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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
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FROM THE EDITOR
Victoria Wells
Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz
So. How are you? I FIND myself writing this Editor’s Letter on a rainy Auckland evening in Level 3. It’s been a long lockdown for the city this time around, but the repercussions of this Delta outbreak continue to ripple right around the country. The effects on the drinks industry have certainly been varied: some have been lucky enough to continue producing their beers, ciders, wines and spirits, while others have been busy selling it during shifting Alert Levels. But for those who rely on face-to-face interaction with customers across a bar or at a table, it’s been an entirely different story.
Our hospitality industry has been, and continues to be, hit hard by COVID and all it brings with it. Many business owners, employers and staff are doing it tough and there are tough times yet to come. So, if you’ve found time to sit down (or lean on the counter) with this issue of Drinksbiz then maybe you’ve got a moment to ask yourself: “How am I doing?” You see, as I write this it also happens to be Mental Health Awareness week and it feels like an entirely appropriate moment to pause and think about how we’re all doing. Us. Our colleagues. Our staff. Our families. Our friends.
It feels like an entirely appropriate moment to pause and think about how we’re all doing. Us. Our colleagues. Our staff. Our families. Our friends.
We all know someone under immense pressure as a result of this lockdown. Maybe it’s you. While it might feel like the right thing to do is soldier on and keep your chin up for everyone else, sometimes the best thing to do is acknowledge that things are hard and to talk to someone about it to find a way through. It might be a trained counsellor, or a friend, or even a business advisor if you just need a different perspective on it all. There is help out there and it could make all the difference to you or someone you know. Take care, Victoria
My picks 2020 Babich Headwaters Albariño Albariño is one of my favourite wines. Drinking it makes me think of seafood and summer and this example from Babich is amazing value. (Page 34) Deep Creek Antivirus IPA Not only is it crisp and full of hoppy goodness, the good folk at Deep Creek are donating 50c from every can and $25 from every keg sold to the Auckland Health Foundation, which supports healthcare research, training and facilities. (Page 50) Dr Beak New Zealand Premium Gin Firstly, I just love the label on this gin from Dr Beak in Martinborough. (The “Garden” expresson is equally delightful.) The gin itself is complex and savoury and citrus and 5% of profits from its sale go to Forest & Bird. Nice. (Page 62)
DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 5
CONTENTS
OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 REGULARS
Diary Dates
8
International News
23
Cover story
10
Legal Notes
26
Industry News
12
RTD News
28
PUBLISHER
Karen Boult karen@boult.co.nz +64 21 320 663
WINE
EDITOR
Victoria Wells victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz +64 27 575 9021 DESIGNER
Lewis Hurst lewis@hurstmedia.nz +64 21 146 6404 hurstmedia.nz A DV E R T I S I N G
Roger Pierce advertising@drinksbiz.co.nz +64 274 335 354 drinksbiz.co.nz
Letsunshine in 32
Opinion: Joelle the Thomson
BEER & CIDER REPORT
Wine Report: Aromatics
32
Top Picks
42
40
Wine News
43
BEER & CIDER
SPIRITS
Associate Member (NZ) Drinksbiz is published every second month by Trade Media Limited, 300 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand.
58
46 Beer & Cider Report
46
Spirits Report: Gin
The contents of Drinksbiz are copyright and may
58
Opinion: Michael Donaldson 54
Opinion: Dominic Roskrow 96
Beer & Cider News
Spirits News
Longer days and (hopefully) bigger crowds mean it’s time to stock the fridges for spring with the latest beer and cider releases...
56
6 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
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WHAT’S ON
Diary Dates
Hospitality Summit postponed
NOVEMBER
Friday 5 – Sunday 14 November
Summer F.A.W.C – Hawke’s Bay Hawke’s Bay’s signature culinary festival returns with two weeks of unique gourmet events. fawc.co.nz
Saturday 13 November
NZ Cider Festival – Hawke’s Bay This annual event has shifted to Hawke’s Bay for 2021 as part of Summer F.A.W.C and will be hosted in Nelson in alternate years. nzciderfestival.com
Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 November
Gindulgence – Auckland A showcase of New Zealand craft gins and international gins at Abbeville Estate. gindulgence.co.nz
Sunday 21 November
Toast Martinborough – SOLD OUT The iconic wine festival returns with its popular one day multi-vineyard event. Ticket information and programme details are available on the website. toastmartinborough.co.nz
Hospitality NZ and NZChefs Association have postponed the inaugural New Zealand Hospitality Summit. New dates for the three-day event are yet to be announced. hospitality.org.nz
Tuesday 23 November
Hospitality Awards for Excellence – Akld – NEW DATE The 2021 Hospitality Awards for Excellence will be held at Auckland Museum, provided Auckland is in Alert Level 1 at the time. The awards celebrate the success, achievements and resilience of the hospitality and accommodation sector. hospitality.org.nz/s/awards DECEMBER
Friday 3 – Saturday 4 December
Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival – NEW DATES Craft beer, local food and live music over two days at Forsyth Barr Stadium. Includes a homebrew competition and tasting room sessions. dunedinbeerfest.co.nz Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 November
Gindulgence – Nelson A showcase of New Zealand craft gins and international gins at Trafalgar Centre. gindulgence.co.nz
New venue for Marlborough Wine & Food Fest Wine Marlborough has confirmed that Marlborough’s iconic Wine & Food Festival will go ahead on 12 February, 2022. Tickets will go on sale 28 October. The 2022 Festival will also be held in a new location – after 33 years at Brancott Vineyard organisers have confirmed that the event will shift to Renwick Domain next year, due to development at Brancott making the site unsuitable for the event. More information for exhibitor registrations and tickets at marlboroughwinefestival.co.nz
Note: Events may be subject to change due to shifting COVID-19 restrictions around New Zealand. While details were correct at time of print, we recommend checking individual event websites for the latest updates.
Get the latest from Drinksbiz online! Drinksbiz has a new home online – come and see us at drinksbiz.co.nz for all the latest local industry and product news. While you’re there, sign up to join our e-newsletter and we’ll deliver it all to your inbox every couple of weeks. Easy! Visit us online at drinksbiz.co.nz and follow the links to sign up.
8 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Discover the Missing Drink
Lyre’s award winning range of non-alcoholic spirits are quietly changing the way the world drinks. How? By giving drinkers and non drinkers alike the freedom to drink their drink, their way. Is your venue missing out on the growth from Lyre’s Premium non-alcoholic options? Be part of the change. Contact the Lyre’s team at hello@lyres.co.nz today or call 0 21 073 2329 to discuss the unparalleled range of drinks that can only be made with Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits.
Stay Spirited. Make it a Lyre’s.
lyre’s Non-ALCOHOLIC g&t
Curious?
LYRES.CO.NZ
COVER STORY – ESTRELLA DAMM
Brewed in Barcelona since 1876 ESTRELLA DAMM, Spain’s premium beer, is raising its profile in the New Zealand market through a strong focus on its quality, and global and local partnerships with leading chefs and restaurants. The iconic brand is synonymous with Barcelona, where it has been brewed with Mediterranean ingredients since 1876. It is in more than 90 countries and associated with some of the world’s best chefs and gastronomy award programmes. Estrella Damm is now distributed in New Zealand by Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), which is ramping up the beer’s presence across on-premise and retail outlets nationwide. Quality is key
Estrella Damm is still brewed in Barcelona using creator Augustus Damm’s original recipe, using only barley malt, rice, and hops. The ingredients are 100% natural with no additives or preservatives. “Our quality starts from the seed, all the way up to the finished product and what we deliver to the consumer,” says Estrella Damm’s New Zealand brand ambassador, Lisa Raymond. Estrella Damm works closely with farmers to source its ingredients and even processes the malt in its own malthouse. 10 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
The yeast used in Estrella Damm is unique and the same strain has been used for many generations. In order to protect this key element, there are three reserves of the yeast stored under the highest security in Barcelona, Valencia and in London. It takes a minimum of three weeks for Estrella Damm to complete the fermentation and production process. The beer spends one week in fermentation tanks and two in ageing tanks. Once done, the brewery uses the latest technology in the bottling process to combat the great enemies of a beer’s taste: oxidation and microbiological contamination. This focus on quality extends to the use of darkened glass bottles to protect the beer, through to the on-premise
experience where staff are trained to deliver ‘perfect pours’ from bespoke Estrella Damm founts. “Our tap founts are how we achieve the ‘crema’ pour,” explains Raymond. “It’s so we can create an even better experience for the consumer. The crema pour creates a tight head of bubbles – tighter than you would get when you pour it out of the bottle – and that creates a long-lasting head and gives you a beautiful, creamy mouthfeel. It also protects your beer from losing carbonation, so you get a lot of crispness. It’s also very visually appealing.” Estrella Damm has five brand ambassadors available to conduct on-site training for hospitality staff around the country – these sessions cover Estrella
COVER STORY – ESTRELLA DAMM Damm’s history, the beer itself, and how to achieve the perfect pour. Partnering with the best
Estrella Damm has long been linked with the world’s top restaurants and leading chefs, thanks to its partnerships with esteemed awards programmes such as The World’s 50 Best Restaurants and other major global food events, and Spain’s own position as a leading light in the food world. Spanish restaurants such as Mugaritz, Tickets, and Asador Etxebarri are regular names in the World’s 50 Best lists, while Spanish chefs like Ferran Adrià enjoy rockstar status and have worked closely with Estrella Damm. In New Zealand, Estrella Damm has been a long-time supporter of Metro magazine’s Restaurant of the Year Awards and in 2021 it took on the principal sponsor role, expanding its recognition of local gastronomic excellence. Metro publisher, Simon Chesterman, says the alignment with Estrella Damm is perfect. “Having a brand involved that is so intertwined with dining is fantastic. It’s a big part of their brand and it made a big
difference overall – the whole event was pulling in the same direction. It’s great, it feels good.” He says even though Auckland’s Delta outbreak put a stop to the planned live
“Our quality starts from the seed, all the way up to the finished product and what we deliver to the consumer.” awards event in August, Estrella Damm has been incredibly supportive. “When the event had to be cancelled due to this latest lockdown they’ve been really keen to do what they can to support us and support the dining industry.” Lisa Raymond says this connection with industry is a crucial part of the Estrella Damm philosophy and one they’re looking forward to developing further in the New Zealand market. “The link with gastronomy is key for us. We really want to support the hospitality scene and you’ll see us doing that more and more.”
The Estrella Damm story In the late 1800s, August K. Damm and his wife Melanie emigrated from their native Alsace to escape the Franco-Prussian war. Their journey took them to the Mediterranean coast, where they settled in the Spanish city of Barcelona. Here, they founded their own brewery and in 1876 they crafted a distinctive and evolved beer that was different to existing central European beers. Their new beer was suitable for warmer climates – a Mediterranean Lager Beer. Estrella Damm was born. Today, the Damms’ original brewery remains the headquarters of Estrella Damm in the heart of Barcelona. Estrella Damm is distributed in New Zealand through CCEP. For more information, contact your CCEP representative on 0800 505 123.
DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 11
INDUSTRY NEWS
New Executive Director for Brewers Guild NZ THE BREWERS Guild of New Zealand has announced the appointment of Melanie Kees as its new Executive Director. She will take over from Sabrina Kunz, who has led the Guild since 2018. Kees and Kunz will work on transition in late October and into November. Melanie Kees was previously with Otago Polytechnic where she was instrumental in getting its brewing qualifications off the ground and partnering with the Guild on finding ways to develop the skills of the brewing workforce. Prior to her time at Otago Polytech, Kees worked in a range of roles at membership organisation MotorSport New Zealand. The Guild says her expertise in marketing, communication and events will stand the Guild and its members in good stead as it builds on the foundations developed in the past few years.
Melanie Kees
Global safeguards for influencers and alcohol THE NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) is supporting moves by global industry partners to put in place safeguards for the use of social influencers. The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking has announced the Influencer Pledge, part of a global programme for ensuring transparency, the use of responsible content and the prevention of the young from seeing alcohol-related marketing. The IARD is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing harmful drinking and promoting understanding of responsible drinking. It is supported by the world’s leading beer, wine, and spirits producers. The responsibility standards for social influencers in the Pledge include clear commitments to: • not make health claims • not promote illegal or excessive consumption • not encourage consumption to those under the legal purchase age • not link consumption to social success • not position abstinence negatively.
Furthermore, influencers need to be over the age of 25 and appeal to an adult audience. They are required to promote responsible drinking for those who choose to drink and discourage heavy drinking, drinking during pregnancy, drink driving and underage drinking. The standards also recognise the importance of monitoring influencer posts and campaigns for compliance. “The global pledge is a powerful responsibility commitment and works well in a New Zealand context as we are effectively one step ahead with the Alcohol Advertising and Promotion Code regulated by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), which already provides careful guidance on the relationship between influencers and alcohol brands,” says Bridget MacDonald NZABC Executive Director. “But the broader step of a worldwide industry commitment to provide more transparency around influencers and alcohol advertising is a positive step toward ensuring influencer content is responsible
and that brands, agencies and influencers are all putting safeguards in place,” says MacDonald. She says the fact there have only been “a handful” of alcohol-related social influencer complaints to the ASA over the past couple of years shows that NZABC members already operate with a high standard of social responsibility. The inaugural signatories to the pledge include NZABC members Asahi Beverages NZ, DB Breweries, Lion NZ, Pernod Ricard Winemakers NZ, Spirits New Zealand and Brewers Association of New Zealand. “IARD and its members are encouraging other producers and advertising, public relations, and influencer agencies to sign up to the Influencer Pledge, which 13 global agencies have already done. It also provides a toolkit to support influencers who market alcohol to create responsible content and help prevent those who are underage from seeing alcohol marketing,” says MacDonald. Find the Influencer Pledge at iard.org/ actions/Influencer-Guiding-Principles
Lion NZ to sell Liquor King network LION NEW Zealand has announced it plans to sell its Lion Liquor Retail (LLR) business operating under the Liquor King banner. The sale process is expected to take a number of months. During the sale process, stores will continue to trade as usual, but the lk.co.nz website ceased trading on 31 August 2021. Lion NZ Country Director Craig Baldie said: “In the more than 25 years LLR has been part of the Lion NZ business, the retail landscape has changed significantly. While our strategy has also evolved over time, we see our advantage in our core domain of manufacturing, distributing and marketing of adult beverages, rather than in retailing. “Lion NZ has also become an increasingly complex business in 12 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
a very competitive market and we believe a simplified focus will create space for us to unlock future growth in our core business. “We have a hardworking and talented LLR team. We have not made this decision lightly and appreciate this creates uncertainty for those involved.” LLR has 22 stores in its network, following the settlement of three stores which were recently on the market, and Baldie says they see this as a positive sign for Lion Liquor Retail’s future under new ownership. “LLR has been performing well and we believe there will be strong interest in the business based on the current retail market environment.”
MEET YOUR NEW PAL
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Invivo appoints Global Sales Director WINE AND spirits company Invivo & Co has appointed Bernard Budel to the newly created role of Global Sales Director. Invivo says Budel will work with local distributors around the world to grow its portfolio of award-winning brands including Graham Norton’s Own Wine and Spirits, Invivo X, Sarah Jessica Parker and Invivo & Co, and building Invivo’s sales team. New Zealander Budel began his career at Villa Maria Estates where he worked for eleven years both in the domestic and export teams, in addition to holding the European Market Manager position based in the UK. His most recent role was Sales Director at Red Bull New Zealand, while he has also spent
Bernard Budel
time in Australia working with coffee brand Allpress. Invivo & Co says it has grown by over 600% since its first equity crowdfunding campaign and is tipped for future growth as the company is set to launch three new wines and spirits over the coming months. Its brands are now in 17 countries with increased distribution planned.
Staffing still a challenge for Harvest 2022 ALTHOUGH THE wine industry is facing another stressful harvest ahead due to labour challenges with the ongoing border closure in New Zealand, experienced applicants are available, says recruitment website winejobsonline.com. “A pool of experienced harvest talent is available in New Zealand, but it’s a smaller group than in previous years,” says Rachel Brown, Marketing Manager for winejobsonline.com. “That said, applications are holding up so far for the upcoming harvest, and we are seeing many quality applicants with experience and qualifications applying for these roles.” Marcus Pickens, GM Wine Marlborough, says Marlborough’s 50 plus physical wineries need up to 1,100 seasonal vintage staff. “We are about to embark on measuring wineries’ needs
SHOWCASE
New from Strange Nature Distilling A NEW gin company, Strange Nature Distilling Ltd., has found an inventive use for the alcohol removed from Giesen Wine’s 0% New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Earlier this year, Giesen invested over $1m into spinning cone technology to gently remove the alcohol from some of its most popular wines for its in-demand alcohol-free range, which now includes a Rosé and a Pinot Gris. “The spinning cone process is gentle, preserving the aroma and flavours of the Sauvignon Blanc wine as the alcohol is removed,” says Giesen Group Chief Winemaker Duncan Shouler. “What we’re left with is a beautiful, pure New Zealand alcohol. It tasted so good we started to imagine how we could share it with the world.”
“What’s resulted is an inventive spin on a traditional gin” An inspiring spirit
Enter Giesen Group’s General Manager, Kyle Skene. Upon tasting the alcohol, he decided there was only one thing to do: make spirits. In particular, he set his sights on crafting a premium grape gin. “I’ve spent over a decade in the spirits industry developing global spirit brands, and the potential of the Sauvignon Blanc alcohol was immediately
14 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
clear. There’s huge appeal in developing a quintessential New Zealand spirit that could be traced back to Giesen’s roots,” says Skene. Over 18 months, Skene worked with distillers in trialling a range of botanicals. “In the end, we realised the Sauvignon Blanc aroma and flavour captured in the spirit tasted so good that we only needed a single botanical: juniper. Strange Nature Gin bears all the world-famous flavours of its New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc origins. Aromatic and fruity, it’s part tropical and zesty and part herbaceous. Tracing the journey
“The result is a unique gin with real provenance,” says Skene. “The fact we’ve grown the grapes and made the wine before we even think about crafting the gin means we know our spirit inside and out. We know the vineyard terroir and the rows the grapes were grown in - we have complete trust and traceability in every batch.” Skene has now joined Theo, Alex and Marcel Giesen in setting up the new boutique gin company, which will distil and sell the gin. “We started off pursuing one thing and discovered entirely another,” says Skene. “What’s resulted is an inventive spin on a traditional gin – a natural, truly grape-based gin that goes against the grain, aptly named Strange Nature.” Strange Nature is available now: (44% ABV) 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
for vintage staff versus their fulfilment and plan to do this over the coming months and keep the wine companies informed,” says Pickens. “We will also be looking at attraction campaigns, training opportunities with local partners, and sharing any learnings from what worked last year.” NZ Winegrowers CEO Philip Gregan says it has set up a Vintage 22 Focus Group to identify actions to increase the pool of available workers and will be holding further industry discussions to develop ideas to take to government. NZ Winegrowers has also welcomed the recent government announcement that RSE workers from Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu will no longer be required to go through MIQ from October.
INDUSTRY NEWS
West Akld Trusts makes early shift to living wage WEST AUCKLAND Trusts has moved its entire workforce to a living wage – bringing the planned shift forward by almost two years. The move affects more than 300 staff across the organisation’s 35 retail stores, hospitality venues and hotels. From 1 September, staff received a new living wage rate of at least $22.75 per hour, which is $2.75 above the government’s new minimum wage level. All waged employees who currently earn above the organisation’s starting rate also received an increase of $2 per hour. The Trusts says the change will cost the organisation almost $750,000 per annum and is in addition to a 10% support payment announced last week to acknowledge their frontline staff working during the pandemic. This payment will remain in place during Alert Levels 3 and 4. Trusts CEO, Allan Pollard Trusts CEO, Allan Pollard, says the living wage was originally planned for the second quarter of 2023, however new financial projections mean these plans can now take immediate effect. “It is our aim to ensure that our team members feel more valued and that this will make a material difference to their wellbeing and that of their whānau. “We would also like to see this move encourage other organisations in the industry to follow our lead and give back to their staff in this way.”
Lyre’s reworks its New Zealand distribution AFTER TWO years in the New Zealand market, non-alcoholic spirit brand Lyre’s is re-aligning its distribution model here. Lyre’s has extended its direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform into New Zealand while also creating a dedicated on- and off -premise team. This change came into effect on 1 October. The full Lyre’s range will also become available for the first time via a dedicated wholesale e-commerce store. Launched in Australia in July 2019, Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits is a range of 13 alcohol-free classic spirits and is the most decorated non-alcoholic spirit brand globally. It has received over 200 medals at prestigious events such as London Spirits competition, San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and IWSC, among others. Lyre’s says it will work directly with the trade to grow the market in New Zealand, while extending a partnership with Future State CPG who will be responsible for major retail distribution in New Zealand. “Our experience in launching Lyre’s in over 60 countries has helped us understand the importance of being close to the market,” says Mark Livings, CEO and co-founder of Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits. “A dedicated team in the New Zealand market creates opportunity for an expansion of our range for those venues and drinkers looking for low and no alcohol options. “We thank our launch partner Hancocks for the wins they have had so far in New Zealand and look forward to building on the foundation they have laid,” says Livings.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Where are they now? The annual Young Viticulturist and Young Winemaker competitions challenge and grow future wine industry leaders. They help young people gain confidence, upskill and widen their networks. With the 2021 competitions still underway, we look at what some of the previous winners are up to now...
Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year 2006 - Marcus Wickham, Marlborough
2012 - Braden Crosby, Wairarapa
Marcus was the very first winner in this competition, and at the time was Company Vineyards Manager for New Zealand Wineries. Afterwards he worked with Nigel George to develop the KLIMA pruning machine, which is sold here and around the world. Marcus is now General Manager of KLIMA and Ormond Nurseries who developed the Hi-Stem vines and is Director of NZ Wineries.
Braden was Winemaker and Vineyard Manager for Borthwick Vineyards when he won in 2012. With his wife, Gabrielle, he owns a vineyard and wine brand On Giants’ Shoulders. The name is a nod to the people who have helped them follow their dreams and Braden also pays it forward by allowing up-and-coming young winemakers to work with him under their Collaboration label. Braden is also Vineyard Manager of the iconic Ata Rangi Vineyards in Martinborough.
2007 - Emma Taylor, Hawke’s Bay
Emma was Company Viticulturist at Villa Maria when she competed and is now Director of Emma Taylor Viti and consults to key vineyards and nurseries. She is passionate about the New Zealand wine industry and contributes to its continued growth and success as Chair of NZ Viticultural Nursery Association, Chair of the Research Committee, as a member of NZ Winegrowers’ Environment Committee and she also sits on New Zealand Winegrowers Board.
Matt was Assistant Vineyard Manager for his family’s vineyard in Gisborne when he won the competition. He has since moved to Marlborough where he is now Grower Viticulturist for Rapaura Springs and Viticulturist for Summerhouse. With winemaking skills also up his sleeve he has been Winemaker at Fairhall Downs and produced small batches of wine under his own label Fox & Tiger, although at this stage primarily for enjoyment by a select group of family and friends.
Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year 2015 - Lauren Swift, Hawke’s Bay
2018 - Greg Lane
Lauren was the very first winner of the Young Winemaker competition and was working at Ash Ridge Estate. She is the Chief Winemaker there and produces her own wines under the Swift label, which are marketed by her husband Henry. Her range includes some classic varieties but she is experimenting with other grapes and exciting styles such as Blanc de Noir Gamay.
Originally from Adelaide, Greg gained some exciting winemaking experience around the world before settling in New Zealand. When he won the competition he was working at Foley Family Wines in Marlborough. However, he was lured to Central Otago in 2020 and became the Winemaker at Amisfield. Recently, over the winter of 2021 he became Chief Winemaker for Mt. Difficulty. A great success story.
2016 - Jordan Hogg, Marlborough
Jordan was Assistant Winemaker at Seresin when he won. He is now Winemaker at Rockferry Wines. He loves being able to work with a range of varieties including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Grüner Veltliner and producing premium organic wines. He also enjoys experimenting with different techniques such as using concrete egg fermenters and amphoras to bring some interesting structure to the wines.
Good luck to all contestants in this year’s competitions. 18 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
2013 - Matt Fox
2019 - Emily Gaspard-Clark, Marlborough
Emily was Assistant Winemaker at Spy Valley where she continued to learn and upskill. She is now the Winemaker at Spy Valley where she loves working with a wide range of varieties and is enjoying experimenting with yeast trials.
SHOWCASE
Zeffer opens for bespoke contract manufacturing AWARD-WINNING CRAFT beverage producer Zeffer Cider is now New Zealand’s newest full-service contract beverage manufacturer, with the recent installation of a brand-new canning line and pasteuriser at their cidery in Hawke’s Bay. “With 70% of Zeffer volume now packaged into cans along with the launch of our new 6-pack can range, we decided the time was right to invest in a canning line and pasteuriser to bring all Zeffer manufacturing in-house,” says Josh Townsend, CEO, Zeffer Cider. “This allowed us to set our site up with the ability to manufacture for other beverage producers.” Zeffer’s new canning line and pasteuriser is fully integrated with their bottling line and can package 6,000 cans per hour at full speed. The 13m tunnel pasteuriser is a critical quality control point and has increased the types of beverages Zeffer can manufacture. In addition to cider, seltzer and alcoholic ginger beer, Zeffer can now make a wider variety of beverages, including nonalcoholic and pre-mix beverages. “We’re excited about the addition of the pasteuriser in our packaging room as it greatly increases the types of beverages we can manufacture. We hope to be a suitable manufacturing partner for those established and emerging brands looking for a reliable long-term partner with the ability to produce a wide variety of batch sizes starting from 5kL,” says Townsend. With a long history of crafting delicious, award-winning beverages known for their quality and taste, Zeffer is looking forward to extending its service to support beverage brands throughout New Zealand. Email josh@zeffer.co.nz or phone 021 2232 800 for further information.
Zeffer launches new 6-pack can range TO ACCOMPANY their popular 1L glass flagon range, Zeffer has released a new 6-pack can range just in time for the busy summer months. Their new range includes Mixed Six packs of their most popular ciders and seltzers, as well as 6-packs of their two most popular ciders, Crisp Apple and Apple Crumble. This launch follows on from the successful launch of their 0% Crisp Apple Cider which is sold in 4-pack cans and has become their largest selling cider throughout New Zealand.
20 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
“On the back of our site upgrade and new canning line, we are excited to bring our new range of 6-pack cans to market this summer. Multipack formats are a common request from our fans, and we look forward to working with retailers to offer our most popular ciders and seltzers in this exciting format soon,” says Josh Townsend, CEO at Zeffer Cider. Zeffer’s full range of cider and seltzer includes 1L flagons, 330ml cans, 330ml bottles and 50L kegs. Zeffer is distributed by Lion in New Zealand or email orders@zeffer.co.nz
SHOWCASE
Summer chic from Saverglass French specialist glass company Saverglass introduces SUMMER CHIC, the first offering into New Zealand of its latest collection…
IF FREEDOM were a fragrance, it would be an elaborate composition of vitaminrich fruits, refreshing aromatic herbs and nostalgic spices, just like the alcohol-free cocktails that are shaking up the world of mixology. Also known as mocktails or virgin cocktails, these new spirit-free concoctions are flavourful, fruity, colourful
and cheery. They quench a thirst for simple, authentic pleasures, diluting the superfluous, true to the current health trends. Inspired by this wave of alternative thinking, the FREE SPIRIT collection from Saverglass exudes an exhilarating breath of fresh air. Three shapes, delicate and full of zing, to re-enchant a gustatory, sensory and celebratory universe. First envisaged to suit the No and Low alcohol category, this minimalist collection will delight spirit-lovers. More
SUMMER CHIC
elaborate than they might at first appear, these new bottles with an inverted conical shape are sure to impress. Contact Saverglass
09 522 2990 saverglass.com
LET YOUR SPIRITS FLOW FREELY Lightweight, Summer Chic is captivating for its unusual, vibrant and majestic look. The soft purity of its lines and the strength of its elegant yet discreet charm give it a unique and immediately identifiable presence. Summer Chic will enhance all your spirits, from the simplest to the most prestigious. Its ceremonious shape, the subtlety of its punt and the finesse of its “carnette” finish give it a truly unique design.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
NZ vineyards again named in World’s Best
Zuccardi Valle de Uco
THE WORLD’S Best Vineyards has named its 50 best wine tourism destinations across the globe, with New Zealand’s Craggy Range and Rippon again in the line-up. The World’s Best Vineyards list aims to highlight the diversity across both established and emerging wine tourism destinations by showcasing the world’s best and most unique vineyards. The list is voted by the Academy of 600 global wine and travel experts. Argentina’s Zuccardi Valle de Uco topped the list, making it the third year at number one for the Andean winery. The Bodegas de los Herederos del Marques de Riscal in Spain’s Rioja region took second place, and was closely followed by Chateau Margaux in Bordeaux, France. Bodegas Garzón in Uruguay was fourth place, and Montes in Chile was fifth. The 2021 Top 50 vineyards represent 16 countries and includes first-time entrants onto the list from Lebanon and Russia.
Hawke’s Bay’s Craggy Range was in 11th place in 2021 (a significant jump from its 2020 placing of 17), while Wanaka’s Rippon Vineyard placed 15th, down just two on its 2020 position. This year saw 10 new destinations in the Top 50 with Karam Wines in Lebanon
Marques de Riscal
Bodegas GarzÓn
becoming the highest new entry and reaching number 14 in the list. There are two new Russian entries from the Krasnodar region with Sikory Winery famous for its rocky clay soil entering the list for the first time at number 20 and the Lefkadia Valley hitting number 23. Opening the ceremony, Andrew Reed, Managing Director Wine and Exhibitions at awards owner William Reed, highlighted that, “Wine tourism is hugely important to the global economy and local economies, creating jobs directly at the wineries but also encouraging visitors to the area and the associated revenue which that generates. This is more important than ever with the recent global situation, and we know that by shining the light on wine tourism as we do with the World’s Best Vineyards the message gets out to more people to come and discover the uniqueness of wine and where it is made.” Find the full list at worldbestvineyards.com
Pernod Ricard to buy The Whisky Exchange PERNOD RICARD has announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of The Whisky Exchange, a leading online and physical spirits retailer. Since its creation by Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh in 1999, The Whisky Exchange, based in the UK, has become one of the biggest, most successful online drinks retailers, with a catalogue of around 10,000 products. Pernod Ricard says the acquisition is in line with its consumer-centric strategy of meeting new consumer needs and expectations, in a context of solid e-commerce growth
and strong demand for premiumisation. Pernod Ricard says it will leverage synergies between The Whisky Exchange’s expertise and its in-house platforms such as Drinks&Co and Bodeboca. The Whisky Exchange is an omnichannel player, expanding its activities to on-trade supply and physical stores in the UK, with several award-winning shops in London. It is also active in private sales and online auctions of rare spirits, two fast-expanding activities in which The Whisky Exchange will also develop innovative synergies with Pernod Ricard.
Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard, stated: “E-commerce is a key channel in our long-term strategy. We are thrilled to work with Industry pioneers such as Sukhinder, Rajbir and the whole team to bring The Whisky Exchange to a new step of its development.” The Whisky Exchange will continue to operate with its current team and structure, with Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh managing the business as joint Managing Directors. The closing of the transaction is subject to customary conditions.
DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 23
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
GlobalData picks top spirits and wine trends for 21/22 DISRUPTIONS IN supply chains, crop damage as a result of climate change, and a shift in consumer attitudes towards drinking are set to shape new trends and consumption habits in spirits and wine over the coming years, supporting steady growth, according to GlobalData. The data and analytics company expects the market to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.2% by 2026. “Health consciousness and sustainability, sprinkled with a pinch of indulgence, are set to drive many innovations this year, as consumers look for products that align with their personal values without compromising on taste,” says Holly Inglis, Beverages Analyst at GlobalData. “In GlobalData’s Q2 2021 consumer survey, 34% of global consumers stated that they find sustainably/ethically sourced ingredients very appealing, highlighting an innovation opportunity for beverage producers.” Inglis highlights the top five trends that will shape the spirits and wine sector over 2021/22: Low/No ABV
“Already established in the beer sector, low or no ABV are now taking shape in spirits and wine. Although hard seltzers benefited from this trend recently, Boston Beer reported that hard seltzer growth diminished, meaning the company had to revise its full year growth
forecasts – perhaps suggesting a slowdown in the previously booming category. “That said, ‘moderation’ is still a winning trend, as consumers look for lower/no ABV variations of their favorite drinks.” CBD infusion
“Two companies have recently leveraged experimental and health trends in one unique launch. Spirits producer, Amass, has recently paired THC and CBD-infused with zero ABV spirit, highlighting a modern take on what was once considered a taboo. In Poland, CBD beer launches from Browar Miejski Gloger Sp. Z o. O have also been witnessed, though in GlobalData’s Q2 21 consumer survey, only 15% of global consumers stated that novel/unusual flavors were opted for in alcoholic drinks, positioning this as more of an emerging trend.” Better-for-you wine
“Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainable and healthier alternatives to traditional products, and often this is achieved via certifications such as organic. Regarding wine, this refers to organic, biodynamic, or sustainable, all of which have their own certification boards and regulations. GlobalData’s Q3 2021 survey reveals that 55% and 40% of global consumers find natural and organic claims to be very appealing, respectively.”
Hard tea
“Following the immense success of hard seltzers, manufacturers are now looking to new cross-category innovations. Hard tea leverages a popular non-alcoholic beverage choice – with a twist. Producers are able to combine novel alcoholic blends with a tea base to create a unique offering, which is likely to appeal to younger-age consumers. Take Bully Boy’s Italian Iced Tea brand, which combines aperol spritz tastes with iced/RTD tea flavors, with a 7% ABV content.” Portion control cans
“The can format primarily came into play as part of the ‘on-the-go’ trend. However, since the pandemic and subsequent slowdown of many people’s lives, canned wines and spirits have co-opted a different space – that of portion control. Cans provide an accessible and affordable way to both count calories and consumption of alcohol units. In GlobalData’s Q2 2021 survey, 33% of global consumers stated that they are actively trying to reduce their consumption of calories, with a further 38% highlighting they are trying to reduce sugar consumption. This denotes not only a move away from high ABV count, but other less than healthy ingredients too.”
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LEGAL NOTES
Pervinder Kaur
Associate at Harkness Henry specialising in alcohol licensing and resource management law pervinder.kaur@harkness.co.nz harknesshenry.co.nz
On the level Amid shifting COVID Alert Levels, alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur looks at what to know about remote sales and supply of alcohol. NEW ZEALAND’S recent Delta outbreak has been a reminder of how quickly daily life can change. Because ways of doing business shift between our Alert Level settings it’s worth taking time to understand what’s permitted when it comes to selling alcohol. Bottle stores are considered nonessential services and must close to the public under Alert Levels 3 and 4, unless they are in Licensing Trust Areas and the bottle store is operated by the Licensing Trust in that area. Open premises in Licensing Trust Areas can operate with a one-in-one-out rule in Levels 3 and 4. Online alcohol sales and delivery
Any holder of an alcohol off-licence can sell alcohol remotely. A remote seller uses the internet, telephone, mail or other means to sell and deliver alcohol to a person who is not at the remote seller’s premises. The term “remote seller” includes: • a s 40 remote seller – an off-licence holder who sells remotely and has applied for and had their licence endorsed under s 40 of the Act. • general off-licence remote sellers – all other off-licence holders who sell remotely, in addition to selling on the premises (for example – a bottle store, supermarket or winery). Under Level 4, off-licence holders are allowed to sell and deliver alcohol remotely as long as they can do so through contactless delivery. Under Level 3, alcohol can be delivered through contactless delivery or via a click and collect service. Under Level 2, all off-licence holders can operate as normal as long as they meet 26 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
all requirements of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and comply with the new Level 2 rules as follows: • masks are mandatory for retail workers; • workers must keep 1 metre apart and customers 2 metres apart; • businesses are required to display a QR code or provide an alternative contact tracing system; and • you may need to limit the number of people allowed on the premises to help with physical distancing.
Off-licence remote sellers also need to ensure there is a comprehensive service agreement with their delivery service provider Licensees with an off-licence endorsed under s 40:
• must deliver the alcohol they sell to somewhere else; • delivery must not occur between 11pm-6am or at any time on Good Friday, or before 1pm on Anzac Day; • delivery must not occur on Easter Sunday unless it is grape wine, or fruit or vegetable wine made on the premises; • must appoint a manager but do not have to have a manager on duty at all times; • are exempt from signage requirements for hours of business and the display of the licence at the physical premises to which the licence is issued; • must ensure that the licence holder’s
name, licence number and licence expiry date are displayed in a prominent place on any internet site and on any receipt issued for a remote sale; • a legible image of the remote sellers’ licence or a clearly identified link to such an image must be displayed on any internet site used to sell alcohol; • must take reasonable steps to verify that both the buyer and the receiver of any alcohol sold are 18 years old or over; and • must not encourage excessive consumption of alcohol. By comparison, general off-licence remote sellers must comply with all conditions of their licence, including not promoting and/or advertising discounts on alcohol in a way that leads people or is likely to lead people to believe that the discount offered is 25% or more. In addition to the requirements above, off-licence remote sellers must also ensure that there is a comprehensive service agreement with their delivery service provider. This includes making sure that the delivery provider is regularly training its staff in age verification systems and intoxication assessment guidelines, as those are the people delivering your alcoholic products. It pays to have the service agreement legally drafted and/or reviewed so the provisions of the service agreement are providing appropriate protection to you as a licensee. From my experience, Police and the Medical Officer of Health have started looking into remote sales of alcohol more carefully to ensure that the sale and supply (delivery) of alcohol is undertaken safely and responsibly and that harm caused by inappropriate or excessive consumption of alcohol is minimised.
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RTD NEWS
Pals reveals new tropical flavour for summer KIWI RTD brand Pals has added a new flavour to its popular line-up of ‘better for you’ RTDs, just in time for summer. The new Vodka, Mango, Pineapple & Soda launched in early October and uses natural tropical flavours, paired with premium vodka and all natural ingredients. Like Pals’ five other RTDs, the new release has no artificial colours, sweeteners or preservatives and contains all-natural flavours. It’s vegan, gluten-friendly and features 30 calories per 100ml. The new SKU will be available nationwide in both New Zealand and Australia and has been a well-kept secret up until its release with just the sunflower element of the can illustration used to tease the new product. “Originality and innovative thinking is critical to everything we do,” says Pals co-founder Mat Croad. “The starting point for this launch was a simple question: ‘What would everyone else do?’ Then let’s make sure we don’t do that. “We wanted to create ambiguity and talking points around what we were doing. We thought pulling out a small
element of the can illustration, being the sunflower, was a great way to do this,” says Croad. He says the hardest part of this approach was keeping the flavour a complete secret, with no one outside the small Pals team and manufacturers knowing the details before launch. Pals continues to go from strength to strength following its successful foray into the zero alcohol category and winning an historic tender with Eden Park as the official pourage partner for its first ever concert.
Pals also recently won ‘Best New Brand’ and ‘Best Alcohol Drink’ at the World Beverage Innovation Awards 2021 with their best-selling flavour, Vodka, Central Otago Peach, Passionfruit and Soda. Closer to home, Pals continues to expand its Australian business with an additional 1,700 stockists and launched in the Cook Islands in August. Pals Vodka, Mango, Pineapple & Soda – 330ml 10-pack, RRP $27.99 Federal Merchants & Co
Meet Arty D and his new RTD NEW FROM Leigh Hart – the man behind Wakachangi Beer and Snackachangi Chips – comes Arty D, a new ready-to-drink offering. The 5% ABV RTDs come with a back story and product names full of Hart’s trademark humour. Said to be the creation of cocktail barman and part-time NASA consultant Arthur Dieselmann (Arty D), the new range includes Vodka, Berry & Shamozzle; Vodka, Lime & Debacle; and Vodka, Passionfruit & Fiasco. Arty D – 330ml 10-pack RRP $29.99 Beverage Brothers
28 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
RTD NEWS
Cocktails made easy COCKTAILS ON tap for summer just got even easier with the new Basic Babe Boxtail range from Australian company Basic Brands. Founders Mark Collins and Matthew Hanks have combined experience in the food and beverage and fitness industries and Boxtails is already ranged in over 1,000 BWS liquor stores around Australia. The new 2LT bag in box cocktails are 99% sugar-free, low calorie and 4% ABV. Boxtails is available in three variants: • Pink Gin Daiquiri • Passionfruit Martini • Raspberry & Lime Margarita Boxtails 2LT RRP $22.99 Beverage Brothers
Moa says ‘Hey Hey’ Four Pillars releases G&T FOUR PILLARS Gin is releasing its first RTD, a Rare Dry Gin & Tonic, which is now available through New Zealand distributor Tickety-Boo. The Australian distillery, which was named International Gin Producer of the Year by the IWSC two years running (2019 and 2020), uses a concentrated version of its signature gin and a bespoke tonic for the Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin & Tonic RTD. To keep alcohol volumes to one standard drink per can while not compromising on the gin flavour, Four Pillars co-founder and Distiller, Cam Mackenzie distilled a hyperconcentrated version of the Rare Dry Gin using twice as many of the same botanicals, with a few extra fresh organic oranges thrown in to replicate their signature orange garnish. Mackenzie and the Four Pillars team designed the tonic to match the clean, spicy, and citrus-forward Rare Dry Gin.
MOA BREWING has released a new RTD – the company’s first brand launch since the management buyout earlier this year. Hey Hey is an RTD cocktail available in two flavours: Gin, Cloudy Pink Grapefruit and Tonic; and Vodka, Peach, Nectarine and Soda. The new cocktails are low in sugar and contain no artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners or preservatives. Moa says it’s part of the company’s expansion into new categories and drinkers. Stephen Smith, Moa Managing Director, says the RTD market is going from strength to strength and Moa is
excited to add to the offering. “It was a key focus of ours to introduce exciting flavour combinations to the RTD market to help stand out from the crowd, and also a product that is New Zealand familyowned and operated in a market full of internationally owned brands.” Hey Hey is another addition to Moa’s exclusive partnership with Foodstuffs, with the drinks exclusively stocked in Liquorland and Henry’s stores nationwide and across their key wholesale channels of Gilmours and Trents. Hey Hey – 330ml 10 packs, RRP $27.99 Moa Brewing
Tickety-Boo DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 29
SHOWCASE
Cazcabel Tequila launches in NZ CAZCABEL TEQUILA, one of the fastestgrowing tequila brands in the world, has officially launched into New Zealand through Federal Merchants & Co. Cazcabel offers a range of premium and authentic tequilas inspired by the Mexican medicine man Don Cazcabel – also known as the “Snakeman” of the Jalisco Mountains. Cazcabel Tequila, which includes Blanco, Coffee, Coconut, Honey and Reposado, is the result of Don Cazcabel’s pursuit to craft the perfect tequila. Four award-winning generations have since perfected every batch in an independent micro distillery in the highlands of the Jalisco Mountains. Cazcabel’s Master Distiller uses only the finest, locally grown, seven-year-old blue Weber agave with the right balance of acid and sugar to create Cazcabel’s unique taste. Head of Brand and Business strategy at Federal Merchants & Co, Cazcabel’s New Zealand distributor, Michael Morton says, “We’re so excited to launch one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in the world here in New Zealand. Cazcabel’s aim is to offer a range of authentic premium tequilas that allow consumers to explore the category in new and exciting ways. The range, particularly the flavours, opens tequila up to new drinking occasions beyond late night and can be sipped neat or savoured in cocktails. With international travel off the cards for the foreseeable future, what better way to experience Mexico?”
30 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Cazcabel Blanco
Cazcabel Coconut
RRP $74.99, ABV 38%
RRP $64.99, ABV 34%
t the heart of Cazcabel’s range, the A spirit is fashioned from sun-baked blue Weber agave from the heart of the Jalisco region. Fresh, crisp and with a rustic hit of earthy agave, this tequila is truly one to be sipped and savoured.
The crisp citrus edge of Blanco has been paired with the succulent sweetness and earthy tones of coconuts. Providing rich, sweet and warm hits of coconut, layered over agave notes. Cazcabel Coconut is the perfect addition for a taste of the tropics.
Cazcabel Coffee RRP $64.99, ABV 34%
Cazcabel Reposado
Using the fresh and earthy base of the Blanco, Cazcabel Coffee blends in a roasted sweet hit of luxury coffee for the perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. It’s a stunning shot that can be used in innovative cocktails or enjoyed neat over ice.
RRP $79.99, ABV 38%
Cazcabel Honey RRP $64.99, ABV 34%
This multi-award-winning tipple is one of the world’s first honey tequilas! With the fresh, earthy and dry Blanco at its heart, Cazcabel Honey adds a dose of sweet nectar to the blend. An intense aroma of honey and rich caramel packs a punch for cocktails and drinks.
Rested in American oak barrels for nine to eleven months, it balances the clean and earthy agave flavour of the double distilled Blanco with the complex but subtle aromas of toasted oak. The Cazcabel Tequila range is available to order now through Federal Merchants & Co.
WINE REPORT – AROMATICS
Aroma world They’re a sign of lighter times ahead – Joelle Thomson selects aromatic whites to brighten shelves and lift wine lists.
32 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
WINE REPORT – AROMATICS
RRP $15 - $19.99 2021 Giesen Estate Riesling RRP $15.99 Giesen Group
This outstanding Riesling is made with grapes grown in Marlborough and North Canterbury. It’s a regional combo that provides brilliantly deep and richly concentrated citrus zest flavours in a full-bodied style with lighter than usual alcohol of 10% ABV. Its 38 grams of residual sugar might sound high but it’s a flavoursome wine nicely balanced with zingy acidity. It tastes of lime zest, lemon curd and peachy notes. It’s no mean feat to make a wine of this quality at such an affordable price. 18.5/20 2020 Mission Estate Hawke’s Bay Gewürztraminer RRP $16 Mission Estate
Hawke’s Bay’s warm maritime climate suits the Gewürztraminer grape down to the ground and this one is made with grapes grown throughout the region. It’s medium-dry in style with 10.8 grams of residual sugar, adding flavour, weight and richness. Expect to taste Turkish Delight, rose flavours and a long, lush finish. 17.5/20
2019 Kumeu River Pinot Gris RRP $18.99 Vintners
The Brajkovich family uses hand-picked grapes, indigenous yeast fermentation and time on lees to add X-factor to this dry, nutty and lightly creamy Pinot Gris. It’s made with grapes grown entirely in Kumeu in north-west Auckland, where the family has made high quality wine for over half a century. Every sip of this dry Pinot Gris shows why Kumeu River Wines is such a respected producer. 17.5/20 2021 Wairau River Marlborough Pinot Gris RRP $19.99 Federal Merchants
This lush Marlborough Pinot Gris has fresh flavours of white pear juice and fleshy nectarines with zesty acidity adding a finish that has you reaching for the next sip. It’s medium-bodied and 13% ABV. It’s made by winemaker Sam Rose, a member of the Rose family, who established this winery in the early days of the modern Marlborough wine scene, in 1978. 17.5/20
RRP $20 - $29.99 2019 Main Divide Pinot Gris RRP $21.99 EuroVintage
Alsatian Pinot Gris was the inspiration for this full-bodied, richly flavoursome Gris, which tastes of concentrated ripe oranges with a note of nashi pear. The grapes were picked progressively at various stages of ripeness to create a wine with a broad body and freshness. Fermentation in stainless steel at cool temperatures preserves the fruity appeal and it retains 10 grams of residual sugar, creating an off-dry, medium-bodied wine. A tasty little number and a bargain at the price. 16.5/20 2020 Seifried Nelson Gewürztraminer RRP $21.99 Seifried Estate
Seifried Estate is the biggest winery in the Nelson region and focuses mostly on making big aromatic wines with depth and purity, such as this lusciously aromatic Gewürztraminer with its exotic flavours of old-fashioned red roses and Turkish Delight. It’s a classic Gewürz’ from the South Island – its notes of moderate sweetness are nicely balanced by the refreshing taste of dried ginger that lingers with every sip. 17.5/20
DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 33
WINE REPORT – AROMATICS
2019 Main Divide Riesling
2020 Babich Headwaters Albariño
RRP $21.99 EuroVintage
RRP $22.99 Babich Wines
Grapes for this wine were picked over several weeks and the resulting ripe citrus flavours of tangerine zest, mandarin and candied lemon create a rich, tasty Riesling. Fermentation was in stainless steel at cool temperatures to retain these pronounced fruit flavours and the finished wine also has a little hint of carbon dioxide, which accentuates its fresh, zingy character. It’s medium dry with 24 grams of residual sugar supported by its full body and crisp finish. 17.5/20
This tasty dry white is the fourth harvest of Albariño from the certified organic Headwaters Vineyard in Marlborough. The wine is lush, succulent and off-dry with notes of lime and white stonefruit that move to a lingering finish. Its refreshing aromatic purity and freshness make it a great match for seafood – the fresher, the better. 18.5/20
2019 Yalumba Organic Viognier RRP $22 Negociants
If you’re looking for a tasty wine to recommend with rich, spicy food like Thai red curry, this Viognier is just the ticket. It’s soft, smooth, full-bodied and just off dry in flavour, with five grams of residual sugar nicely balanced by aromas of ripe apricots, ginger and peach. This wine was fermented with wild yeasts, which add complexity to its approachable style. South Australia’s Yalumba Wines has been incredibly influential in its pioneering work with the Viognier grape, having worked hard to introduce it to Australia. In doing so, it enabled its spread around the world in the second half of last century at a time when this grape was in danger of extinction due to vine disease. 17.5/20
34 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
2018 Astrolabe Wrekin Chenin Blanc is a super flavoursome alternative to all the usual white wine suspects. 2020 Clearview Coastal Gewürztraminer RRP $22.99 Clearview Estate
Clearview winemaker Matt Kirby makes this luscious Gewürztraminer in a rich, concentrated, medium-dry style with flavour to burn. Red rose petal and Turkish delight flavours drive this wine, while its opulent flourishes of honey, tropical fruit and ginger add complexity. The wine has a lingering, concentrated finish. 17.5/20
2020 Whitehaven Marlborough Pinot Gris RRP $22.99 Whitehaven Wines
Whitehaven puts Pinot Gris’ best foot forward with this dry and flavoursome wine. The medium-bodied style has a textural richness driving its flavours of crisp, fresh nashi pears and red apples to a long finish. It is a versatile wine, either with or without food, thanks to its fresh dry style. 16.5/20 2018 Astrolabe Wrekin Chenin Blanc RRP $23.99 Astrolabe Wines
Astrolabe Chenin Blanc is dry, medium-bodied and a super flavoursome alternative to all the usual white wine suspects, thanks to its intense notes of freshly picked green apples and intoxicating aromas of honeysuckle. Winemaker Simon Waghorn and his family are among the few passionate producers of Chenin Blanc in New Zealand and it’s great for the diversity of our wine industry to have wines such as this. It can age for at least a decade and is also great to drink now, served lightly chilled in a large glass. 18.5/20
WINE REPORT – AROMATICS
2021 Terrace Edge Classic Riesling RRP $23.99 Wine2Trade
Terrace Edge winery makes two styles of Riesling each year. This is the drier of the two and it contains eight grams of residual sugar nicely balanced by fresh acidity. Flavours of ripe lemon zest combine with nectarine aromas and powerful tropical flavours of pineapple and guava. It finishes on a crisp, lingering note and is a consistent crowd pleaser with character. Terrace Edge was this year named Aotearoa New Zealand Organic Winery of the Year. It is family-owned and situated on the banks of the Waipara River, where the hot days and cool nights are tempered by the river’s moderating effects on the climate. 17.5/20 2019 Chard Farm Riesling RRP $24.99 Chard Farm
Chard Farm’s tasty Riesling is made with grapes grown on the Arena Block in the Viper Vineyard at Parkburn, a steep north-facing slope, which enhances grape ripening and produces flavours of ripe lemon and concentrated apple and lime. It’s lively and light-bodied with great depth of citrus flavours. 17.5/20
2019 Forrest Marlborough Albariño RRP $24.99 Forrest Wines
Forrest Estate is where New Zealand’s Albariño story began – and this is one of the country’s best examples, thanks to its dry, salty, lemony flavours and refreshingly long succulent finish. Winemaker Beth Forrest was working vintage in Spain when she first encountered this great white grape and was immediately smitten. This led to Albariño being brought into New Zealand by Riversun Nurseries in Gisborne and, eventually, to growing in Marlborough. 18.5/20 2019 Mount Edward Central Otago Riesling RRP $24.99 Mineral
This dry, delicious and refreshingly citrusy Riesling is the first from Mount Edward to be made solely from grapes grown on the Morrison vineyard in Central Otago. This is a special spot for winemaker Duncan Forsyth, who has converted the land to a 100% organically certified site. It is home to both Pinot Noir and a quirky selection of white grapes, such as this Riesling. The opulence in this wine is all about its core of fruit purity, and refined lemon juice and Granny Smith apple flavours. These will continue to develop and evolve to make this wine age superbly – as well as taste like drinking a sorbet on a hot summer’s day right now. 18.5/20
2020 Esk Valley Artisanal Chenin Blanc RRP $24.99 Villa Maria
Chenin Blanc is one of the great white grapes of the wine world thanks to its incredible versatility and fresh qualities. This one is made with grapes grown on Ian Quinn’s Two Terraces vineyard in Mangatahi, Hawke’s Bay. Quinn supplies Chenin grapes to several winemakers, including Gordon Russell of Esk Valley, who ferments this wine in stainless steel and matures it in a concrete egg for six months on fine lees. It’s dry, with flavours of white peach, clover honey and dried grass, all of which remind me of warm, sunny days. 18.5/20 2020 Greystone Organic Pinot Gris RRP $24.99 Red+White Cellars
Greystone’s organic Pinot Gris is off-dry with a medium body and rich textural flavours of white pear, yellow peach and a soft finish. It is made from certified organic grapes grown at Greystone’s vineyards on the slopes of limestone rich hills in Omihi, North Canterbury. 17.5/20
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WINE REPORT – AROMATICS
2019 Giesen Reiler Goldlay Mosel Riesling RRP $25.99 Giesen Group
The grapes in this wine come from the Giesen brothers’ vineyard in the German village of Reil, a steep site in the middle of Mosel. Here, Mosel winemaker Tobias Treis works his magic on this lovely Riesling, which is bottled in the Mosel’s classic elegant dark green bottle then shipped to New Zealand. It’s a superconcentrated, lively young wine with flavours of lime sorbet, crisp apples and succulent nectarines, enveloped in a medium-dry style with 12% alcohol and 21 grams of residual sugar. The vineyard has an altitude difference of 150 metres from top to bottom; vines are planted along small terraces supported by dry stone walls and the average vine age is over 50 years. 17.5/20 2018 Maxim Hawke’s Bay Chenin Blanc RRP $25.99 Maxim Wines
Maxim Wines is a small wine producer in Hawke’s Bay, making small volumes of Chenin Blanc. This wine is mediumbodied with flavours of red apple and stonefruit such as nectarines and ripe peach, supported by citrusy acidity to add balance to the rich flavours. It’s another great take on the Chenin theme; drinking well now and with potential to age. 17.5/20
36 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
2021 Terrace Edge Pinot Gris RRP $25.99 Wine2Trade
This North Canterbury Pinot Gris is medium-bodied and medium dry with flavours of fleshy white pears and notes of pineapple and spice. The grapes in this wine were grown on the edge of the Waipara River and the winemaking is done at the nearby Muddy Water Winery under the watchful eye of the Greystone winemaking team; Terrace Edge’s winemaker, Gavin Tait, is part of that team. 17.5/20 2019 Pewsey Vale Riesling RRP $26 Negociants
Slivers of sashimi, pan-fried white fish and Pacific oysters are perfect partners for this dry, refreshing South Australian Riesling, which shows what purity in dry white wines is all about. Pewsey Vale is one of Australia’s best-known Rieslings, and for good reason. Its light-bodied and youthful flavours taste like biting into a crisp green apple sprinkled liberally with lime zest and the finish of light, peachy notes lingers and lures you back for another sip. It’s bone-dry with less than one gram of residual sugar per litre, drinks well now and can age superbly for up to a decade. 17.5/20
2020 Matawhero Gisborne Chenin Blanc RRP $26.99 Hancocks
Kirsten and Richard Searle are champions of Chenin Blanc in Gisborne and theirs is made with grapes from the Briant’s vineyard in the Patutahi region, just across the river from Matawhero. The aromas here are all citrus blossom, while white florals and honeysuckle flavours combine with fresh acidity and a medium body. A stunning alternative medium-dry white. 17.5/20 2018 The Boneline Hellblock Riesling RRP $28.99 The Boneline
The Boneline’s evocatively named Hellblock Riesling comes from grapes grown on a gravel river terrace in a spot on the Waipara River that gets as hot as hell during summer, with winds to challenge Wellington on a blustery day. It’s a stunning Riesling as a result, because the grapes that survive are intensely concentrated with flavour. This mediumdry style has a light body and super impressive purity of lime zest combined with fresh green grapes, tangerine and white lily. Complexity to burn and a beautiful drink, year round. 18.5/20
WINE REPORT – AROMATICS
Albariño is New Zealand’s most promising new grape and Nautilus is consistently the best example to date.
2021 Nautilus Albariño RRP $29.95 Negociants
Albariño is New Zealand’s most promising new grape and Nautilus is consistently the best example to date. Winemaker Clive Jones produces a refreshing, zingy, impressively full-bodied and dry Albariño that champions the grape rather than winemaking artifice, enhancing high natural acidity with weight and texture in the mouth derived from a brief ageing on lees. The 2021 harvest was a nervewracking one. It was the earliest ever for Nautilus, with picking finished by 25 March. Mother Nature ensured low volumes of grapes, which has resulted in wines with intense concentration, such as this one. If you’re looking for a delicious match with fresh scallops or any salty, savoury flavours, here it is. 18.5/20
2021 Nautilus Pinot Gris
2019 Pegasus Bay Riesling
RRP $29.95 Negociants
RRP $31.99 EuroVintage
Trust Nautilus winemaker Clive Jones to make a Pinot Gris at this level. All the grapes were hand-picked and a small portion were fermented in old oak, which softens the flavours, adding depth and complexity. It elevates this Gris to an entirely new platform of complexity with freshness to burn in a dry style. This is a very good quality Pinot Gris – the best I have tasted so far this year. 18.5/20
Mat Donaldson and his team make this medium-dry Riesling one of the country’s most opulent white wines every year. Flavours span the succulent gamut of wild honey, lemongrass, lemon zest and ripe mandarins, all leading into a full-bodied, weighty drop. It’s modelled on the best Rieslings from Germany and Austria and produced from grapes given a long hang time on the vines, which provides density in body and taste. Pegasus Bay Riesling is one of New Zealand’s greatest white wines every year. It’s a maverick, brave, adventurous white that is delicious now and ages for a decade and then some. 19/20
RRP above $30 2018 Valli Riesling Waitaki Valley RRP $31.99 Great Little Vineyards
Valli Riesling is inspired by the great whites of the Mosel Valley in Germany. Winemaker Grant Taylor describes this vintage as having flavours of freshly squeezed lime juice, Granny Smith apple and hints of floral aromas that remind him of jasmine. Its refreshing flavours come from its prominent acidity, which is beautifully balanced with bright citrus and stone fruit like sweet peaches. It has an incredibly lingering finish. A great white. 18.5/20
2020 Smith & Sheth Cru Heretaunga Albariño RRP $31.99 Smith & Sheth
A stunning new addition to the New Zealand Albariño shelves. It’s super fresh and full of bright acidity, which adds a zesty note to the subtle saltiness that provides a savoury taste to the wine. Rich and full-bodied yet fresh, with mouthwatering, crisp acidity giving great balance, length and structure. 18.5/20
Valli Riesling is inspired by the great whites of the Mosel Valley in Germany.
DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 37
WINE REPORT – AROMATICS
2020 Neudorf Home Block Moutere Pinot Gris RRP $33 EuroVintage
Neudorf’s Home Vineyard in the Upper Moutere is home to the grapes that go into this smooth Pinot Gris, with its fleshy flavours of white pear and peach and its weighty substance. The grapes were 100% whole bunch pressed to maximise flavour and 100% wild yeast fermented in large oak barrels to provide the wine with the benefits of a controlled oxidative environment. This enhances savoury flavours and gives the impression of a fuller-bodied style, which I like a lot in this tasty little number. It’s dry and a lovely summery sipper. 17.5/20 2019 The Millton Vineyard Te Arai Chenin Blanc RRP $33.99 Vintners
This wine tastes of summer. Fresh and dried flower aromas remind me of summer on a hot day with my toes in the water of a great river. It’s long on taste and fresh, thanks to naturally high acidity, which is balanced by a judicious and sensitive touch of residual sugar that makes the wine medium-dry. Winemakers James and Annie Millton were the first in the country to produce certified organic wine and have since pioneered biodynamic wines and a strong loyalty to lesser-known great grape varieties like Chenin Blanc. 18.5/20
Hawke’s Bay grower Ian Quinn is a devotee of Chenin and provides grapes to three different winemakers. 2019 Easthope Chenin Blanc Hawke’s Bay RRP $36.99 Dhall & Nash
Rod and Emma Easthope make this lively, zesty, dry and savoury Chenin Blanc with its fresh flavours of citrus with a nutty twist. All the grapes come from grower Ian Quinn’s Hawke’s Bay vineyard: a rare site in New Zealand because volumes of Chenin there are growing steadily, albeit from a small base. Quinn is a devotee of Chenin and enjoys providing grapes to three different winemakers, each of whom produces their own individualistic take on this great white grape. The grapes for this wine were all hand-picked and fermented in old oak, which provides body, weight and savoury notes. It drinks well now and can age further. 18.5/20
2020 Felton Road Riesling RRP $38.99 Felton Road
Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter makes three Rieslings, all of which highlight the strong potential of Central Otago as a great white wine region, even if it is better known as Pinot Central. The intense lime zest, green apple skin and ripe peach flavours in this Riesling belie its dry style, with just six grams of residual sugar nicely balanced by ripe flavours. It drinks beautifully right now and is a keeper, as all great Rieslings are. 19/20 2020 Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Riesling RRP $39.99 EuroVintage
I’ve always thought of Pegasus Bay’s dry Riesling as a concentrated version of orange zest on speed, thanks to its incredible depth of flavour and impressively lingering finish, which lures you in for another sip or three. This new 2020 release is a little drier than in recent years, but the wine is consistently a stellar Riesling with purity, complexity, delicacy and power. It’s a wine for the long haul, but like all Bel Cantos, it’s a stunner right now too. 19/20
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 108. 38 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
OPINION – WINE
Joelle Thomson
Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com
Silver lining to a small vintage Mother Nature may have delivered incredibly small crops to New Zealand winemakers this year, but her tough love has its upsides as Joelle Thomson explains… THE 2021 New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are rolling out – as the most planted grape in New Zealand today these wines are easy to come by and, in many cases, crazily affordable. Quality and style, however, are another matter. Both can be a rollercoaster of good, great or downright simple fruity wine best drunk in its youth. Which is not always a bad thing. While Sauvignon Blanc is plentiful, it is not always 100 per cent true to the label, owing to wine regulations in this country (and globally) that allow winemakers to add up to 15% of any other grape, vintage, or the same grape from a different region. This is known as “the 85% rule”. This regulation can have many positives. It has enabled wineries in Marlborough to grow faster than their natural capacity would have allowed, had they been limited to using grapes solely from their own region. And in tough years it can be helpful to be able to use a portion of grapes grown in a region where the weather was warmer. This can mitigate hard edges from less ripe grapes if the vintage was cool, for example. There is also the potential to beef up a less characterful wine by adding something with more personality: a touch of Gewürztraminer to Pinot Gris, for instance, was common practice at one stage. Or, if you accidentally planted a quirky grape and found yourself unsure of what to do with it, blending it into a better known, more popular wine could solve the problem quick smart. 40 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
However, the 85% rule can also be a convenient way of boosting production without declaring exactly what grapes are in a wine, or where they came from. This has been an issue for Marlborough, the world’s biggest region for Sauvignon Blanc, because there is, simply put, more Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc produced than there are grapes grown in the region to make it. For this reason, a bunch of winemakers in Marlborough created a trademark to protect the authenticity of
Blancs will enhance Marlborough’s reputation internationally as a great wine region as vintages of this quality don’t come often, and will give wine drinkers a snapshot of what a great and challenging vintage can taste like. “The quality of fruit from 2021 has created wines with great weight, concentration and balance. This is because of the record low crops we got.” It’s not only the Marlborough region whose winemakers experienced low crops this year. Martinborough, and the
Winemaker Matthew Ward of Catalina Sounds predicts that the 2021 Sauvignon Blancs will enhance Marlborough’s reputation internationally. their wines. Authenticity in and of itself does not ensure quality or dictate style, but it can be suggestive of both these things when used by those focused on high quality. The authenticity logo in question is Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW). And it’s never been more apt than now, says Matthew Fox, viticulturist for Rapaura Springs. “The wines from our 2021 vintage are by far the most concentrated and powerful examples of Sauvignon Blanc that I’ve tried to date. The quality across the board is outstanding. It’s an exceptional year to be a consumer buying Sauvignon.” Catalina Sounds winemaker, Matthew Ward, predicts that the 2021 Sauvignon
Wairarapa as a whole, had grapes that were so tiny it was difficult to see how juice could be pressed from some of them at all. And other regions were also similarly afflicted. Mother Nature can be harsh but the flipside is the high quality due to the concentrated flavour. As winemaker Jules Taylor says of the very small grapes from 2021: “The fruit had great concentration, we just wish there was more to go round.” You’ll find the AMW logo on the back label of wines produced by its members who use 100% Marlborough grown grapes in their wines. Find out more at appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz
SHOWCASE
A Taste of Vins de Provence
QT Hotel Rooftop
AUCKLAND’S DRINKS and hospitality trade recently experienced the flavours of Provence with a tasting of over 55 wines from the famous French region, alongside a masterclass exploring its unique offerings. At a recent event held on the rooftop of the QT Hotel in Auckland, the city’s leading distributors and sommeliers came together to try the wines, which had never before been tasted in New Zealand, and to learn about a new online platform designed to connect them with producers in Provence.
de Provence (CIVP) and bring together some 494 private wine producers and 63 cooperative producers, as well as 90 wine traders. Provence Wines in New Zealand
Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas
The magic of Rosé
The tasting was accompanied by a masterclass hosted by Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas, sharing the story of the region and its unique terroir. Rosé wine is a historic specialty of this wine growing region and represents 91% of wine production. It is intimately linked to Provence’s identity, sharing the same values of authenticity, sensoriality and audacity. Today, 38% of French AOC Rosé wines and 4.2% of Rosés in the world hail from Provence and are renowned for their signature style: pale pink, dry and aromatic. Demand for premium Provence Rosés continues to grow, with the Provence style setting the benchmark for savoury Rosés around the world. Provence Rosés are suitable with most local food types, and with many Indian, Thai, and Mediterranean-style dishes. According to Cameron Douglas, food pairings often get overlooked & Rosé can handle spice and stronger flavours, opening the door to longer table time. Rosé and Provence wines used in degustation menus should be a serious consideration. Furthermore,
Understanding the region
Provence, the oldest vineyard in France, brings together three appellations d’origine contrôlée spanning close to 200km, between the Mediterranean and the Alps, across the departments of Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and a commune within the Alpes- Maritimes: the AOC Côtes de Provence, AOC Coteaux d’Aixen-Provence and AOC Coteaux Varois en Provence. These are united under the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins
Connecting with the producers
Provence Wine Connect online platform was launched in 2020. This site provides access to over 200 producers in the region who are willing to export their wines to Asia Pacific and is a way for trade to connect directly with them. The site is free to use and is an easy one-stop platform for all things Provence wine. Sign up to Provence Wine Connect at www.provence-wine-connect.com
Provence Wine Sales Volume in New Zealand
1400 1200 1000 800 600 ‘00 litres
Taste of style!
he considers that the notion of Rosé being a summer drink is over, it is now all year round. Provence is also a region really dedicated on embracing sustainability, and 32% of the vineyard is currently certified organic or converted to a national sustainability programme called HVE (High Environmental Value).
New Zealand loves Rosé more and more. According to “Wine Intelligence New Zealand Wine Landscape 2021”, Rosé wine is, with Prosecco, the only category that has shown significant growth since 2014. Provence remains the benchmark in the category, and before the pandemic, Provence Wines imports had been increasing constantly since 2011. With more than 153,000 bottles in 2020 (98% of which is Rosé!), Provence wines have made a name and proved they have their place in the wine list of every bar, restaurant and wine shop.
400 200 0 2011 Year
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Data source: Vins de Provence
DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 41
NEW RELEASES
Top Picks Joelle Thomson selects a bunch of beauties freshly released for spring and summer
2021 Two Rivers Convergence Sauvignon Blanc
2019 Esk Valley Artisanal Syrah RRP $24.99 Villa Maria
RRP $25 Procure Liquor
This newly released 2021 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is zesty and smooth with creamy depth, thanks to being fermented in a combination of large concrete tanks and clay amphora. The result is a fresh, dry and complex Sauvignon with bright fruit notes in the mid-palate and a mellow depth of flavour, which makes it a lovely drink right now with potential to further age for the next two to three years. 17.5/20
This is part of a new range of wines from Esk Valley in Hawke’s Bay, all of which punch well above their weight in price and quality. It helps that the 2019 vintage was a strong one, in terms of the raw material (grapes), which translate to extremely good ripe flavours in this and the other wines in the range. Esk Valley winemaker Gordon Russell has outdone himself in this new addition to the well-known Esk Valley brand. 18.5/20
2020 Escarpment Chardonnay
2019 Craggy Range Estate Syrah
RRP $35 Vintners
RRP $32.99 Vintners
Here’s a wine that highlights Martinborough’s most popular white wine strength: Chardonnay. This tight, structured dry white has high acidity, which is aligned with a balance of creamy flavours and nutty notes. It tastes complex and would be a brilliant match with roast chicken, which is exactly what I love about it. 17.5/20
Syrah is the second most planted red grape in Hawke’s Bay after Merlot, and Craggy Range chief winemaker Julian Grounds uses a heritage clone of Syrah to make this full-bodied, deeply coloured red with its spicy flavours and fresh fruitforward style. Seventy per cent of the grapes in this wine were hand harvested and 18% whole bunch fermented with the remaining 82% destemmed, which adds structure and smoothness. The wine enjoys a softness derived from ageing for 14 months in French oak. This is fab for now or for cellaring. 18.5/20
The Artisanal Syrah is part of a new range of wines from Esk Valley in Hawke’s Bay, all of which punch well above their weight in price and quality.
2020 Easthope Family Winegrowers Home Block Hawke’s Bay Syrah RRP $43.99 Dhall & Nash
This is the first Syrah from the Easthope home block where winemakers Rod and Emma Easthope live. It’s super tasty, with flavours of roasted fresh espresso, floral notes and aniseed. It was made using 100% whole bunch fermentation and aged in oak puncheons (500 litres), 20% new with 12 months on lees, followed by bottling with a low amount of sulphur, 20ppm. It’s sealed with a screwcap and is complex, dry and smooth. 18.5/20
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 108. 42 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
WINE NEWS
Kylie launches a Rosé THE DEBUT Rosé Vin de France by Australian singer Kylie Minogue is now available in New Zealand through Hancocks Wine, Spirit & Beer Merchants. Kylie Minogue Rosé, in collaboration with Benchmark Drinks, was first launched in the UK in May 2020 and since then the collection of five different varietals in the Kylie Minogue range has sold over two million bottles across 14 countries. “I have a great passion for Rosé and have loved working for the last two years on developing
Organic wine report from BioGro NZ THE FIRST report into the organic wine sector in Aotearoa to be distributed is now available through BioGro NZ, which certifies over 98% of New Zealand’s organic wine sector. New Zealand’s organic wine sector is valued at $65 million*, which makes up almost 10% of the total organic market and is ranked third as one of the largest organic sectors in New Zealand. The report shows that there is 2,418ha of organic vineyard area around New Zealand (including 432ha currently in conversion), equating to 6% of New Zealand’s total vineyard area. The average organic vineyard size is 10.3ha. Organic vineyard areas are heavily centralised in Marlborough followed by Central Otago. The split between red and white planted organic area is fairly even, with 1,117ha in red (Pinot Noir 37%) and 1,301ha in white (Sauvignon Blanc 33%). In a statement announcing the report’s release, BioGro NZ said that the Organic Wine Market is set to grow at a CAGR of 10.7%* from 2020 to 2027, expanding the already considerable opportunities for organic winegrowers. “We have been working with organic winegrowers since our inception back in 1983, some of whom are still certified with us today,” said Jared White, Audit Manager of BioGro NZ and Board Member at Organic Winegrowers New Zealand. “This network has encouraged the conversion of 235 vineyards to register as certified organic, where no synthetic chemical fertilisers, pesticides or herbicides are used.” “Consumers continue to seek out products that have low environmental impact. We are confident that as demand rises, and the overwhelming environmental benefits of organic production become better understood, we will continue to see registration numbers increase.” *Organic Market Report 2021 **Global Organic Wine Market Report
Find the full report at biogro.co.nz
Kylie Minogue Wines,” says Minogue. “Working with the brilliant team at Benchmark Drinks we have created a Rosé that I am truly enamoured by, it’s fresh, light and the perfect pink.” Kylie Minogue Rosé is made from Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes sourced from the southern French coast. The wine is presented in a longneck curved bottle with an engraved label featuring Kylie Minogue’s signature and finished with a bespoke pearlescent capsule. Hancocks
Greystone Wines joins Red + White Cellar GREYSTONE WINES has partnered with Red + White Cellar for its New Zealand distribution. Red + White says it will be offering full-service distribution to all sectors of the licensed trade across New Zealand, from restaurants to retail. Nik Mavromatis, Greystone Sales and Marketing Manager said “Our 2021 vintage had amazing fruit, but we were down by over two-thirds in volume due to frost and drought. This meant we had to make changes to our distribution across the world to manage our sales in a sustainable way. We know Red + White Cellar understand the challenges of growing organic wine in North Canterbury plus their South Island Sales Manager, Brad Nolan, used to make
wine with us so we’re already very closely aligned.” Blair Duncan, managing director of Red + White, says they are excited to have Greystone join them. “We’ve represented Muddy Water in the New Zealand market for seven years and having them both together in our portfolio is a no-brainer. Combined, Greystone and Muddy Water cover the full range of varieties and styles and are producing the best and most interesting wine in North Canterbury.” Red + White Cellar says it is also adding a further seven wineries to its portfolio, including world-renowned Mosel producer Dr Loosen, and Pinot Noir specialist producers J Christopher from Oregon and High Garden from Gibbston in Central Otago.
Michael Henley NZ’s newest MW NEW ZEALAND wine industry figure Michael Henley is one of three new Masters of Wine announced by the Institute of Masters of Wine in late August. Henly, who previously held chief executive roles with Trinity Hill Winery and Aotearoa NZ Fine Wine Estates, is currently a director of New Zealand Winegrowers, Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers and Hawke’s Bay Tourism. He joined Claire Blackler and Siobhan Turner from the UK in passing the Master of Wine exam, which is recognised worldwide for its rigour and high standards. The membership encompasses winemakers, sommeliers, buyers, journalists, shippers, consultants, academics, educators and more. There are now 419 MWs globally – 268 men and 151 women living or working in 31 countries. The top countries where MWs are based around the world are the UK (209), the US (57), Australia (28), France (18), New Zealand (16), Canada (10), and Germany (10). DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 43
WINE NEWS
Snoop Dogg drops 19 Crimes collab RAPPER SNOOP Dogg has partnered with 19 Crimes to release Snoop Cali Red, now available in New Zealand. The wine is grown and blended in California, bottled in Australia, and marketed in New Zealand by Asahi Beverages NZ, through its partnership with Treasury Wines. 19 Crimes Snoop Cali Red has already proved popular overseas and Li Camilleri, Senior Brand Manager Wine at Asahi Beverages NZ expects the same response from Kiwi wine consumers – and old school hip-hop fans. “Snoop Cali Red won the number one wine innovation of 2020 when first launched in the USA and has won numerous awards since,” says Camilleri. “It exceeded initial 12-month sales forecasts in the first two months of launch in the USA and we’re really excited to be bringing it to New Zealand.” “I’m excited to bring Snoop Cali Red to my Kiwi peeps and share the experience with my fans,” says Snoop Dogg. “19 Crimes is one of the most successful brands in the market, so I’m more than eager to bring this collaboration to the world!” As with previous 19 Crimes releases, the new Snoop Cali Red features augmented reality labels accessed through an app, offering additional Snoop Dogg content. Snoop Cali Red - RRP $19.99. Asahi Beverages NZ
SHOWCASE
Mission’s new look a hit MISSION ESTATE is seeing strong wine sales growth, a testament to the new packaging and communications undertaken over the last year as well as a continued focus on creating some of New Zealand’s most iconic wines. Since launching the new look, which communicates its unique 170-year heritage in a fresh, contemporary style, Mission Reserve has experienced an unprecedented growth of 26%* due to distribution gains and an increased rate of sale. Jo Pearson, Marketing Manager at Mission comments, “We know the new look is resonating with consumers as evidenced by the increased demand. Coupled with outstanding wines, which have benefitted from two exceptional vintages and a highly experienced winemaking team, we have a winning combination.” The other standout performance for the year is the Mission Fête Sparkling Cuvée which has also experienced significant growth of 18.5%*. The outlook is extremely positive as Mission continues to build its reputation as a multi-award-winning Hawke’s Bay winery and iconic New Zealand landmark. Recently, the 2019 Mission Jewelstone
44 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Syrah was awarded 99 points by Andrew Caillard MW and sold out within days. Pearson adds, “There is also an exciting launch coming to fruition communicating Mission’s long-standing environmental programmes, which will cement our
position as a leader in the sustainability field, while driving category growth. We’re really excited for what 2022 has to offer.” *NIELSEN, TOTAL MARKET, QUARTER TO 20 JUNE 2021
WINE NEWS
New World Wine Awards 2021 THE NEW World Wine Awards Top 50 list was announced in early October, with the wines now available in liquor-selling New World stores nationwide for $25 or less. Judging took place in Blenheim over three full days, prior to the recent lockdown, to find the best wines among more than 1,100 entries from around New Zealand and the world. Co-Chair of Judges, Sam Kim, says they were presented with an incredibly strong field again this year, thanks in part to three outstanding winegrowing seasons in New Zealand. “The vintages of 2019, 2020 and 2021 will be remembered as ‘The Triple Crown’ for many of our local wine regions and especially for our most famed wine, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc.” Marlborough delivered 19 of the Top 50 wines, including Yealands taking the Champion Sauvignon Blanc title, te Pā the Champion Chardonnay, and Rapaura Springs the Champion Pinot Gris. Hawke’s Bay clinched seven of the top spots including local icon Trinity Hill’s trifecta of Champion titles for Syrah, Red Blend and Red Wine of the Show, while Otago retained its prowess in Pinot Noir with three winning wines. Meanwhile New Zealand’s smallest wine regions – some representing just 1 to 3% of the country’s total wine production, punched above their weight with Top 50 wines from Gisborne, Wairarapa, Nelson and Canterbury.
Champion Wines 2021 Champion Aromatic: Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Albariño 2021 Champion Bubbles: L indauer Special Reserve Rosé Champion Chardonnay & Champion White Wine of the Show: te Pa Chardonnay 2020 Champion Pinot Gris: Rapaura Springs Reserve Pinot Gris 2021 Champion Pinot Noir: M cArthur Ridge Brassknocker Pinot Noir 2020 Champion Red Blend: Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay “The Trinity” 2020 Champion Rosé: W aipara Hills Waipara Valley Rosé 2021 Champion Sauvignon Blanc: Yealands Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Champion Shiraz & Syrah & Champion Red Wine of the Show: Trinity Hill Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2020 Champion Single Variety Red: L a Mascota Malbec 2019
SHOWCASE
New Astrolabe Rosé blooms for spring READY FOR warmer days ahead, Marlborough winery Astrolabe Wines has launched a brand-new Rosé that is destined to become a trade staple, alongside its famous Astrolabe Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. The new Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé is the second Rosé in the family-owned winery’s portfolio and will retail for $27.99. It is a regional blend, mostly from the Awatere Valley, with 50/50 Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. It joins the single vineyard Comelybank Pinot Rosé (RRP $31.99), which is predominantly from Pinot Noir. Demand grows for Astrolabe Rosé
Astrolabe says the new release wine is designed to help it keep up with demand for its Rosé – a wine style that continues to experience huge growth in New Zealand. “Our Comelybank Pinot Rosé is the fastest wine in our range to sell out each year,” says Libby Waghorn Levett, general manager at Astrolabe, “so we know there is strong demand from New Zealand wine consumers for this kind of premium Rosé. We consistently sell out part-way through the summer.” Beautiful wines inside and out
The wines’ shapely bottles are modelled after those of Provence and both have beautiful floral labels that hint at their aromatic profiles and will help them compete strongly in a category where so many wines are bought on looks alone. Astrolabe also includes sweetness indicators on the back labels of its Rosés, with both wines being completely dry. “My aim with Rosé is to make a dry, attractive, full-bodied food wine with a pretty colour and interesting texture,” says Astrolabe winemaker Simon Waghorn. “I’m looking for a bone-dry style with a savoury, mineral finish.” Waghorn says consumers will love the new release Rosé. “Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris have a natural affinity with one another. We love that combination and think it’s an ideal Marlborough Rosé style.” Available now: • Astrolabe Marlborough Rosé - RRP $27.99 • Astrolabe Comelybank Pinot Rosé - RRP $31.99 Astrolabe Wines
Full results at newworld.co.nz/discover/wine-awards DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 45
the Letsunshine in
BEER & CIDER REPORT
Longer days and (hopefully) bigger crowds mean it’s time to stock the fridges for spring with the latest beer and cider releases...
46 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
BEER & CIDER REPORT
Note: Beers and ciders are listed in order of % ABV
BEER McLeod’s Smugglers Bay Hibiscus Chamomile Ale 3.6% ABV, 500ml RRP $9.99 McLeod’s Brewery
For this unique ale, the team at McLeod’s aged some of their Hot Curl-Hibiscus sour with Brettanomyces Bruxellensis then added local bush honey and fresh raspberries. It’s full of red berry fruits, soft chamomile aromas and a soft, pleasant acidity with underlying notes of beeswaxtinted honey. The fruitiness fades as more funky flavours develop. 8-Wired Celery Salt Hippy Gose 4% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.50 8-Wired
8-Wired’s Cucumber Hippy is one of our all-time favourite sours and the Warkworth brewers have returned to that vein for their Celery Salt Hippy Gose. This one is a very refreshing drop, packed with celery flavour. At 4% ABV it’s not going to knock your socks off and the celery and salt recall elements of a Bloody Mary, minus the tomato juice, of course. Could go down well as a brunch beer on a hot summer morning.
Haagen Ultra Low Carb 4% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $21.99 Asahi Beverages NZ
This new addition to the German-style lager range has 78% less carbs and less than 87 calories compared with a standard Haagen. A crisp and refreshing addition to the low carb category. Sunshine Stockies Hazy IPA 4.2% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99 Vintners
Gisborne brewers Sunshine have come out with a sessionable Hazy IPA here combining Australian and American hops to create an easy-drinking summer classic. The soft, fruit nose gives way to the sunny hop characteristics, but with a citrus twist at the end for refreshment. Steinlager Ultra 4.6% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $21.99 Lion
New addition to the range, Steinlager Ultra has 50% less carbs than Steinlager. Like Steinlager Pure, it has no additives or preservatives and uses the same specially commissioned Pacific Jade hop. The initial taste is slightly lighter than Pure but it still has that Pure light hop nose and crisp clean finish. It also drops the alcohol slightly from 5% ABV to 4.6%. A welcome fridge mainstay heading into summer.
Zeelandt Eskdale Bishop’s Kick Hefeweizen 4.9% ABV, 500ml, RRP $8.99 Zeelandt Brewery
Hefeweizen is a German style of wheat beer usually made with malted wheat. Zeelandt’s Eskdale Bishop’s Kick is a cloudy, light brown drop with classic wheat beer banana notes and a touch of clove. Bottle conditioned, the brewers recommend “rousing” the yeast in the bottle before pouring into a tall glass. And of course: “Best enjoyed while wearing leather shorts”. 8-Wired Maverick Hoppy Stout 5% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99 8-Wired
This sessionable stout takes it easy on the ABV and pours jet black in the glass. It has big roasted malt flavours that move to another level with the citrus bite of Centennial hops.
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BEER & CIDER REPORT
Bavik Super Wit
Zeelandt Eskdale Workers Unite Saison
McLeod’s ‘Far North’ Chili Pils with Kaitaia Fire
5.1% ABV, 330ml, RRP $4.99 Zeelandt Brewery
5.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 McLeod’s Brewery
This drop from Zeelandt’s seasonal range is a light and effervescent brew with notes of spice and wheat. It’s dry and tart; a refreshing Belgian-style Farmhouse Ale for all seasons. Serve with a charcuterie platter, or cheese and dried fruit.
Here’s a beer with bite. This pilsner pours golden and clear with no hint of what’s to come. But take a sniff and there’s a revelation of capsicum. Spicy and hoppy, the heat from the Kaitaia Fire starts subtle but grows with every sip for a fierce end.
Boundary Road Laid Back Lager
Bavik Super Pils
Parrotdog Sundog
5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $14.99 Asahi Beverages NZ
5.2% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $37.99 Q Liquid
5.2% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $20 Parrotdog
This new release for summer from brewers Boundary Road is a classically simple and refreshing lager. Bound to be a crowd pleaser over the warmer months.
De Brabandere brewery in Belgium has been brewing this pils since 1894 and the tradition is evident. A long cold maturation and no pasteurisation results in a clear, crisp pils with crisp hop bitterness at the end. This will be an ideal beer for summer that is bound to prove popular at barbecues.
This is the latest addition to the Parrotdog core range, which is already full of craft beers of great distinction and drinkability. Sundog is a pilsner very much in this vein. The golden drop has vivid passionfruit and white wine notes from the New Zealand hops and a crisp clean finish. It’s all brightness and clarity. Let in the sun.
5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $22.99 Q Liquid
This new Belgian wheat beer is destined to be a hit this summer. It pours pale and golden with a light white head. The wheat flavour is very light, but orange peel and coriander added during the last stage of brewing bring those familiar wheat beer inflections while remaining refreshing.
McLeod’s ‘Bay Mist’ Unfiltered Pale Ale 5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 McLeod’s Brewery
Like the sun rising over the sea off Waipu Cove, this hazy, misty yellow drop is a beautiful drop for a summer’s day. Full of US hops Simcoe and Cascade, there’s pine and grapefruit on the nose and a citrus fruit punch on the palate. Recommended.
Parrotdog Sundog pilsner is a new addition to the Wellington brewery’s core range.
48 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Sibirskaya Korona (Siberian Crown) 5.3% ABV, 1000ml RRP $7.99 Q Liquid
This is a big lager in every sense of the word. It arrives in a giant 1000ml can looking every bit as grand as the biggest country in the world from which it hails. Inside, it is a richly fragrant Russian beer made with barley malts, hops and a special strain of beer yeast. The result is a semi-sweet lager that is counteracted by a slight bitterness and hops aroma with hints of Eastern European barley throughout.
BEER & CIDER REPORT
McLeod’s Helles Export Lager 5.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99 McLeod’s Brewery
A nod to the classic Bavarian style, this Helles has soft biscuit-like malts and a slightly sweet finish over hints of herbaceous German hops. Brewed cold and conditioned for several weeks. McLeod’s Smugglers Bay Hoppy Saison 5.8% ABV, 500ml RRP $10.99 McLeod’s Brewery
This beer blends a traditional Saison strain with several fruit-forward Brettanomyces strains. Late hopped with Nelson Sauvin and Citra, it has bright pineapple and tropical fruit aromas and flavours. Fruity when fresh, it will develop more funky, earthy flavours over time. Sunshine IPA 5.8% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $24.99 Vintners
This new addition to Sunshine’s core range is a very pleasant take on the IPA style. The golden liquid has the sunny pine and citrus taste that the best IPAs portray; very drinkable with pilsner, toffee and Vienna malts rubbing up against a host of hops including Mosaic, Columbus, Simcoe, Amarillo and Centennial. An excellent addition for fridges this summer. Recommended.
McLeod’s Smugglers Bay Hoppy Saison blends a traditional Saison strain with several fruit-forward Brettanomyces strains.
8-Wired Dynamite – Black IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 8-Wired
This beer combines all the best bits of an IPA with the darkness of a stout. The classic IPA hop flavours are there but the black liquid also has a dark maltiness that comes across as hints of toasty coffee. 8-Wired Ventura West Coast IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 8-Wired
This West Coast IPA conjures summer days and punchy bold hop vibes with crashing waves of Simcoe, Centennial, Columbus and Mosaic hops. McLeod’s Smugglers Bay Rauchbier (Smoked Dark Bock) 6% ABV, 500ml RRP $10.99 McLeod’s Brewery
This impressive Rauchbier from McLeod’s has a nose redolent with smoke that tends towards bacon in the glass. The beer itself – a dark bock or strong lager – is richly smoky, smooth, and beautifully balanced.
8-Wired Horseshoe Texas Brown Ale 6.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.50 8-Wired
Everything’s bigger in Texas and this beer is no exception. The big 440ml can holds a malty brown ale that is even a bit smoky. The malted barley and oats really come through and it’s a lusty, flavourful brew. Perfect for down at the saloon (or at a mate’s place) over a game of poker. Zeelandt Eskdale Big Bad Billy Maibock 6.3% ABV, 440ml, RRP $8.99 Zeelandt Brewery
Maibock is a German style that is lighter in colour and less malty than other bock beers. Zeelandt’s Big Bad Billy Maibock is billed as having a kick – and the goat in lederhosen on the can does not disappoint. This golden, light brown lager is nutty and malty with a dry finish. Cool can, great concept.
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BEER & CIDER REPORT
Boneface Voodoo Bloo
Emporium Cultured Left Foot ESB
6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Boneface Brewing
6.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $5 Emporium Brewing
This hazy pale ale is a collaboration between Boneface and Wellington Indie rock band Voodoo Bloo with the band invited into the brewery to help with the creation of the beer. There’s a scary blue skeleton guy on the can but the beer itself is a pale creamy yellow drop with a fruity nose, full of soft tropical fruits. The bitterness is kept mellow by the haze and it’s an easy drinking experience, perfect for standing at the back and taking in the concert.
Kaikōura brewery Emporium is producing a number of interesting takes on beers from across the globe. Their Cultured Left Foot is an Extra Special Bitter that takes you straight to dear old England. It’s brown, malty and exceptionally drinkable. There are earthy, herbal notes throughout and a good interplay between malt and hop bitterness.
Deep Creek Basalt Hazy IPA 6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Hancocks
Deep Creek have gone deep into Chinese mythology for their Basalt IPA. As they explain: “Inspired by one of the four guardians of Chinese mythology, the Basalt, known as ‘Xuanwu’ or the ‘Black Tortoise’ represents the winter season, the north, and the element of Water.” The beer itself has a grassy citrus nose, bitter hoppiness, and a soft, mellow haze. Quite delicious, whichever way you look at it.
50 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
McLeod’s ‘Northern Hammer’ NZ IPA 6.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 McLeod’s Brewery
This IPA from Waipu brewers McLeod’s is clean and crisp with bright Riwaka, Motueka, Nelson Sauvin, Pacifica and Kohatu hops lending citrus and stonefruit flavours. You wouldn’t guess you’re dealing with a 6.6% ABV – that must be the hammer part! Bright, grunty and fun. Zeelandt Eskdale End of Empire English IPA 6.6% ABV, 440ml, RRP $8.99 Zeelandt Brewery
Hawke’s Bay brewers Zeelandt harken back to the original IPA style here: English IPA. With a quirky can inspired by English icons like Queen Victoria and the Sex Pistols, this is a deep, rich IPA that eschews the modern citrus and pine fad. Bitter, not floral at all, with good malt characteristics, this is a very drinkable ale with a nostalgic feel.
Brave Brewing Space Junk West Coast IPA 6.8% ABV, 500ml RRP $9.99 – also in keg Brave Brewing
Hawke’s Bay brewers Brave Brewing produced Space Junk for the infamous Malthouse West Coast IPA challenge. It’s a modern take on the classic West Coast IPA, double-dry-hopped with Idaho-7, Mosaic and Strata hops. It has a big tropical fruit hit with a little dankness and a well-balanced bitterness. Deep Creek Antivirus IPA 7% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Hancocks
This strong IPA from Deep Creek is not a computer reference but a nod to the doctors, nurses and frontline workers who risk themselves on a daily basis to keep us all healthy. Deep Creek is donating 50c from every can sold and $25 from every keg to the Auckland Health Foundation. It’s a clear, crisp ale with a golden hoppiness and a good cause.
BEER & CIDER REPORT
Gorkovskaya Chocolate Stout 7% ABV, 440ml RRP $4.99 Q Liquid
Keep this one well away from the kids as it smells deliciously like chocolate milk. Dark and malty with a sweet dark chocolate finish, this full-bodied stout from Russian craft brewers Gorkovskaya goes down alarmingly easily. The chocolate and coffee notes are beautifully balanced and the whole beer is very moreish. Nice panther on the label too. Recommended. 8-Wired Oude Imperiale Blended Gueuze Style Sour Ale 8% ABV, 500ml RRP $35 8-Wired
A ‘gueuze’ is a type of Belgian lambic beer that combines two lambics: one younger and one aged. 8-Wired’s version is a floral, strongly tart drop that is a little reminiscent of a West Country cider – pleasingly dry and sour, though this one has a tartness with a slight cherry note to it. An intriguing drop that’s well worth seeking out.
8-Wired Rendition of the Devil – Golden Strong Ale 8.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $8.99 8-Wired
8-Wired’s take on a classic Belgian Strong Ale pours pale gold in the glass and has a fruity, complex bitterness. There is a touch of spiciness and a dry finish. It may look innocent in the glass but don’t be fooled it’s packing an 8.5% ABV. Petrus Red 8.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.49 Q Liquid
Petrus Red is a blend of 15% Petrus Aged Pale that has been aged two years in oak foeder barrels, and 85% Trappist-style dubbel bruin beer with cherries. The beer pours dark and red with a pink-tinged head. The cherry taste is very pronounced with the sour cherry taste interacting with the sweetness of the 8.5% ABV.
Elimination Strategy from Kaikoura brewery Emporium is like a henchman with a heart of gold.
Petrus Cherry & Chocolate Nitro 8.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.49 Q Liquid
This black and velvety drop is a malty, sweet, cherry-laden number that would go down well as an after dinner treat. Creamy and velvety, the 8.5% ABV is restrained while the cherry does much of the work. It doesn’t have that almond/ marzipan character that cherry sometimes brings as the stones have been removed before the cherries are added. The roasty malts add chocolate character. McLeod’s Smugglers Bay Belgian Strong Ale 8.6% ABV, 500ml RRP $12.99 McLeod’s Brewery
This heftier version of a Belgian Blonde is fruity, with alcohol-driven pear and spice over a rich, full-bodied palate. Dry with a hint of bitterness, the finish is complex and lingering. Bottle-conditioned, so don’t stir in the sediment, but pour slowly. Emporium Elimination Strategy 9.2% ABV, 375ml RRP $13 Emporium Brewing
This black liquid is like a henchman with a heart of gold. It pours dark and menacing in the glass but the toasty notes are complemented by a sweet molasses flavour. It’s a full-on experience that is likely best suited for Imperial lovers, who will love it.
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BEER & CIDER REPORT
Emporium Imperial Apfelstrudel
CIDER
9.2% ABV, 375ml RRP $13 Emporium Brewing
This black beer does exactly what it says on the label: it’s like apple strudel in a bottle. The base stout is a kveik yeast fermented Imperial stout that had local coffee added to the boil. From there, it was aged in bourbon barrels for a year, “before we added all the fun ingredients of apple strudel,” says brewer Paul Finney. The result is a beer bursting with flavours of cinnamon, almond, apple, and even (somehow) pastry! Serve instead of dessert.
Morningcider Peace O’Pie 4.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.30 Morningcider
Brewed in the central Auckland suburb of Morningside, this is a scrumptious drop that ticks all the dessert boxes but never strays into the too-sweet or lolly category. It pours a delightful pale pink in the glass and has a pleasant apple and cinnamon nose. The cider itself tastes just like apple and blueberry pie – it’s sweet but spiced and balanced. Delicious. Recommended. Somersby Passionfruit & Orange 4.5% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $24.99 Asahi Beverages NZ
The latest addition to the popular Somersby Cider range marries passionfruit and orange for a tropical summery hit that is bound to be popular as the days heat up.
Boneface The Passenger 10% ABV, 440ml RRP $13.99 Boneface Brewing
Boneface have knocked it out of the park with this one. The Passenger is a Raspberry Passionfruit Hibiscus Imperial Sour. It pours a wonderful pinky guava colour and the nose is all about the berries. The combination of flavours comes across as a real fruit salad of a beer and the combination even evokes guava. The sourness ties everything together and the Imperial part – the fact that it’s 10% ABV – is barely noticeable. Dangerously drinkable. Recommended.
Morningcider Cider 4.9% ABV, 330ml RRP $3.99 Morningcider
Morningcider’s take on a classic cider is a testament to doing the basics simply and well. Tart apple with a crisp, dry finish makes for an enjoyable, highly drinkable drop. The can is a treat too – the artwork is inspired by the Morningside ‘hand of God’ mural by New Zealand graffiti artist, Owen Dippie. Morningcider Strawberry Rosé Cider 4.9% ABV, 330ml RRP $3.99 Morningcider
Morningcider’s Strawberry Rosé Cider is a pink drop with loads of strawberry and peach sweetness wrapped up in a pretty pink can inspired by a piece of local wall art. The brewers describe it as “perfect over ice in the sunshine”. We couldn’t agree more.
For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 108. 52 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
SHOWCASE
Asahi Beverages NZ looks to the future
Andrew Campbell, CEO, Asahi Beverages NZ
Asahi Beverages NZ CEO, Andrew Campbell, explains the company's vision for delivering the best for customers and consumers...
New Zealanders are known for being early adopters which may explain why we have one of the most sophisticated beverage markets in the world. Emerging drink trends quickly take hold here, alongside local inventions like the Kiwicreated instant coffee and flat white. And we’re continuing to see innovation coming on stream offering consumers greater choice in drinks. But it’s not just our drinks list that’s expanding, so too is the way we’re drinking - from virtual happy hours to driveway get-togethers during lockdowns. At home cocktails have become more of the norm due to the pandemic and online sales have rocketed leading to traditional bricks and mortar retailers reaching out to consumers in new ways. So, what does the future look like as consumption levels overall hold amid the uncertainty of COVID, which continues to impact everything from supply chain to beverage buying behaviour? At Asahi Beverages NZ we have an ambition to be Kiwis’ preferred choice of beverages by offering a fantastic alcohol and non-alcohol portfolio to consumers with continued support of our valued customers. To help us further understand the trends and opportunities ahead of us however we’re seeking ‘every drop’ of information about alcohol and non-alcohol beverages
through arguably the largest usage and attitude (U&A) study across New Zealand and Australia. The latest insights we’re expecting to gather will deliver us a rich and complete picture of the needs and choices of consumers across all drinking occasions on both sides of the Tasman, including purchase moments that underpin beverage sales. It will help ensure we have the optimal portfolio to help our customers deliver the preferred choice in beverages to Kiwis.
“The latest insights we’re expecting to gather will deliver us a rich and complete picture...” Also on our radar is, perhaps not surprisingly, the increased focus on health and wellbeing with more people choosing alcohol in moderation and drinks with lower sugar and carb content. As a business we’re responding with lower alcohol and lower carb beers, ‘better for you’ ready to drink products like Major Major, reduced sugar across select drinks, and the championing of non-alcohol beverages for a range of occasions. We know consumers are concerned about the impact beverage production and supply has on our environment and
the planet. Consequently, more Kiwis are seeking out brands that tread lightly and demonstrate ethical and sustainability commitments. For Asahi Beverages this means enacting the following goals: reducing our carbon emissions to zero; 100% recyclable, returnable or compostable packaging by 2025; reducing, reusing, and recycling waste including in our operations; sourcing sustainable raw materials; and upholding human rights. We’re also investing in the continued growth of craft through our BRB brand and supporting partnerships such as Sustainable Coastlines through our Phoenix Organics brand. We know too that consumers are looking for products that give them a break from the norm. Within our wine portfolio, 19 Crimes is a good example of this with Snoop Dogg Cali Red living wine labels bringing its product story to life through mobile phone scannable labels. More immediately on the horizon for most in the drinks industry and the team at Asahi is preparation for a busy summer season with hopefully fewer COVID restrictions. After the last lockdown we saw purchasing behaviour bounce back quickly and I’m optimistic this summer will be no different, with Kiwis yearning to get back to enjoying great times together with family and friends. At Asahi Beverages NZ we’re proud to be able to contribute to these amazing everyday moments and look forward to supporting our customers to deliver them through this summer and beyond.
DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021 53
OPINION – BEER
Michael Donaldson
Beer Writer of the Year, journalist and author beernation.co.nz
Derelict dials it up A Canterbury brewery with a cult following looks set for big things, as Michael Donaldson explains…
IF YOU’RE a devout student of the check-in/rating app Untappd you might already know the name of New Zealand’s top-rated brewery. Untappd lists New Zealand’s top breweries and beers based on ratings out of five, given by drinkers. And no, New Zealand’s No.1 brewery on Untappd is not Garage Project, Epic or Liberty … in fact, it’s a brewery you’ve probably never heard (much) about: Derelict. Derelict is a “lifestyle” brewery based in the small North Canterbury town of Fernside and has been top of the Untappd Kiwi ratings for the best part of two years, thanks to a combination of excellent and hard-to-find beers made by owner-brewer Sam Cottier. One of the facts of life about Untappd is that as a brewery or beer becomes more popular the ratings invariably go down; it’s a result of moving outside a small niche of dedicated fans into a bigger pond. So, it will be interesting to see what happens to Derelict’s rankings and No.1 status now that they’ve opened their doors to the wider world – first by having a hugely popular debut stand at Beervana in August and then with the opening of their online shop. Until now, Derelict beer, whether in kegs or packaged, was difficult to get your hands on. With small production runs, Cottier preferred to look after his local region first, happily hand-delivering kegs and bottling only a handful of beers – those he deemed worthy. As a result, demand always outstripped supply – a good position to be in. 54 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Sam and Natalie Cottier
Until now, Derelict beer, whether in kegs or packaged, was difficult to get your hands on. Derelict started small and until now, it has stayed that way. The brewery is located west of Rangiora, on a farm that Cottier and his wife Natalie bought in 2008, before the population in the area exploded following the exodus north from Christchurch after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. The couple previously owned a bread delivery service, but Cottier grew tired of the early mornings and long hours and wanted to find something he was passionate about. When friends started brewing it sowed the seed and Cottier was soon obsessed.
He joined a Christchurch home brew club whose graduates include Paul Finney of Emporium and Oli Drake of Wilderness (currently the third-ranked New Zealand brewery on Untappd). A few homebrew awards later, Cottier sold the bread run, emptied a shed on his farm and put a brewery in. The name Derelict came from the way Cottier started homebrewing, using repurposed materials such as old kegs and adapting them. When he went professional he continued using old and dis-used gear. He got fermenters from nearby Brew Moon in Amberley, chilling units from an old pasta factory, and used an ex-dairy vessel for a mash tun. The nature of the set-up lent itself to small volume production but Cottier, despite making some bold styles, was always focused on quality and would only bottle beer that was up to his high standards. Inadvertently, he tapped into the zeitgeist for small volume, limited release, always-new beers. It’s a model that won’t suit every brewery and Cottier admits the family-run operation is as much a lifestyle business that allows Sam and Natalie to have a balance between work and family life. Cottier says: “We often get asked ‘Why don’t you go all-in and go big?’ The majority of people don’t understand this, but for us, our business is a part of our lifestyle and it all grows together.” The next growth spurt is about to come with the online store and a wider reach, but as long as the beers remain as good as they’ve been to date, Derelict will be top of the Untappd charts for a while longer.
Your Place to Be Inspired asahi.co.nz 0800 420 001
BEER & CIDER NEWS
Fresh look for Sprig + Fern NELSON CRAFT beer brand Sprig + Fern has unveiled a new brand identity designed to capture the energy and diversity of its offerings. The new look debuted on 1 September and sees the brewery now trading as Sprig + Fern Brewing Co. (previously Sprig & Fern Brewery) across all retail, on-premise and its Taverns nationwide. All retail core range and limited releases have a new look and feel, and Taverns will have new tap badges. Sprig + Fern Owner and Master Brewer Tracy Banner says the new look, which was designed in-house, reflects
the energy of the business and takes the brand to the next level. “There has been a significant change in the New
Zealand craft beer market with lots of new small breweries starting up. You cannot stand still; you have to keep reinventing yourself. “We did a whole new brand refresh in 2017 and here we are, doing it again. Our new look is quite different to how we’ve looked over the years, but it’s a reflection of the team and our awardwinning beers and ciders.” Each beer style is now represented with a new illustration and name, with a story to tell. The brewery is rolling out the brand refresh to retail first, followed by its Taverns.
Cassels APA judged World’s Best CHRISTCHURCH BREWERY Cassels has come out on top again at the World Beer Awards – this time for its Cassels American Pale Ale. The brew won the title of World’s Best Pale American-style Pale Ale in the overall Pale Beer category at the 2021 event. It’s the third consecutive year of success for the family-owned brewery at the awards: Cassels won World’s Best Milk Stout in 2020, having won the same award in 2019 with the same beer, as well as Best Overall in the Stout & Porter category. It was the only New Zealand beer to feature in the 2021 winning line-up at the World Beer Awards, which judge and recognise the best in internationally recognised beer styles and design excellence.
Electric forklifts to help cut DB’s carbon emissions DB BREWERIES has rolled out a new fleet of electric forklifts at its two largest production sites – a move the company says will reduce its annual carbon emissions by a further 184 tonnes. The fleet replaces existing LPG-powered forklifts at DB’s Waitemata Brewery in Auckland and DB Draught Brewery in Timaru. It is part of the company’s wider ambition to remove carbon from its supply chain, as opposed to purchasing carbon credits/offsets, and attain a zero carbon footprint in its operations by 2030. Peter Simons, Managing Director of DB Breweries, says the shift to electric forklifts is a significant step. “As a business, we are committed to reducing our emissions without using offsets and making choices like this is another way in which we can make a positive difference. “Small changes add up, and my challenge to all manufacturers is to look at your operations and consider where your opportunities for reduction are, before you turn to carbon credits.” DB says the annual carbon reduction from the new forklifts equates to 350 return flights between Queenstown and Auckland. 56 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Full results at worldbeerawards.com
Capital Cider Co. launches 6-packs NELSON’S CAPITAL Cider Co. is releasing two of its popular core-range ciders in new 330ml 6-pack formats. Easy Rider classic apple cider and Winning (Kaffir Lime, Lemon & Juniper) will be available in 6-packs from November. Indie Brands
BEER & CIDER NEWS
A new buzz CANTERBURY’S BUZZ Club have a new addition to their range of session meads, with Rātā Blossom + Feijoa (5.2% ABV) launching in October. Buzz Club brews its meads with New Zealand honey and its range includes Kāmahi Blossom + Lemon, and Pōhutukawa Blossom + Strawberry. It was founded by two mates with a passion for keeping the beekeeping industry sustainable by increasing recognition of New Zealand’s native honeys. While mead is usually described as honey wine, Buzz Club co-founder Edward Eaton says their session meads are most comparable with cider. Buzz Club single 330ml can is RRP $4.50 and 330ml 6-pack is RRP $23.99. Buzz Club
Peroni Libera 0.0% goes bigger PERONI’S POPULAR 0.0% offering, Peroni Libera, will be available in a 330ml 12-pack in November – adding to the 6-pack format currently in retail. The new 12-pack will be RRP $23. Asahi Beverages NZ
EVErCHANGING PATTErNS IN YOUr MOUTH
MALTY
HOPPY
LIGHT
DArK
sweet
bitter
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
I
G
'T S
N I THIN G A
New Zealand’s love for gin continues unabated, with more local and international offerings available here than ever before...
58 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Note: Gins are listed alphabetically and by country of origin.
NEW ZEALAND 1919 Classic 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 1919 Distilling
A classic style gin with a Kiwi twist, using Otago cherries, mānuka honey and organic citrus. Light and clean, but complex on the palate with a spiced warmth that develops, freshened by zesty citrus. 1919 Pineapple Bits 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 1919 Distilling
This was the first limited release in 1919’s Kiwiana Collection; inspired by a certain much-loved New Zealand lolly. Pineapple Bits is a lushly tropical pineapple gin with a subtle chocolate character. 1919 Summer Pink 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 1919 Distilling
Pale pink in the glass, this gin has aromas of red berry fruit and a hint of sweetness. Light and rounded in the mouth with a strawberry ripeness and a thread of honeyed sweetness, balanced with juniper and spice. Juniper and strawberry on the finish.
Ariki Ultra-Premium Gin 45% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Beverage Brothers
Rarotongan vanilla and Tongan coconut give this New Zealand-made gin a Pacific twist and sit alongside native mānuka and classic gin botanicals. Ariki has delicate floral and citrus aromas with a full-bodied warming flavour and a rich, smooth finish. Awildian Coromandel Dry Gin 47% ABV, 500ml RRP $64.95 Coromandel Distilling Company
A fragrant and complex gin from Thamesbased Coromandel Distilling Co. There are 20 botanicals in this gin, including rose petals, hibiscus, bluberry, cubeb pepper, lemon myrtle, lemon thyme and liquorice root. The liquorice is up-front on the palate, with a herbaceous quality emerging, lifted citrus notes and delicate florals on the finish. Awildian Coromandel Dry Gin – Blue Edition 47% ABV, 500ml RRP $64.95 Coromandel Distilling Company
The addition of butterfly pea flower creates a vivid blue hue in this gin and adds a colour-changing quality when combined with tonic.
Awildian Coromandel Mānuka Gin 47% ABV, 500ml RRP $84.95 Coromandel Distilling Company
This gin rests for at least three months in toasted mānuka wood coated with medicinal grade mānuka honey. It creates a lightly floral and delicate honeyed thread through the juniper-forward aroma. The sweetness persists on the palate but isn't cloying and develops into a silky, warming honey note and a lightly lingering finish. Batch 10 London Dry Gin 37% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.95 The Premium Liquor Co.
The team at Batch 10 have put a New Zealand twist on a classic London Dry Gin. This version is smooth and crisp with a hint of citrus. Batch 10 Pink Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.95 The Premium Liquor Co.
A combination of Batch 10’s London Dry Gin with bitters and pomegranate. Fresh and lightly spiced. Black Collar Distillery Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Beverage Brothers
This Northland gin has aromas of juniper overlaid with warm spice and lemon. Rounded and full in the mouth with a slight sweetness, there is lemon zest and spice on the palate with a lingering juniper finish.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Black Robin Rare Gin 43% ABV, 750ml RRP $89 Negociants
A fresh, citrus-forward gin with undertones of spice. The zesty citrus contrasts with peppery heat from the addition of native horopito and the spicy warmth of star anise and liquorice. Blush Boysenberry Gin 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 Blush Gin
This gin uses fresh boysenberries and it’s immediately evident in the initial aroma of luscious ripe fruit. It’s light, mouthfilling and full of ripe fruit sweetness, well balanced by a tart character. Blush Rhubarb Gin 37% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 Blush Gin
Aromas of tart rhubarb mingle with subtle sweetness and juniper notes. Rounded and dry on the palate with a delicate candied sweetness that balances the tart rhubarb flavour. Blush Summer Citrus 41.08% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 Blush Gin
The latest addition to the range from Blush uses citrus from Kerikeri and a little rhubarb infusion as well. The gin is refreshing and bright, with a little cloud from the citrus oils. The Bond Store Kawakawa Gin 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49 The Bond Store
Fresh green aromas leap out of this gin, which is made on the Kapiti Coast. The resinous and earthy nose leads to a smooth, oily palate with intense juniper and a peppery heat balanced with a fresh character. Lingering juniper on the finish.
Broken Heart Original Gin
Broken Heart No. 8 Rhubarb Gin
40% ABV, 200ml RRP $23.99 and 700ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group
This London Dry gin blends 11 botanicals, combining piney juniper with floral notes from South Island lavender, earthy Nelson-grown hops and malt, and spicy notes from pimento and ginger, alongside angelica.
Rhubarb is macerated in Broken Heart Gin to create subtle rhubarb tartness on the nose and a lingering rhubarb flavour.
Broken Heart Barrel Aged Gin Six months in French Chardonnay oak mellows the original Broken Heart Gin and gives it pronounced oak aromas and flavour with a smooth, slippery mouthfeel.
Central Otago Pinot Noir grapes are added to the Broken Heart Original Gin to create this expression with its whisky-like colour. The gin has a slightly honeyed aroma with subtle sweetness, distinct red fruit character and a hint of tannins on the palate, leading to a dry finish.
Broken Heart Navy Strength
Broken Heart Angel’s Share Gin
57% ABV, 700ml RRP $92.99 Giesen Group
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group
A more botanical-rich (and higher ABV) version of the original Broken Heart Gin. This Navy Strength expression uses 40% more botanicals to create a more intense version for cocktail making.
This small batch gin has a fresh juniperforward aroma with a hint of minerality. Crisp, clean and balanced with whispers of cardamom and citrus and a soft finish.
Broken Heart Quince Gin
41% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Bureaucrats Gin
40% ABV, 500ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group
30% ABV, 500ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group
The golden hue of this gin echoes that of the quince used in its creation. There is 20kg of quince macerated in every 100 litres of Broken Heart Quince Gin, with no additional sugar or other additives. It has a rich fruit aroma and luscious flavour. Try serving neat as an alternative to dessert wine, with cheese and fruit, or as an adventurous match for pork dishes.
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Broken Heart Pinot Noir Gin 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group
Bureaucrats The Bureaucrat A warm, woody aroma with classic juniper and coriander, developing into fruit cake spices too, with cinnamon, nutmeg and subtle aniseed. On the palate the gin is complex: light and delicate with the spices to the fore and a lingering aniseed finish.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Auckland distillers Carbon 6IX refer to their Black Gin as “the dark side of gin”... it experiments with the border between gin and liqueur.
Curiosity Classic
Bureaucrats The Doyenne 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Bureaucrats Gin
A clean, light aroma that calls to mind fresh Asian flavours – lemongrass, lime and subtle star anise all feature. These continue on the palate, which is beautifully delicate and finishes with a lingering lemongrass flavour. Bureaucrats Black Doris Plum 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Bureaucrats Gin
Luscious, slightly tart Black Doris plums with a hint of sweetness dominate the aroma of this gin. The rich plum fruitiness really develops on the palate alongside juniper and a hint of spice. A soft, mouthfilling gin that avoids being overly sweet; a deliciously dry, lingering plum finish. Carbon6 Black Gin 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $59.99 Carbon 6IX
Auckland distillers Carbon 6IX refer to this expression as “the dark side of gin”. Carbon6 Black Gin uses 30 different botanicals to create a spirit that experiments with the border between gin and liqueur. Fresh juniper aroma with fruity, sweet and herbal notes.
Curiosity Pinot Barrel Sloe 27% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Beverage Brothers
The team at Curiosity imports sloe berries from the UK and steeps them in Curiosity Gin for several months using a barrel previously used to age Otago Pinot Noir. The gin is sweetened with natural sugar before bottling. It has ripe berry sweetness on the nose, with a hint of marzipan. Rich, bittersweet fruit in the mouth, yet light on the palate, with juniper undertones. Curiosity Recipe #23
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Beverage Brothers
42% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Beverage Brothers
Curiosity Classic is a new addition to the Curiosity range and is a versatile gin in the traditional London Dry style. It’s smooth and softly juniper-forward with gentle citrus; light, bright spice; and smooth, sweet floral highlights.
The single malt base spirit (made from Canterbury grain) used for this gin means the initial aroma immediately calls to mind whisky, rather than gin. But as it opens up, the tell-tale piney juniper quality emerges. It uses 11 botanicals, including mānuka from the East Coast, Gisborne citrus and Otago lavender to create a clean, rounded gin with complex spicy undertones of star anise, cinnamon and cardamom.
Curiosity Curious Dry 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Beverage Brothers
Using a base spirit made from Canterbury grain, this gin has a rich and complex aroma but is light and refreshing on the palate. Its herbal characters come from an array of native botanicals such as kawakawa, horopito, mānuka and tarata (lemonwood). Curiosity Negroni Special 55% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Beverage Brothers
Juniper is macerated and vapour-infused to intensify its flavour for this higher strength gin created to complement a Negroni and provide body to other cocktails. Time in new French oak gives it a woody character with a hint of vanilla sweetness. Also notes of spice and orange zest. Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
Curiosity Ruby Gin 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Beverage Brothers
Fresh Otaki rhubarb stalks are infused in Curiosity’s Curious Dry Gin to create this pink version. It has an intense aroma of freshly cut rhubarb leading to a palate of rich stewed rhubarb and a dry, lingering rhubarb finish.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Damson Collection Damson Plum Liqueur
Denzien Te Aro Dry
Dr Beak New Zealand Garden Gin
42% ABV, 700ml RRP $79 Denzien Urban Distillery
45.5% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 Dr Beak
Crafted in the the style of a sloe gin, there’s a rich, sweet, red fruit aroma with a hint of marzipan. It’s rounded and flavoursome on the palate, full of luscious fruit and a lip-smacking sweetness.
An elegant, sophisticated gin with aromas of resinous juniper, warm spice and a hint of delicate citrus. Clean, light and rounded on the palate with juniper and spice to the fore, notes of orange and a peppery heat. Lingering juniper finish.
A fresh, lively gin with a lightly spiced aroma. Almost savoury on the palate with a touch of horopito spice and herbal character from rosemary and mint, and a lingering juniper finish.
Dancing Sands Barrel Aged Gin
Denzien Our Coast
Dr Beak New Zealand Premium Gin
48% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Federal Merchants
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $87 Denzien Urban Distillery
48% ABV, 500ml RRP $79.90 Dr Beak
Three months in a combination of new French oak and 14-year-old Murderer’s Bay Gold Rum barrels gives this pale golden gin a bold oak aroma and flavour, with a hint of sweetness alongside notes of juniper, mānuka and spice.
A classic juniper-forward style but with a hint of brine thanks to Marlborough sea salt and native kelp in the botanical mix. The minerality persists on the palate, which is pleasingly oily, alongside resinous juniper and warming spice. The finish is of liquorice with a breath of salt.
This is a flavoursome and complex gin from Dr Beak in Martinborough. The slightly higher ABV adds to the intensity. The palate is balanced with warming, earthy spice, fresh citrus and floral notes from lavender and umami from the kelp in the botanical mix. Awarded Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
15% ABV, 375ml RRP $37 The Dam Fine Gin Company
Dancing Sands Dry Gin 44% ABV, 700ml, RRP $79.99 Federal Merchants
Double-distilled and vapour-infused, this gin has fresh aromas of green mānuka leaves and juniper and is creamy on the palate with warming cardamom, pepper and a long liquorice finish. Dancing Sands Sun-Kissed 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Federal Merchants
Fresh strawberries and rhubarb sourced from the Golden Bay area are infused in Dancing Sands Dry Gin to create a gin that is aromatic and fresh. Candied strawberry notes balance the tart rhubarb character.
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Denzien Smoke & Embers 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $98 Denzien Urban Distillery
There’s a dark quality to this whiskyinspired gin, which has aromas of juniper and subtle smoke. The delicate smoke continues in the mouth, alongside warming spice. The team at Denzien used chipotle peppers and habanero chillies to impart the smoke and heat characters. Serve neat to appreciate all the elements.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Dunedin Dry Gin 40% ABV, 250ml RRP $30 and $750ml RRP $84 Dunedin Craft Distillers
Dunedin Craft Distillers are unique in that they make their base alcohol from surplus bread products. This creates a gin with an initial aroma reminiscent of burying your nose deep in a rose, which then evolves into baked bread crust. The palate is delicate and juniper-forward with a subtle sweetness leading to a lingering finish. Eliza’s Claim Dry Gin 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Kaimai Brewing & Distilling
A contemporary dry style gin from Kaimai Brewing & Distilling in the historic Waikato gold-mining settlement of Waikino. It has aromas of rosemary and honey on the nose, and a savoury heat that develops on the palate with juicy chilli and herbs, and a lingering spicy finish. Eliza’s Claim Gold Gin 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Kaimai Brewing & Distilling
Gold flakes dance in the bottle of this dry, gold-hued gin. The nose is soft and floral, with honey and sweet green herbs on the palate and a warming finish. Awarded Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
Dunedin Craft Distillers are unique in making their base alcohol from surplus bread products.
Eliza’s Claim Ruby Gin 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Kaimai Brewing & Distilling
This hibiscus-infused gin has soft floral aromas of hibiscus flowers and honey. The hibiscus doesn’t dominate; it balances the floral tones with the other botanicals and creates a pleasant floral-forward middle ground. Exhibit A 42% ABV, 278ml RRP $125; 652ml RRP $250 and 1L refill RRP $105 Exhibit A
One of the most spectacular presentations of gin around – Exhibit A’s vessels are created by New Zealand ceramicist Gidon Bing and come in white or black and in two sizes (278ml and 652ml), with 1L refills available. The gin is a London Dry style, juniper-forward with balanced spice and fresh citrus on the palate, leading to a light and lingering finish. The addition of green tea adds a subtle herbal character.
Good George Big Pecker Barrel Aged Gin 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $89 Good George
As you might expect from brewers Good George, their gin contains a few hops (Mosaic and Galaxy) and is also aged for three months in red wine barrels. Rich and fruity on the nose with intense wood character on the palate and spiced fruit notes emerging. Good George Day Off Original Gin 42.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $69 Good George
This was the first gin from Hamilton brewers Good George, launched in 2020. It has aromas of mandarin with a herbal character. The rich palate of juniper and spice leads to a lingering finish. Awarded Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. Good George Day Off Feijoa Gin 42.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $69 Good George
This gin captures feijoa in all its intense, freshly-cut juiciness. The full-on feijoa continues on the palate alongside a note of citrus. Light and rounded with a lingering feijoa finish. Good George Day Off Doris Plum Gin 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $69 Good George
A pink-hued gin with a tart nose that leads to a palate full of tart plum, peppery sweetness, a floral hibiscus note and a hint of cardamom spice.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Humdinger Citrus Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Humdinger
There’s intense orange and lemon on the nose of this fresh and fragrant gin. The citrus intensifies in the mouth and leads to a lingering finish with a hint of ginger. Imagination Black Barn Syrah Barrel-Aged Gin 44.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $89 Imagination
The Imagination team created this barrelaged expression by ageing their original Dry Gin in French oak barriques that once held Syrah from Hawke’s Bay’s Black Barn Vineyard. It has aromas of red fruit, glace cherries and hint of sweetness, leading to a palate full of peppery syrah character, oak and red berries with a long finish. Hastings Distillers Albertine 47% ABV, 500ml RRP $95 Hastings Distillers
There are 38 botanicals in this gin from the distillers of New Zealand’s first Biogrocertified organic spirits and liqueurs. It has a complex perfumed aroma of delicate florals, spice and citrus, which opens up to a palate of exotic spice balanced by a fresh, zesty character. Serve neat to best appreciate all its layers.
Hastings Distillers Posy Gin Liqueur 24% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 Hastings Distillers
This pretty pink gin has fresh raspberry and floral notes with lifted citrus and sweet spice. Demeter-certified raspberries are steeped in the spirit and the raspberry comes to the fore on the palate. Organic hibiscus flowers also add a delicious tartness and fruity aroma.
Hastings Distillers East Block 200
Humdinger Dry Gin
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Hastings Distillers
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Humdinger
Fresh, intense lime on the nose of this certified organic gin leads to a clean and refreshing palate of lime and juniper with a hint of spice. Awarded Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
Aromas of fresh citrus and juniper with subtle spice lead to a complex palate with a hint of sweetness and citrus. Liquorice and resinous juniper emerge too, before a warm, delicate finish. Smooth, bold and balanced. Awarded Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
Hastings Distillers Ignis Fatuus 47% ABV, 500ml RRP $265 Hastings Distillers
A beautiful new limited edition release from Hastings Distillers that pays tribute to New Zealands ancient Kauri forests. Ignis Fatuus is Latin for “foolish flame” and refers to a light that can sometimes be seen rising from swamps or wetlands, caused by combusting gas from decaying plant matter, but also associated with fairies, ghosts or elemental spirits. Ignis Fatuus uses a triple distilled organic Sauvignon Blanc infused with kauri gum, juniper, kawakawa fruit and black cardamom. The Biogro certified organic gin has lifted sandalwood, peat smoke and grilled citrus notes. An opulent and spicy palate with lingering flavours of bitter orange and resin. Best served neat. 64 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Imagination Damson Plum & Blackberry Gin Liqueur 32% ABV, 700ml RRP $64 Imagination
A luscious golden pink hue in the glass, this gin has jammy aromas of sweet fruit and a marzipan character. The palate is soft and rounded and full of sweet, ripe dark fruit with a hint of tartness. The finish is long and sweet.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
The 2021 summer harvest of Great Barriergrown Queen Peaches is at the heart of Island Gin’s limited edition Peach gin.
Imagination Reikorangi Triple Distilled Dry Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Imagination
Island Gin Original 43.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $95 Island Gin
A clean, fresh aroma with intense juniper, delicate citrus and a subtle spicy note. The palate is oily with a slight sweetness, warm liquorice spice and a citrus character. The finish is of lingering juniper and warm spice.
Island Gin is presented in a beautiful kinainspired recycled glass bottle. It’s a citrusforward gin with floral notes alongside juniper and coriander spice. The use of mānuka and bush honey blends from the distillery’s home on Great Barrier Island add depth and a rounded mouthfeel.
Imagination Rhubarb & Raspberry
Island Gin Navy Strength
38% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Imagination
57% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Island Gin
This pinky-red gin has layered aromas of tart rhubarb and sweet red berry. It has a rounded mouthfeel; clean and light with well-balanced rhubarb and berry. A long dry finish with just a hint of sweetness.
An intense expression of Island Gin’s original gin, ideal for cocktails and mixed drinks. It has citrus flavours and a backbone of delicate honeyed sweetness from the mānuka bush honey blends sourced from Great Barrier beekeepers.
Imagination Wakame Seaweed Dry Gin
Island Gin Peach
42% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Imagination
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Island Gin
Wakame seaweed gathered from the Wellington and Wairarapa coast gives this gin its distinctive savoury quality. The aroma is fresh and green with a hint of minerality. It’s mouth-filling with a rich savoury note and emerging juniper, leading to a long finish.
The 2021 summer harvest of Great Barriergrown Queen Peaches is at the heart of this limited edition release. The peach halves are steeped in Island Gin Original for five months, enhancing its note of local mānuka bush honey. The gin has an intense peach aroma, and is honeyed, fruity and floral on the palate. A little peach sediment in the bottle is a reminder of the real fruit component.
Island Gin Tangelo 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Island Gin
Fragrant tangelos grown on Great Barrier Island are steeped in Island Gin Original and then redistilled with tangelo blossom and Island-grown botanicals. Flavours of honey, spice, citrus and juniper. Juno Extra Fine Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Thirsty Camel
The signature gin from New Plymouth distillers Jo and Dave James has a rounded aroma with juniper and lemon zest to the fore. It is elegant and light on the palate with fresh citrus, juniper and delicate orange blossom, and a subtle note of liquorice on the finish. Karven Dry Gin 40.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Karven
This small-batch gin combines classic botanicals with native manuka flowers and lemon myrtle to create a smooth, citrus-forward expression with lifted flavours of lemon and grapefruit, slight sweetness and a warming undertone of cinnamon. Karven Raspberry Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $80 Karven
This gin uses raspberries picked near the distillery in rural Puhoi, north of Auckland. Pale pink with aromas of juniper and a hint of fruit sweetness that lingers on the palate.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Little Biddy Gin – Classic 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 EuroVintage
This gin by Reefton Distilling Co has a rich and complex aroma of liquorice, cassia and resinous juniper. It leads to a palate full of West Coast rainforest character with locally foraged Douglas fir, native botanicals and zesty citrus to boot. Little Biddy Gin – Black Label 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99 EuroVintage
A more concentrated expression of Reefton Distilling’s Little Biddy Gold Label (see following). It has a fresh aroma underpinned by the subtle sweetness of caramelised limes. Smooth and rounded on the palate with warm spices, subtle heat of pink peppercorns and freshness of the lime character.
KJ & Co No.6 Gin
Lavender Hill Saffron Gin
40% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99 Brandhouse
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $78 Lavender Hill
A gin using classic botanicals with a citrus slant of kaffir lime leaf and zest from grapefruit, mandarin and lime. Initial aromas of sweet spice follow onto the palate with a lingering citrus finish.
This striking straw-gold gin has a hint of earthy saffron overlying the classic juniper aroma. It’s warm on the palate with a distinctive, lingering saffron flavour and a hint of spice.
Koakoa Tīni Rēmana Gin
Lighthouse Gin
41% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.95 The Bond Store
42% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.95 Foley Wines
The distillers at The Bond Store pay tribute to New Zealand’s citrus heritage, which dates back to 1819 when the first citrus trees took root in Aotearoa. Koakoa TĪni Rēmana Gin showcases the best of New Zealand citrus with this zesty limoncellostyle gin. Aromas of orange and woody cinnamon lead to flavours of fresh lemon with an underlying hit of liquorice and juniper. Sour, sweet and delicate.
A consistently award-winning gin from one of New Zealand’s first craft distillers. Lighthouse uses a blend of 10 botanicals with spring water from Palliser Bay. The gin is smooth and fresh, with notable citrus characteristics from Yen Ben lemon.
There’s a delicate sweetness from caramelised limes underlying the bright, fresh aroma of this gin from Reefton Distilling, which features locally foraged kahikatea, snow moss and toatoa. The palate is light and fresh with an edge of minerality, leading to warm spices.
Lighthouse Gin Hawthorn Edition
Little Biddy Gin – Pink
Lavender Hill Lavender Infused Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69 Lavender Hill
This gin’s pretty floral character comes from an infusion of English Lavender oil, made from flowers hand-harvested at Lavender Hill’s Riverhead property, north-west of Auckland. Owners Jason and Trish Delamore process the oil in their own large steam still. An elegant gin with aromas of juniper, subtle citrus and a sweetly floral hint. The lavender becomes more apparent on the palate, yet is still delicate. Rounded with a hint of spice and a long finish.
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57% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.95 Foley Wines
A stronger expression of the original Lighthouse Gin, at a higher 57% ABV. The more intense botanical character makes it ideal for classic cocktails.
Little Biddy Gin – Gold Label 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99 EuroVintage
43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 EuroVintage
Little Biddy’s popular Pink expression has been reworked using New Zealand cherries. It’s a bright gin with sweet citrus and subtle floral notes on the nose. It has a palate of warming spice followed by the complex sweetness and depth of the cherry fruit.
DISTRIBUTED BY FEDERAL MERCHANTS & CO
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
The National Distillery Co. Adorn Beauty Rose Gin
The National Distillery Co. Old Navy Gin
42% ABV, 750ml RRP $84.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
58% ABV, 700ml RRP $110.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
A pretty pink expression of the original Adorn Beauty Gin (above), this version has the addition of rosewater to add to the lingering floral character.
Inspired by a classic, juniper-led London Dry gin bouquet, this gin features lemon peel and native New Zealand flax seed. Traditional pine and citrus notes are enhanced by New Zealand orris root.
The National Distillery Co. Hemp Gin 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $95.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
Mt Fyffe Shearwater 42% ABV, 750ml RRP $95 Mt Fyffe Distillery
A tribute to the Kaikōura coastline and the flight path of the Hutton shearwater that is endemic to this area. Shearwater Gin combines karengo seaweed with high country rosehip and blue borage to create a fresh, oceanic gin. Mt Fyffe Woolshed 42% ABV, 750ml RRP $95 Mt Fyffe Distillery
Distiller Justine Schroder has described this gin as a journey through the sheep farm in Kaikōura where she and her family live on the foothills of Mt Fyffe. It pairs earthy tones from the kanuka hedges that protect stock, with floral elderflower found near the lamb pens and fresh mint from the garden. A boldly botanical gin. The National Distillery Co. Adorn Beauty Gin
Toasted hemp hearts (the inner seed of the hemp plant) and lashings of Hawke’s Bay lemon peel give this unique gin its distinctive smoky, toasted character and fresh citrus note. The National Distillery Co. Meow Lucky Gin 44% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
A dry gin inspired by Asian cuisine. Juniper leads, with notes of lush, sweet yuzu, Sichuan pepper and gingko leaf. Meow Lucky Gin delivers a punch of heat that leaves a tingle on the palate. The National Distillery Co. NZ Native Gin – The Proof 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $73.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
A limited edition release from Hawke’s Bay distillers The National Distillery Company. Part of their range that combines innovation and time honoured traditions in copper distilled New Zealand spirits.
The National Distillery Co. Verdigris Dry Gin 44% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
An approachable easy-drinking London Dry-style gin with lemon peel and native New Zealand flax seed (harakeke). It has classic pine and citrus character with underlying depth from New Zealand orris root. Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. No.8 Dunners Dry Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $72 No.8 Distillery
A basketful of native New Zealand and classic Mediterranean botanicals combine to create this fresh, herbaceous gin with its long citrus finish. No.8 Hibiscus Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $72 No.8 Distillery
An Asian-inspired gin full of gorse flower, kaffir lime and hibiscus. Sweet, tart and exotic with notes of coconut, cinnamon and papaya and a lingering hibiscus finish.
44% ABV, 750ml RRP $84.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
This gin was inspired by botanicals found in luxury New Zealand skincare. It’s a delicately floral gin that uses native flax seed, rose petals, organic rosehip and chamomile. It’s balanced with a hint of sweetness and a subtle, lingering florality.
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The National Distillery Co.’s Meow Lucky Gin was inspired by the flavours of Asian cuisine.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
No.8 Horopito Fire Gin
Reid + Reid Barrel Aged Gin
Rifters Quartz
43% ABV, 700ml RRP $72 No.8 Distillery
42% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Mineral
42% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Federal Merchants
Native horopito adds an intense heat to this gin, which opens with aromas of orange and warm spice. Cardamom and cinnamon continue on the palate with a hit of zesty lemon amidst the bush pepper.
Ageing for three months in ex-Martinborough Pinot Noir French oak gives this gin a sepia hue and a rich, mellow aroma with a hint of sweetness in the background. On the palate it has peppery notes, complex warming spice and a subtle lingering sweetness.
A line-up of botanicals including Douglas fir, wild thyme and elderberries makes this gin like a forest walk. A fresh, clean aroma and a smooth palate of juniper, spice, pine and citrus.
Pink & White Pink Gin 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $90 Pink & White
A gin with a citrus twist and strong berry fruit flavours of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Pink & White White Gin 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $85 Pink & White
A London dry-style gin from Rotorua distillers Pink & White. Intense juniper and citrus character. Awarded Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
Reid + Reid NZ Native Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $65 Mineral
A dry gin with a fresh, peppery aroma thanks to horopito and kawakawa (also known as ‘bush basil’). It has a rounded, smooth mouthfeel and a warming finish. Reid + Reid Rev. Dawson’s Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $65 Mineral
This gin is named after one of New Zealand’s leading Prohibitionists, who also happens to be the great-great-grandfather of Reid + Reid’s Stewart and Chris Reid. It has a juniper-forward aroma with underlying woody spice leading to a light, clean palate full of juniper, zesty citrus and a subtle peppery character. A classic dry style.
Rifters Original Dry Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Federal Merchants
A complex gin with spicy depths. Rounded and pleasingly oily on the palate with balanced warming spice, liquorice and fresh citrus. The finish is dry with resinous juniper and a hint of wood. The Riot 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Riot & Rose Spirits
A heady aroma of spice accompanies the juniper in this gin, while on the palate the citrus comes to the fore with mandarin and orange, and an underlying spicy heat from star anise and cardamom. Smooth yet robust. The Rose 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Riot & Rose Spirits
A soft, lifted aroma of citrus and florals. Smooth on the palate with flavours of rose and delicate spice. Light with a gently warming finish.
A line-up of botanicals including Douglas fir, wild thyme and elderberries makes Rifters Quartz like a forest walk.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Roots Marlborough Dry Gin
Rose & Twig Pomegranate
Scapegrace Black
45% ABV, 700ml RRP $86.50 Proof & Company
37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
41.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks
This gin from Elemental Distillers is made from sustainable neutral base spirit, with organic hops from Motueka, Gisborne grapefruit zest, Hawke’s Bay coriander seed and wild gorse flower from Marlborough. It has a juniper-forward palate followed by a fresh grapefruit and hop zest balanced with aromas of kawakawa and gorse. It finishes long and clean with a silky mouthfeel and lingering coriander. Awarded Best Overall Gin at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
A dry English-style gin with subtle integration of pomegranate floral notes to create a distinctive pink expression.
This innovative addition to the Scapegrace range is a naturally black flavoured gin that changes colour when mixed with tonic. It has aromas of juniper and earthy notes with a hint of sweetness that lead to a palate full of floral character, crisp and with citrus and a touch of spice. The finish is sweet and earthy.
Roots Norwester Navy Strength 54.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $105 Proof & Company
A Navy-strength bottling of the awardwinning Roots Marlborough Dry Gin. The higher ABV makes it ideal for cocktails and mixed drinks. Rose & Twig Blood Orange 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
An orange-rose hued gin with a juicy, bittersweet aroma of blood oranges. The flavour leans more toward candied grapefruit peel and a touch of cardamom comes through as well, with a prickle of juniper throughout. Rose & Twig Blueberry 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
Natural butterfly pea gives this gin its distinctive indigo hue, while blueberries add a bittersweet fruit character. Adding tonic or lemonade will change the colour to a deep pink.
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Sandymount Lovers Leap Dry Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $83 Sandymount Distillery
A smooth dry gin from Dunedin distillery Sandymount. It has subtle juniper, light floral botanicals and a sweet citrus finish. Sandymount The Woodcutter Barrel Aged Gin 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $89 Sandymount Distillery
This gin takes its inspiration from the native bush tracks and pine forests on the grounds of Sandymount distillery on the Otago Peninsula. The fresh citrus and aromatic pine flavours of gin mingle with the spice and red fruit notes of central Otago Pinot Noir oak barrels. A golden gin that delivers subtle depth and fragrant complexity. Sandymount Tī Kōuka Forest Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 Sandymount Distillery
A gin inspired by Sandymount Distillery's icon, the Tī Kōuka tree with botanicals including kawakawa, horopito, tarata, Tī Kōuka, mānuka, and harakeke seed. The kawakawa aroma rolls through into earthy, savoury notes from the Tī Kōuka bark. On the palate there’s a sweetness from the harakeke and mānuka with hints of fresh cut grass and pine nuts.
Scapegrace Classic 42.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks
Using 12 botanicals and Southern Alps water, this gin has intense aromas of juniper, orange peel and deep spice. Juniper and citrus lead on the palate, which is crisp but smooth. Scapegrace Gold 57% ABV, 700ml RRP $125 Hancocks
A juniper-forward style, this gin features a sweetness thanks to three layers of citrus (orange, lemon and tangerine).
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Sir Winston Classic
Sundown Black Doris Plum
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 1919 Distilling
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $56.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
This gin was created as a collaboration between Sir Winston Gin, 1919 Distilling and The Churchill gin bar in Auckland. Made using Lapsang tea (said to be Sir Winston Churchill’s favourite) this gin balances smoke, citrus and juniper. Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
This mid-pink small batch gin uses a blend of five botanicals and is naturally flavoured with Black Doris plum. It has a plummy aroma with a marzipan character, fruity palate and soft finish.
The Source Pure Cardrona Gin 47% ABV, 750ml RRP $120 Cardrona Distillery
Aromas of juniper and citrus are balanced with an almost perfumed note. On the palate, this vapour-distilled gin is delicate, fresh and zesty, with the addition of seasonal locally foraged rosehip (first brought to the Cardrona Valley by Chinese immigrants) adding a regional character. The Source Pinot Noir Barrel Aged Gin 47% ABV, 750ml RRP $150 Cardrona Distillery
This gin is aged in Central Otago Pinot Noir seasoned oak, adding a hint of blush to the colour and complexity and richness to the flavour. Strange Nature 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
A grape-based gin made from the alcohol extracted from Giesen's 0% alcohol Sauvignon Blanc. The gin’s Sauvignon Blanc origins are evident – it is aromatic and fruity; part tropical and zesty, part herbaceous. Notes of fresh pineapple, candied grapefruit and a touch of kaffir lime and blood orange along with piney juniper, blackcurrant leaf and fresh green pepper.
Sundown Dry Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $56.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
A juniper-forward gin in a classic dry style that uses kawakawa and horopito extracts. Aromas of zesty lime and lemon with a hint of floral. The palate is rounded with juniper and cardamom and the finish is light and refreshing Sundown Grapefruit & Elderflower 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $56.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
This gin has an almost rose-gold hue and a lusciously intense grapefruit aroma. The juicy citrus continues in the mouth with a delicate floral note from the elderflower. Lingering grapefruit on the finish with underlying florals. Victor Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 Thomson
A citrus freshness accompanies the juniper on the nose in this gin, while the palate is delicate, clean and refreshing with notes of lemon, lemongrass, cardamom and coriander.
Victor Gin Kaffir Lime 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $82.99 Thomson
Lifted, zesty kaffir lime notes pour out of this gin, which is based on the original Victor Gin by Thomson. The kaffir lime character continues on the palate alongside resinous juniper and pairs beautifully with the lemongrass and coriander botanicals. A fresh lime finish. Victor Blanc de Blancs 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 Thomson
Thomson Distillery is in one of New Zealand’s oldest wine regions, north west of Auckland. This new seasonal gin celebrates the 2021 Chardonnay grape harvest and combines the original Victor Gin botanicals with the fruity, delicate flavour of fresh Chardonnay grape must. Aromas of candied lemongrass, lemon sorbet and sweet grapes lead to a palate of lemon, stewed fruit and cardamom, lingering juniper and a slightly sweet finish.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin 37.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo
With wine-producing Yarra Valley as their home, the team at Four Pillars take advantage of the local product and steep Shiraz grapes in their Rare Dry Gin to create this unique expression. It has aromas of fresh pine needles and spice, and a peppery, dense raspberry character. The palate is sweet, with long juniper and spice characters to finish. It is unfiltered and bottled a deep purple that turns iridescent pink when mixed with tonic or soda. Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin 41.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Tickety-Boo
Waitoki Washhouse Gin with Fresh Rhubarb
AUSTRALIA
43% ABV, 700ml RRP $79 Washhouse Distillery
Blind Tiger Organic Gin
The addition of fresh rhubarb adds a tart and sweet character to the original Waitoki Washhouse Citrus Gin (below). The intense citrus and peppery spice from native botanicals keep it fresh. Waitoki Washhouse Original Citrus Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $79 Washhouse Distillery
This refreshing, citrus-forward gin combines traditional botanicals with the intense citrus from locally grown grapefruit and orange and fresh peppery spice from kawakawa and horopito. The White Sheep Co. Sheep Milk & Honey Gin 42% ABV, 500ml RRP $69.99 Beverage Brothers
With just a hint of pale yellow to its appearance, this gin has a soft, delicately creamy aroma with a slightly honeyed (almost toffee) sweetness. It’s silky, full and rounded on the palate with delicious flavours of crème brûlée. Ideal served neat or as a dessert martini.
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42.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 EuroVintage
This certified organic gin takes its name from the 1920s Prohibition-era term “Blind Tiger”, which referred to an establishment illegally selling alcohol. The gin uses classic botanicals to create a backbone of fresh spring forest and citrus notes with summer savory adding a mint-like peppery character.
Blind Tiger takes its name from a 1920s Prohibition-era term for an establishment illegally selling alcohol.
Described as “a truly modern Australian gin”, this is a classic dry gin that combines spice and citrus. Cinnamon and star anise add rich fruitcake tones, Tasmanian pepperberry leaf creates warmth and lemon myrtle is a delicate alternative to lemon peel. Whole oranges used in the blend offer a highly aromatic nose and palate that supports the spicy botanicals. Four Pillars Navy Strength 58.8% ABV, 500ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo
Native finger limes, fresh ginger and turmeric are added to the mix in this Navy Strength expression from Four Pillars. It has lifted aromatics of lime curd, pine needles, and fragrant spices with a vanilla character. The palate is intense but still very clean.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Four Pillars Olive Leaf
Ink Sloe and Berry Gin
Manly Spirits Lilly Pilly Pink Gin
43.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo
26% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Tickety-Boo
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Thirsty Camel
This gin uses olive leaf and oil sourced from Cobram Estate in northern Victoria, along with other botanicals including coriander seed, rosemary, bay leaf, lemon myrtle, macadamia, lemon and grapefruit. It has a savoury quality and is ideal for a dirty Martini or Spanish-inspired gin and tonic.
A twist on a traditional English sloe gin, this version from Australian distillers Husk is infused with Davidson plums, red and black berries and native rosella (a type of hibiscus) flowers. A softer and fruiter alternative to the dry Ink Butterfly Pea gin. It has subtle aromas of red fruits and rosella flower leading to flavours of vibrant red berries, prunes and cherry notes before a tart ending with pomegranate hints.
One of Manly Spirits’ biggest-selling gins, this sugar-free pink expression was inspired by the vibrant summer berries of the native Lilly Pilly (known as ‘monkey apple’ in New Zealand) and the rambling edible pink flowers that grow in the coastal dunes of Sydney’s Northern Beaches. It also uses rosella flowers and nasturtium. The gin has a classic juniper-forward nose with a balanced palate of soft raspberry notes, leading to a dry earthy finish with native limes and blood orange.
Four Pillars Spiced Negroni 43.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo
A gin designed specifically for use in a Negroni cocktail. This tailored offering from Four Pillars is highly aromatic, rich and spicy. Botanicals such as grains of paradise and Indonesian cubeb give it the weight to stand up to the punchy flavours of a classic Negroni. Ink Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo
This gin pours a striking light indigo colour and transforms to brilliant violet when tonic is added. Butterfly pea is the key to the colour-changing trick and makes its presence felt in the gin with a subtle herbal note alongside the warm spice, pepper and zesty citrus from lemon myrtle leaf and sweet orange peel.
Manly Spirits Australian Dry Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Thirsty Camel
A classically Australian dry gin that uses coastal and marine foraged botanicals such as sea lettuce, finger lime and anise myrtle, in keeping with its Northern Beaches home in Sydney. It has aromas of fruity pepper with juniper and delicate citrus. The palate is full of soft spice and gentle pepper with a lingering complex finish. Manly Spirits Coastal Citrus Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Thirsty Camel
A gin designed to capture “rock pools, sea spray and summer time”. Earthy citrus notes from Lemon Aspen (a native tree), lemon myrtle and Meyer lemon partner with fresh coriander leaf to give a punchy citrus hit, which is offset by the delicate savoury flavours from local sea parsley.
Melbourne Gin Company Dry Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Hancocks
Melbourne Dry is described as “a classic gin with a twist of Melbourne”. Its 11 botanicals are individually extracted, distilled and then blended to create a well-rounded, smooth gin. Classic juniper, coriander, angelica, orris and cassia are joined by grapefruit peel and rosemary from the distillery’s garden at Gembrook Hill Vineyard in the Yarra Valley. Other “locals” are macadamia, sandalwood, honey lemon myrtle and organic navel orange, creating a gin with a distinctly Australian character.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Never Never Southern Strength 52% ABV, 500ml RRP $87.50 Proof & Company
A higher strength version of this Australian distillery’s Triple Juniper Gin, with more intense angelica, coriander and lemon characters. Aromas of pine mix with bright citrus and earthy angelica. A full-flavoured gin, juniper leads on the palate with pepperberry spice and cinnamon warmth on the finish. Never Never Triple Juniper 43% ABV, 500ml RRP $69.95 Proof & Company
A combination of steeping, pot and vapour distillation showcase juniper in this gin. On the palate it has a bright citrus character, intense juniper and earthy undertones of angelica, orris root, and woody spice. The finish is long, complex and dry with lingering juniper.
JAPAN Etsu 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo
Made on the Japanese island of Hokkaido, this gin has floral and vegetal aromas, with persistent notes of yuzu. It’s fresh and well-balanced on the palate, peppery with hints of green teas and berries. Sansho pepper on the finish with yuzu. Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin 45.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 Pernod Ricard
SOUTH AFRICA
Distinctive Japanese botanicals give this gin its unique character. The botanicals are grouped into Citrus, Tea, Herbal, Spice and Fruity & Floral and macerated in premium rice spirit before being distilled individually. This gin has a lifted zesty aroma of yuzu with a hint of pepper. The palate is fresh and light with spice and a finish of warm ginger.
ClemenGold Gin
Ki No Tea Kyoto Dry Gin
43% ABV, 500ml RRP $71.99 Uriel Ventures
ClemenGold is South Africa’s most popular mandarin and gives this gin its fresh citrus character. Made in Cape Town, it’s a dry gin full of classic botanicals with sundried ClemenGold peels adding a juicy citrus note.
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Ki No Bi ‘Sei’ Kyoto Dry Gin 54.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99 Pernod Ricard
A high-proof bottling based on the original Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin (see above) designed for use in cocktails. This blend highlights the maximum intensity of each botanical. Roku 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Beam Suntory
Six Japanese botanicals (sakura leaf, sakura flower, gyokuro tea, sencha tea, sanshō pepper and yuzu) are distilled individually then blended with eight traditional gin botanicals to create Roku. The gin has aromas of juniper, with spicy pepper and an undertone of green tea. It is smooth on the palate with initial citrus freshness of the yuzu giving way to intense pepper spice with a hint of delicate green tea. The hexagonal shaped bottle is to reflect the six Japanese botanicals.
45.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99 Pernod Ricard
CHINA
Created in collaboration with an historic tea-grower and blender based in the famous Uji region south of Kyoto, this gin uses super-premium Gyokuru and Tencha teas. It has a delicately sweet aroma, which is echoed on the palate. Notes of white chocolate followed by juniper lead to a long, clean finish of green tea.
Peddlers Gin Co. 45.7% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.95 Proof & Company
Described as “the world’s first Shanghai craft gin”, Peddlers is a vapour-infused gin using Sichuan pepper, Buddha’s hand (a type of citrus) and lotus flower.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
ENGLAND Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin 43.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $87.50 Proof & Company
This gin is made from a wheat grain copper-pot still spirit infused with juniper, dried Seville orange peel, coriander, clove, cassia bark and cardamom. It has a juniper-rich aroma with a hint of cardamom, orange blossom and cinnamon. A creamy mouthfeel with a palate of juniper and subtle spice. Lingering spice on the finish with slight orange peel character. Beefeater 24 45% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard
Beefeater Master Distiller, Desmond Payne, created this gin after being inspired by tea’s potential as a botanical during a visit to Japan. Sencha tea and Chinese green tea give clean, green notes to this gin, which also features grapefruit peel (to retain Beefeater’s classic citrus qualities) alongside coriander, orris root and angelica. The ‘24’ in the name refers to the fact the botanicals are steeped in the spirit for 24 hours before distillation. Beefeater Blood Orange 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $43.99 Pernod Ricard
A gin from Beefeater and its Master Distiller Desmond Payne (MBE), that uses vibrant blood orange for a fresh expression. Aromas of fresh citrus and intense blood orange lead to bitter-sweet blood orange on the palate alongside classic juniper and angelica, developing into a long, rich finish. The blood orange colour also holds when mixed with tonic.
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Bombay Bramble uses an infusion of fresh blackberries and raspberries to create a rich and vibrant berry fruit flavour.
Beefeater London Dry
Bombay Sapphire
40% ABV, 1L RRP $48.99 Pernod Ricard
40% ABV, 1L RRP $56.99 Lion
Beefeater London Dry is a quintessential London dry gin made with big juniper character and strong citrus notes. It is still made to the original recipe created by Beefeater founder James Burrough, using bold juniper, zesty Seville orange and lemon peel.
The distinctive ice-blue bottle of Bombay Sapphire is a staple behind bars around the world. The characteristics of its 10 botanicals are captured using vapour infusion. Flavours of juniper and citrus lead on the palate, along with spice from liquorice and coriander and underlying light woody notes.
Beefeater Pink 45% ABV, 700ml RRP $43.99 Pernod Ricard
Beefeater’s Pink expression combines natural strawberry flavour with citrus and classic juniper botanicals. Bloom Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Federal Merchants
A fresh, fragrant gin with distinctive aromas of chamomile, honeysuckle and pomelo. Light and floral on the palate with a touch of sweetness and a smooth finish. Bombay Bramble 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $51.99 Lion
This release from Bombay Sapphire uses an infusion of fresh blackberries and raspberries to create a rich and vibrant berry fruit flavour with no added sugar or artificial flavours.
Boodles 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Thirsty Camel
Boodles is distinct from many other gins in that it contains no citrus botanicals, as the original distillers expected a “proper drink” to include a slice of lemon or lime. It is made from a spirit distilled from British wheat, with nutmeg, sage and rosemary balancing out the juniper. Bulldog Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Thirsty Camel
Bulldog’s distinctive spiked collar bottle references the punk rock era of modern England, while the London Dry gin inside was designed to capture the spirit of the original British bulldog, Winston Churchill. A subtle juniper character sits alongside delicate floral and citrus aromas and flavour. A smooth gin with a clean finish.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Chapel Down Bacchus Gin
Cotswolds Dry Gin
Cotswolds Wildflower Gin
46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
41.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
A dry gin made with nine botanicals, including locally sourced lavender. The distillery uses 10 times the botanical quantity of most gins, meaning it is likely to cloud when ice or tonic is added due to the high levels of natural oils and flavours that have been retained. The gin is sweet and piney with an earthy background; a hearty gin with a herbaceous quality as well, lifted by citrus and cooling eucalyptus.
Inspired by the famed grasslands of the Cotswolds, the No.1 Wildflower Gin is a blend of cornflowers, lavender and orange layered over a classic dry gin. Bursting with zesty orange notes, Cotswolds Wildflower Gin is fresh, floral and fruity with a pleasantly dry finish.
Cotswolds Ginger Gin
41.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Glengarry
46% ABV, 500ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
This highly aromatic gin was produced with distilled Bacchus grape skins from Chapel Down in Kent. It has intense aromas of citrus peel, juniper and freshly cut grass leading to an early palate dominated by ripe citrus fruit with a herbal finish.
This gin combines Cotswolds Dry Gin with candied ginger and orange peel in an American oak barrel to create a spiced, barrel-aged gin, sweetened with a touch of honey. Warm and spicy aromas, the ginger notes come through with a touch of piney juniper. Luscious on the palate with warming ginger, vanilla and red fruit notes from the casks. A long lingering finish full of dry oak spice and ginger and a big dollop of honey.
Chapel Down Pinot Noir Gin 41.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Glengarry
This gin from Kent’s Chapel Down is produced with distilled Pinot Noir grape skins from the vineyard and blended with English wheat spirit. Delicate aromas of red berries balance the juniper-led palate and fresh citrus finish. Chase Pink Grapefruit & Pomelo Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Giesen Group
Fresh citrus flavours from the peels of pomelo and pink grapefruit are combined with Chase’s GB Extra Dry Gin. A floral, zesty gin with intense tartness on the palate, fresh grapefruit peel flavour and subtle juniper.
Cotswolds ‘Old Tom’ Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
The Cotswolds ‘Old Tom’ gin is in keeping with a traditional Old Tom, slightly sweetened with natural sugar syrup and with the distillery’s woody notes from liquorice root, light spice from ginger, zesty orange citrus and a hint of cardamom.
Fords Gin 45% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Hancocks
A mix of nine botanicals, Fords Gin starts with a traditional base of juniper and coriander seed balanced by citrus, florals and spices. Steeped for 15 hours before distillation, the botanicals deliver an aromatic, fresh and floral spirit with elegant notes of jasmine and grapefruit. Gin In A Tin #1 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $64.99 Hancocks
The #1 expression of Gin In A Tin is inspired by classic Christmas flavours. It has distinctive notes of orange peel, allspice and nutmeg. Gin In A Tin #2 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $64.99 Hancocks
Using classic dry botanicals, this gin has distinctive notes of coriander, lemon peel and cardamom. Gin In A Tin #10 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $64.99 Hancocks
Inspired by the summer produce of the traditional British allotment, this blend has distinctive notes of pomegranate, raspberry and cardamom.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Greenall’s Blood Orange & Fig
Half Hitch Gin
37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $42.99 Federal Merchants
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Hancocks
This expression from British brand Greenall’s infuses its original London Dry Gin with blood oranges and fig, using no additional sugar or sweetener. The bittersweet blood orange balances the sweetness of the fig to create a fruity, refreshing gin.
The key botanicals in this gin are black tea, bergamot, wood, hay and pepper. It has aromas of juniper and a citrus note from the bergamot with an undertone of pepper. On the palate there is a fresh note of sweet orange, balanced with earthy black tea. The finish is of subtle cinnamon and fresh lemon zest.
Greenall’s Blueberry 37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $42.99 Federal Merchants
Gordon’s Gin 37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $42.99 Lion
A consistently awarded classic London Dry gin – refreshing and juniper-forward with zesty citrus. Smooth on the palate. Gordon’s Pink Gin 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $42.99 Lion
A blush-pink gin that combines Gordon’s Gin with natural fruit flavours of raspberries and strawberries, with the tang of redcurrant. Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $42.99 Lion
Gordon’s Sicilian Lemon expression is a Mediterranean twist on an original 1931 recipe by Gordon’s and uses only natural flavours. A palate of complex zesty Sicilian lemon is balanced with peppery juniper.
Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin recipe is infused with fresh blueberries to create a fruity gin that has a sweet but slightly tart taste with a subtle hint of floral. It contains no sugar and no sweeteners.
Hayman’s Dry Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Hancocks
A classic London Dry gin using 10 botanicals steeped in English wheat spirit prior to distillation. Fresh, crisp and with a lively citrus finish.
Greenall’s Original London Dry
Hayman’s Sloe Gin
37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $42.99 Federal Merchants
26% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Hancocks
A classic London Dry gin with rounded juniper notes and fresh, punchy citrus. It’s smooth on the palate with citrus and spice. A lasting finish of delicate bitterness and residual sweetness.
Hayman’s version of this British classic has intense plummy aromas, hint of almond and delicious fruit flavours. A complex, warming finish.
Greenall’s Wild Berry
Hayman’s Royal Dock Navy Strength
37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $42.99 Federal Merchants
57% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Hancocks
This pink-hued gin has subtle aromas of red fruit balanced with rounded juniper notes and fresh citrus. On the palate there is citrus with underlying fruit and delicate sweetness on the finish.
This gin was first supplied to the English Admiralty in 1863. It has a subtle juniper aroma, while on the palate the juniper intensifies, balanced with citrus and spice and a lingering finish of pepper and liquorice.
Greenall’s Blueberry contains an infusion of fresh blueberries to create a fruity gin.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Martin Miller’s 9 Moons Gin
Martin Miller’s Westbourne Gin
Plymouth Gin
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $127.99 Thirsty Camel
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 Thirsty Camel
41.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Pernod Ricard
The first cask-aged gin from Martin Miller, this is matured for nine months in American oak bourbon barrels. The slight vanilla sweetness from the oak enhances and amplifies the botanicals, with citrus notes and light oak in the finish.
A higher strength gin created for the bar trade, it has an emphasis on the spicier, peppery notes of cassia and nutmeg, making it ideal for classic cocktails.
A classic British gin that offers a rich, fresh aroma of juniper followed by notes of coriander and cardamom. It’s smooth, creamy and full-bodied with a slight sweetness and lemony bite, followed by an elegant, aromatic finish.
Martin Miller’s 26 Moons Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $189 Thirsty Camel
Ageing in a single ex-Madeira cask for 26 months gives this gin a pale pink hue, slight vanilla sweetness and a dry freshness. It has citrus characters on the palate with soft floral notes in the finish. Martin Miller’s Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $68.99 Thirsty Camel
A small-batch English gin blended in Iceland, to take advantage of that country’s pure spring water. It is pot distilled using two separate distillations, giving a balance of citrus and juniper. It has delicate floral aromas alongside juniper and a hint of citrus, which continue on the palate, with spice characters from cardamom and peppercorn.
No. 3 London Dry Gin 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
No. 3 is a London Dry gin made especially for Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchants, and is named for their address at 3 St. James’ Street, London. The gin itself is produced by De Kuyper Royal distillers in Holland, and is heady with the aroma and taste of juniper, floral notes and plenty of citric zing and a gingery spice of coriander. Opihr 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Federal Merchants
This gin takes its name (pronounced o-PEER) from a legendary region on the ancient Spice Route and its recipe is inspired by the exotic spices traded in ancient times, including spicy cubeb berries from Indonesia, black pepper from India and coriander from Morocco. The gin’s aroma is of rich spice, with a perfumed character and bursts of citrus. Cumin and cardamom provide a warm earthy background balanced with grapefruit peel. There’s a slight sweetness on the palate with warming spice and a long finish of black pepper and spice.
Plymouth Sloe Gin 26% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Pernod Ricard
A classically English gin, from a classic English distillery. Plymouth’s Sloe Gin has clear aromas of sloe berries; fruity with notes of sweet cherry and a slight scent of almonds. On the palate it’s smooth, fruity and full-bodied with a balanced sweetness and acidity. The finish is long, fresh and fruity. Portobello Road No. 171 Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Thirsty Camel
A selection of classic botanicals such as orris, lemon and bitter orange peels, nutmeg and cassia are blended with a base spirit distilled from English wheat to create what the gin’s creators call a salute to “London’s distillers of the past”. Solid flavours of juniper, citrus and coriander.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Sipsmith London Cup
Sipsmith V.J.O.P.
29.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $62.99 Beam Suntory
57.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Beam Suntory
In the style of a punch, Sipsmith London Cup is made from the Sipsmith London Dry Gin infused with Earl Grey tea, borage, lemon verbena and a host of other botanicals. The aroma is sweet with orange and a background of cardamom. Gentle sweetness on the palate and finishes dry with complex spice.
As the name indicates, juniper takes the lead role in this higher strength gin (V.J.O.P. stands for Very Junipery Over Proof) with three times the juniper used in Sipsmith’s London Dry. It has an intense juniper aroma and flavour, with an undertone of rich spice. Tanqueray 47.3% ABV, 1L RRP $56.99 Lion
Seagers Dry Gin 37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $36.99 Asahi Beverages NZ
Aromas of juniper and citrus at the fore, Seagers has a light, slightly sweet flavour and a hint of warming spice. Silent Pool Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Thirsty Camel
This gin is made with 24 botanicals and water from the Silent Pool – a lake in the UK’s Surrey Hills. A rich, clean gin with layers of lavender and chamomile and notes of citrus and kaffir lime. Locally sourced honey adds a touch of sweetness. Well-balanced with a smooth finish. Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Thirsty Camel
This gin gets its fresh and intriguing character from lesser-known citrus: bright and zesty notes from Buddha’s Hand, rich notes from Natsudaidai (Japanese summer orange) and subtle sweetness from Hirado Buntan (pomelo).
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Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin gets its fresh character from lesser-known citrus like Buddha’s Hand.
Widely regarded as the quintessential London Dry Gin, Tanqueray is beloved by bartenders the world over. It has aromas of juniper with a subtle citrus character. Clean and dry on the palate with intense juniper and liquorice that lingers on the finish. Tanqueray No. Ten 47% ABV, 1L RRP $99.99 Lion
Sipsmith London Dry 41.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $76.99 Beam Suntory
A classic London Dry gin with intense juniper and delicate citrus on the nose. Juniper leads on the palate with lemon and subtle spice. A lingering citrus and juniper finish. Sipsmith Sloe Gin 29% ABV, 500ml RRP $76.99 Beam Suntory
Sipsmith freezes wild sloe berries to break the skins, then rests them in its London Dry Gin for three to four months. The resulting gin has aromas of marzipan and sweet, rich red fruit, while on the palate there is jammy red fruit and more marzipan character.
An elegant gin that uses whole fresh citrus fruit during distillation. Aromas of sweet, fresh grapefruit lead to a soft, viscous, rounded mouthfeel. An elegant finish with distinct chamomile. Thomas Dakin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Federal Merchants
A juniper-led classic style with sweet orange and citrus notes, English coriander and a peppery, savoury finish from the unique botanical addition of red cole (horseradish).
On our glorious gin farm, we grow, harvest and distil all-natural ingredients - even the tricky ones. There’s no corner cutting here, just doing our bit for the planet and making the best bloody gin possible. Real ingredients just tastes better.
Contact your Giesen Group representative for details.
Giesen Group
03 344 6270
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Gin Brands 1919
Black Robin
The Botanist
Chase Distillery
Soren Crabb prides himself on making his spirits from scratch at his Auckland distillery. The name was inspired by the prohibition vote in New Zealand, which took place in December 1919 and was a close call – with just 50.3% of the vote against.
Part of the spirits range from New Zealand company Simply Pure, which also makes Fiordland Blue Duck Rare Vodka. Simply Pure is a champion of ‘sustainable luxury’ and ethical consumption, and donates a percentage of profits from the sale of its products to Forest & Bird, which works to protect wildlife like the Black Robin and Blue Duck featured on its bottles.
Made on Islay, the southernmost island of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, The Botanist is described as an exploration of Islay’s botanical heritage and uses 22 botanicals that are foraged by hand.
A single estate distillery established by potato farmer William Chase on his working farm in England’s Herefordshire. Chase Distillery makes its own base spirit for its vodka and gins from potatoes grown on site. The distillery’s first vodka was made in 2008.
Ableforth’s Bathtub Gin
A British spirits brand based in Kent, England. Founded in 2011, it also produces Ableforth’s Rumbullion, Cold Distilled Absinthe and Cherry Brandy. Ariki
New Zealand company Ariki takes its name from the M ori word for a paramount chief or leader, also known on other islands of Polynesia as Ari’i (Tahiti) and Ali’i (Samoa, Hawaii). The company says its refers to its position as the Pacific region’s first ultra-premium spirits brand. Ariki produces gin and vodka, both using Rarotongan vanilla and Tongan coconut, and supports organic growers in Polynesia. Awildian
This gin brand is crafted by Paul Schneider and Daniela Suess at their Coromandel Distilling Co in Thames. ‘Awildian’ is an archaic word that means “the refusal to be tamed”. The couple’s first commercially distilled gin The Cuckoo won Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2020 and the Awildian range is the next stage in their distilling journey.
Blind Tiger
An organic gin brand from Australia. It takes its name from the 1920s Prohibition era term “Blind Tiger, which referred to an establishment illegally selling alcohol. Bloom
Bloom London Dry Gin is distilled at the G&J Distillery in England’s north-west, which has been operating since 1761 and is the oldest continuous gin distillery in the world. Master Distiller Joanne Moore (one of the world’s first female Master Distillers) oversees the brand. Other brands produced at G&J include Opihr, Greenall’s and Thomas Dakin. The Bond Store
Based on the Kapiti Coast, the Bond Store is a family business specialising in spirits and liqueurs. Its range includes limoncello, gin and vodka. Blush
A Russian gin brand produced under Barrister Spirits in the UK.
Blush Gin was created in Auckland in by restaurateur Elliot McClymont, and engineer and former publican Chris Thomas in late 2017. Blush also makes rum.
Batch 10
Bombay Sapphire
Barrister
A New Zealand spirits company based in Puhoi, north of Auckland. Batch 10 launched in 2017 with a honey bourbon and has since grown its range to include gin. Beefeater
This famed English gin was first produced in 1876 by James Burrough, who named it for the Beefeaters at the Tower of London. Initially distilled in Chelsea, then in Lambeth, Beefeater moved to Kennington, still its home today, in 1958. Desmond Payne became Master Distiller in 1995 and remains in his role today. Beefeater is owned by Pernod Ricard. Black Collar
This Northland distillery launched in 2017 and produces awardwinning gin, rum and vodka.
Bombay Sapphire was launched in 1987 and has grown to become one of the world’s most famous gins, in its distinctive blue bottle. ‘Bombay’ references gin’s popularity in India during Queen Victoria’s rule (her image appears on the label), while ‘Sapphire’ refers to the Star of Bombay, a 182-carat sapphire on display at the Smithsonian Institute. Bombay Sapphire is owned by Bacardi and is produced at historic Laverstoke Mill in Hampshire, England. Boodles Gin
Distilled, manufactured and bottled in the UK, Boodles is named after an exclusive 250-year-old private London gentleman’s club in St James Street, which can claim Winston Churchill and Ian Fleming as past members.
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Broken Heart
Master Distiller Joerg Henkenhaf first released Broken Heart gin several years ago following the death of the close friend with whom he had first created it. The pair, both from Germany, had wanted to create a gin that captured the essence of their new homeland. Queenstown-based Broken Heart Spirits has since grown to include new gins, as well as a spiced rum, and vodka and is available in 19 countries. Bulldog
This London Dry gin was created in the USA in 2007 by entrepreneur Anshuman Vohra, to capture the spirit of the original British bulldog, Winston Churchill, whom Vohra greatly admired. Its distinctive heavy glass bottle with spiked collar references the punk rock era of modern England. Bulldog expanded into Europe in 2009 and was acquired by Campari Group in 2017. Bureaucrats
Citadelle
The gin brand of Maison Ferrand, a Cognac-producing House taken over nearly 30 years ago by craft distiller Alexandre Gabriel. He launched Citadelle in 1996 and it was the first in France’s artisanal gin movement. Clemengold
A gin from Cape Town in South Africa that uses the popular ClemenGold mandarin as a key botanical. Cotswolds
Cotswolds Distillery opened in 2014 and was the first full-scale distillery in the famed Cotswolds area of England, which runs through five counties and is famed for its rolling hills and quintessentially English villages. It specialises in single malt whisky but also makes gin and a range of small batch releases. Curiosity
The firm of William Cadenhead Ltd, Wine and Spirit Merchants was founded in 1842 and its range includes Old Raj gin as well as rum, whisky and cognac.
This New Zealand gin is produced by The Spirits Workshop, a small batch craft distillery in Christchurch. It launched after four friends with backgrounds in the food, beverage and dairy sectors got together and bought a still in late 2015, keen to see if they could develop distinctly New Zealand spirits. It produces Curiosity Gin and Divergence single malt whisky.
Canaïma
The Dam Fine Gin Company
A premium gin produced in a sustainable distllery in Venezuela.
This Hawke’s Bay brand is part of The Damson Collection, first started in 2007 and now owned by Fiona Tomlinson. Its range includes food products as well as the award-winning liqueur.
Born in the country’s bureaucratic heart, the Wellington team behind this brand launched their first gin, The Bureaucrat, in August 2018. Cadenhead
Carbon 6IX
A boutique small batch craft distillery and tasting room based in Auckland’s Takapuna. Carbon 6IX produces a range of spirits and also offers contract manufacturing. Cardrona Distillery
After opening in 2015, Cardrona Distillery in the Cardrona Valley has quickly made a name for itself in artisan spirits. Its range includes whisky, vodka, gin and limited edition liqueurs. Chapel Down
Based in Kent, England, Chapel Down is a maker of wines, beers, ciders and spirits.
Dancing Sands
Dancing Sands Distillery in Nelson’s Golden Bay makes gin, vodka and rum using water from an aquifer that feeds the famed Te Waikoropupu Springs (“The Place of the Dancing Sands”) which is regarded as the clearest spring in the world. Owner Ben Bonoma describes the water in their gin as “the ninth botanical”.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Darnley’s
Edinburgh Gin
Fords Gin
Good George
Brother and sister William and Isabella Wemyss are behind Darnley’s Gin, which is made in a farm cottage in the Kingdom of Fife on the East coast of Scotland. It uses a range of botanicals, some of which are grown in the cottage garden.
A gin brand made in Scotland's capital city since 2010.
Fords Gin is a collaboration between 8th generation Master Distiller Charles Maxwell of Thames Distillers and Simon Ford, dedicated to creating spirits designed in unison with professional bartenders and celebrated distillers from around the world.
Hamilton brewery Good George was founded in 2011 and has grown to become a major player on New Zealand’s local beer scene. It launched its first gins in 2020.
Denzien Urban Distillery
Wellington’s first inner city gin distillery launched in late 2018 in Lombard Lane. Its first release, Te Aro Dry Gin, was awarded Best New Zealand Gin and Best Overall Gin at the NZ Spirits Awards 2019. Dingle
The Dingle Whiskey Distillery is an independent family-owned craft distillery that opened in 2012. It’s named for the port town of Dingle, in Ireland’s south west, where it is located. Its initial focus was whiskey, but now makes gin and vodka too. Dr Beak
Dr Beak is a Martinboroughbased gin brand that is smallbatch distilled at Elemental Distillers in Marlborough. Founder Lacey Bourne was inspired to make gin while studying horticulture. Environmentalism is key to the brand and a portion of profits goes to organisations protecting biodiversity. Drumshanbo
A brand that’s part of The Shed Distillery in Drumshanbo, County Leitrim in rural northwest Ireland. Dunedin Craft Distillers
Jenny McDonald and Sue Stockwell launched Dunedin Craft Distillers in 2020 as a small scale, sustainable, circular economy distillery. They make gin and vodka from a base spirit that they make from scratch using surplus bread as a carbohydrate source. It is the only distillery in New Zealand to produce botanical spirits from surplus bakery products that would otherwise go to landfill. Dunnet Bay
Husband and wife team, Martin and Claire Murray, produce a range of spirits from their Dunnet Bay distillery in Caithness on the north coast of Scotland, including the Rock Rose range. Rock Rose takes its name from the local botanical Rhodiola rosea, a rose found on the coast, where Vikings once harvested it as a source of strength and vitality.
Elemental Distillers
Marlborough’s Elemental Distillers began with a range of three boutique bitters and went on to launch their first gin, Roots Marlbrough Dry Gin in mid2019. In 2021, it was named Best Overall Gin at the NZ Spirits Awards. They have since added a Navy Strength version too. Elephant
This range of gins is made in Germany, yet takes its inspiration from Africa – particularly the tradition of a ‘sundowner’, the south African term for a sunset cocktail after a hard day’s work. Its botanical line-up includes ingredients unique to Africa, such as baobab. Elephant Gin gives 15 per cent of all proceeds to two African elephant foundations to support the preservation of African wildlife. Eliza’s Claim
Wayne and Kathy Chowles launched Kaimai Brewing & Distilling Co in September 2020. It is based at the historic Waikino Hotel in the Karangahake Gorge. Eliza’s Claim Gold gin was their first release, inspired by stories of the region’s gold mining history and Wayne’s own mining background, and it won Gold at the 2021 NZ Spirits Awards. Empress
A Candian gin brand inspired by the tea service at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel in British Colombia. Its recipe includes an Empress tea with other botanicals to create its distinctive colour. Etsu
This gin is made at the Asahikawa Distillery on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Exhibit A
Exhibit A Gin is part of a New Zealand design brand launched in 2020 that aims to create perfect experiences by forging collaborations between artists, thinkers and makers. Founder Sara Bruce also created My Exhibition, an online collection of curated vintage items.
Four Pillars
One of Australia’s leading craft distillers, Four Pillars is based in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. Founded in 2013, its aim is to bring modern Australia flavours to gin-making. Gabriel Boudier
Founded in France in 1874, Gabriel Boudier is a Dijon-based producer of spirits and liqueurs. Gin In A Tin
A brand based in England’s Cotswolds, Gin In A Tin was created by gin enthusiast Martin Agiu, who began blending his own gin collection to share. The tins are available at retail or by subscription. Gin Mare
The Gin Mare brand was launched in 2010 and the Italian gin’s distillery is in a 13th century chapel located in an ancient fishing village between the Costa Brava and the Costa Dorada, south of Barcelona. It is strongly associated with the Mediterranean, using botanicals such as Spain’s arbequina olive, Italian basil, Greek thyme and Turkish rosemary. Ginarte
An Italian gin brand inspired by art. Its botanicals include those used by artists to make pigment for their paints. The bottles feature a range of artworks on the side panels.
Gordon’s
This famous English brand was first created by Alexander Gordon at his London distillery in 1769. It is now made at Cameron Bridge Distillery in Fife, Scotland and is owned by Diageo. Gracias a Dios
Mexican artisan distillers Gracias a Dios (GAD) are best known for their range of mezcal, which they make in the state of Oaxaca. They also make three gins under their GAD brand. Graham Norton’s Own
The gin range from UK talk show host Graham Norton, made in partnership with New Zealand’s Invivo & Co. The two gins (Irish Gin and Irish Pink Gin) are produced by West Cork Distillers, near Norton’s home. Gray Whale
A Californian gin brand named in honour of the gray whales that migrate off the coast. A portion of profits are donated to Oceana, a group dedicated to protecting and restoring the world’s oceans. Greenall’s
First produced more than 250 years ago, Greenall’s Original London Dry Gin still uses its original recipe. It is made at G&J Distillery in England’s north-west, which has been operating since 1761 and is the oldest continuous gin distillery in the world. G’Vine
Glendalough
The Glendalough Distillery, south of Dublin, was set up by five friends keen to revive Ireland’s craft distilling heritage. It produces gin, whiskey and traditional Irish poitín. The distillery’s labels features Saint Kevin of Glendalough, a holy man who founded a monastic settlement in the area in the 6th century. Glendalough was bought by Mark Anthony Brands (owners of White Claw hard seltzer) in late 2019.
A French gin made at Maison Villevert, a 16th century family estate just outside Cognac in southwestern France. Made with grape spirit, the G’Vine gins are designed to capture nuances of the vineyard. Half Hitch
Half Hitch established its micro distillery in Camden Lock, once the heart of London’s gin distilling and warehousing industry. The name Half Hitch refers to the strong rope knot used to moor barges along the Lock during the industrial era.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN Hastings Distillers
Juno
Lind & Lime
Monkey 47
Founded in 2019, Hastings Distillers is an artisan distillery run by Kate Galloway and partner David Ramonteu, who both have winemaking backgrounds. The pair are making New Zealand's first Biogro-certified organic spirits and liqueurs.
An award-winning New Zealand gin brand established in Taranaki in early 2017 by husband and wife team Jo and Dave James. It has a strong focus on locally grown, seasonal botanicals and the couple are part of a project working towards New Zealandgrown juniper too.
A premium craft gin distilled in the Port of Leith in Scotland. The award-winning gin takes its name from 19th century ship’s surgeon James Lind, who became known for his work on the efficacy of citrus, such as lime, in preventing scurvy in sailors.
Karven
New Zealand craft distillers Karven launched in late 2016 and produce a range of small-batch spirits in Puhoi, north of Auckland. The range includes gin, vodka, vermouth, absinthe and amaro.
The Malfy distillery is in the Piedmontese town of Moncalieri in Italy. Eastblished in 1906, Torino Distillati is run by the Vergnano family. Malfy is known for its use of coastal grown Italian lemons in its distillations.
KJ & Co
Manly Spirits
This gin’s origins trace to southern Germany’s Black Forest region, where it is still made today. Following World War II, a British commander in the Royal Air Force (Monty Collins) was living in Berlin and sponsoring an egret monkey while helping with the rebuild of Berlin Zoo. He later moved to the Black Forest and, finding an abundance of juniper, pure water and herbs, developed his gin recipe. It was unearthed years later alongside a bottle labelled ‘Max the Monkey – Schwarzwald Dry Gin’. The ‘47’ refers to the number of plant ingredients used in the gin’s distillation.
A New Zealand small batch distillery based in Marlborough.
Located on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Manly Spirits Co. has a built a reputation as Australia’s coastal craft spirits producer, using locally sourced marine and coastal foraged botanicals.
Hayman’s
A family-owned gin distilling business that traces its roots back to London in the 1860s and makes the Haymans the only family of original English gin makers still distilling today. Hendrick’s
The recipe for Scottish gin Hendrick’s was developed by Master Distiller Lesley Gracie in 1999, when parent company William Grant & Sons was looking for a new spirit to add to its portfolio. It uses infusions of rose and cucumber to create its unique flavour profile. Humdinger
Andrew and Saskia Lewis established Humdinger as Geraldine's first distillery in 2020. Their Humdinger Dry Gin was awarded Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards in 2021. Husk Distillers
A ‘paddock to bottle’ distiller based in Australia’s NSW. Husk also produces an agricole rum made from cane grown on the family’s farm. Imagination
Friends Chris Charteris and Simon Wilson launched their New Zealand gin brand in 2019, rebranding to Imagination in mid-2020. The distillery is on the Kapiti Coast (in the original Tuatara Brewery site) and their range of gins aims to highlight indigenous/locally sourced ingredients. Each gin features artwork by a different tattoo artist. Island Gin
Andi Ross founded Island Gin on Great Barrier Island after spending nearly 20 years travelling to and from the island with her family to their Medlands Beach bach. The distillery has a focus on sustainability: sourcing ingredients from Great Barrier and using a solar-powered bottling line. Her first products launched in late 2019. Isle of Harris
Isle of Harris Distillery is in the small village of Tarbert on Scotland’s Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides.
Kyoto Distillery
Kyoto Distillery is Japan’s first dedicated artisanal gin distillery. It is based in the south of Kyoto City and uses local botanicals in its range of gins. L’Arbre
A Spanish gin brand made using botanicals sourced from the Penedès area in Spain’s Catalonia. Larios
A Spanish gin brand that traces its origins to Malaga on the Mediterranean coast, when a distillery was established there in 1866. The distillery was bought by the third Marques de Larios, who founded Casa Larios in 1916. Lavender Hill
Jason and Trish Delamore own Lavender Hill in Riverhead, north west of Auckland. As well as operating a B&B and farm, they also produce two gins (one using award-wining lavender oil they make from their own lavender) and a limoncello using their own lemons. Le Gin De Christian Drouin
Maison Drouin is an historic estate in Normandy, France. It was best known for its calvados before third generation Guillaume Drouin joined the family business and saw the potential for a gin based on the apples from its orchards. Le Tribute
A Spanish spirits brand launched in 2017 and created by familyowned business MG Destilerias. Lighthouse
Established in 2005, awardwinning Lighthouse Gin was one of the first distillers on New Zealand’s now burgeoning craft distillery scene. It takes its name from the Cape Palliser lighthouse on the southernmost tip of the North Island and is produced in Martinborough.
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Malfy
Martin Miller’s
This small-batch English gin was created in 1999 by entrepreneur and bon vivant Martin Miller, who died in 2013. It is distilled in England and then blended with pure Icelandic spring water. Martin Miller’s Gin is one of the most highly awarded gins in the world. McQueen and the Violet Fog
This gin brand is owned by family owned and run Sovereign Brands, a global wine and spirits company. McQueen and the Violet Fog is made in Jundiaí, Brazil, and uses 21 botanicals gathered from all over the world. It is made in batches of just 500 litres (55 cases) each time. Melbourne Gin Company
An independent craft distillery created in 2012 by winemaker Andrew Marks. He is the winemaker at his family property Gembrook Hill Vineyard in the Yarra Valley, an hour south east of Melbourne, where MGC gins are made. Method & Madness
This micro-distillery at the Midleton Distillery in County Cork is based on a collaboration by a team of masters and apprentices in distilling, blending and maturation. It is owned by Pernod Ricard and overseen by Jameson’s Head Distiller, Brian Nation. .
Mt Fyffe Distillery
Justine Schroder launched Mt Fyffe Distillery in July 2021, having just won ‘Best Emerging Product’ for her gins at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. The Kaikoura distillery is based on the sheep farm where she lives with her husband and two children. Schroder forages local botanicals from the region for her gins. The National Distillery Company
This Napier-based craft distillery released its first gins in mid2019 and its range has grown to include vodka, with plans to expand across a variety of spirits. It is based in the historic Art Nouveau building formerly known as The National Tobacco Company in Ahuriri. Never Never Distilling Co.
A leading Australian craft distillery based in Adelaide. Its name was chosen to evoke the Australian spirit of adventure. No. 3
This gin was made for Berry Bros. & Rudd, Britain’s oldest wine and spirit merchants, and is named for their address at 3 St. James’ Street, London. The gin itself is produced by De Kuyper Royal distillers in Holland. No.8 Distillery
A Dunedin distillery that was opened in 2021 by business partners Michael Wilson and Julien Delavoie, who also own local cafe and venue Dog with Two Tails. Their portfolio includes gin, rum, absinthe and liqueurs. Opihr
A gin brand inspired by the ancient Spice Route. Its name (pronounced o-PEER) comes from a legendary region on the route. Opihr is distilled at the G&J Distillery in England’s north-west, which has been operating since 1761 and is the oldest continuous gin distillery in the world.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN Peddlers
Riot & Rose
Silent Pool Distillers
Victor
A Chinese craft gin made in Shanghai using organic botanicals foraged from locations such as Sichuan, Yunnan, Xinjiang and Gansu for a distinctively Eastern flavour.
Riot & Rose comprises two signature gins, with each referencing an era in which gin was at the fore: the 1740s in the midst of the London gin riots, and the 1920s. Riot & Rose is based in Marlborough.
This English distillery is on Albury Estate in the Surrey Hills and takes its name from the nearby Silent Pool, famed as the place where a local woodcutter’s daughter drowned while trying to escape the advances of King John in the 13th century. A group of friends built the distillery on the banks of the spring-fed pool where the award-winning gin is made.
This is the gin brand from New Zealand craft distillers Thomson. The distillery was established by husband and wife team Rachael and Mathew Thomson in 2009. They initially blended whiskies and distilled single malt at their distillery in Riverhead, in Auckland’s north west, then added Victor gin to the range of spirits in August 2017.
Sipsmith
Waitoki Washhouse
Craft distillers Sipsmith made their name in 2009 when they became the first traditional copper gin distillery to open in London in nearly 200 years. Their gins found early success with trade and consumers and in 2017 Beam Suntory took a controlling interest in the brand with plans to accelerate global growth.
A family-owned and run distillery in Waitoki, north west of Auckland. It launched its first gin in 2020 and takes its name from the backyard laundry where the idea for its spirits were first developed.
Pickering’s
Founded by two friends in Edinburgh, Pickering’s was first made in 2013 at Summerhall Distillery, the first exclusive gin distillery to be established in the city in 150 years. Pickering’s is based on an original Bombay recipe said to have been handwritten on a piece of paper dated 1947, that resurfaced when distilling at Summerhall began. Pink & White Geothermal
A new craft distillery in Rotorua, created by three friends who came up with the idea for a geothermal distillery in 2018. Their White Gin won Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021. Portobello Road No. 171
Three friends (and former bartenders and restaurateurs) created Portobello Road No. 171 Gin in London in 2011. The trio had earlier bought the city’s historic Portobello Star pub and converted the upstairs into a gin museum experience – the Ginstitute – where they developed the gin. Plymouth Gin
Plymouth Gin was established in 1793 and is still made today in the oldest working gin distillery in England: The Black Friar’s building, which dates back to the 1400s. It’s one of the oldest buildings in Plymouth, and protected as a national monument. Reefton Distilling Co.
Launched in October 2018, Reefton Distilling Co. was founded by Reefton local Patsy Bass and is based in the historic West Coast town where it also has a tasting room. Locally foraged botanicals are used in the range of gins. Reefton Distilling Co. also produces vodka and liqueurs. Reid + Reid
Kiwi brothers Chris and Stewart Reid founded Reid + Reid Dry Gin in 2016, inspired by the thriving UK craft distilling scene. The distillery is based in Martinborough. Rifters
A craft distillery near Arrowtown in Central Otago, its first gin launched in 2020. The distillery’s name derives from a “rift” (a crack in the earth) and a “Rifter”, a term from the gold-mining era, meaning a fossicker or a forager.
Rose & Twig
A New Zealand brand small batch gin brand launched in 2019. Roku
The premium gin brand from Japanese distillery Suntory (now Beam Suntory). Suntory was founded in 1899 and is the No.1 whisky distiller in Japan, known for its flagship single malt whisky “Yamazaki”, “Hakushu” and the blended whiskies “Hibiki”. In 2014, Suntory Holdings acquired Beam Inc. to create Beam Suntory, the world’s third largest premium spirits company. Rutte
The Rutte family first started distilling spirits in Holland in 1872 and still hand-makes its gins and genevers in the same room where founder, Simon Rutte, concocted his first spirits. It is the smallest distillery in Holland. St. George
California’s St. George Spirits was founded in 1982 by master distiller Jörg Rupf. Regarded as a leader in the American craft spirits movement, the distillery’s portfolio has grown to include single malt whiskey, agricole rum, absinthe, gin, vodka, brandy and liqueur.
St George
California’s St George Spirits was founded in 1982 by master distiller Jörg Rupf. Regarded as a leader in the American craft spirits movement, the distillery’s portfolio has grown to include single malt whiskey, agricole rum, absinthe, gin, brandy, vodka and liqueurs. Strange Nature
A new brand from New Zealand company Giesen Group. Strange Nature is made from the alcohol extracted from Giesen’s 0% alcohol Sauvignon Blanc. Sundown
Tanqueray
Richard Wilson launched his distillery in May 2021, after he and his family moved to a farm in Sandymount on the Otago Peninsula. An experienced distiller, Wilson uses local spring water and native flora in his range of gins.
Tanqueray was developed in the 1830s by Charles Tanqueray, a clergyman’s son who chose not to follow the family calling and instead opened a distillery in Bloomsbury, London. His recipe, which Tanqueray still uses today, used just four botanicals: juniper, angelica root, liquorice and coriander seeds. The brand is owned by Diageo.
Three New Zealand friends launched Rogue Society Distilling Co. in 2014 and its two gin expressions quickly became some of the top sellers in New Zealand, also garnering international awards. A trademarking issue with a US brewery saw Rogue Society change its name to enter the European market and in early 2018 its gins were renamed ‘Scapegrace’, which is an 18th century word for ‘rogue’, ‘freespirit’ and ‘libertine’. Seagers
The London style dry gin first made by Seager Evans and Co, a London-based wine and spirits company established in 1805.
An English craft distilling company specialising in small-batch artisan gins. Warner Edwards operates from a 200-year-old barn on Falls Farm in the village of Harrington, Northamptonshire and uses the farm’s natural spring water in its spirits. Wheadon’s
A family business on the island of Guernsey that makes premium artisan gin distilled in very small batches, using seasonal infusions inspired by the maritime environment. The gins are produced in traditional copper stills in the cellar lounge of the Bella Luce Hotel in St Martins by proprietor Luke Wheadon. The White Sheep Co.
A New Zealand gin brand from The Premium Liquor Co.
Sandymount Distillery
Scapegrace
Warner’s
Thomas Dakin
Sam Brown launched this New Zealand brand in early 2019, using sheep’s milk as the basis for his gin, vodka and cream liqueur. White Sheep Co. uses small batch fermentation and a traditional copper still. Widges
Widges was developed by spirits industry figure Jason ‘Widge’ Williams, who is creative director at spirits company Proof & Company. Widges is distilled at Langley Distillery in England.
One of the more recent gin offerings from London, this gin is named after one of England’s 18th century gin pioneers. Tobermory Hebridean
Tobermory Distillery is on the Isle of Mull in Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. The heritage distillery also makes peated and unpeated whisky. Verano
A Spanish-inspired gin range made in Scotland. The Verano brand is owned by William Grant & Sons.
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SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Warner’s Elderflower Gin
Warner’s Lemon Balm Gin
Warner’s Rhubarb Gin
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
43% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
A delicate expression of Warner Edwards rural farm distillery in the UK, this gin is infused with fresh elderflowers. These are handpicked on the property and go from field to bottle in just a few hours. A balanced gin that is smooth, sweet and delicately fragrant with summer elderflower.
A fresh, herbaceous and zesty dry gin that uses key botanicals freshly harvested from Warner’s own farm surrounds, where they grow lemon balm, lemon verbena and lemon thyme.
Warner’s Harrington Dry Gin
A soft, sweet, floral nose, with elderflower, spicy cardamom and gentle lemon. Juniper is upfront on the palate, leading to orange notes and a finish of sweet mint.
This gin can claim royal connections, as it’s made using a crop of rhubarb grown originally in the kitchen garden of Buckingham Palace during Queen Victoria’s reign. The rhubarb juice is extracted using a traditional fruit press and blended with Warner’s Harrington Dry Gin to create a blush pink expression that is sweet and tangy.
44% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
This was the first release from artisanal producer Warner Edwards. Its strong notes of cardamom and nutmeg give an intense warmth to the well-rounded and complex palate. Warner’s Honeybee Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
Honeybee Gin features 28 natural botanicals and is infused with honey sourced locally, and from Warner Edwards’ own hives at their UK farm distillery. The gin is floral and zesty with a lingering, gently sweet finish. Warner’s Joules Apple & Pear Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
A gin full of classic botanicals as well as apple and pear juice, calling to mind late harvest evenings. It has aromas of pear and fresh elderflower, with black pepper and macadamia. The palate is rich with cardamom spice, lychee and juniper leading to a finish of fresh, sweet orchard fruits.
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Warner’s London Dry Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group
Warner’s Raspberry Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
A gin inspired by the farm hedgerows around Warner’s historic farm surrounds in Northamptonshire. Each bottle contains one-third fresh raspberries, blackberries and hand-picked hedgerow elderflowers. It’s a jammy, vibrant gin with initial juniper and coriander that gives way to the sweet flavours of the hedgerow fruits.
Warner’s Sloe Gin 30% ABV, 700ml RRP $76.99 Giesen Group
Sloe berries are handpicked from hedgerows on Warner Edwards UK farm distillery site and steeped in Harrington Dry Gin to create this intensely fruity gin. Not overly sweet, it has notes of cherry and almond. Widges 41.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $62 Proof & Company
A gin developed by spirits industry figure Jason “Widge” Williams of Proof & Company to be a gin for craft bartenders, with its slightly higher ABV and bright botanicals. It’s a classically juniper-forward gin with an orange and cardamom character.
GUERNSEY Wheadon’s Rock Samphire and Pink Grapefruit Gin 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $89 Glengarry
A uniquely boutique gin from the island of Guernsey. It has fresh, ripe grapefruit on the nose and the zesty citrus continues on the palate, which is smooth, with a mineral edge from the rock samphire.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
IRELAND
Glendalough Wild Botanical Irish Gin
Dingle Gin
40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Tickety-Boo
42.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
A vapour-infused gin made in Ireland’s south west. It’s distilled in a hand-beaten copper pot still using nine locally grown botanicals such as rowan berry, bog myrtle and heather alongside the classic juniper and angelica. Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
This gin takes its name from two key botanicals used in its creation: Drumshanbo (Meadowsweet) and Chinese Gunpowder tea, which is a green tea that has been slowly dried and carefully rolled into shiny pellets. The flavour is bold and bright with a slight spicy freshness. Glendalough Rose Gin 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Tickety-Boo
In addition to more traditional botanicals, this gin is made with distillations of three different roses, creating its natural pretty pink shade and giving it layered floral characters. The aroma is juicy and tangy rather than sweet, and the gin is light on the palate, where the rose element becomes more pronounced with a beautiful, delicately floral lift.
A seasonally-inspired gin that uses fresh botanicals from the mountains in Ireland’s County Wicklow. The botanicals are gathered and then distilled at Glendalough Distillery the next day to create a gin that captures the seasons. Fresh floral aromas lead to flavours of juniper, citrus and pine, summer flowers and hints of autumn fruit, with a warming spice-driven finish. Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $61.99 EuroVintage
In an expansion of his successful winemaking collaboration with New Zealand company Invivo, UK talk show host Graham Norton turned his hand to gin in 2019. It is small batch distilled in West Cork and uses 12 botanicals, some locally foraged. It has aromas of kaffir lime and juniper that continue on the palate, with citrus notes and a crisp finish. Classic gin botanicals are accompanied by gooseberry, elderflower, rose hips and fuschia flowers. Graham Norton’s Own Pink Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $61.99 EuroVintage
Made with Irish grain, this pink gin draws its flavour from a combination of 12 botanicals including rose petals, kaffir lime and rose hip. The gin is made in West Cork, and locally foraged fuchsia flowers add a delicate aroma, while an infusion of roses and cranberry give the gin its blush pink colour.
Method & Madness Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99 Pernod Ricard
There are 16 botanicals in this Irish gin, led by Black Lemon (dried limes) and Irish gorse flower. There is deep, dense citrus on the nose alongside juniper, a hint of sweetness and a floral lift. The palate is light, oily and mouth-filling, with flavours of ripe citrus. Lasting notes of juniper and subtle spice.
SCOTLAND The Botanist 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks
The botanical heritage of Islay, the southernmost island of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, is the focus of this gin, in which 22 local botanicals (including tansy, hawthorn and bog myrtle) are added to nine classic gin aromatics. The gin is rich, intense and full-bodied yet smooth, with complex floral aromas. Cadenhead’s Old Raj 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
Cadenhead’s Old Raj Gin is distinctive in that it contains a measure of exotic saffron. In addition to a slightly spicy flavour, this also imparts a pale yellow colour. Rich and clean, with a lovely oily mouthfeel, this gin has flavours of zesty lemon, Indian spices and a hint of aniseed. Cadenhead’s Old Raj 55% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
This is a higher strength expression of the Cadenhead’s Old Raj Gin above, designed for mixed drinks and classic cocktails, such as a martini.
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Edinburgh Gin Cannonball London Dry 57.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 EuroVintage
The higher alcohol content in this Navy Strength gin allows for almost double the juniper and citrus of any other expression in the Edinburgh Gin range. Cannonball balances juniper, yuzu and Szechuan pepper, while its punchy strength and full character make it a great choice for cocktail making. Edinburgh Gin Classic London Dry 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99 EuroVintage
Darnley’s Original Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Glengarry
There’s a fresh, slightly sweet aroma to this gin with a lifted floral note from elderflower and an underlying thread of resinous juniper. It’s rounded and smooth on the palate, full of bright, zesty citrus. Darnley’s Spiced Gin 42.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Glengarry
There’s subtle spice with a touch of orange on the nose of this gin, leading to a smooth palate full of warming cinnamon and nutmeg and a lingering peppery heat. Dunnet Bay Rock Rose Dry 41.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Giesen Group
A flavourful and fresh gin with zest and berry characters. Local botanicals such as rowan and hawthorn berries, sea buckthorn and rhodiola rosea (the rock rose) are hand-foraged from the cliffs and forests of Caithness in northern Scotland.
Dunnet Bay Rock Rose Navy Strength Gin 57% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Giesen Group
The higher ABV version of Rock Rose has a strong warm pine release at the front with notes of lemon sherbet. The middle palate has bold berries that give way to the deeper earthier notes of angelica and orris. Dunnet Bay Rock Rose Summer 41.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Giesen Group
Distilled using ingredients from the Dunnet Bay Distillery gardens and rockery to create a seasonal expression of Rock Rose Gin. A citrus-forward gin using lemon balm, clover, lemon thyme, pineapple sage, meadowsweet and elderflower.
A balance of 14 botanicals creates a woody hint of pine buds, aromatic lemongrass and floral lavender with jammy flavour from black mulberries and a citrus character from orange and lime peels in the finish. Hazelnuts, thick with natural oils, add texture and a smooth mouthfeel. Refreshing and crisp. Edinburgh Gin Raspberry 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99 EuroVintage
This gin combines Perthshire raspberries with Edinburgh Classic Gin to make a sweet gin liqueur with a depth of flavour reminiscent of raspberry jam. Definitive red berry aromas balance sweet ripeness on the nose. Syrupy and intensely flavoured, bursting with red berry fruit on the palate. Edinburgh Gin Rhubarb & Ginger 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99 EuroVintage
Edinburgh Classic London Dry is at the base of this gin. Botanicals such as lemongrass and sweet mulberry are joined by natural rhubarb and ginger. The resulting gin is bright with a little heat, an abundance of fruit, crisp, piney notes and a full finish. Edinburgh Gin Seaside London Dry 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99 EuroVintage
A softly sweet, mineralistic London Dry gin that uses botanicals foraged on beaches around Edinburgh, such as bladderwrack seaweed, scurvygrass and ground ivy. Bladderwrack seaweed is high in residual sugar and adds a sweetness to the nose and palate, bringing with it the scent of sea air. Scurvy grass carries a slight spice and salinity while ground ivy adds fresh, summery grass notes to the finish. 88 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
Hendrick’s Gin
Lind & Lime
Pickering’s Navy Strength
41.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Federal Merchants
44% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Giesen Group
57.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $102.99 EuroVintage
The use of cucumber and rose petal infusions give Hendrick’s its distinctively delicate quality, which has become much loved by aficionados the world over. Its aroma has a hint of floral alongside the juniper, while on the palate there is freshness from the cucumber and exotic Turkish Delight from the rose. Complex, smooth and refreshing.
Just seven botanicals go into this beautifully presented Scottish gin. Juniper provides the backbone, complemented by crisp and citrusy lime, and underpinned by earthy flavours of pink peppercorns. Complex, dry and refreshing.
The higher alcoholic strength in this Navy Strength version brings out the sweeter botanicals in PIckering’s Bombay recipe, like cardamom, anise and fennel. It’s known affectionately known as “the bearskin gin” thanks to its distinctive packaging and was released to celebrate Pickering’s becoming the official gin of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice
Based on an original Bombay recipe, Pickering’s has strong aromas of juniper and citrus with underlying notes of spice. Fresh and clean on the palate, the juniper and citrus character give way to warming cardamom, coriander seed and clove.
43.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Federal Merchants
A variation on the much-admired Hendrick’s Original house style from its creator, Master Distiller Lesley Gracie. This is the first release from her experimental projects, dubbed the ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’. Inspired by the Summer solstice, when the Earth is at its maximum tilt towards the sun, the gin is infused with an array of floral essences, including orange blossom. A bright take on the original Hendrick’s expression. Isle of Harris 45% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
This gin embodies the elemental nature of its island home in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. Its maritime character derives from the local, hand-gathered sugar kelp seaweed that is its defining botanical. The kelp combines with eight other botanicals to create a smooth and complex gin.
Pickering’s Gin 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99 EuroVintage
Pickering’s Gin 1947 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99 EuroVintage
This expression of Pickering’s is made precisely to the original recipe, as it was said to be written in Bombay in 1947. It is spicier, sweeter and more intense than the original with a crisp, refreshing and lingering finish.
Tobermory Hebridean Gin 43.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 EuroVintage
A splash of spirit from the Tobermory whisky stills adds a unique character to this gin, which is distilled on the Isle of Mull with botanicals including juniper, tea, heather, elderflower and sweet orange peel. Fresh juniper balances with sweet orange and lemon, hints of coriander, gentle herbs and spices. with a luxurious, creamy mouthfeel and a subtle hint of sweet malt. Verano Lemon 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 Federal Merchants
A fruit flavoured gin infused with Spanish lemons and zesty lemon peel to create intense lemon aromas and a zest citrusfilled flavour. Verano Watermelon 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 Federal Merchants
This fruit pink gin is infused with a handmade distillate of fresh Spanish watermelon. It has a delicately sweet flavour and refreshing finish.
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FRANCE Citadelle Original
G’Vine Floraison 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $87.99 Thirsty Camel
An artisanal French gin using 19 botanicals; among them violet, iris and blackcurrant. Creator Alexandre Gabriel uses a patented progressive infusion method in which each botanical is infused in an alcohol made from French wheat. This creates an elegant gin that is soft and smooth. Subtle aromas of juniper and citrus continue on the palate alongside notes of pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon. The distinctive bottle was inspired by 18th century France.
Made with grape spirit at a 16th century family estate in the heart of Cognac country, G’Vine Floraison aims to capture springtime in the vineyard. Its signature botanical is the flower of the grapevine, which exists for just a few days before maturing into a grape berry. These flowers are handpicked, macerated in the grape spirit and then distilled before being blended with nine botanicals. Its floral aroma has an almost vanilla sweetness. The flavour is rounded and smooth, leading to a warming finish of liquorice, ginger and nutmeg.
Citadelle Reserve
G’Vine Nouaison
44% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.95 Proof & Company
45.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $98.50 Proof & Company
Distiller Alexandre Gabriel was one of the first to release an aged gin, with his Citadelle Reserve in 2008. After several years of experimentation, he perfected his recipe by adding yuzu, génépi (wormwood) and bleuet (cornflower) and resting the gin for five months in five different types of barrels: acacia, mulberry, cherry, chestnut and French oak. The gin is then blended and refined in an eight-foot tall, egg-shaped oak barrel. Citadelle Reserve has aromas of dried spice, herbs and juniper. It is silky in the mouth with spice, pepper and notes of lemon zest, ginger and almond. Gabriel Boudier Saffron Gin 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Tickety-Boo
The distinctively earthy aroma of saffron sits alongside piney juniper in this vibrant gold gin. It has a rich spiced flavour with an underlying earthiness, complex spice and a hint of sweetness.
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G’Vine Floraison is made with grape spirit at a 16th century family estate in the heart of Cognac country.
GERMANY Elephant Dry Gin
45% ABV, 700ml RRP $93.99 Thirsty Camel
45% ABV, 500ml RRP $84.99 Federal Merchants
Created as a richer, intensely aromatic alternative to dry gins, G’Vine Nouaison uses a range of fruit, aromatic and spice botanicals with its grape distillate.
A subtle juniper aroma with herbaceous notes. A complex but smooth palate of floral, fruit and spice flavours.
Le Gin de Christian Drouin
35% ABV, 500ml RRP $84.99 Federal Merchants
42% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Hancocks
Made by a house specialising in French calvados, this unique gin has a luxurious aroma that calls to mind caramelised apples and rich fruit. It incorporates 30 apple varieties and complementary aromatics such as rose, lemon, ginger and cardamom. On the palate the juniper is subtle, while the sweet apple flavour continues with a hint of delicate rose, underlying warming spice and a soft finish.
Elephant Sloe Gin Fresh sloe berries are combined with Elephant Dry Gin to create a rounded, lightly sweet and fruity gin with a warm red hue. It has a rich fruit aroma with a slight note of marzipan, while on the palate it is slightly sweet with intense fruit flavours. Elephant Strength Gin 57% ABV, 500ml RRP $94.99 Federal Merchants
A stronger expression of the Elephant London Dry Gin, this version amplifies the aroma and flavours of the botanical blend.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
ITALY Ginarte 43.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $86.99 Thirsty Camel
Inspired by art, this gin is made with plants used by Renaissance artists to create coloured pigments for their painting, such as Calamint, safflower, mignonette, rubia and indigo. Other botanicals include angelica, lavender, hibiscus, elder flowers, pine buds, mountain pine and pine needles to produce a clean and complex gin. Monkey 47 47% ABV, 500ml RRP $89.99 Pernod Ricard
An array of 47 botanicals go into this gin, which has its origins in southern Germany’s Black Forest region. Aromas of freshly crushed forest floor herbs sit alongside the juniper. On the palate there are herbaceous flavours with rounded warmth from the spices. Monkey 47 Sloe Gin 47% ABV, 500ml RRP $89.99 Pernod Ricard
The sloe gin expression from Monkey 47 uses wild-growing, hand-picked sloe berries from Germany’s Black Forest. These are macerated in Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin and left to rest for four weeks, creating a richly flavoured sloe gin.
HOLLAND Rutte Celery Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks
Malfy Originale 41% ABV, 750ml RRP $61.99 Pernod Ricard
Aromas of juniper, coriander and anise lead to a crisp, dry palate with complex flavours of juniper, liquorice and a hint of citrus. Malfy Rosa 41% ABV, 750ml RRP $61.99 Pernod Ricard
A pale pink gin with bright, fresh aromas of citrus, rhubarb and spicy anise. The Sicilian pink grapefruit and Italian rhubarb used in its creation provide a rich citrus flavour, with a tart note and a long citrus finish. Malfy Con Arancia 41% ABV, 750ml RRP $61.99 Pernod Ricard
Sicilian blood orange peel in the distillation of this gin helps to create its deep ruby red colour. Aromas of orange blossom with a background of juniper; flavours of rich, bittersweet citrus with a long finish.
Malfy Con Limone 41% ABV, 750ml RRP $61.99 Pernod Ricard
A citrus-forward gin that uses the peels of Italian coastal-grown lemons in its distillation. Aromas of citrus and juniper with flavours of anise, citrus and coriander.
SPAIN L’Arbre Gin 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $65.99 Thirsty Camel
This fresh, herbaceous gin is made with botanicals such as thyme, basil, lavender and rosemary sourced from the Penedès area in Spain’s Catalonia. The gin is produced in Tarragone in northeast Spain. Gin Mare 42.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Thirsty Camel
Spanish citrus and herbs are at the heart of this gin, which combines Arbequina olives, thyme, basil and rosemary in its creation. It has rich aromas of citrus, fennel and juniper, with a soft, rounded juniper-led flavour and a finish of intense botanicals and spice. Gin Mare Capri 42.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $114.99 Thirsty Camel
This gin was released to mark Gin Mare’s 10th anniversary and was inspired by the perfumes of the famed Italian island of Capri. The citrus aromas of bergamot and delicate rosemary are at the fore, alongside basil, fresh orange, lemon, Arbequina olive and thyme.
The Rutte family has used celery in its gins since it began distilling in the Netherlands in the 1870s. This is a light, citrusy gin distilled from seven classic gin botanicals, including its signature celery. It is dry, with a hint of lemon and a fresh celery note.
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Barrister Dry 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $25 and 700ml RRP $45 Q Liquid
This was the first gin in the Barrister family and the first Russian-made gin to be marketed internationally. Having received a number of international awards and medals during its first two years of production, Barrister Dry became the most popular gin in Russia in 2018. Classic botanicals such as juniper, angelica, lemon peel and coriander are combined to create a crisp, dry gin. Barrister Old Tom 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $55 Q Liquid
Larios 12
Larios Rosé
40% ABV, 1L RRP $44.99 Beam Suntory
37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $44.99 Beam Suntory
A citrus-dominant blend of 12 botanicals, among them orange, mandarin, tangerine, lemon, lime, orange blossom, grapefruit and clementine. A delicate citrus aroma with subtle juniper notes leads to a palate of intense citrus and juniper with slightly spiced character from the nutmeg and coriander.
An intensely sweet strawberry aroma leads to a palate of fruit sweetness and subtle citrus with a lingering sweet finish.
Larios Citrus 37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $44.99 Beam Suntory
The addition of Mediterranean oranges gives this gin an intensely fruity aroma and flavour. Vibrant citrus on the palate with balanced sweetness. Larios Dry Original 37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $37.99 Beam Suntory
A blend of classic gin botanicals, creating a juniper aroma with a hint of citrus. Clean and dry on the palate with a balance of juniper and citrus, and a lingering citrus finish.
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Le Tribute Gin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo
A fresh and fruity gin with intense citrus, thanks to an array of orange, lemon grapefruit, kumquat tangerine and lime in the botanical mix. An underlying touch of lemongrass and juniper.
RUSSIA Barrister Blue 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $45 Q Liquid
This distinctly blue-hued gin was created especially for use in gin and tonics. Awarded Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2021.
In accordance with the Old Tom category, this gin from Barrister is slightly sweetened to create a rounder, richer taste. Black pepper and allspice, nutmeg, almonds, and cubeb pepper are added to highlight its spicy, oriental character. Barrister Orange 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $49 Q Liquid
This slightly higher strength gin with its intense aroma and flavour of ripe oranges lends itself to cocktail making. Barrister Pink 40% ABV, 375ml RRP $25 and 700ml RRP $45 Q Liquid
Classic botanicals and berries are distilled separately for this pink expression from Barrister. It has an intense, bright, and fruity aroma with subtle notes of pink blossom and flavours of strawberry. Barrister Russian 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $59 Q Liquid
This gin expands on its botanical mix by adding traditional Russian botanicals grown near its distillery such as chamomile, linden tree blossom, liquorice, and a local oregano.
SPIRITS REPORT - GIN
USA
CANADA
Gracias a Dios Old Tom Agave Gin
Gray Whale
Empress 1908
43% 750ml RRP $79.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
42.5% 700ml RRP $79.99 The Premium Liquor Co.
45% ABV, 750ml RRP $99.99 Tickety-Boo
A Californian gin inspired by the gray whale, which can be seen on its migratory journey along the California coast. Botanicals for this gin are foraged along that path: from Baja California limes to sea kelp in Mendocino. A portion of Gray Whale’s profits support Oceana, the largest organisation in the world devoted solely to marine conservation.
Made using butterfly pea blossoms, this indigo coloured gin transforms into vivid violet when tonic or citrus is added. Its juniper aroma is underpinned by a savoury warmth from the butterfly pea, cinnamon and ginger. The palate is juniper-forward with fresh grapefruit balanced by delicate rose.
Canaïma Gin is a disinctive gin made in Venezuela that captures the Amazonian rainforest.
St George Botanivore 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $91.50 Proof & Company
A vibrant gin with floral, herbaceous and citrus characters thanks to an array of botanicals, including bergamot peel, Seville orange peel, Citra hops and fennel seed.
MEXICO
St George Terroir Gin 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $91.50 Proof & Company
A lush and aromatic gin inspired by San Francisco’s wild surrounds and using local Douglas fir and California bay laurel. Notes of sage and with a hint of citrus alongside classic gin botanicals.
Gracias a Dios Oaxaca Agave Gin 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo
This gin from Mexico’s renowned Gracias a Dios mezcal distillery uses their classic agave spirit as the base, which is then triple distilled with juniper and eight botanicals from the Oaxaca region, including avocado leaf, yerba santa, cacao and Oaxaca tangerine.
This is a recipe inspired by Old Tom Gin, but with an Oaxaca twist. It uses a Gracias a Dios agave spirit as a base, macerated and distilled with eight botanicals. The spirit is aged in oak barrels for three months and a small addition of agave espadín juice gives it a sweet touch. It is sweet, citric and smoky, with aromas of juniper, spice and cooked agave.
VENEZUELA Canaïma Gin 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore
This distinctive gin is intense, fruity and floral. It has aromas of passionfruit, grapefruit and a hint of black pepper that combine with the lush, damp greenery of the Amazonian rainforest. Complex, balanced palate with herbaceous citrus flavours and tropical notes.
BRAZIL McQueen and the Violet Fog 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $74.99 Brandhouse
This small batch Brazilian gin uses 21 botanicals sourced from around the world, including Indian basil, calamansi, and Brazilian açai to create a gin that is smooth, complex and well-rounded.
For distributor details see Distributor Index on page 108.
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OPINION – SPIRITS
Dominic Roskrow
UK-based world spirits expert Editor - Stills Crazy newwizards.co.uk
All that glitters There are many whisky awards but not all are created equal, and Dominic Roskrow says it can pay to do your homework...
A WHILE ago, a celebrated American writer posted a picture of the cover of a whisky magazine adorned with the banner ‘Featuring 250 award-winning whiskies’. “This sums up everything wrong with today’s spirits industry,” he wrote. His point was, what do awards mean if every spirit brand gets one? How can 250 whiskies all win one? It makes awards totally meaningless. For this very reason I had scrapped the awards programme that I ran – Wizards of Whisky World Whisky Awards – and replaced them with a new event with strict criteria and free entry. There have always been awards, of course. People love them. But in recent years the trickle of established competitions has become a flood of barely known magazines, shows and organisations offering judgement of annual releases in return for hefty sums of cash. Now, it would seem we are reaching burn out. As American whiskey company
Balcones brand ambassador Winston Edwards put it recently: “Oh great, just what I need. Another plea to enter an awards event.” The result is that awards are becoming devalued. In fact, people have started to become wary of brands that don’t have one. A bronze medal is meritless, a view magnified by loud-mouthed commentators such as British journalist Piers Morgan, who dismissed all Olympic and Paralympic bronze medal winners as failures. Then there are the ridiculous categories: Best Siberian Single Malt Aged 5 Years, anybody? Best Gin From Just Outside Tauranga? You get my point. Does it really matter? Maybe not. The brand owners should be astute enough to decide which competitions are worth entering. But what if you’re being misled? What if you choose to stock a bottle of something because it has won some grandiose title? How do you know how that decision was made, and by whom?
Then there are the ridiculous categories: Best Siberian Single Malt Aged 5 Years, anybody? Best Gin From Just Outside Tauranga? You get my point.
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What if even well-established institutions are pulling the wool over your eyes? A few years ago, I was in Glasgow Airport when I spotted spirits writer Jim Murray’s ‘Whisky of the Year’ on sale, with a proud neck tag stating this fact and £20 off the recommended retail price. I bought a bottle. On tasting it, though, I was totally disappointed. So, I rang Murray to ask why he had chosen it. “I didn’t,” he said. “That may be the right distillery and right age, but that expression isn’t the same as the one the distillery sent me.” Whisky Magazine runs one of the best annual awards of all. But a few years ago, I was a judge in an event that named Highland Park 21 Year Old the ‘World’s Best Whisky’, and I was quoted on the reasons why. But within weeks the whisky was put on sale with an ABV of 40% instead of the one we judged at just over 47% ABV. It was a totally different whisky. To their credit the brand owners bowed to criticism and restored it to its original strength. But talk about ‘buyer beware.’ The temptation to hold awards is understandable, because in these difficult times (particularly for the print industry) they provide a valuable source of revenue. When done properly by a reputed magazine or organisation they can help trade and consumers to make decisions in a crowded marketplace. But make sure you do your homework and seek out the worthy award-winners. And above all, don’t believe that all that glitters has a gold medal behind it.
SHOWCASE
Personalised Whisky Gifts NOW IN its third year, Glenfiddich’s personalised labels give all New Zealand retailers the opportunity to capture this shopper trend in their store. The programme is available year-round and across the entire range up to and including the 21 Year Old. It has also recently been updated to include Glenfiddich’s new label and Experimental Fire & Cane. Point-ofsale is readily available, and shoppers are simply directed to www.gflabels. co.nz where labels are created and dispatched by post. Since its launch the programme has not only been found to support traditional gifting seasons, but it also drives everyday gifting opportunities such as birthdays and weddings. With the ability to add a special message, Glenfiddich has also seen that shoppers are more likely to spend money on a higher aged bottle. For retailers looking to sell more aged whisky in their store personalised labels justify the space given to the increased range and facings. From December all Glenfiddich 12yo and 15yo will promote personalisation on-pack with a QR code. Retailers wanting in-store support and POS to promote Glenfiddich’s personalised label programme should contact their Federal Merchants & Co Account Manager.
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SPIRITS NEWS
Crafting a winner A CLAY vessel resembling the fountains at Patrón Tequila’s Jalisco distillery took the top prize in a unique competition championing craftsmanship and innovation among New Zealand bartenders. Crafted in Clay was designed to engage mixologists from around the country in the craft of Patrón Tequila by challenging them to make a clay cocktail vessel and accompanying cocktail. Britney Parker from Austin Club in Christchurch (right) was announced as the supreme winner in August with her vessel design and cocktail creation. Parker’s cocktail was called ‘Copine’ - a long drink shaken and strained over ice that heroes Patrón Tequila Anejo and uses a pear and pine shrub that Parker makes from foraged pine needles mixed with lime juice. To round off the drink with length and depth, she adds Oloroso sherry and a garnish of lime peel and a sprig of burnt pine. Parker had travelled to Auckland for the final to compete against Cory Evans from The Last Word in Christchurch, and Bayleigh Warren of Caretaker. The trio honed their craft via a ceramics class and mixed their favourite Patrón Tequila cocktail in front of a panel of judges. As the supreme winner, Parker won a cash prize of $3,000 and will have 60 replicas of her handcrafted vessel created for use at Austin Club. “It was awesome to try something new and to be able to use my creativity in an unexpected way,” says Parker.
Good George makes cocktails easy WAIKATO’S GOOD George has added new flavours to its Neat small batch cocktail range – Watermelon & Mint Gin Martini, Passionfruit Martini, and Espresso Martini are now available. The 750ml premix cocktail bottles each make 7-8 cocktails. RRP $45. Good George
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“As a mixologist, you’re constantly coming up with new flavour combinations and fun ways to showcase these, and a clay vessel will take this to the next level.” New Zealand Patrón Brand Director Kane Stanford led the judging process and was impressed at the high level of craftsmanship displayed. “It was incredibly difficult to narrow down our three finalists. Each vessel showed a high level of skill, craft and uniqueness, with a story behind it that recognised the heritage of Patrón Tequila and Mexico. “Britney’s vessel stood out that little bit more. Not only was the execution beautiful, but the fact she designed it to resemble the fountains at the Patrón Tequila distillery was a touch we couldn’t ignore.”
SPIRITS NEWS
SHOWCASE
Step into the new world of Curiosity Classic CRAFT DISTILLERS Curiosity have just launched their “curious” new take on a traditional London Gin – Curiosity Classic is a versatile addition to any bar or home drinks cabinet and perfect for any gin cocktail or occasion. This latest release from the Curiosity Gin team is exceptionally smooth and softly juniper-forward, with gentle citrus playing off light, bright spice and smooth, sweet floral highlights. Curiosity Classic delivers a perfectly balanced, classic botanical flavour profile in whatever gin-based drink you are serving. With versatility in mind, Classic was crafted to be a bartender’s delight and a treat for the curious. In the current gin world, with so many flavours, botanicals and origins available, choice can be
overwhelming for the new or even seasoned gin drinker. This latest addition to the range is an invitation to the curious new world of modern gins. How curious are you and – more importantly – how curious are your customers? Where will you eventually land on the Curiosity Scale and how can you guide your customers in their gin adventures? Help them explore their curiosity for flavour in gins with a New Zealand twist. Who knows where a little Curiosity will take you? Available Now: Curiosity Classic (700ml) RRP $75 Distributed by Beverage Brothers
SPIRITS NEWS
New Starward whiskies arrive after awards success
AFTER SWEEPING the Spirit Business Whisky Awards with Gold medals awarded across its range, Australian distillery Starward is releasing three new award-winning limited edition SKUs in New Zealand through distributor TicketyBoo Liquor. The new additions to the portfolio in New Zealand include The UnExPeated Single Malt (Project) which was awarded the top ‘Master’ medal and is a new red wine barrel-aged Australian single malt whisky finished in peated whisky barrels from heritage distilleries in Scotland’s Islay. There will also be Starward Solera Single Malt and Ginger Beer Cask Release #6, both of which won Gold. Tickety-Boo also has Starward’s Two-Fold Whisky, Nova and Fortis Single Malts available. Starward has also announced a major new deal to be the Official Whisky Partner of the globally renowned Michelin Guide in North America. The Michelin Guides have been published by French tyre company Michelin for more than a century. The Guide awards up to three Michelin stars for excellence to a select few
SHOWCASE
Scapegrace Uncommon LIMITED RELEASE from Scapegrace. Curiosity is life. Assumption is death. At Scapegrace, there is a small room where ideas about how things are supposed to be are replaced by ideas about what they could become. Children of this room, conceived in curiosity, all share the same name: Uncommon. Every six months Scapegrace will be releasing a very limited range of rare, interesting and uncommon craft variants. The first release of Scapegrace Uncommon shows true diversity to New Zealand’s playground of seasonal produce. Scapegrace has selected two geographical locations at different periods of their harvest season to showcase these handcrafted gin releases. Scapegrace Uncommon Central Otago New Harvest is a gin that is fresh and ripe with notes of nectarine, lavender, smoked hay and pollen; while the Scapegrace Uncommon Hawke’s Bay Late Harvest brings warmth and spice with raspberry leaf, pear and olive brine. There will be just 3000 hand-numbered bottles of each limited release variant. Scapegrace Uncommon 700ml, RRP $84.99 Contact Hancocks Wine & Spirits to secure an allocation.
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Scapegrace Vodka RTDs IN TIME for summer, Scapegrace has launched an exciting new range of real, handcrafted Vodka RTDs in three flavours. Using the same quality distilled vodka from their award-winning full strength range, the three variants are thoughtfully crafted and perfectly balanced using 100% natural extracts. “It seemed like the perfect opportunity to showcase our handcrafted distilled Vodka in the new 10-pack can format. Using our pot distilled Vodka, provides a refined, elevated experience for the consumer,” says Mark Neal, Scapegrace Marketing Director. The initial release of Scapegrace Vodka RTD includes: • Scapegrace Vodka & Soda garnished with Red Delicious Apple & Pear • Scapegrace Vodka & Soda garnished with Pomegranate & Doris Plum • Scapegrace Vodka & Soda garnished with Hawke’s Bay Lime 330ml 10-pack, RRP $29.99 Contact Hancocks Wine & Spirits to order.
SPIRITS NEWS establishments around the world and these are recognised as one of the highest honours a restaurant can receive. Starward will work with the leading authority in the culinary arts to roll out a 12-month US partnership that showcases Starward as versatile whisky, crafted to pair well with food. It is a significant milestone for the Melbourne-born craft distillery, which has become the fastest-growing Australian whisky brand following its launch into the US and its expanding European footprint.
Starward bottled cocktails DISTRIBUTOR TICKETY-BOO is launching Starward Whisky’s newly rebranded bottled cocktail range – with new addition Coffee Old Fashioned joining the Whisky Negroni and (New) Old Fashioned. The Starward Whisky Cocktails (32% ABV, 500ml) are RRP $50 and each one makes 10 cocktails. The three variants are: • (New) Old Fashioned – a muddled mix of Australian made whisky, Starward’s distillery crafted orange bitters and wattleseed syrup. • Coffee Old Fashioned – crafted from Starward’s award-winning whisky, Mr Black’s delicious cold brew coffee liqueur and Starward’s distillery-made orange bitters. • Whisky Negroni – a bold aperitif composed of Starward’s Melbourne-made whisky, sweet vermouth and a splash of bitter orange liqueur. Tickety-Boo
The perfect gin to your tonic.
From the foothills of Mt Fyffe Kaikōura, two award winning small-batch artisan gins infusing unique botanics, from the mountains to the sea.
Discover more: mtfyffedistillery.co.nz
SPIRITS NEWS
Kauri history at heart of new gin A PIECE of gum from a bleeding kauri was the inspiration for Ignis Fatuus – the latest gin from Hastings Distillers. The distillery, established by Kate Galloway and her partner David Ramonteu, has become known for its intricately made organic spirits and liqueurs, all of which are BioGro certified. After finding the gum while walking through thick bush several years ago, Galloway began to research the history and lore of New Zealand kauri. “I found the stories of our gum trade and heritage really interesting,” says Galloway, “and was particularly fascinated by the Māori and Dalmation gumdiggers who worked side by side in the swamps, in really tough, damp conditions, forming a strong bond as they toiled.” This sparked the idea for the newly released Ignis Fatuus (I.F), a premium
sipping gin made from an organic Sauvignon Blanc that is triple distilled and infused with kauri gum, juniper, kawakawa fruit and black cardamom. Ignis Fatuus is Latin for “foolish flame” and refers to an other-wordly light that could sometimes be seen rising from swamps or over wetlands. It was usually due to the combustion of gas triggered by decaying plant matter, but for some it represented a fairy, ghost or elemental spirit. Galloway says it was important to capture the sensory landscape of the
swamp – dark, smoky, peaty – in the I.F gin as well as the story of the families who worked such land, some of whom went on to found New Zealand’s first wineries in west Auckland. To create I.F, Galloway and Ramonteu worked with Dr Tracey Wedge from Matakohe’s Kauri Museum to source their gum. Next, they sourced an organic Sauvignon Blanc from which to create the base from pioneering West Auckland family winemakers Babich. “For us, [they] embody the story of those hardy gumdiggers who eventually turned their hand to wine,” says Galloway. “I.F is an opportunity to connect to a lesser-known chapter of New Zealand history,” says Ramonteu. “Our hope is that it brings to mind the forest floor, the smoke of peat fires, resin, sandalwood, and that there is a vaguely numbing quality from the pungent and slightly medicinal kawakawa. The Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect base, imprinting its personality on the final gin with notes of quince, pear, rose and citrus which are all common flavours to be found in the desserts of the Dalmations. This is a gin to enjoy neat.” Ignis Fatuus 500ml, RRP $265 Hastings Distillers
SHOWCASE
EXCITEMENT IS growing as Taranaki’s Juno Gin prepares to open its brand-new distillery and tasting room in New Plymouth. In less than five years, the craft distillery created by Jo and Dave James has emerged as a leader in the New Zealand spirits industry. Its multi-awardwinning gins are enjoyed all over New Zealand and in a growing number of overseas destinations. The new Juno distillery, which is set to begin production in late 2021, will allow the James’ to keep up with rapidly growing demand for their range of craft spirits. Their flagship Juno Extra Fine Gin is a small batch, triple-distilled London
STRATEGY COLLECTIVE
New chapter for Juno Gin
Jo and Dave James of Juno Gin
Dry-style gin and they also release four seasonal gin varieties each year. Part of what makes Juno Gin so special is Jo and Dave James’ commitment to doing things right. They are believers in using local where possible, helping to bolster new local markets in sustainable, high value crops like orris root – a move that has also slashed Juno Gin’s
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food miles in the process, as it was previously sourced from Bulgaria. They have juniper in their sights too, partnering with Massey University to find and catalogue New Zealand’s juniper population with “The Great NZ Juniper Hunt” with a view to adding juniper to the list of local gin ingredients available to distillers. The new Juno Gin distillery, which has been designed
The new Juno distillery will allow the James’ to keep up with rapidly growing demand for their range of craft spirits. to be zero-waste, includes a Cellar Door that will celebrate Taranaki’s vibrant food and beverage scene, as well as the local botanical growers that Juno works with and, of course Juno Gin itself, through hands-on activations and gin masterclasses. junogin.com Juno Gins are distributed by Thirsty Camel
SHOWCASE
Hamish and Stu of Rifters Gin
Rifters on the rise FROM A craft distillery near Arrowtown in Central Otago comes a line of boutique gins that speak to the surrounding land and its gold-mining history. Rifters is the creation of Hamish and Stu, a couple of Kiwi builders with a shared love for quality gin. The origin of the distillery’s name is two-fold: a “rift” is a crack in the earth or a crack in a glacier (and there are plenty in Central Otago) while a “Rifter” is a term from the gold-mining era, meaning a fossicker or a forager. The pair’s first gin, Rifters Original Dry Gin debuted in 2020 and quickly proved popular, with Rifters Quartz Gin a recent addition to the line-up. Both gins have won multiple awards, including at the New Zealand Spirits Awards and the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2021, where Rifters Original Dry won Silver and Rifters Quartz won a coveted Gold. Rifters gins have also just been released in elegant new bottles, which are rolling out around the country from October. A key tagline for Rifters is “spirits from the earth” – acknowledging the solid connection between Mother Nature and the ingredients in the gin, such as locally foraged wild thyme, manuka and Douglas Fir. Rifters has a strong focus on sustainability too – its packaging is plastic-free, it uses water-based inks to print its boxes and works closely with its suppliers to eliminate single use plastic from the packaging and products the distillery uses. • Rifters Original Dry Gin 700ml RRP $84.99 • Rifters Quartz Gin RRP 700ml RRP $89.99 Rifters is distributed by Federal Merchants & Co.
SPIRITS NEWS
Juno Gin’s Artist Series: Escape 2021 out now WITH THE release of Juno Gin Spring 2021 marking the last in the seasonal quartet, the Taranaki distillery has also released the four 2021 gins as a complete package in the Artist Series: Escape 2021. This set of seasonal gins features original label artwork and is presented in a four-pack box. Every season Juno Gin releases a new limited-edition gin for their Artist Series, using ingredients and botanicals that capture the essence of that time of year. All of Juno’s seasonal Artist Series gins are a strictly limited run of 1000 bottles (200ml). For this year’s Artist Series: Escape 2021, Juno Gin Founders, Dave and Jo James, were inspired by the notion of limited travel, encouraging people to let their minds do the travelling instead. Juno Gin Summer 2021 features splashes of locally sourced Rangpur limes with hints of smoke; Autumn 2021 pairs cranberries and fig leaf, conjuring up the Southern Alps; and Winter 2021 is intense and
juicy with citrus, toasted coconut, lime blossoms and a whisker of cinnamon, offering a tropical escape. Juno’s new Spring 2021 is described as “a gin bright with lemon and a salty tang, with a rounded floral note providing
balance; inspired by Mediterranean holidays”. The bottle illustration features a floral bouquet designed by Llewellyn Parry who is a designer, illustrator and animator based in Christchurch. Each Artist Series 2021 bottle features original artwork by four artists from across New Zealand, selected from Juno’s inaugural Blank Canvas call-out, which invited local artists and designers to contribute to the creation of the 2021 labels. Following the success of this first Blank Canvas campaign, Juno Gin is now seeking artist submissions for its 2022 Seasonal Releases. The overall theme for this year is friendship through all seasons, with submissions due by 25 October, 2021. More information is available at junogin.com Juno Gin’s Spring 2021 Seasonal Gin and 2021 Seasonal Four packs are available to order now. Thirsty Camel
SHOWCASE
The Botanist’s innovative gift pack back for summer THE INNOVATIVE gift pack from Scottish craft gin brand The Botanist will be available in New Zealand again, after selling out last Christmas. The pack encourages fans to reuse its secondary packaging to grow garnishes at home. It features a bottle of the artisanal Islay Dry Gin plus a bespoke herb planter decorated with the Latin botanicals that can be found on The Botanist’s iconic bottle. The gift pack’s sustainable design allows the outer packaging to be filled with soil, providing a base for seeds to grow, or as a stylish home for pre-potted plants. It is hoped that fans will grow garnishes at home to use in their favourite Botanist cocktail creations. Douglas Taylor, CEO Bruichladdich Distillery said: “As a B Corp accredited distillery, we strive to be sustainable in all that we do. By creating packaging that can be reused, we hope to encourage people to both invest in and reconnect with nature. Through growing garnishes at home, you can experiment with local and seasonal
flavours in a more sustainable way.” Alongside the tin planter, the gift pack includes a 700ml bottle of The Botanist and easy foraged cocktail recipes to experiment with at home. Produced on the remote Hebridean Island of Islay, The Botanist is made with 22 hand-foraged local herbs and flowers that are distilled delicately and slowly alongside nine classic gin botanicals. This complex gin, with floral, citrus and menthol notes can be enjoyed neat, in a G&T garnished with local and seasonal herbs, or in a foraged cocktail. Contact your Hancocks Rep for more information.
SPIRITS NEWS
SHOWCASE
Elemental Distillers partners with Proof & Company AWARD-WINNING, MARLBOROUGHBASED distillery Elemental Distillers has partnered with Proof & Company to accelerate its brand growth and distribution presence in its New Zealand home market. The new partnership will also see Elemental’s Roots Marlborough Dry Gin become the first New Zealand spirit to be available in the ecoSPIRITSTM low carbon, low waste distribution technology. Proof & Company says it is a natural fit as both companies share a vision centred on the rise of craft and local spirits, industry education and brand independence in the region. It also comes hot off Roots Gin’s recent “Best Overall Gin 2021” win at the New Zealand Spirits Awards in June.
Simon Kelly and Ben Leggett
Founded in 2019 by Ben Leggett and Simon Kelly, Elemental has rapidly emerged as one of New Zealand’s premier craft distillers, producing gins, bitters and liqueurs in the heart of the internationally recognised Marlborough wine region. To accelerate the growth of Roots Gin, Proof & Company plans to first expand its distribution footprint in the on-trade and premium national retail channels, while launching the gin in its ecoSPIRITS pouring
programme across New Zealand. The new partnership will also see the brand take on a broader presence in New Zealand’s strong independent retail landscape. Proof & Company says that strong trade and consumer demand for local spirits will provide a tailwind for this next phase of expansion. For more information contact ordersnz@proofandcompany.com
AWARDED NEW ZEALAND’S BEST OVERALL GIN 2021 NOW AVAILABLE IN ecoSPIRITS For orders or more information, contact ordersnz@proofandcompany.com
SPIRITS NEWS
New releases from Little Biddy Gin REEFTON DISTILLING Co has launched its new Little Biddy Gin – Pink for the summer of 2021, this time made with New Zealand cherries. It follows the 2020 sell-out success of the initial pink gin made with locally grown West Coast berries. The new gin showcases the natural colour, sweetness and depth of the cherries. It has subtle floral notes on the nose, is rich with sweet citrus and has a palate of warming spice followed by the complex sweetness and depth of New Zealand cherries. Reefton has also revealed a sneak peek of its new Limited
Edition, Little Biddy Gin – Snow, tipped for release in mid-2022. While rain is abundant in the rainforests surrounding Reefton, snow is rare and the Reefton Distilling Co team was keen to mark the moment. “Falling snow captures the volatile organic compounds in the surrounding air and environment, and so becomes
a composition and reflection of the local landscape,” says distiller Beth Scott. The new gin is made from locally gathered fresh snow, native manuka, alpine lavender, peppermint and lime. Each bottle will be presented in a gift box made on the West Coast. • Little Biddy Gin – Pink RRP $89.99 • Little Biddy Gin – Snow RRP $97.99 (out mid-2022) EuroVintage
SHOWCASE
Imagination’s Lewis Farms Strawberry Gin returns IMAGINATION DISTILLING’S seasonal strawberry gin is back for its third season. With a punnet of Lewis Farms strawberries to every litre of imagination Strawberry Gin, the strawberry flavour is unmistakable without being sweet or overbearing. It makes a great G&T and really comes to life in a summer fruit cup. “It was great to find such incredible strawberries growing right here on our doorstep in Levin,” says imagination co-owner/distiller Chris Charteris. “We have always believed that ‘shopping local’ is important, but the real bonus has been getting to know the Lewis family – three generations of them. It feels like we’re part of their family and they’re part of ours.” The label for the 2021 edition of imagination Lewis Farms Strawberry Gin
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has been inked by Featherstonbased tattooist Mario Gregor. “I’ve seen a few of his pieces on clients of mine,” says Simon Wilson, co-owner of imagination and a practising dentist. “Mario’s work is completely extraordinary, so we were absolutely stoked when he agreed to work with us.” Mario Gregor is in constant demand for his tattooing skills and clients book months ahead to be tattooed by him. “In this instance, COVID Level 4 lockdown created the window of opportunity for Mario to be able to say ‘yes’ to us,” says Simon. imagination Lewis Farms Strawberry Gin will be released in October and available until sold out. For distribution details visit imaginationgin.nz
Mario Gregor
SPIRITS NEWS
New gin reveals its Strange Nature GIESEN GROUP has released a new grapebased gin created from the alcohol removed from its popular 0% Sauvignon Blanc wine. Strange Nature is the result of months of distillation trials using the alcohol extracted from the wine using innovative spinning cone technology. Strange Nature has the quintessential flavours of its Sauvignon Blanc origins - aromatic and fruity; part tropical and zesty, part herbaceous with sweet and savoury characters. Strange Nature (44% ABV) 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group
Elephant Gin in new 750ml size THE RANGE of award-winning Elephant Gins is now available in new 750ml sized bottles in New Zealand through distributor Federal Merchants & Co. The handcrafted premium gins are made with rare African botanicals and are available in Elephant Gin London Dry, Sloe, and Strength. All ingredients are hand-selected, bottles custom-made, labels hand-written and production-controlled by small batches. Elephant Gin also contributes 15% of all bottle proceeds to two African elephant foundations to support the preservation of the African wildlife. Federal Merchants
SHOWCASE
New Warner’s 0% Botanic Garden Spirits FRESH FROM the UK’s largest independent gin distillery, Warner’s are proud to present not one, but two delicious non-alcoholic gininspired spirits. At 0% ABV, this innovation joins Warner’s range of all-natural gins packed full of real botanicals - grown on their family farm, no less. The family-owned business has produced sustainable crafted beverages since 2012. With a focus on real ingredients, real flavours, and real moments, it’s no surprise that founder Tom Warner wanted to craft an option for those looking to moderate their alcohol intake without compromising on quality or taste. The new non-alcoholic spirits are made using only 100% natural botanicals, with 90% of the ingredients sourced straight from their family farm in North Hamptonshire, UK. They are packed full of real ingredients and crafted to perfection by their expert team to deliver real flavour, for real moments. Warner’s 0% Juniper Double Dry is the perfect twin to a tonic: herby, aromatic and zesty, pairing spicy cinnamon and cardamom with fresh lemon verbena and lemon thyme. Best served over ice, with a splash of Mediterranean tonic and a wedge of orange. Warner’s 0% Pink Berry is the perfect non-alcoholic alternative to a fruity pink gin. Fruity bursts of raspberry and blackcurrant, sage, spicy Szechuan pepper, ginger and chilli all work well together. Best served over ice, with a splash of Mediterranean tonic and a sprig of mint. Perfect for anyone looking to drink less but better, or simply opting not to drink alcohol, without compromising on quality or flavour. The Warner’s range is proudly distributed in New Zealand by Giesen Group. Contact your local representative or call 03 344 6270 for more information. Giesen
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DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY
Distributors 1919 Distilling
Clearview Estate
021 024 22067 1919distilling.com
06 875 0150 clearviewestate.co.nz
8-Wired
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners NZ
022 106 1709 8wired.co.nz
Asahi Beverages NZ 09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz
Astrolabe Wines
03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz
Babich Wines
0800 692 337 cocacolaep.com
Coromandel Distilling Company 021 0299 0399 corodc.com
The Dam Fine Gin Company
nzorders@babichwines. co.nz babichwines.com
0800 326 779 thedamsoncollection.co.nz
Beam Suntory
0800 746 432 db.co.nz
0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com
DB Breweries
Beverage Brothers
Denzien Urban Distillery
03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz
021 285 1551 denzien.nz
Blush Gin
Dhall & Nash
Blushgin.co.nz
Boneface Brewing
04 529 7042 boneface-brewing.com
The Boneline
03 314 8699 theboneline.co.nz
Brandhouse
0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz
Brave Brewing
027 460 8414 bravebrewing.co.nz
Bureaucrats Gin
021 243 4424 bureaucratsgin.co.nz
Buzz Club
thebuzzclub.co.nz
Carbon 6IX
info@carbonsix.co.nz carbonsix.co.nz
Cardrona Distillery 03 443 1393 cardronadistillery.com
Chard Farm
03 442 6110 chardfarm.conz
Giesen Group 03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz
Maxim Wines
021 977 615 maximwines.co.nz
Sandymount Distillery
Glengarry
McLeod’s Brewery
Seifried Estate
Mineral
Smith & Sheth
0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz
Go Green Beverages
021 382 342 mcleodsbrewery.co.nz orders@mineralwine.co.nz mineral.co.nz
06 650 5550 smithandsheth.com
Good George
Mission Estate
06 845 9350 missionestate.co.nz
Sprig + Fern
Great Little Vineyards
hello@morningcider.co morningcider.co
info@thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz
Mt Fyffe Distillery
Thomson Whisky
07 846 9364 goodgeorge.co.nz 09 529 0935 greatlittlevineyards.com
Morningcider
021 626 636 thomsonwhisky.com
Hastings Distillers
0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com
Negociants
Tickety-Boo Liquor
No.8 Distillery
Tuatara Brewing
0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz 06 870 3991 hastingsdistillers.com
Humdinger
Imagination
0508 TUATARA tuatarabrewing.co.nz
ParrotDog
Uriel Ventures
021 046 4284 drbeak.nz
imaginationgin.nz
Dunedin Craft Distillers
Indie Brands 021 946 388 indiebrands.nz
Pernod Ricard
03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz
EuroVintage
0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz
Exhibit A
021 824 575 exhbitabrand.com
Federal Merchants
0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz
Felton Road
03 445 0885 feltonroad.com
Forrest Wines 03 572 9084 forrest.co.nz
108 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
Island Gin
09 429 0690 islandgin.com
Kaimai Brewing & Distilling Co.
0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com
Pink & White
contact@pinkandwhite. co.nz pinkandwhite.co.nz
The Premium Liquor Co.
027 678 9752 kaimaibrewinganddistilling. co.nz
09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz
Karven
021 393 652 Procureliquor.co.nz
021 723 090 karven.co.nz
09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz
03 477 4188 no8distillery.com 04 384 8077 parrotdog.co.nz
Emporium Brewing
Thirsty Camel
021 135 4796 mtfyffedistillery.co.nz
Dr Beak
03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz
03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz
Hancocks
027 463 4790 humdinger.nz
Emerson’s
03 544 5599 seifried.co.nz
027 511 9882 buybeer@ gogreenbeverage.com
0800 369 463 dnfinewine.com
027 479 7714 dunedincraftdistillers.nz
022 305 6547 sandymount.nz
Procure Liquor
Proof & Company
021 058 7894 clemengoldgin.co.nz
Villa Maria
0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz
Vintners
0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz
Washhouse Distillery
021 025 56075 washhousedistillery.co.nz
Whisky Galore
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An indomitable spirit Founder of Cardrona Distillery, Desiree Reid-Whitaker, has just released The Spirit of Cardrona – a book documenting her path to building her award-winning distillery. Here, she reflects on the journey and its challenges, hard graft and a serendipitous moment over soup... HarperCollins approached me in January 2020 to have a book written. I agreed, and they engaged Kimberley Davis to write the story. Kimberley and I met once a week for around three months. She would ask questions and I would just talk. Kimberley is an incredibly talented lady, and it was a lovely experience. On some of the serendipitous moments along the way...
I was blessed with extraordinarily good luck in my journey to build the Cardrona Distillery. There are four that really stand out to me. The first was meeting Dave Pickerell. Dave is the former head of Maker’s Mark, and widely regarded as the father of Craft Whisky Renaissance in the United States. I met Dave at the American Distillers Institute (ADI) Conference, where he was standing in for another speaker at a workshop I had signed up for. He was incredible – so clear. I scoured the programme for his pre-planned presentations after that, and a while later I was lucky enough to get a place in a week-long advanced distillation methods programme with him. From there, Dave mentored me from the United States as I built the distillery here in New Zealand and came out to visit for Thanksgiving in late November 2016. Sadly, Dave died a while ago – he truly was a Master. The second was also at the ADI conference, where I met Richard Forsyth Snr of Scottish stills manufacturer Forsyths, and then was able to visit with him and his son Richard Jnr at their site just a couple of weeks later in Scotland. The Forsyths, like Dave, guided me 110 DRINKSBIZ OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2021
through the design process, and are a cornerstone of the whisky industry. Richard Jnr and one of his engineers pored over the blueprints for my second-hand never-used column still to provide me details of how it worked. It wasn’t even their still and they didn’t charge for their time – it demonstrates the level of care they provide their customers. Richard Snr flew out to New Zealand with his wife Heather, to cut the ribbon when we opened Cardrona Distillery. The third moment of serendipity was meeting John Lee. I was trying to find land in Cardrona to build on and someone at
meet her, I knew I’d found the distillery’s architect. She had such a broad and insightful mind – it was like she could see into my mind’s eye for the distillery. Then she took that concept and added such beauty and detailing. On her proudest moments since launching the distillery...
Winning the World Whiskies Awards for New Zealand’s Best Whisky in 2020 was a wonderful achievement as these are the most prestigious in the world. I was also extremely proud that we were able to navigate COVID-19 with no redundancies. New Zealand’s first lockdown was an extremely stressful time and no-one knew how the economy would recover afterwards. On how New Zealand’s craft spirits industry has changed in recent years...
ANNA ALLAN
On how the book came about...
Queenstown Lakes District Council had recommended I track down a local called John Lee. Just a couple of hours after that conversation I was sitting at the Cardrona Hotel having a bowl of soup, pondering my next steps. A man sat at the table next to me in the empty restaurant and struck up a conversation – he knew all that happened in the Cardrona Valley and my face had become familiar. It was John Lee. He and his wife Mary helped me find the land I needed to build the Cardrona Distillery and were important friends when I was just new to town. Last, but not least, was meeting architect Sarah Scott. Sarah completely forgot our first meeting. When I finally did
It’s wonderful to see the craft movement standing firm in true craftsmanship. Many other country’s ‘craft’ means buying bulk spirit and essential oils or syrups and mixing them together and calling it ‘craft spirit’. New Zealand has developed an ethos where craft is truly crafted. The other fantastic development for the New Zealand whisky industry is that proper distilling varieties are now grown and malted in New Zealand. This has only recently become the case and is a major step forward for New Zealand whisky. On what she hopes readers will take away from the book...
That fulfilling dreams takes enormous hard work and determination.
The Spirit of Cardrona by Desiree Reid-Whitaker. Published by HarperCollins NZ. RRP $65.
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