Master of Wine in 2004, winning the Robert Mondavi award for best theory papers and the Tim Derouet Memorial Prize for excellence in all parts of the exam and dissertation. She is senior editor at JancisRobinson.com
Tara Q Thomas is the assistant editor of The Oxford Companion to Wine and the managing editor of JancisRobinson.com. She is based in New York and has worked in the wine industry for 25 years, most significantly as executive editor of Wine & Spirits Magazine.
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WINE NEWS
Blank Canvas Syrah named among world’s best A SYRAH from Marlborough winery Blank Canvas has been named in ‘The 60 Best Syrahs in the World’ list by influential wine magazine La Revue du Vin de France. The wine review placed Blank Canvas Element Vineyard Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2019 as one of the top Syrahs from New Zealand, sharing the equal highest score (93 points) with Fromm Syrah from Marlborough. The publication highlighted the Blank Canvas Syrah as “stand[ing] out for its tactile elegance, its aromatic charm and the finesse of its tannins.” Blank Canvas is also one of the wines featured on the cover and within the wider article. Blank Canvas was created by husbandand-wife team Matt Thomson MSc, an award-winning international winemaking consultant, and Master of Wine Sophie Parker-Thomson. The pair are particular
fans of the Northern Rhône, especially Côte-Rôtie, and have been steadfast in their belief that Gimblett Gravels and Hawke’s Bay is the ideal place to grow and produce genuinely cool-climate, elegant and aromatic Syrah that echoes this variety’s spiritual homeland. “Having our bottle grace the cover of La Revue alongside the most revered and expensive Syrahs of the world is a truly incredible feeling,” said winemaker Matt Thomson. “These are the very wines that have inspired us.” Blank Canvas co-owner and general manager Sophie Parker-Thomson MW said they were thrilled to have their wine selected from the blind tasting. “We are very excited that the potential of New Zealand Syrah has been identified by none other than La Revue. New Zealand is still on a journey with Syrah and while we certainly haven’t arrived at our full potential, we’re on an exciting trajectory.” EuroVintage
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WINE NEWS
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A LEGACY WORTH GROWING SUSTAINABLY CRAFTED
Open minds at the Supernatural Wine Co. HAWKE'S BAY winemaker Gregory Collinge has launched his latest range of natural wines under The Supernatural Wine Co., describing them as being made “for people with open minds”. The Supernatural Wine Co has four offerings: its flagship bottling The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc; The Green Glow ‘orange wine’ (with a glow-in-the-dark label); The Paranormal nouveau-style red; and The Quiet Earth Pinot Noir. ‘Natural’ wines are wines made with as little intervention as possible to reflect site and season. Collinge says that while there is no formal certification, the broad aims are to farm organically, do as much by hand as possible, use wild yeasts indigenous to the vineyard, allow spontaneous fermentation and eliminate additives and manipulation. The Supernatural Sauvignon Blanc was first bottled in 2009 with grapes from Collinge’s 9ha home block, attached to luxury accommodation provider Millar Road, and sitting on the hills above coastal Haumoana. The Green Glow is this year a collaboration with Te Tairawhiti’s Millton Vineyard using Muscat and Marsanne grape varieties, while The Paranormal is also made in conjunction with Millton and is a light and low-alcohol style that is ideal served chilled. The Quiet Earth is Collinge’s take on a Martinborough Pinot Noir. The Supernatural Wine Co wines are BioGro™ certified and priced from RRP $35. Great Little Vineyards
French-inspired aperitif from Hastings Distillers IN A nod to its French counterpart, Lillet, Hastings Distillers has released a new wine-based aperitif made entirely from Hawke’s Bay wine and organically grown botanicals. Hastings Distillers’ Constance (17% ABV) is a blend of local wine, biodynamic raspberries, liquorice, cardamom, bitter oranges, clove, rosemary, star anise and gentian root. Recommended serves are chilled and poured over ice, served with soda or tonic, or used in a martini. Named for famed British florist and ceramicist Constance Spry, Constance is RRP $45 per 750ml bottle. Hastings Distillers
spyvalleywine.co.nz distributed by Red + White Cellar ph. 09 376 0760
WINE NEWS
Valli opens Waitaki wine bar AWARD-WINNING WINERY Valli has opened a wine bar in New Zealand’s newest wine region, Waitaki. Valli owners Grant Taylor and Nicole Schofield have been growing grapes and making wine in Gibbston, Bannockburn, Bendigo and Waitaki for 25 years, but Valli Wine Bar in Kurow is their first public face and has opened in the town’s restored former Post Office. “Waitaki is New Zealand’s newest wine region – with the first commercial vintage in 2004,” says Nicole Schofield. “Its limestone soils lend incredibly unique characteristics to the wines. The wine bar will serve Valli Wines from our Waitaki vineyard (Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Riesling), so people can really see what this incredible region can do.”
Passion projects behind Aces & Arrows PERNOD RICARD Winemakers has launched Aces & Arrows – a new wine brand with a different story, winemaker and region behind each wine. Created by Pernod Ricard’s New Zealand winemaking team as ‘passion projects’, the company says that local winemakers from both the North and South Islands will experiment and craft wines of their choosing using their own favourite wine variety. This release includes a Central Otago Pinot Noir and a Hawke’s Bay Syrah. Aces & Arrows Pinot Noir 2021 and Aces & Arrows Syrah 2021 are both RRP $27. Pernod Ricard
Nicole Schofield and Grant Taylor of Valli
SHOWCASE
New single vineyard Sauvignon Blancs from Villa Maria ICONIC NEW Zealand wine brand Villa Maria has created an exquisite collection of single vineyard Sauvignon Blanc wines showcasing the diversity of the Marlborough region. These flagship wines, among the pinnacle of Villa Maria’s extensive portfolio, represent the culmination of over 60 years of winemaking experience in Aotearoa New Zealand. “Producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc that showcases a sense of place has always been important to Villa Maria and our wines are made with the utmost care and attention,” says Villa Maria Senior Winemaker Dave Roper. “Single vineyard wines are only released when vintage conditions allow, and we are thrilled with what the 2022 season delivered for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. These exceptional wines each capture a moment in time.” Bankhouse Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Bankhouse Sauvignon Blanc is a brand-new wine for Villa Maria. Bankhouse Estate is located on the western bank of the Waihopai River, inland in the Wairau Valley. Harvested from close-planted vines on this outstanding Waihopai Valley vineyard, this wine carries great textural weight and is bursting with the array of aromas and flavours that have brought Marlborough fame. This is a dynamic wine with riper tropical flavours from the clay soils and emphasised minerality and freshness from the riverbed gravels. Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc 2022
The picturesque Taylors Pass Vineyard is on the northern bank of the Awatere River in southern Marlborough. Sheltered from prevailing cool easterly winds, each terrace of the vineyard has varying soil types: stony gravels are nearest the river, whereas the mid-terrace has silt over gravels, and the highest terrace is a deeper silt over clay-papa base. This patchwork of soil types provides dramatically variable ripening patterns, producing a wine with lifted aromatics of fresh garden peas and blackcurrants, a punchy finish of lime zest and hint of gunflint.
36 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
Taylors Pass Sauvignon Blanc 2022 was awarded the trophy for ‘Best Sauvignon Blanc 2022 and older’ at the 2023 Marlborough Wine Awards. It also received a Double Gold at the Global Fine Wine Challenge 2023. Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc 2022
Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc hails from the rugged eastern coastline of the Awatere Valley, where the fresh ocean air slows the growing season to develop Sauvignon Blanc of incredible power and concentration. Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc has distinctive briny seashell characters and lively acidity derived from the nearby oceanic influence. Flavours of kaffir lime, capsicum and freshly picked culinary herbs represent the cooler windy coastal Awatere sub region in Marlborough where these young Sauvignon Blanc vines struggle to grow in the sandy river gravel soil. Trade orders through villamariawines.com
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BEER & CIDER REPORT
CHILL OUT Summer is at its peak and the new releases keep coming
38 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
BEER & CIDER REPORT
Kaiserdom Hefe-Weissbier
Pacific Coast Beach Break Pilsner
0.0% ABV, 500ml RRP $2.50 Q Liquid
4% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $22.99 – also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery
Hailing from Bamberg in central Germany, Kaiserdom Specialitäten Brauerei has existed since 1718 and is the largest of 12 breweries in the historic town. Their Hefe-Weissbier is marketed as a “post-exercise” beer! Arriving in a big 500ml can, this is a zero-percent wheat beer designed to “rehydrate and replenish”. The brew is “isotonic” (like a Powerade) and enriched with folic acid and B12 for added energy.
Beach Break is a classic pils: crisp, fresh, light and dry. It pours a pale straw colour in the glass and the combo of Kiwi and German hops gives a “mouthwatering tropical edge and a bright snappy bitterness”. An excellent beach beer.
Pacific Coast Free Dive
<0.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99 Pacific Coast Brewery Mangawhai brewers Pacific Coast have made a name for themselves with beautiful cans containing clean, fresh drops. Their Free Dive zero IPA is no exception. Crisp and golden, there is a hint of citrus from the hops that makes the brew tasty and refreshing. Another great addition to the local zero alc category. Badass Schadenfreude Pils
3.5% ABV, 330ml 4-pack RRP $21.95 – also in keg Badass Beverages ‘Schadenfreude’ translates from German as pleasure at someone else’s misfortune and it’s this juxtaposition of naughty and nice that Badass achieve with their Schadenfreude Pils. This German-style pils has the crisp and flavourful hops of a “naughty” pils but with only a “nice” 3.5% ABV. Packed with some delicious citrus notes, it’s a great option for a session beer that still has all the flavour you’re after.
Pacific Coast Dunes XPA
Byron Bay Brewery Passionfruit Mango Fruit Lager
4.2% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $17.99 Lion Here’s a real tropical number from Australia’s Byron Bay Brewery. The addition of passionfruit and mango juices to their lager has made for a super-sweet drop that transports you straight to the islands. A veritable dessert of a beer: lush and sweet with just a hint of banana.
4% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $22.99 – also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery
Byron Bay Brewery Raspberry Fruit Lager
The hop characteristics continue with Pacific Coast’s Dunes Extra Pale Ale. The classy, pale pink can contains a super-light, superzesty XPA packed with citrus and pine hop flavours. Would pair very well with seafood or salty snacks.
4.2% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $17.99 Lion
Pacific Coast Heatwave Hazy
4% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $22.99, 440ml RRP $6.99 – also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery While many hazies get up into the 5-6% ABV range, Pacific Coast have kept theirs restrained to an eminently sensible (and sessionable) 4%. The hop flavours are still there – juicy and tropical with hints of pineapple and passionfruit – but tied together with a lovely soft haze that rounds out the beer. Recommended.
The addition of raspberry juice to this Australian lager has given a sweet summer fruit flavour with a hint of tartness at the end. It’s reminiscent of the raspberry sodas we used to get at the pub as kids. An alternative for cider lovers and those who prefer sweeter drops, at 4% this will be a summer session champion. Garage Project Beyond the Pale – Lolly Scramble
4.2% ABV, 330ml RRP $6 Garage Project Beyond the Pale is a Garage Project tradition celebrating New Zealand’s own Fringe Festival with a very special avant garde offering. This year it’s a Lolly Scramble. A riotous assortment of sweets, including acid drops, raspberry drops, gummies and marshmallows are thrown into the boil to deliver an outrageously vibrant, frivolously fun sweet and sour candy creation with a sensational raspberry, lemon and vanilla twist.
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 39
BEER & CIDER REPORT
Sprig + Fern Dias Soleados Mexican Lager
4.5% ABV – keg only Sprig + Fern
Staropramen Premium Beer
Gösser Märzen
5% ABV, 500ml RRP $7.50 Q Liquid
5.2% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $26, 500ml RRP $4, 6-pack RRP $22 Beer Labels
Sawmill Hefeweizen
Staropramen Brewery was founded in 1869 in Prague and is the second largest brewery in the Czech Republic. Meaning “old spring”, Staropramen uses Czech hops to create the famous Staropramen Premium, a classic pale lager with balanced hops and sweetness. A classic of the genre, the brewers recommend pairing it with a hamburger with Emmental cheese.
4.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Sawmill Brewery
Sunshine Brewing Chilli Mexican Lager
Dias Soleados is Sprig + Fern’s crisp and refreshing take on the popular Mexican lager style. It pours an inviting straw-gold colour and is easy-drinking with a satisfying finish and just the right amount of bitterness to boot. Lime slices optional.
Sawmill are brewers of great skill and they have ably turned their hands to the German Hefeweizen style here. Malted wheat gives a slight cloudiness to the ale and the flavour profile has notes of banana and cloves on a bready, malty base. From the classy 440ml can to the ale itself, this is an excellent rendition of the classic German style. Recommended. Emporium Teutterre
5% ABV, keg only Emporium Brewing New from Kaikōura’s Emporium Brewing comes what brewer Paul Finney describes as “a crossbreed beer”. The Belgian Pale Ale has the malt base of an English ale, with some lovely esters from Belgian yeast all working in harmony.
5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Sunshine Brewing Mexican lagers are all about pale, drinkable crispness. Sunshine have taken the classic recipe and enhanced it slightly with the addition of Dragon Chillies from Northland. The result is a lager that goes down refreshingly but then reveals a subtle yet interesting peppery heat that builds at the back of the throat. A fun and refreshing addition to the fridge this summer. Zipfer Märzen
5% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $26 Beer Labels Zipfer Märzen is brewed with Magnum and Perle hops from Austria’s Mühlviertel region. Delicate fruity malt aromas lead to a rounded hop flavour.
Dias Soleados is Sprig + Fern’s crisp and refreshing take on the popular Mexican lager style. Lime slices optional.
40 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
A bottom-fermented, light, full-bodied beer with a pleasantly hoppy fragrance and fine malt notes. More intense malt on the first sip, with lingering light hop notes on the finish. Rock Lager Beer
5.3% ABV, 568ml RRP $3.99 Q Liquid This Lithuanian beer has well-balanced Czech hops and light malt character. Light-bodied, with herb and grassy notes. Great served with a charcuterie platter or salty snacks. Sprig + Fern Hazy Rays Hazy Pale Ale
5.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99, 888ml RRP $13.49 Sprig + Fern Hazy Rays doubles down on hops from both sides of the Pacific: Talus and Simcoe from the States, Sauvin and Motueka from Sprig + Fern’s backyard. Together, they’ve packed the brew with an unmistakable aroma of orange marmalade and juicy mandarin. There’s a soft mouthfeel, refreshing flavours of ripe pip fruit with a zesty grapefruit twist, and a golden haze like the last rays of the day.
BEER & CIDER REPORT
Zipfer Original
Pacific Coast Deep End
5.4% ABV, 500ml RRP $4, 6-pack RRP $22 Beer Labels
6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 – also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery
Hailing from Austria, Zipfer is brewed with the Magnum, Perle, Tettnanger and Spalter Select hop varieties from the Mühlviertel region. Fresh and hoppy on the nose, there is balanced fruitiness, finely tart hop notes and subtle malt tones on the palate.
Brewed to celebrate a local skateboard competition at the fearsome Mangawhai Bowl, Pacific Coast’s Deep End is an Oat Cream Hazy IPA. The smoothest malt base is enhanced with lactose for an ultra-creaminess before the characters of the Sabro, El Dorado and Riwaka hops drop into the mix. A feast of flavours in the smoothest package imaginable.
Sawmill x Burger Burger You Do Yuzu Hazy Pale Ale
5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Sawmill Brewery
Pacific Coast Tapawera Double NZ Pilsner
A team-up with burger purveyors Burger Burger, Sawmill have created a hazy pale ale with just the right amount of bite. The Motueka and Eclipse hops make for a juicy drop and the addition of yuzu (Asian citrus) gives a citrus pop at the back end. Refreshing and light.
6% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 – also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery
Hop Federation Between the Lines Cold IPA
5.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 – also in keg Hop Federation Between the lines of crisp, crushable lagers and hoppy IPAs lies the Cold IPA. This new release from Hop Federation is brewed with NZ Hops’ experimental hop NZH-101 and is full of tropical, citrus and stone fruit flavours.
There are pictures of hops all over Pacific Coast’s Double NZ Pils and the drop that pours out does not disappoint. This is one of the hoppiest brews we’ve encountered in a while; it’s so pale and yellow it’s almost green, the nose is all thiols and the flavour in the glass is jaw-clenching hoppiness that tends to gooseberry. A real treat for the hop-heads out there.
Brewed to celebrate a local skateboard competition at the fearsome Mangawhai Bowl, Pacific Coast’s Deep End is a smooth Oat Cream Hazy IPA.
Garage Project Los Gatos California IPA
6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $12 Garage Project
Sawmill Aotearoa #45 Motueka Hazy IPA
‘Los Gatos’ is ‘The Cats’ in Spanish, and this beer is a road trip-inspired homage to the everevolving style that is Californian IPA. Brewed exclusively with Mosaic hops, it’s the bright colour of the Golden State, and full of lush aroma and beguiling balance. A pure pint of laidback sunshine.
6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Sawmill Brewery
Parrotdog #10 Hazy NZIPA
The Sawmill Aotearoa Series is a monthly release celebrating Kiwi brewing with beers brewed exclusively with New Zealand hops and malts. The #45 Motueka Hazy IPA delivers intense tropical and citrus aromas from Clayton’s Motueka hops – extreme freshness from this Tasman all-rounder.
6.7% ABV, 440ml RRP $11 Parrotdog The latest in the limited release range from Parrotdog is #10 – a pale yellow hazy IPA brewed with a big blend of five different New Zealand hop varieties providing citrus, white wine and stone fruit characters.
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 41
BEER & CIDER REPORT
Pacific Coast Scarab Bright IPA
7% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 – also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery Inspired by a Miami Vice-style scarab boat (showing our age there), this bright IPA is designed to transport you to a day on the water off Miami Beach. The zesty drop has notes of passionfruit and citrus from the Nelson Sauvin, Cryo Pop and Galaxy hops atop a crisp pilsner malt base. Absolutely screaming summer, take it easy on these before you head out on the sea as they pack a 7% punch. Sunshine Brewing Superdelic Saison
7% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 Sunshine Brewing Sunshine Brewing’s take on the classic French Saison style incorporates NZ Hops’ newest named hop: Superdelic. The result is a spicy number loaded with fruit hop characteristics and the sweetness of a 7% brew. It’s something of a dessert of a beer with flavours tumbling over each other like a good boozy Christmas pudding. A great option for an afterdinner tipple.
Sunshine Brewing Eton Mess Imperial Sour
CIDER
8% ABV, 440ml RRP $13.49 Sunshine Brewing
Peckham’s Ciderkin
Eton Mess is a beloved English pudding made from berries, meringue and cream, and it turns out it’s a brilliant base for a sour beer from Gisborne. Pouring bright red like a Shirley Temple in the glass, Sunshine have loaded up this Imperial with berries, booze (8%), a decent hit of sourness, and vanilla and milk sugar that gives the beer a real pastry flavour at the end. A massively fun and delicious drop. Recommended. Sunshine Brewing Point Annihilation WCIIPA
8% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 Sunshine Brewing
Rock Strong Beer
Point Annihilation is an apt name for this 8% brute of an IPA. Commemorating the powerful Mahia surf break, it was initially brewed for the 2021 West Coast IPA Challenge. A revamp has seen the use of Centennial, Simcoe, Cascade and WLP090 hops to create this sweet, strong drop with wave after wave of citrus and pine flavours. Like the break, it’s a heck of a ride.
7.4% ABV, 568ml RRP $4.50 Q Liquid
Pacific Coast Chop Hazy Double IPA
Rock Strong pours pale in the glass but packs in the flavour. Well-balanced Czech hops and medium body malt character sit alongside notes of herbs, grass and hints of florals in this Lithuanian beer. Pair with game meats, salty or spicy snacks.
9% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 – also in keg Pacific Coast Brewery Pacific Coast’s Double IPA is not for the fainthearted. At 9%, it fairly reeks of alcohol, and the massive triple dry hop of Mosaic, Riwaka and German variety Hüll Melon delivers a surge of citrus, melon and winey hop characteristics. One for the experts.
3.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.49 Peckham’s Ciderkin is naturally lower in alcohol than Peckham’s other ciders, having been crafted by soaking apple pulp for 72 hours to extract natural fresh cider apple flavour before being wild-fermented. The result is a dry, light and seriously tasty lower alcohol cider. With vibrant apple and hints of zest, Ciderkin is a refreshing alternative to full strength ciders without any compromise on full flavour. Peckham’s Hazy Apple
5.2% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 – available in March Peckham’s This new release from Peckham’s is made from a blend of wild-fermented heritage cider apples and left unfiltered to create a delicious and naturally cloudy cider. Off dry in style and packed with juicy apple and stonefruit flavour, this refreshing cloudy cider is full-bodied with a soft texture. Peckham’s Kingston Black
5.8% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.49 Peckham’s Made exclusively from Kingston Black cider apples grown at Peckham’s Moutere orchard. Wild-fermented and barrel-aged, this dry cider beautifully expresses the spice and vanilla notes that the king of cider apples creates in our Southern Hemisphere environment.
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 70. 42 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
100% craft brewed fermented non-alcoholic beer (not alcohol removed). Loaded with Hazy IPA characters including tropical and stone fruit notes, for an unmistakably beer finish.
www.bachbrewing.co.nz
TRADE TO enquiries@bachbrewing.co.nz
OPINION – BEER
Michael Donaldson
Beer Writer of the Year, journalist and author beernation.co.nz
High hopes for hops As the IPA style continues to evolve, Michael Donaldson picks hops as a major influence in what lies ahead…
I’M OFTEN asked about trends in beer. Like many I’ve said in the past: the lager renaissance (happening slowly); the rise of sours (yeah-nah); the demise of hazies (not happening, but maybe they are treading water). I’ve never been a great tipster. If I was, no doubt I would be retired and sitting somewhere shady while reading this, rather than writing it! But in all seriousness, there is one trend I feel confident about – and that’s the next step in the IPA evolution. Right now, IPA is incredibly hard to define. The world cannot even agree on what exactly a West Coast IPA should be – and that’s an iconic style. The traditional West Coast IPA has spawned a bunch of descendants such as Cold, Californian, Brut, or Bright. And to some extent, New Zealand IPAs are increasingly resembling American IPAs. And there are breweries deliberately bridging the gap between West Coast IPA and East Coast/New England IPA (aka hazy) with the creation of Mountain IPA and other hybrids. Plus, we’ve been through the colours: Black, Red, Brown and White. But what I’m seeing increasingly is the identification of hop varieties in IPAs and I think we’ll see brewers drill down further into that and start creating IPAs that are not so much bounded by style but by the hops themselves. A few years ago, it was common for breweries to say little about the hop 44 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
For 2024, my hope is that more breweries list the hops in their IPAs. varieties they used. Perhaps that had a little bit to do with guarding intellectual property, or – more likely – they thought it was information that punters didn’t need to know. These days, it’s almost essential to have the hop varieties listed on the back of the can. And, in some cases, they will be on the front of the can as well. Nectaron and Superdelic, from NZ Hops Ltd, are two hop varieties that lend themselves to getting promo’d on the front of labels. Even trial hop releases, such as those with NZH-106 and NZH-110,
can be a real lure for the ever-curious beer drinker. We also see this with the world’s most popular hops: Mosaic, Citra and – to a lesser extent – Simcoe. As drinkers become more refined and gain more knowledge, they start to know which hop varieties they like and dislike. For some, just the word “Mosaic” is enough to drive a purchase. And who doesn’t love Nelson Sauvin? Personally, I’m a big fan of the American hop Amarillo and if I see a beer made with Amarillo I am drawn to it for its peachy-orange character. With New Zealand varieties, seeing “Riwaka” on a label is enough to get my attention. Sabro on the other hand, with its coconut character, is one that I’d be disinclined to try, although it does work incredibly well to create a “pina colada” effect in hazy beers. If you’re not sure which hops you prefer, trying a single-hopped beer is a great place to start. Plenty of breweries do Mosaic and Citra single-hopped beers, and in coming weeks there will be a swag of fresh hops beers featuring the likes of Nelson Sauvin, Nectaron and Riwaka, which is a great way to explore the character of these hops. So, for 2024 my hope is that more breweries list the hops (ideally I’d love to know the percentages of each used, but that might be giving too much away) in their IPAs. Let’s make it a trend!
AVAILABLE AT
FROM FEBRUARY 2024
BEER & CIDER NEWS
Ready for the fresh hop frenzy? NEW ZEALAND is heading into late summer and the hop harvest is imminent, which means brewers around the country are gearing up to create beers with the freshest, just-picked hops going straight from the bine and into the brew. The term ‘fresh hop beer’ simply means a beer made with those fresh whole cone hops, as opposed to the dehydrated pellet form that hops are usually processed into for use throughout the year. Hop harvest usually starts in March and can continue through to early April. Fresh hop beers are only available for a very limited time as fresh hops have a much shorter life than when they’re dried, so are best served as fresh as possible. New Zealand’s hop-growing is concentrated in the upper South Island, especially around Motueka, and many canny Wellington brewers charter planes to transport fresh hops across the Strait so they can reach the brewery within hours of harvest.
Fresh hop beers tend to be the domain of craft brewers as the quantities required can make them slightly uneconomical to brew with, and there’s an unpredictability to how the fresh hops will ‘behave,’ so brewers need to have the flexibility to throw any usual brewing routines out the window. Consumer interest in fresh hop beers grows each year, so don’t miss out. Clear some fridge space and get ready for the fresh hop frenzy of 2024. Fun hops facts:
• Hops were first grown in New Zealand in Nelson in 1842 and the original varieties cultivated were Fuggle, Bumford and Goldings from England, and Halletauer from Germany. • Hops bines always grow clockwise, regardless of which hemisphere they are in. • Hops can grow 20-30cm per day in the height of summer and can grow up to 10 metres tall.
Beach Box from Pacific Coast MANGAWHAI’S PACIFIC Coast brewery has released a ‘Beach Box’ – described as “the ultimate session mixed six”. The box contains two each of Pacific Coast’s Beach Break Pilsner, Dunes XPA and Heatwave Hazy – all at a sessionable 4% ABV and full of clean, bright and punchy hop flavours. Pacific Coast Beach Box 330ml 6-pack RRP $22.99 Pacific Coast
PART LOCAL LEGEND, PART NEW ZEALAND ICON. www.sunshinebrewing.co.nz
BEER & CIDER NEWS
Last call for New World Beer & Cider Awards TIME IS running out to enter this year’s New World Beer & Cider Awards, with submissions closing Friday 16 February. Judging samples are due Friday 1 March, with some flexibility to Thursday 7 March by arrangement. The Top 30 winning brews will be rewarded with shelf space in 140+ New World stores nationwide as well as comprehensive promotional support instore and out. The next 20
Highly Commended entries will also be recognised and published on the New World website as part of an overall Top 50 list and a Supreme Winner will also be named. Judging will be held in Auckland in mid-March, led by Chair Michael Donaldson and Deputy Chair Kelly Ryan. Results will be released later in 2024. Entry details at newworld.co.nz/nwbca
Slow it down with Sloth BADASS BEVERAGES is releasing its best-selling Sloth Anytime Ale in a 330ml 4-pack format from mid-February. The kolsch-style ale is a multiple award-winner. At 4%, the team at Badass say that just like its namesake, it’s a beer for slowing things down and enjoying yourself, without getting out of your tree. Badass Beverages
Just because you don’t want a beer, it doesn’t mean you don’t want a beer. So, we brewed you a beer. Inspired by the big bold flavours of Bird Dog IPA, but without the bite. Little Bird is an alcohol-free* IPA, with a deliciously-puritanical, true expression of the hop flavour. It’s so tasty, you won’t even realise you’re not drinking. Until the morning, of course.
Alcohol Free* IPA *Contains not more than 0.5% Alc/Vol
MALTY
HOPPY
LIGHT
DArK
sweet
bitter
SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
SMOOTH OPERATOR Crisp, clean and versatile – vodka remains a perennial favourite for bars and home cocktail cabinets…
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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
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.
NEW ZEALAND 42 Below 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $44.99 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. Ariki Premium Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Beverage Brothers A triple-distilled vodka with a Pacific flavour, thanks to Rarotongan vanilla and the use of a coconut-carbon filtration system, using coconut from the Kingdom of Tonga. The New Zealand influence in this clean, smooth vodka includes manuka flower and water from the Tongariro plateau. A mellow finish.
Armada Vodka 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $59.99-$64.99 Armada Spirits
Black Collar Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Black Collar Distillery
A crisp, fresh vodka with hints of crème brûlée and vanilla on the palate with a smooth finish.
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.
Black Collar Chocolate Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $62.99 Black Collar Distillery Intense chocolate character from the moment you open the bottle. Rich and indulgent – ideal for an elevated espresso martini or serve as shots. Awarded Double Gold and the Trophy for Best Overall Vodka (Flavoured/Aged) at the 2023 NZ Spirits Awards.
Vodka – the basics
Blue Duck Rare Vodka 43% ABV, 700ml 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. Bluestone Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $65 No.8 Distillery A new release from Dunedin distillery No.8, Bluestone Vodka takes its name from the Central Otago rock through which it is filtered. A micro charcoal cork helps to maintain its clean, crisp taste. Awarded Silver at the Spirits Business Global Vodka Masters 2023.
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 triple-distilled 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.
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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
The Bond Store Kāpiti Coast Vodka 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $44 The Bond Store
Broken Shed 40% ABV, 1L RRP $74.99 Federal Merchants
This vodka showcases fresh filtered water from the Tararua Ranges and has a smooth, creamy finish.
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.
Broken Heart Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $90 Broken Heart Spirits 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.
New Dancing Sands Vodka is a grain-based vodka blended with water sourced from Golden Bay’s limestone and marble aquifer.
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Burnt Hill Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69 Mineral This vodka goes the extra mile to ensure its gluten/dairy free, environmentally- and 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. A hint of sweetness in the aroma, creamy on the palate with balanced sweetness and minerality, and 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 well-rounded, with subtle liquorice and vanilla notes. Crisp and refreshing, it finishes extremely smooth.
Coast Road Pink – Berry and Rhubarb Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Premium Liquor Co. A delicate blend of natural berry and rhubarb flavours gives a lusciously fruity character to this crisp vodka. Dancing Sands Grapefruit & Pineapple Vodka 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 – available from April Federal Merchants This new vodka from Golden Bay distillery Dancing Sands uses slices of fruit that are vapour distilled to create a blend of sweet tropical pineapple balanced with the acidity and mild bitterness of grapefruit. Dancing Sands says it was created to be served with soda or in easy ‘at home’ cocktails. Dancing Sands Vodka 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 – available from April Federal Merchants Another new release from Dancing Sands, this grain-based vodka is blended with water sourced from Golden Bay’s limestone and marble aquifer. Creamy and buttery on the palate with hints of nuts and citrus with a silky smooth finish.
SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
Dunedin Craft Distillers Cacao Vodka 40% ABV, 250ml $40, 500ml $72, 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’ breadbased 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. Elephant Rock Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Beverage Brothers New from Akaroa Craft Distillery, this vodka is named for the mighty Elephant Head that welcomes arrivals at Akaroa Head on the Banks Peninsula and evokes the freshness of a day on the ocean. Bull kelp and orange peel combine in a clean, smooth vodka with a sophisticated minerality.
Good George Aotearoa Pure Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49 Good George
Kiwi Spirit JiuJiu Blue Label Vodka 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99 Kiwi Spirit Distillery
A classic vodka with a hint of vanilla from Hamilton’s Good George. It is hand-crafted in small batches and triple charcoal filtered – smooth and pure on the palate.
This vodka from Golden Bay’s Kiwi Spirit Distillery is all about luck. The 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. 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.
Karven Starka Vodka 38% ABV, 50ml RRP $8 and 700ml RRP $85 Karven A contemporary take on a barrel-aged vodka that originated in Eastern Europe. The grain vodka is rested in virgin American oak barrels for six to eight weeks and infused with manuka honey and a selection of botanicals, giving it its amber hue. Aromas of oak and a creamy palate full of vanilla and honey, with a blend of wood and spice on the finish. Ideal as a sipping vodka. Karven Vodka 40% ABV, 50ml RRP $8 and 700ml RRP $80 Karven A contemporary vodka with a classic, rich vodka nose and delicate floral note. Intense and smooth on the palate with a velvety mouthfeel.
Elephant Rock Vodka from Akaroa Craft Distillery evokes the freshness of a day on the ocean.
Kiwi Spirit JiuJiu 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) and 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 JiuJiu 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, to create this smooth, elegant vodka.
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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
KJ & Co. Alpine Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Brandhouse A premium New Zealand vodka crafted using pure New Zealand alpine water. Smooth and crisp.
After five years, distillers Scapegrace have brought back their Rogue Society brand with the release of their crisp and smooth Rogue Society Signature Vodka.
Koakoa Coffee Vodka with L’affare 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69 The Bond Store
Reefton Wild Rain Vodka 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $92.99 EuroVintage
Rogue Society Signature Vodka 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Hancocks
The distillers at The Bond Store on the Kapiti Coast teamed up with fellow Wellingtonians and premium coffee roasters L’affare to create this coffee vodka. It combines Gusto Fair Trade Organic coffee and the awardwinning Koakoa Vodka to create a vodka with rich notes of Black Forest chocolate and red plum, and a smooth cream finish.
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.
After five years, distillers Scapegrace have brought back their Rogue Society brand. (‘Rogue Society’ was the distillery’s original name between 2014-18, before a name change was needed to enter international markets.) Rogue Society Signature Vodka is crisp and smooth with a buttery, clean and velvety finish.
The National Distillery Aquifer Plateau Vodka 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $55 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 using ancient volcanic water from the North Island’s central plateau. Awarded Double Gold at the 2023 NZ Spirits Awards.
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‘the reid’ Single Malt Vodka 44% ABV, 750ml RRP $120 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.
SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
Scapegrace Vodka 40.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 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 $79.99 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 $79.99 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 $49.99 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 triple-distilled and charcoal filtered; smooth, rich and warm on the palate.
Stil Vodka Feijoa 37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $49.99 Premium Liquor Co. The original Stil Vodka made from spring-fed 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 Vodka Peach 37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $49.99 Premium Liquor Co. Natural peach flavour is blended with original Stil Vodka for a vodka with lush summer fruit character. Stil Vodka Vanilla 37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $49.99 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.
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.
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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
Vesta 45 45% ABV, 200ml RRP $55 Juno
The Vicar’s Son Drops of God 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $115 (refill RRP $91) The Vicar’s Son
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.
The recipe for this tiny-batch vodka uses 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.
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
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.
A smooth, neutral creamy vodka from Taranaki distillery House of Juno. An excellent base for premium cocktails.
Waiheke Distilling Co. Hibiscus Honey Vodka 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $72 and 700ml RRP $88 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 sugar-free. 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 $72 and 700ml RRP $88 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 $72 and 700ml RRP $88 Waiheke Distilling Co.
Waiheke Distilling Co. Hibiscus Honey Vodka is a luscious, velvety, and floral botanical vodka with honeyed floral aroma.
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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.
SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
ZOA Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 ZOA Water filtered naturally through the volcanic rock of Mt Taranaki is at the heart of the award-winning signature vodka from ZOA. The vodka is slightly creamy on the palate, with a luscious mouthfeel. The alcohol warmth is softened with delicate silky hints of green apple and citrus, and faint aromas of freshly baked bread and lemongrass. Awarded Gold and the Trophy for Best Overall Vodka (Varietal) at the 2023 NZ Spirits Awards. ZOA Feijoa Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 ZOA The lush, ripe flavour of New Zealand’s iconic feijoa is captured in this smooth, refreshing vodka. It has aromas of freshly cut ripe feijoa, with layers of new-mown grass and pineapple. The palate is full of warm, sweet feijoa, invoking childhood memories of autumn feasts under the backyard tree. As the alcohol warmth fades, secondary layers emerge with hints of strawberry, rose, and white fleshed peach, lingering to a fresh finish. ZOA Kiwifruit Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 ZOA A fresh, clean vodka full of ripe, sweet, fruit flavour balanced with the contrasting kiwifruit tang. Initial intense kiwifruit aroma is followed by light citrus, delicate mint and elderflower. Lush and full of kiwifruit flavour on the palate. The warm flavours ease to lightly herbaceous, with contrasting notes of honeysuckle, ripe watermelon and rose.
New Zealand’s ZOA Vodka was awarded Gold and the Trophy for Best Overall Vodka (Varietal) at the 2023 NZ Spirits Awards.
ENGLAND Chapel Down Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Glengarry Spirits Based in Kent, Chapel Down makes its vodka from distilled Chardonnay grapes. Light citrus and floral aromas lead to a smooth, creamy palate and a hint of aniseed on the finish.
IRELAND AUSTRALIA 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.
JAPAN Haku Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Beam Suntory
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 $66.99 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.
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.
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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
FRANCE
FINLAND
Grey Goose 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Lion
Finlandia 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $24.99, 700ml RRP $44.99, 1L RRP $54.99 Hancocks
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. Tofka Toffee Vodka 29.9% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Tickety-Boo
Finlandia is made using golden Suomi 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.
A fusion of vodka and liquid caramel toffee, Tofka is smooth on the palate with an indulgent toffee sweetness.
Finlandia Coconut 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $24.99, 700ml RRP $44.99, 1L RRP $54.99 Hancocks A vodka with rich coconut flavour and butterscotch accents. Finlandia Cranberry 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $24.99, 700ml RRP $44.99, 1L RRP $54.99 Hancocks Cranberry gives this vodka a spicy suggestion of raisin, ginger and vanilla and a warm, peppery aftertaste. Finlandia Grapefruit 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $24.99, 700ml RRP $44.99, 1L RRP $54.99 Hancocks The flavour of freshly-squeezed grapefruit adds to the crispness of this vodka.
Finlandia is made using golden Suomi 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’.
Finlandia Lime 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $24.99, 700ml RRP $44.99, 1L RRP $54.99 Hancocks The citrus aroma of lime meets the subtle sweetness of honey to give the vodka a rich, warm character. Finlandia Mango 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $24.99, 700ml RRP $44.99, 1L RRP $54.99 Hancocks Sweet mango and peach flavours create a crisp, honeyed aroma, giving this vodka a unique tropical flavour.
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SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
Absolut Citron was launched in 1988 and inspired the creation of the now legendary Cosmopolitan cocktail. It remains Absolut’s biggest-selling flavoured vodka.
ICELAND 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.
SWEDEN Absolut 40% ABV, 1L RRP $56.99 Pernod Ricard Arguably one of the best known and most distinctively packaged vodkas on the market. There is a wide variety available within the Absolut range but the first was Absolut Original, which has a clean, rich flavour. It’s smooth and mellow with a distinct grain character and a hint of dried fruit.
Absolut Citron 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard
Absolut Mango 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard
This smooth, lemon-flavoured vodka launched in 1988 and soon inspired the creation of the now legendary Cosmopolitan cocktail (invented by bartender Toby Cecchini in New York). Absolut Citron remains Absolut’s biggest-selling flavoured vodka.
This was the first tropical flavour in the Absolut range, inspired by the Alphonso mangoes, also known as the King of Mangoes. Lush and sweet with rich mango flavour.
Absolut Grapefruit 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard A vodka full of the fruity taste of freshly squeezed pink grapefruit and with wellbalanced sweetness. Absolut Lime 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard Vivid flavours of freshly squeezed lime in a balanced vodka that is not overly sweet.
Absolut Passionfruit 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard This vodka is full of the flavours of sunripened passionfruit and elegant notes of tropical fruitiness with orange blossom and tangerine. Absolut Peach 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard Launched in 2005, Absolut Peach has an earthiness wrapped in the taste of a juicy, velvety peach.
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 57
SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
Absolut Pears 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard A crisp vodka full of fruity pear flavour. Absolut Raspberri 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard A fresh vodka with the delicate flavour of juicy, freshly picked raspberries. Absolut Vanilia 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard This vanilla-flavoured vodka evokes a blend of dulce de leche and crème brûlée. Intense vanilla with fine caramel notes on top. Absolut Watermelon 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard A vodka full of watermelon sweetness, with zero added sugar. An ideal mixer for summery cocktails.
LATVIA Belavezha Biosphere Reserve Vodka 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $26.99 Q Liquid A smooth, traditional 100% grain spirit vodka made using some ingredients sourced from Belavezh Forests, a biosphere reserve on the border of Poland and Belarus. Belavezha Farm Vodka 40% ABV, 1L RRP $43.99 Q Liquid A high-quality grain vodka with a classic profile and a clean finish.
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. Libra Vodka 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $25.99 Q Liquid This grain spirit vodka is smooth and clean with a velvety texture and subtle sweetness. It has a neutral profile and offers a crisp finish with a hint of lemon.
elit is the ultra-premium vodka from Stoli Group. It has exceptional clarity and a silken, rolling mouthfeel.
58 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
Stoli 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $44.99, 1L RRP $62.99 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 Salted Caramel offers a balance of sweet and savoury with caramelised sugar and soft English toffee, balanced with a light saltiness.
Stoli Gold 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Tickety-Boo
Stoli Cucumber 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Tickety-Boo
Stoli Salted Caramel 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 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.
Clean and crisp on the palate, full of savoury cucumber flavor and with a smooth finish.
One of the world’s most popular flavours comes to vodka. Stoli Salted Caramel offers a balance of sweet and savoury with caramelised sugar and soft English toffee, balanced with a light saltiness that draws out the caramel.
Stoli Citros 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 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 Orange 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 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 Vanilla 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 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.
DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024 59
SPIRITS REPORT – VODKA
POLAND
CANADA
USA
Soplica Classic 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $35 Q Liquid
Crystal Head Vodka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 Hancocks
SKYY 37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $61.99 Thirsty Camel
A crisp, dry vodka, Soplica is one of the most recognised vodka brands in Poland, having been first produced there in 1891.
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 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.
Żubrówka 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.99 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.
UKRAINE Svitlo 40% ABV, 1L RRP $58.95 – available from April Mineral Svitlo is a new release vodka born out of a unique NZ/Ukrainian collaboration. Its makers say: “...set to challenge the legacy market, the product is accessible while offering extraordinary quality”. Distilled from famous black earth grains harvested from the post glacial soils of central Ukraine, the vodka has a distinct body and round finish. Svitlo is versatile enough for cocktail use, or to serve without a mixer.
Svitlo is a new release vodka born out of a unique NZ/Ukrainian collaboration.
Smirnoff 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $25.99, 700ml RRP $41.99 and 1L RRP $49.99 Lion Based in America since 1934, this is 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 $69.99 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 70. 60 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
SAVOUR STOLI® RESPONSIBLY. Stoli® Premium Vodka 38% Alc/Vol. (80 proof). Distilled from Grain. US Distributor: Stoli Group USA, LLC, New York, NY and Global Distributor: SPI Spirits (Cyprus) Limited, The Republic of Cyprus. ©2023. STOLI and all other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Distributed in New Zealand by Tickety-Boo Liquor Ltd. Phone 09 377 7597 or email sales@tickety-boo.co.nz For further information www.tickety-boo.co.nz
OPINION – SPIRITS
Sarah Miller
Freelance spirits writer, judge and consultant ginadingding.com
Time to rethink vodka Vodka is on the up in the UK market, says Sarah Miller, as producers champion eco-credentials and flavourful character in some unique new releases...
VODKA IS boring. That’s what I used to think, and I wasn’t alone. In the ’90s and ’00s, before the gin boom toppled vodka from its pedestal, producers prized purity above all else. Vodkas were heavily filtered in a bid to remove impurities, but also stripped of flavour in the process. Remarkably, up until 2020, this neutrality was even enshrined in US law, which determined that vodka had to be “without distinctive character, aroma, taste or colour”. That lack of character was fundamental to vodka’s versatility and success. On the one hand, it played perfectly into the fresh fruit martini trend that epitomised the 1990s cocktail renaissance. On the other, it was the spirit of choice to avoid detection at house parties. It fuelled the alcopop craze, and even more recently Whipshots (a vodka-infused flavoured whipped cream courtesy of American rapper Cardi B!).
contains enough sugar to convert into alcohol), placing it perfectly to tap into current trends of provenance and local production. And, in turn, mitigating the cost and challenge of importing goods in the wake of Covid and Brexit, as well as reducing carbon impact. Arguably the purest spirit, consisting only of water and alcohol and usually devoid of the distractions of additional botanicals or the effects of barrel ageing, there is a simplicity to vodka that makes it an ideal vehicle for a sustainable agenda. West Dorset’s Black Cow were pioneers of this movement when they launched their vodka made from cow’s milk in 2012, a time – as they say – when it was “unusual for a vodka brand to ‘shout’ about its provenance and production method”. Since then, other distilleries have released their own sustainable spirits, such as Ramsbury’s Single Estate Wheat Vodka and The Oxford Artisan Distillery’s Rye
The last year or two has seen an explosion in vodkas that put character at the forefront of their product. Now, however, it’s the versatility of the spirit itself that UK producers are embracing as they look to capitalise on the gin boom by engaging its expanded and more knowledgeable consumer base. There’s no better time to rethink what vodka is. And what it can be. Unlike most other spirits, vodka can be made anywhere in the world and from any agricultural raw material (that 62 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
Vodka created with locally grown heritage grain, and yet more are rethinking their raw materials. Like Black Cow, Blacklion Rare Sheep’s Milk Vodka is made from whey; a by-product of cheese-making that would otherwise go to waste. Meanwhile, Arbikie’s climate-positive Nadàr Vodka is made from locally grown peas (helping to contribute to its carbon footprint of
-1.53kg CO2e per 700ml bottle), and Discarded’s vodka is made from distilled grape skins and alcohol left over from the wine-making process. And, in a move that reflects the current pressure on gin producers to diversify their range, Hayman’s (whose origins date back 160 years) launched Respirited Vodka, which is created using repurposed grain spirit left over from the distillery’s production process. While sustainability was the driving force behind these brands using alternative raw materials, the result in each instance is a more characterful and texturally interesting vodka. With a huge consumer market that has developed a taste for flavoursome spirits – but which might also be ready to move on from gin – the last year or two has seen an explosion in vodkas that put character at the forefront of their product and seek to bridge the gap between the two categories. While some (such as Pod Pea Vodka and Pleasant Land Distillery’s Eve vodka made with 100% English apples) focus on delivering the flavour of their base ingredient, others such as Sapling and 58 and Co use additional ingredients like wonky fruit, waste coffee granules and rescued olive oil to add flavour to their British wheat-based spirits. There will undoubtedly always be a place for neutral spirits in classic cocktails, but with characterful and eco-friendly alternatives prompting growth in the category, there’s no excuse for accusing vodka of only ever being boring again.
Proudly imported and distributed by Whisky Galore trade.whiskygalore.co.nz | 0800 WHISKY trade@whiskygalore.co.nz
SPIRITS NEWS
SHOWCASE
Barrel-aged Negroni on tap with Bariletto
Thomson Whisky named ‘Rising Star’ by major UK site NEW ZEALAND’S Thomson Whisky has received a prestigious global accolade with the world’s largest online whisky retailer, The Whisky Exchange UK, naming the Auckland distillery as its ‘Rising Star for 2024’. The Whisky Exchange launched its Rising Star award in 2022 to highlight a brand or product that it considered a must-watch and which should be on the radar of spirit lovers in the upcoming year. The award recipient is chosen by a panel of industry experts alongside The Whisky Exchange team. It is the first time a New Zealand brand has received the title from The Whisky Exchange UK, and the first time a whisky distillery has been selected. Mathew and Rachael Thomson founded Thomson Whisky as an independent bottler in 2009 and began by selecting casks from the closed Willowbank distillery in Dunedin, showcasing malts that typified New Zealand whisky’s style and character. Amid increasing acclaim for their blending and bottling, they launched their distillery in 2014 in Riverhead in Auckland’s northwest. Maturing in ex-bourbon barrels and New Zealand wine casks and using native mānuka wood and South Island peat to create smoky spirits, the distillery is known for producing bold, dynamic whisky. Dawn Davies, head buyer at The Whisky Exchange, said: “Mat and Rachael came on our radar a few years ago due to rave reviews of their whisky by a well-known spirits reviewer. Their whiskies are a fantastic blend of great quality spirit and an innovative view of whisky making. Every now and then you come across a real gem of a producer, and they are definitely a diamond.” The Rising Star winner is given a dedicated landing page on the website thewhiskyexchange.com for one year to showcase the producer and their products. “We are extremely honoured to take home The Whisky Exchange Rising Star award for 2024, and it is a testament to all of the hard work our team has put into the whisky production over the years,” says Mathew. “It’s been rewarding that our mānuka smoke recipe is opening doors for Thomson Whisky. We’re chuffed when our whisky is noticed in our own country, and it’s thrilling to be recognised internationally by The Whisky Exchange and to be in the elite company of the best spirit makers on the planet. “It’s a dynamic time for the New Zealand spirits industry. We’ve always hoped to help put contemporary New Zealand whisky on the world map, and this is a step in the right direction.” 64 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
THE MEMORABLE experience of a barrel-aged Negroni served at a New York bar inspired Kiwi (and Negroni aficionado) Al White and wife Lisa to create Bariletto – a company offering ready-to-serve aged Negroni by the bottle or by the barrel for retail and hospitality clients. Bariletto Negroni is made using premium Italian vermouth and Campari along with locally-sourced gin and is aged to perfection for up to six months in specialty barrels. In creating their aged Negroni, Al was determined to retain the traditional characteristics of the famed classic cocktail, but with the notes of smoke and vanilla that only time in a charred oak barrel will provide. Testing started with a small uncharred oak barrel and different blends of classic ingredients, leading to testing of different types of oak and levels of char before they settled on the perfect combination. “While the blend of ingredients is ultimately traditional, the journey to find the perfect barrel was a long one,” says Al White. “The result is that our Bariletto aged Negroni is made using heavily charred oak barrels handmade by expert coopers.” Bariletto offers its ready-to-serve pre-aged Negroni in refillable fiveand ten-litre oak barrels for bars and restaurants, and in 700ml and 100ml bottles presented in beautifully packaged boxes for retail. For trade inquiries contact: 029 295 1388 lisa@bariletto.co.nz bariletto.co.nz
Distillery RebelS No Middleman, No middlewomAn Ex-Distillery, direct to store
Order direct today E. orders@blackcollardistillery.com | P. 09 407 4429
www.blackcollardistillery.com
SPIRITS NEWS
New Stambecco for NZ BIGGAR AND Leith’s Italian liqueur, Stambecco, has expanded its range in New Zealand to include its Tiramisu Liqueur, now available through Thirsty Camel, a Campari Group joint venture company. Thirsty Camel already distributes Stambecco Maraschino Cherry Amaro. Stambecco Tiramisu Liqueur brings together notes of savoiardi biscuits, mascarpone, cocoa and coffee. It makes a great addition to an indulgent Espresso Martini, elevates dessert cocktails and can be enjoyed as an after-dinner pep on the rocks, neat or mixed with cola. The distinctive embossed glass bottle features a vibrant stand-out label in a classic Italian style with a creamy
white stopper to capture the attention of consumers. Biggar and Leith says that the launch comes as consumer demand for quality liqueurs and sipping drinks is at an all-time high globally and interest in premium, artisanal spirits in the New Zealand drinks market soars. It says New Zealand’s mature drinks market and booming tourism is driving innovation and opportunity for premium brands on the on and off trade. “Quality liqueurs are gaining traction all over the world and we’re thrilled to see Stambecco continue its success by launching the Tiramisu Liqueur in New Zealand,” says Tim Dunlop, Commercial
New gins from Pacific Coast PACIFIC COAST Beverages in Northland’s Mangawhai has expanded into spirits with the release of two new gins. The company has a brewery and distillery on the Mangawhai harbour and has so far been focused on beers. The gins are in two distinct styles: New Zealand and ‘Old World’. The Mokohinau NZ Gin layers local kawakawa over juniper and coriander seed and uses pine needles, sustainable New Zealand kelp, citrus peel, cinnamon and cardamom. Sentinel Rock is intensely aromatic with classic juniper, coriander, citrus peel, cinnamon and cardamom. Pacific Coast Mokohinau Gin (40% ABV) 700ml, RRP $79. Pacific Coast Sentinel Rock Gin (40% ABV) 700ml, $69. Pacific Coast
b a r i l e t to. co. n z
Thirsty Camel
De Valcourt and Meukow Cognac join Federal Merchants DE VALCOURT Napoleon Brandy is now being distributed across New Zealand by premium beverage distributor Federal Merchants & Co, with Meukow Cognac to join it soon. The change took effect on 15 January and sees Federal Merchants distributing both spirits into the on- and off-premise channels. Michael Morton, Managing Director of Federal Merchants & Co. said “We are delighted to welcome such a well known and loved brand as De Valcourt into our portfolio. Working with supplier Compagnie de Guyenne we will also bring back the full range of outstanding Meukow Cognacs in the coming months.” De Valcourt Napoleon is a blend of the finest French brandies distilled, aged, and bottled in France to the very highest standards. A long period of ageing in the best oak casks gives De Valcourt Brandy its mellow smoothness and delightful bouquet. Federal Merchants
-Barrel Aged Negroni-
Director at Biggar and Leith. “The market values quality, premium brands that offer an element of storytelling and Thirsty Camel is a trusted partner in this journey, having already built solid foundations for Stambecco in recent years in the hospitality and retail scene.”
Available at
SPIRITS NEWS
Plantation Rum changes to Planteray SPIRITS PRODUCER Maison Ferrand has announced that its Plantation Rum brand has been renamed as Planteray Rum. It follows the brand’s acknowledgment of the potentially negative connotations associated with the term ‘plantation’. Beginning January 2024, the rum brand formerly known as Plantation will be produced, sold and marketed under Planteray. Planteray Rum is distributed in New Zealand by Proof & Company. The company says that the new name embodies the brand’s identity and core
symbols that have adorned its bottles for more than 25 years. ‘Planteray’ pays homage to the ‘plant’ (sugarcane) and the ‘rays’ of the sun that are essential for sugarcane growth. “I am happy that the rum we have proudly produced for more than 25 years remains exactly the same and will still be produced with the same expertise, attention and care, but now as Planteray Rum,” said Alexandre Gabriel of Maison Ferrand. Proof & Company
Australian agave spirit launches
Glenlivet Twist & Mix voted Most Innovative A CLEVER twist top cocktail from Glenlivet has taken the top spot in the Top 50 Most Innovative Spirits Launches of 2023, as voted by UK magazine The Spirits Business. The Glenlivet Twist & Mix Cocktails are premium, ready-to-serve, whiskybased cocktails that launched in mid-2023. Using the patented Vessl® closure and mixing technology, a twist of the cap opens a reservoir that deposits cocktail flavours into Glenlivet single malt, creating a freshly mixed cocktail in an instant. The collection debuted with the Old Fashioned and New Manhattan. “This project provided us with the challenge of reinventing the ready-toserve experience within a highly competitive market
segment,” said Yogesh Gandhi, Global Head of Innovation at Chivas Brothers. “What has been achieved puts the consumer at the heart – no mess, fuss or skill required to create a bartenderlevel, freshly mixed cocktail in seconds.” The Top 10 list in The Spirits Business Most Innovative Spirits Launches of 2023 also included Absolut’s Paper Bottle (#5), the non-alcoholic agavebased spirit Almave, made as a collaboration between Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and Mexican spirits group Casa Lumbre (#3), and Talisker Glacial Edge 45-Year-Old (#2) – a whisky finished in ice-fractured oak, after 12 casks were exposed to sub-zero temperatures and Arctic winds for 96 hours.
68 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
AUSTRALIAN SPIRITS company Top Shelf International has released the first bottles of agave spirit from its dedicated agave spirit farm and distillery in Queensland’s Whitsundays. Act of Treason Australian Agave Spirit First Harvest Blanco was launched to market in mid-January and quickly sold out, with registration opening for the second release. Top Shelf International says the location of the farm and distillery is 20 degrees south of the equator – a mirror image of Tequila’s home in Mexico. It sits between Airlie Beach and Bowen and is home to more than 600,000 Agave tequilana, the same plant that has been used in the distillation of tequila for centuries. It is a true farm-to-bottle operation with plants grown, cooked, distilled and bottled from 100% Agave tequilana (Blue Weber) at the Eden Lassie spirit farm and distillery, all powered by renewable energy. Top Shelf International CEO Trent Fraser says that the Dry Tropics of north Queensland are the ideal place for a new region of agave spirit. “Like many others producers, we feel there is an opportunity for agave to be shared with the world and for others to put their distinctive imprint on a category that continues to surge in popularity in Australia and overseas. “Act of Treason has joined the new global era of agave. We’re approaching this as an opportunity to create something new and expand the horizons of a category that has been geographically limited for centuries. In many ways it’s no different to the evolution wine underwent three decades ago.” actoftreason.com.au
DI S TR I BUTED BY FEDERAL ME RCHANT S & CO
DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY
Distributors Asahi Beverages NZ
Broken Heart Spirits
Glengarry
Mineral
Stone Pony Wines
09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz
03 442 0819 brokenheartspirits.com
0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz
orders@mineralwine.co.nz mineral.co.nz
The National Distillery Company
orders@stoneponywines. co.nz stoneponywines.co.nz
Archie Rose
Cardrona Distillery
Good George
nick@archierose.com.au archierose.co.au/nz
03 443 1393 cardronadistillery.com
Armada Spirits
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners NZ
freshbrew@goodgeorge. co.nz goodgeorge.kiwi.nz
Great Little Vineyards
Negociants
Sunshine Brewing
0800 692 337 cocacolaep.com
09 529 0935 greatlittlevineyards.com
0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com
Čuvar Winery
Grey Beard Trading
No.8 Distillery
office@sunshinebrewery. co.nz sunshinebrewing.co.nz
027 678 9044 cuvarwinery.com
021 712 784 greybeardtrading@gmail.com
no8distillery@gmail.com no8distillery.com
DB Breweries
Hancocks
Pacific Coast Beverages
0800 746 432 db.co.nz
0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz
021 0393 155 pacificcoastbeverages.co.nz
Dunedin Craft Distillers
Hastings Distillers
Parrotdog
027 479 7714 dunedincraftdistillers.nz
06 870 3991 hastingsdistillers.com
04 384 8077 parrotdog.co.nz
info@armadaspirits.co.nz armadaspirits.co.nz
Artigiano Imports sales@artigianoimports.co.nz artigianoimports.co.nz
Astrolabe Wines 03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz
Bach Brewing 09 390 0149 bachbrewing.co.nz
Badass Beverages
Emerson’s
Hi I.Q. Liquor Merchants
Peckham’s Cider
03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz
09 634 4202 hiiqliquor.co.nz
03 543 2959 peckhams.co.nz
Emporium Brewing
Hop Federation
Pernod Ricard
03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz
brews@hopfederation.co.nz hopfederation.co.nz
0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com
EuroVintage
Huntress Wines
The Premium Liquor Co.
0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz
huntress@huntress.co.nz huntress.co.nz
09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz
Federal Merchants
Hutchinsons
Proof & Company
0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz
0800 555 258 hutchinsons.co.nz
ordersnz@proofandcompany. com proofandcompany.com
hello@badassbeverages.co.nz badassbeverages.co.nz
Bariletto 029 295 1388 bariletto.co.nz
Beam Suntory 0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com
Beer Labels 027 511 9882 sales@beerlabels.co.nz
Beverage Brothers 03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz
Fistonich Family Vineyards
Big Sky Wines
027 678 9044 cuvarwinery.com
027 424 8974 bigskywines.co.nz
Black Collar Distillery 09 407 4429 blackcollardistillery.com
Foley Wines 03 572 8200 foleywines.co.nz
Forrest Wines 03 572 9084 forrest.co.nz
Blanc angie@blancnz.co.nz blancnz.co.nz
The Bond Store 021 667 683 thebondstore.co.nz
Borough Wine 027 334 5774 info@boroughwine.co.nz
06 833 7317 nationaldistillery.nz
Frucor Suntory 0800 437 8267 frucorsuntory.com
Garage Project 027 535 0917 garageproject.co.nz
Giesen Group
Brandhouse 0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz
70 DRINKSBIZ FEBRUARY / MARCH 2024
03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz
Indevin info@indevin.com indevin.com
Juno 020 434 7845 junogin.com
Karven 021 723 090 karven.co.nz
Kiwi Spirit Distillery 03 525 8575 kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz
Lion 0800 107 272 lionco.com
Maison Vauron 09 529 0157 mvauron.co.nz
Marisco 09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz
Sundays Drinks 027 445 2147 sundaysdrinks.com
Taylor Brown 09 447 3801 taylorbrown.co.nz
Thirsty Camel customerservice@ thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz
Thomson Whisky thomsonwhisky.co.nz
Tickety-Boo Liquor 09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz
Tohu Wines kiaora@tohuwines.co.nz tohuwines.co.nz
The Vicar’s Son 021 832 440 vicarsson.co.nz
Villa Maria 0800 505 656 villamariawines.com
Q Liquid
Vintners
09 636 7730 qll.co.nz
0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz
Red + White Cellar
Waiheke Distilling
09 376 0760 redwhitecellar.co.nz
09 372 7797 waihekedistilling.co.nz
Sandymount Distillery
Whisky Galore
022 305 6547 sandymount.nz
03 377 6824 trade.whiskygalore.co.nz
Sawmill Brewery
Whitehaven
09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz
021 738 315 whitehaven.co.nz
Sidekick Soda
Yealands
021 668 241 sidekicksoda.com
03 575 7618 yealands.co.nz
Sprig + Fern
ZOA Liquor
03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz
027 710 8225 zoa.co.nz
Juicy lemons squeezed to smithereens alongside our delectable, home grown kiwi-spirit.
T-T-T-T-TASTY, TASTY! CONTACT YOUR GIESEN GROUP REPRESENTATIVE FOR MORE INFORMATION. SMITHEREENS.CO.NZ | @SMITHEREENS.DRINK