Drinksbiz March April 2025

RAISE A GLASS WITH GRAHAM!

TOURING NZ WITH HIS

LIVE SHOW

AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM NORTON

AUCKLAND

WELLINGTON

CHRISTCHURCH

MARCH + APRIL 2025

Victoria Wells Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

All eyes on aperitivo

I DO love it when there’s a “next big thing” lurking on the horizon, and right now it’s looking like the rise of the aperitivo.

This rather fabulous Italian tradition of enjoying a drink (often bittersweet or dry and lower in alcohol) before a meal is becoming increasingly common in bars and restaurants around the country.

Campari NZ has a firm focus on its Aperol brand as a strong growth area

in the New Zealand market, coming off a hugely successful second year of sponsorship at the ASB Classic tennis tournament in Auckland this year, where the Aperol Spritz again proved a hit with the crowds. Expect to see more activations and sponsorships throughout the year.

A global cocktail competition centred on aperitivo brand Italicus has also opened to New Zealand entrants for

I do love it when there’s a “next big thing” lurking on the horizon, and right now it’s looking like the rise of the aperitivo.

Got something to share?

We’re always on the hunt for new products or product updates to tell our Drinksbiz readers about. If you’re launching a new brand, adding to your range, or have any other drinks-related news to communicate we’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line at victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

My picks

Sprig + Fern Harvest Pilsner 15th Anniversary Edition

Because it’s fresh hop season and this is a classic drop from Master Brewer Tracy Banner at Sprig + Fern. (Pg 42)

2024 Villa Maria Seaspray Sauvignon Blanc

I loved this wine when I first tried it late last year. The subtle salt character really adds an extra dimension. Delicious and incredible value for money. (Pg 29)

Waiheke Whisky Dyad Peat + Port Peated New Zealand malt and a fortified wine cask combine to create this stunning whisky. It also won its category (Small Batch Single Malt 12 Years and Under) for New Zealand at the World Whiskies Awards. (Pg 54)

the first time. The Art of Italicus invites professional bartenders to create an innovative spin on the classic serve for the chance to win an incredible mentorship and access to global industry events. (Details on pg 76.)

And then there’s the rise of nonalcoholic aperitivo in the UK. On page 74, our UK-based spirits writer Sarah Miller explains how these beautifully presented, complex botanical creations are capturing the attention of high-end bars and restaurants and look set to take the nonalc space by storm.

‘Cin cin’ indeed!

Victoria

PUBLISHER

Karen Boult

karen@boult.co.nz

+64 21 320 663

EDITOR

Victoria Wells

victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

+64 27 575 9021

DESIGNERS

Cindy Hurst Lewis Hurst

ADVERTISING

Roger Pierce

advertising@drinksbiz.co.nz

+64 274 335 354

drinksbiz.co.nz

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Experience The Ned in a can

The Ned is encouraging Kiwis to embrace the spirit of adventure with its new range of canned wines…

AWARD-WINNING NEW Zealand wine brand The Ned is launching its three top-selling wines in a new slim-line 250ml can format.

The new offering includes The Ned’s celebrated Sauvignon Blanc and New Zealand’s #1-selling Rosé and Pinot Gris.

Siobhan Wilson, GM Sales and Marketing for The Ned, says the move comes from a desire to offer Kiwi consumers the option of their favourite wine in a format that is more eco-friendly and fits into their lifestyle.

“By choosing The Ned in a can, consumers not only enjoy premium wine in a modern, more convenient format but also contribute to a more sustainable future,” says Wilson.

The Ned – making every moment special

As one of New Zealand’s top-selling wine brands, The Ned has firmly established itself as a global brand, distributed in 33 countries and is recognised for its exceptional quality.

The new canned format speaks to The Ned’s brand values of curiosity, independence and the desire to find joy and experiment.

Siobhan Wilson says the canned wines are the same exceptional quality that consumers have come to expect from The Ned. “The aluminium cans provide excellent protection against light and oxygen, preserving the wine’s integrity and ensuring a fresh taste experience with every sip.

“This innovative packaging ensures that exceptional wine is always within reach, ready to elevate any moment.”

The durable, lightweight can format simplifies logistics, making them ideal for stadiums, and large gatherings or events.

Sustainable and efficient packaging

The cans are produced by Visy, a leader in sustainable packaging solutions. Aluminium cans are infinitely recyclable, allowing them to be recycled repeatedly without losing quality. Visy recycles over 6,000 tonnes of aluminium annually, contributing significantly to environmental conservation.

The cans are lightweight and durable, reducing transportation costs and the carbon footprint associated with shipping. Their stackable design optimises storage space, benefiting both retailers and consumers.

To launch, The Ned single cans will be exclusively on offer at all Woolworths stores nationwide and selected event venues. Before the end of 2025 the cans will be launched market-wide and look to be available in singles and 4-packs.

Designed to appeal

The cans feature The Ned’s iconic branding, utilising Visy’s state-of-theart digital printing technology. This ensures vibrant, high-quality visuals that stand out on shelves and attract consumer attention.

Siobhan Wilson says a range of promotional activity is planned around the launch, partnering with Woolworths. Once launched into the wider market,

“This innovative packaging ensures that exceptional wine is always within reach, ready to elevate any moment.”

- Siobhan Wilson, GM Sales and Marketing, The Ned.

Marisco’s intent is for The Ned in a Can to be the hottest thing summer 25/26 will see, and the drink of choice for holidaymakers and partygoers alike.

New opportunities for venues

The Ned 250ml cans present opportunities for venues to offer a world-renowned, award-winning wine in a format that enhances service efficiency and reduces waste.

Perfect for on-the-go enjoyment, the durable, lightweight can format simplifies logistics, making them ideal for stadiums, and large gatherings or events like festival and concerts.

The new range has already debuted at the ITF World Tennis Tour in Timaru in mid-February and will be available at Crusaders’ Super Rugby games at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.

A new choice for consumers

The team at The Ned are excited to launch the innovative new canned wines, which align with the growing demand for eco-

friendly packaging without compromising on quality.

Not only are they looking to launch these in New Zealand, but have their sights set on the rest of the world too.

“All of our overseas markets are crying out for new packaging formats with sustainability in mind – we can’t wait to show our partners the new cans,” says Wilson.

The slimline can design offers effortless portability, allowing wine enthusiasts to enjoy The Ned wherever life takes them.

The Ned in a can Varietals available:

• Sauvignon Blanc

• Pinot Gris

• Rosé

250ml can available in 24-can carton initially for the trade. 4-packs launched for summer 25/26.

The

Ned is distributed by Lion NZ.

New Group Winemaker for Indevin

INDEVIN GROUP has announced the appointment of David Roper as Group Winemaker.

As New Zealand’s largest wine company, its portfolio includes Villa Maria, Esk Valley, Vidal and Leftfield and the company says that Roper’s expertise and leadership will play a pivotal role in shaping the winemaking vision across the group.

David Roper started in the wine industry in 2002 after training originally in medical microbiology. Beginning as a Cellar Hand at Villa Maria, he has gone on to work alongside some of New Zealand’s most respected winemakers, refining his experience across multiple varietals, wine styles, and brands.

Indevin Director of Winegrowing, Patrick Materman says, “David has been an integral part of our winemaking team for over 20 years, and we are delighted to see him step into this well-earned leadership position. His deep understanding of New Zealand’s wine industry, combined with his commitment to producing wines that resonate with consumers, will be instrumental as we continue to grow our brands in key global markets.”

NZ’s Top 50 Gastropubs for 2025 revealed

THE SECOND annual Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropub Awards were announced in February, celebrating the very best food-led pubs across the country.

Organised by Hospitality New Zealand, this year’s competition saw more than 5,000 public votes cast to determine the Top 50 gastropubs. A panel of judges will select four regional winners, as well as the Supreme Champion, Best Estrella Damm Paired Meal, and the newly introduced Sustainability Champion with the results to be announced at an awards ceremony at Fantail & Turtle (Supreme Champion 2024) on 26 March.

Estrella Damm Top 50 New Zealand Gastropubs

• Ambrosia Restaurant & Bar

• The Backyard Gastropub

• Bay View Hotel

• BBC Tasting Studio by Birkenhead Brewing Co

• BEERS by Bacon Bros

• Bower Tavern

• The Brit

• The Brook Bar and Eatery

• Brunel Peaks Cafe & Bar

• Butlers Reef

• CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Kaiapoi

• The Craft Embassy

• Duke of Wellington

• Dux Central

• The Fat Duck Gastropub

• Fergus Bar and Kitchen

• Franklins Bar & Eatery

• Full Time Sports Bar & Eatery

• The Good Home (New Plymouth)

• Good Union

• Harbour View Hotel

• Holy Guaca-Moly

• iTi Drinks and Bites

• The Keg Room

• The Kestrel

• Little River Inn

• Local Queenstown

• The Lookout Bar and Kitchen

• Mercer Landing - Kitchen & Bar

• Nauti Penguin

• Otoromiro Hotel

• The Paddle & Pint

• Pog Mahones Irish Pub

• The Point Cafe & Bar

• Pomeroy’s

• The Powderkeg

• Protocol

• The Puketapu

• The Roaming Giant

• Smiths Matakana

• Sprig + Fern Tāhunanui

• Sprig + Fern Tawa

• Strawberry Tree Kaikōura

Limited

• Tai Tapu Hotel - The Tap

• The Tahi Bar + Kitchen

• Thistle Inn

• Twofold

• Valley Inn Tavern

• Waikiwi Tavern & Foundry

Restaurant

• The White Swan Country Hotel

Thirsty Camel now Campari NZ

DISTRIBUTOR THIRSTY Camel NZ Ltd, a majority-owned joint venture, has changed its name to Campari New Zealand Ltd, becoming a fully-owned in-market company of Campari Group. In a statement announcing the change, effective from January 2025, Campari New Zealand Managing Director Phil Restall said “This is an important milestone in the history of the New Zealand business, as we are welcomed into a global multinational spirits business with worldwide global presence, manufacturing across 25 sites globally and a strong legacy dating back to Gaspare Campari in 1860.”

Aside from a new head office address and company name, all other company information remains the same.

Established in 2004, Thirsty Camel began distributing the full Campari portfolio in New Zealand in January 2023, and Campari subsequently became the majority shareholder later that year.

Asahi teams up with the Blues

ASAHI BEVERAGES New Zealand has announced a multi-year agreement as the official beer and RTD partner of the Blues Super Rugby franchise.

One of the New Zealand market’s first low carb beers, Pure Blonde ULTRA is now the official beer and Asahi Beverages’ Brookvale Union will be the official RTD at Blues matches at Auckland’s Eden Park. Other Asahi brands available at Blues Super Rugby franchise Eden Park events include Asahi Super Dry, BRB, Somersby, Long White and Woodstock.

Asahi NZ also celebrated a decade-long partnership between its vodka RTD brand Long White and music festival Electric Avenue in late February. More than 60,000 fans attended the two-day event in Christchurch.

Oliver Downs, Asahi Beverages New Zealand General Manager Marketing, says Long White is the festival’s original and longestserving drinks partner. “Long White revolutionised the New Zealand RTD market 10 years ago and at the same time Electric Avenue transformed the event landscape creating what is now New Zealand’s quintessential music and arts festival.”

David Roper

New appointment at Marisco Family Vineyards

MARISCO VINEYARDS has announced the appointment of Emma Marris to the new role of Assistant Managing Director.

Emma is the daughter of winemaker Brent Marris, founder of Marisco Vineyards. She studied winemaking, earning First Class Honours from the University of Adelaide in 2015, and then gained international winemaking experience in France and the USA. Emma has been a Winemaker at Marisco Vineyards since 2017 and has judged wine shows nationally and internationally. She also holds the WSET Diploma in Wine. In 2018, she launched her own wine range using fruit from Leefield Station, which includes Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. In 2022, Emma expanded her skill set by interning at a private equity firm in Auckland, which led to her last role as an Investment Associate. Marisco Vineyards says that Emma’s diverse experiences and passion for winemaking make her an invaluable asset and the family is excited to welcome her back.

Changes at Suntory Oceania

SUNTORY OCEANIA has announced changes to its senior team as the business prepares to officially launch its $3billion multi-beverage partnership across the premium spirits and non-alcohol segments.

Darren Fullerton, CEO of Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, will retire at the end of March, and Jared Chamberlain (pictured) has been appointed to the role of New Zealand Licensed Sales Director.

Fullerton joined Suntory in 2020 and the company says he has played a critical role in building Suntory Oceania, which brings together the end-to-end manufacturing, sales and distribution of Suntory’s licensed and non-alcohol portfolios and is due to be fully operational by mid-2025 in Australia and January 2026 in New Zealand.

Fullerton will lead the final stages of the creation of Suntory Oceania to the end of March and then continue as an advisor. A successor will be announced in due course.

From January 2026, Suntory will assume management of the licensed Route to Market in New Zealand. Jared Chamberlain will establish and lead the licensed team in New Zealand, a new unit responsible for the development and execution of Suntory Oceania’s channel strategy, driving growth across the alcohol portfolio.

His background spans more than 18 years in the beverages industry across Commercial Finance and Sales, and most recently as General Manager – Licensed.

Campari Group’s big plans for NZ

CAMPARI GROUP has made a strategic commitment into the New Zealand market, acquiring remaining shares in their JV partner. Campari New Zealand Ltd is now a fully owned in-market company of Campari Group.

The Campari NZ team has moved into new premises in central Auckland’s Parnell. The new office location is in the heart of a bustling on-trade area creating a direct connection to important customers and consumers every day.

“The unwavering brand building focus and support Campari Group continue to place in New Zealand creates a strong platform for our business to be successful in the years to come,” says Phil Restall, Managing Director Campari New Zealand.

Campari NZ remains a distributor partner to Proximo (Kraken), Illva (Disaronno, Tia Maria, Engine Gin and The Busker Irish Whiskey), Bigger and Leith (Shanky’s Whip), Chartreuse, Francoli (Fiorente, Opal Nera, Santa Marta and Luigi Francoli Grappa) and Juno Gin.

Phil Restall says the strategy for the New Zealand market is underpinned by having great people and a strong brand ambition for

Aperol with ‘The Summer of Orange’ – official sponsor of the ASB Classic Tennis, Sunsetter and Synthony, as well as Appleton Estate, Coruba, Campari, Espolon Tequila, Wild Turkey and Skyy vodka.

Campari New Zealand has already seen exponential Aperol growth this summer, setting the brand up for long term success with New Zealand consumers:

• Rapidly increasing consumption - Aperol growth (+54%) vs total spirits (10.4%) NZ.

• Strong brand investment and media spend with Out of Home alone delivering over 2.1M impressions over the key summer period.

• Sponsorship of Below Deck Vault on Three Now streaming now until April 2025 with 200K+ monthly streams.

• Over 70 on-premise venues activated across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch with over 40 on-premise accounts currently live in Auckland.

• Second year as Official Sponsor of the ASB Classic Tennis featuring the new Aperol Terazza with 17,000 spritzes served. camparigroup.com

Emma Marris and Brent Marris

Our new regular series ‘Industry Updates’ spans New Zealand’s beer, cider, wine, and spirits sectors.

New Zealand Winegrowers

NZ Winegrowers General Manager Brand, Charlotte Read, celebrates the success of Pinot Noir NZ…

AFTER EIGHT years in the planning, Pinot Noir NZ 2025 (PNNZ25) took place in mid-February in Ōtautahi Christchurch. It is widely being heralded as the most impactful Pinot Noir conference to date since its inception in 2001. Normally taking place every four years (but disrupted by COVID), the global New Zealand wine community was more than ready to gather to connect, learn, and be challenged and inspired. The term ‘conference’ doesn’t really capture the packed three-day experience at Te Pae and the Christchurch Town Hall. It was

more of a wine and culinary showcase that combined thought-provoking history, culture, and science, as we looked to the past to help cast our minds to the future.

The event attracted over 400 delegates, including 79 of New Zealand’s top Pinot Noir producers, 40 international trade and media guests and a passionate contingent of local trade, media and wine lovers, plus supportive event sponsors. The buzz of positivity and enthusiasm from reconnecting was almost deafening at times. One guest described the atmosphere as electric, and another that Christchurch was set alight. “The most joyful wine gathering I can recall,” said Olly Smith, UK-based Wine TV presenter and wine writer.

“Life-long memories and friendships are forged at these events, as well as New Zealand Wine securing loyal brand ambassadors.”

Brewers Guild NZ

Executive Director of the Brewers Guild, Melanie Kees, reflects on a busy start to 2025…

2025 BEGAN with the release of the Brewing in New Zealand – Industry Report. This year’s report delved deeper into regional impacts, adding community and tourism contributions to the brewing industry’s economic footprint. (See more on page 22.)

Some of the key highlights:

• The brewing industry contributed $1.7 billion in tax revenues, including $881 million from excise and GST.

• The industry supported 35,200 jobs in 2023.

• Over 60% of NZ breweries engage in tourism, with 80% offering taprooms for visitor experiences.

• 85% of breweries are involved in positive community initiatives.

The report underscored the industry’s vital role in government revenues and community support across the country. Regional success stories stood out, showcasing how breweries

drive tourism and community initiatives, highlighting the positive impact of New Zealand’s brewing industry.

The Brewers Guild of New Zealand represents breweries of all sizes, from micro to large, across the country. Our members are the backbone of New Zealand’s brewing industry, supporting the Guild’s work for the entire sector. This year, the Guild will continue to champion the industry,

Our strategy behind backing events such as Pinot Noir New Zealand is that it keeps our premium New Zealand Wine brand top of mind with the trade and media that have the power to influence New Zealand wine being poured in more glasses around the world.

We recognise that attracting an influential group at one time – who share knowledge and ideas and collectively witness New Zealand’s wine industry putting its best foot forward, then travel through our diverse wine regions – amplifies an impact that is difficult to replicate through other means. Life-long memories and friendships are forged at these events, as well as New Zealand Wine securing loyal brand ambassadors.

We are so looking forward to the post-event coverage to emerge, and then it will be onto planning for the next event to amplify our premium New Zealand Wine brand.

nzwine.com

“The Brewers Guild will host the country’s premier beer competition, the NZ Beer Awards, with entries opening in May.”

addressing regulatory challenges such as labelling changes and licencing issues. We will advocate for a reduction in excise tax and be a voice of reason for our members and the wider industry.

Additionally, the Guild will host the country’s premier beer competition, the NZ Beer Awards, with entries opening in May.

This year, I look forward to discovering and sharing the industry’s positive stories, regional pride, innovation, and vibrant role in communities across Aotearoa.

The NZ Ale Trail is live and ready to promote beer tourism to the world, offering members a platform to reach new customers and bolster New Zealand’s hospitality sector.

As we head into 2025 with cautious optimism and a positive mindset, we encourage you all to visit nzaletrail.com to find your nearest local beer destination and #siplocal.

For breweries or brewing-related businesses interested in joining the Guild or listing on the NZ Ale Trail visit brewersguild.org.nz

Distilled Spirits Aotearoa

Chair of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa, Sarah Bonoma, looks ahead to a big year for the local spirits industry…

NEW ZEALAND’S spirits industry has always been known for its ingenuity, and 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for sustainability and innovation.

At Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (DSA), we are seeing a wave of fresh, forwardthinking ideas from our members – helping to position New Zealand as a leader in responsible distilling.

Many local distilleries are stepping up their eco-friendly game, from sourcing native botanicals sustainably (and locally) to cutting down on waste with circular economy initiatives. The push for carbon neutrality is gaining serious momentum, with distillers looking into alternative energy sources, and lightweight packaging to shrink their carbon footprint.

Water conservation is another big focus, with producers refining their processes to

“We are seeing a wave of fresh, forward-thinking ideas from our members –helping to position New Zealand as a leader in responsible distilling.”

use less and repurpose more. Take Juno Gin in Taranaki, who installed a chilled water system with a 12,000-litre insulated storage tank and chiller unit, significantly reducing their water use.

Reticulated water for still cooling has become more and more common, with distilleries large and small installing systems across the country, from NZ Rum Co. in Auckland to Dunedin Craft Distillers and many others. Packaging is evolving too, with

The Fruit Wine & Cider Makers Association

Chair of the FWCMA, Jody Scott, explains why all producers and breweries need to be aware of the Non-Grape Wine Levy…

IN THE innovative and diverse world of New Zealand beverages the spotlight often shines on grape wine and craft beer, but there’s a thriving sector producing cider, fruit and vegetable wines, mead, alcoholic ginger beer, and kombucha. The Fruit Wine & Cider Makers Association of New Zealand (FWCMA) is the voice of this dynamic industry and our members span the spectrum from small, boutique artisans to large-scale global operations.

Our mission is to promote, educate, and advocate for the producers of non-grape wines, and key to our efforts is the NonGrape Wine Levy. This annual levy is a legal requirement under the Wine (Non-Grape Wine Levy) Order 2021.

Any business producing non-grape wine, including cider, is legally obligated to pay. This impacts craft breweries that produce cider as part of their operations. Many

breweries may not have considered the levy, assuming it only applies to traditional cider makers. But if cider production is even just a small fraction of their output, breweries must ensure compliance to avoid potential enforcement actions.

Despite its importance, some producers remain unaware of their obligation. Until recently, FWCMA focused on education, but now, in partnership with MPI, it will actively pursue compliance.

The annual levy ensures the FWCMA can continue promoting the sector and advocating on critical regulatory issues. It enables it to create opportunities for producers to benchmark, gain exposure, and have a united voice when engaging with government agencies like FSANZ and MPI.

Through initiatives such as the annual Fruit Wine & Cider Awards, the popular Cider Festival, and the inaugural NZ Cider Day (8 March 2025), the Association works to showcase the quality and innovation of members’ products.

The annual levy rates are modest, particularly when considering the benefits:

more recyclable materials (like Mothers Ruined Gin’s Frugal bottle), refillable bottle programmes at cellar doors across the country, and reduced-glass solutions that cut emissions without sacrificing quality.

A recent call-out to our industry came back with plenty of exciting examples of sustainable innovation: Sandymount Distillery on the Otago Peninsula power their still exclusively from solar power; Good George capture carbon dioxide during mash fermentations and use it to carbonate beer; 5 Mile and Papaiti Gin repurpose old spirit drums into planters and on-sell them.

At DSA, we’re all in on supporting this shift. We’re working closely with distillers to share knowledge, provide education, and encourage collaboration. After all, the future of New Zealand spirits isn’t just about crafting great drinks, it’s about creating a legacy of sustainability and excellence. And we’d love for everyone in the industry to be part of it.

distilledspiritsaotearoa.org.nz

“Any business producing non-grape wine, including cider, is legally obligated to pay.”

• Under 100,000 litres: $115 (incl. GST).

• 100,000 to 2 million litres: $0.001 per litre + GST.

• Over 2 million litres: Capped at $2,300 (incl. GST).

FWCMA’s promotional, advocacy and educational work offers producers valuable opportunities to grow and succeed. As compliance with the levy is now being actively enforced, it is essential for all non-grape wine producers to contribute and help sustain the growth and success of this dynamic industry.

Producers needing to comply or seeking more information can contact FWCMA at fwcmanz@gmail.com . fwcma.org.nz

Brewers Association NZ

Executive Director of the Brewers Association, Dylan Firth, says the brewing industry has good reason for optimism…

THE NEW Zealand brewing industry is not just a vital economic driver; it is a dynamic force shaping communities, tourism, and innovation. The recently released Brewing in New Zealand – Industry Report jointly produced by the Brewers Association of New Zealand and the Brewers Guild of New Zealand, offers insights into the sector’s positive impact and future opportunities. (See more on page 22.)

The report found the brewing industry contributed an impressive NZD $3.58 billion to the national GDP from Grain to Glass, representing 0.9% of the total economy. More than 35,200 jobs are supported by the sector, equivalent to 1.3% of total employment. Importantly, one-third of these jobs exist within breweries and their supply chains, while the remaining twothirds are found downstream in areas like retail, hospitality, and distribution. This

What’s On

MARCH

Friday 14 – Sunday 23 March

F.A.W.C! – Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay Tourism’s Food and Wine Classic returns for 2025 with an extensive programme of events around food, wine, beer and spirits in a variety of venues across the region. fawc.co.nz

Saturday 15 – Sunday 16 March

Gindulgence - Christchurch

The popular boutique gin festival will be held at Ilam Homestead in Christchurch with 17 distillers offering more than 75 gins for sampling. gindulgence.co.nz

broad employment base demonstrates the industry’s significance across New Zealand.

Another notable highlight is the tax contribution. The brewing sector generates NZD $1.7 billion annually in taxes, including $881 million from excise duties and GST alone. This underscores the critical role the industry plays in funding essential public services.

Regionally, Auckland remains the epicentre, contributing 42% of brewing GDP and 40% of employment. However, smaller regions are proving they can punch above their weight. Otago, for instance, adds $188 million to GDP and supports nearly 2,000 jobs, while Taranaki’s brewers are poised for export growth, with all producers spoken to for the purpose of the report in the region planning to enter international markets within the next two years.

Tourism and community engagement are also vital pillars of the brewing industry. Over 60% of breweries actively participate in tourism, with nearly 80% offering taprooms that provide unique, locally-crafted experiences. Furthermore,

Saturday 29 – Sunday 30 March Marchfest – Nelson

The 18th annual Marchfest festival will be held at Nelson’s Founders Park on Saturday 29 March with 14 breweries each unveiling never-before-tasted beers. An all-ages Sunday Session will also be held on March 30. marchfest.com

85% of brewers are engaged in community initiatives, ranging from sponsorships to charitable donations, further solidifying their roles as cornerstones of local economies.

Consumer trends reflect the industry’s adaptability. Low-carb beers have surged in popularity, now accounting for 18% of total beer sales, while hazies dominate the craft segment, growing from 21% to 23% of craft sales over the past year. This demonstrates the sector’s ability to evolve with changing consumer preferences.

The brewing industry’s challenges, such as rising production costs and the well covered CO2 supply constraints in the last few years, are met with innovation and sustainability initiatives. With continued resilience and adaptability, New Zealand’s brewing sector is poised to grow, innovate, and contribute even more in the years ahead. There are still some pretty strong headwinds economically but the sector is holding fast and positioning itself to come out with a head of steam.

brewers.org.nz

APRIL

Friday 4 – Sunday 6 April

The Food Show - Christchurch

The country’s largest consumer food and beverage event returns to Wolfbrook Arena for three days. Exhibitor booking details are available on the website. foodshow.co.nz

MAY

Friday 2 – Saturday 3 May

Gindulgence – Auckland

A line-up of 25 distilleries from New Zealand and around the world will be sampling their gins at this two-day event at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf. gindulgence.co.nz

Friday 16 – Saturday 17 May

Taranaki Beer Festival – New Plymouth

More than 25 craft breweries from across New Zealand will be at TSB Stadium for the 2025 Taranaki Beer Festival. taranakibeerfestival.co.nz

NZ Women in Wine: Connect. Inform. Change

Nicky Grandorge of NZ Women in Wine explains the group’s aims and who they’d love to see get involved …

THE RECENT celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March makes it a great time to recognise all the talented women working in the New Zealand wine industry.

Women make up 50% of the industry’s workforce and work in all roles. This includes viticulture, winemaking, laboratory, cellar door, sales and marketing, export, administration and general management. Many women are also leading the charge in hospitality.

NZ Women in Wine, a New Zealand Winegrowers initiative founded in 2017, supports women to reach their full potential, consider leadership, and encourages businesses to assess their diversity and inclusion culture. If you work with wine, we’d love to have you join us.

Our motto is: “Connect, inform, change” and various activities are run to do just this. For example, there has been research on the gender pay gap in the wine industry and the number of women in leadership roles. This has enabled action and change supporting equal opportunities for everyone.

The annual Women in Wine mentoring programme reflects all three goals. Mentors generously volunteer their time to help other women in the industry progress and follow their dreams. It is a very uplifting, successful programme

If you work with wine, we’d love to have you join us.

leading to a second programme for both men and women.

The Women in Wine Development Series offers online webinars with experts sharing their knowledge on topics such as negotiation, financial planning, balancing parenthood and a career, and crushing imposter syndrome. These inspiring sessions are recorded for ease of access and to help as many people as possible.

Connecting with others in the industry is invaluable, not to mention fun. It’s when ideas are shared and opportunities arise. It brings a great sense of belonging, which is so important for wellbeing and confidence.

Regional Women in Wine groups organise local events, which include themed wine tastings, inspiring speakers and networking over a glass of wine. There’s always a buzz as ideas are bounced around and stories shared.

National networking events bring another level of excitement, inspiration and action. These have recently been held in Te Papa, Kate Sheppard House, and recently the first Women in Wine national field trip headed to Waipara, where Stuart Smith MP joined at Torlesse to show his support for women working in the wine industry. So yes, men are welcome to come along too.

(Women in Wine is headed up by Dr Jo Cribb, Chair and Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at NZ Winegrowers.)

To find out more and sign up to the NZ Women in Wine database visit nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents/womenin-wine/ Find the Women in Wine Development Series at nzwine.com/en/ initiativesevents/women-in-wine/ wiw-devseries/

Women in Wine field trip to Torlesse

Women in Wine at Kate Sheppard House

Roble – innovation from Saverglass

THE ROBLE models seek to seduce new consumers who desire innovative designs for their packaging. The iconic Bourgogne silhouette has been lightened, while still retaining its original modern aesthetic proportions: 293mm in height, a harmonious shoulder, straight sides, a square base, a 30mm punt with a node and an optimized glass weight of just 500g.

The simplicity of this timeless design, coupled with the precision of its dimensions, make the Bourgogne Roble BVS an obvious choice for brands seeking heritage and renewal. Breaking away from the codes regularly used in the wine market, this collection entices consumers searching for contemporary yet refined and sophisticated lines, while maintaining identifiable references, where packaging is the primary vector. The Roble collection addresses the desire for differentiation among brands in the wine-making world.

The Saverglass Story Design excellence is at the very heart of Saverglass, and rising to the challenges of maintaining aesthetic integrity while attaining lower bottle weights the Roble is a masterpiece.

Our passion for glass, shaped by our pursuit of excellence, is fundamental to our existence. Each day, our noble, virtuous, and 100% recyclable material, or “extra glass” enables the creation of our exceptional and impeccably reliable bottles for the safety of end consumers – a result born of our requirement for strict specifications, capable of combining quality and aesthetics.

Vision & Strategy

To ensure the present and future development, our organisation has been able to build on a solid foundation of values that constitute the identity of Saverglass:

The Roble collection addresses the desire for differentiation among brands in the wine-making world.

• A culture of difference

• The pursuit of excellence

• A pioneering spirit

• A passion for design and creation

• Solidarity

In 1993, we reached a founding milestone: we achieved the ISO 9001 certification and pledge continuous improvement in our manufacturing processes and sustainability.

We understood our duty to preserve the environment early on.

In 2020, our second carbon footprint assessment showed a significant decline in our CO2 footprint over the past ten years. This has helped establish our roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

Finally, the ongoing dialogue we have with our stakeholders confirms that our actions are meeting their main expectations. Adapting our manufacturing processes to environmental challenges, Drawing on our beliefs and actions, which we are constantly striving to perfect, we are committed to continuing our contribution to building a better world.

BOURGOGNE ROBLE BVS

A RENEWED BURGUNDIAN SILOHUETTE, LIGHTWEIGHT AND GRACEFUL

The iconic Bourgogne silhouette has been lightened, retaining its original modern aesthetic proportions without altering them: 293mm in height, a harmonious shoulder, straight sides, no curve at the base, 30mm punt with node and an optimized glass weight of just 500g. simplicity this timeless design, coupled precision dimensions, make Roble BVS obvious choice for brands seeking heritage renewal.

US spirits industry holds steady, warns on tariffs

THE DISTILLED Spirits Council (DISCUS) has held its annual economic briefing for media and analysts, reporting that U.S. spirits maintained its market share while revenues slipped in 2024 and warning that tariffs on spirits would further curtail industry growth.

“While the spirits industry has proven to be resilient during tough times, it is certainly not immune to disruptive economic forces and marketplace challenges, and that was definitely the case in 2024,” said DISCUS President and CEO Chris Swonger.

Swonger reported that spirits supplier sales in the United States were down -1.1% in 2024 totalling $37.2 billion, while volumes rose 1.1% to 312.2 million 9-litre cases.

For the third year in a row, the spirits sector maintained its market share lead in 2024. Spirits market share totalled 42.2%, with gains for more than two decades.

Swonger noted that spirit sales were continuing to normalise following the robust sales spikes during the pandemic, and economic headwinds including high prices and inflation rates created additional challenges for the industry.

“Consumers were contending with some of the highest prices and interest rates in decades, which put a strain on their wallets and forced many to reduce spending on little luxuries like distilled spirits,” said Swonger. “Our sales dipped slightly but consumers continued to choose spirits and enjoy a cocktail with family and friends.”

Swonger noted that higher interest rates also impacted the three-tier supply chain with wholesalers and retailers continuing to deplete inventory build-ups and cautiously restock products.

Consumer demand strong for spirits RTDs and high-end tequila/mezcal

Presenting an overview of the spirits sales trends in 2024, Christine LoCascio, DISCUS chief, Policy, Strategy & Membership, reported that despite the overall slowdown, spirits ready-to-drink (RTD) products and Tequila/Mezcal continued to grow in popularity in 2024, with sales up 16.5% and 2.9%, respectively.

DISCUS warns tariffs are a key threat During the briefing, DISCUS discussed

the recent tariff threats impacting spirits imports and exports and sounded the alarm over the scheduled reimposition and doubling of the EU’s tariff on American Whiskey to 50% on April 1 related to the steel and aluminium trade dispute.

“One of the most critical issues facing U.S. distillers in 2025 is the threat of tariffs,” said Swonger. “Since the suspension of the EU’s tariffs on American Whiskey, our exports have rebounded to record highs. The reimposition of these tariffs at a 50% rate would gut this growth and do irreparable harm to distillers large and small. It would be a

Top 5

spirits categories by revenue in 2024

1. Vodka sales – flat totalling $7.2 billion

2. Tequila/Mezcal sales – up 2.9% totalling $6.7 billion

3. American Whiskey sales – down -1.8% totalling $5.2 billion

4. Cordials sales – down -3.6% totalling $2.8 billion

5. Premixed cocktails including spirits RTDs – up 16.5% to $3.3 billion

catastrophic blow that will force many distillers out of our largest export market.”

Swonger said the global spirits industry is united in urging their respective governments to continue to negotiate to ensure that spirits products do not get caught up in trade disputes.

“The global spirits associations are working side-by-side to urge our governments to exclude distilled spirits from these trade disputes,” said Swonger. “Tariffs on spirits not only harm distillers, they also severely impact farmers and hospitality businesses including restaurants and bars, which are continuing their fragile recovery after the pandemic.

“We are making our case to the Trump administration that our industry has thrived with zero-for-zero tariffs and that distilled spirits’ ‘distinctive products’ status, which is recognised by the U.S. and our trading partners, means that these special spirits can only be made in their designated countries.”

Expansion plans for Jarritos in NZ

ACORN GROUP has plans to expand the footprint of iconic Mexican soft drink brand Jarritos to retail outlets across New Zealand.

Acorn has secured the New Zealand distribution rights for the distinctively bottled fruit-flavoured drinks, which have been available in New Zealand for over 10 years. Acorn says it will expand the distribution to supermarkets, dairies, petrol stations, foodservice and on-premise outlets throughout the country.

The brand was launched in 1950 and captured the local market before starting exports into the USA in 1986. Jarritos is now sold in 42 countries.

“Jarritos is a leading international brand, with a range of distinctive and authentic tastes all created using natural fruit flavours and cane sugar,” says Acorn General Manager, Elliot Keys. “Our initial sampling has proven its strong appeal to Kiwi palates. We think that Jarritos’ great taste and wildly popular street merchandise combined with Acorn’s extensive New Zealand distribution capabilities mean that the brand has a great future in this market.”

Six natural tropical flavours will be available initially: Lime, Pineapple, Mango, Guava, Mandarin and the hero SKU Cola.

Jarritos 370ml bottles are RRP $3.99.

Acorn Group

New Sugarfree editions from Red Bull

RED BULL has released two new Sugarfree Editions for the end of summer: Red Bull Berry Edition with the taste of Forest Fruits and Red Bull Coconut Edition with the taste of Coconut-Berry.

The Red Bull Berry Edition has tastes of raspberry and other forest fruits complemented by herbal notes of verbena and is available in 250ml and 473ml cans.

Red Bull Coconut Edition has fresh and creamy tones of berries and coconut and will be available in 250ml cans.

Red Bull NZ

Alchemy & Tonic brings the heat

Free AF scores Kardashian coup

NEW ZEALAND mixer brand Alchemy & Tonic has added new Pineapple & Jalapeño Soda to its range.

Sophie Roberts, Brand Manager at Alchemy & Tonic, says the blend of tropical pineapple juice and Mexican jalapeño is delicious on its own or pairs perfectly with tequila, vodka, or rum.

In keeping with the brand’s magical circus theme, the Pineapple & Jalapeño can features ‘The Fire Breather’, a character embodying the bold nature of the new flavour.

Available in 160ml bottles for on-premise.

Premium Liquor

FOLLOWING ITS successful launch into the USA, New Zealand premium alcohol-free drinks company Free AF teamed up with world-famous influencers Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner for Dry January.

The mother-and-daughter duo shared an Instagram post to their combined audience of 350 million followers in early January, showing them enjoying Free AF’s alcohol-free cocktails.

Data shows that Dry January has seen a groundswell of support in the USA, with a quarter of Americans aged 21+ participating in 2024.

The collaboration with Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner followed Free AF’s arrival into the States in mid-2024, where it is now stocked in over 2,800 stores including Walmart, Target, Safeway and Sprouts among others, and online through DoorDash and Amazon.

“The US market is predicted to be one of the fastest growing markets for non-alc products and for Free AF, we are forecasting a tripling of our revenue versus last year,” says founder Lisa King.

“We have achieved immense growth and are so excited to have Khloe and Kris on board to help us with our next level of awareness and scale both in the US and New Zealand. We never thought we would be working with the world’s most famous family!”

Pernod Ricard

AF founder Lisa King

COMING SOON 121 CALS LOW SUGAR

H A R D Y E S

Tui Vodka & Lemon arrives

THE LATEST addition to the Tui RTD range has arrived just in time for balmy autumn days. Tui Vodka & Lemon has a crisp, citrus-forward profile that balances sweetness and acidity. Made with real lemon juice and triple-distilled vodka, this new offering from Tui has a smooth, refreshing finish.

Tui Vodka & Lemon (6% ABV)

330ml 10-pack

RRP $28.99

DB

New premium G&T RTD range from East Imperial

NEW ZEALAND mixer

brand East Imperial has launched a new Gin & Tonic RTD range. Auckland-based distributor Socialsmiths has taken over the brand’s sales and distribution.

The new collection blends East Imperial’s award-winning mixers with premium small-batch New Zealand gin and is available in three flavours: London Dry Gin & Classic Tonic; London Dry Gin & Grapefruit Tonic; and Pink Botanical Gin & Rhubarb Tonic. All are 7% ABV.

Hard Rated is distributed by Asahi Beverages NZ SHOWCASE

One of Australia’s most popular RTD brands comes to NZ

HARD RATED, one of Australia’s popular ready-to-drink brands, is hitting New Zealand shelves from April.

Asahi Beverages New Zealand (ABNZ) is gearing up for the new brand’s arrival, saying 18+s will be among the first in the world to try the Hard Rated variant – Alcoholic Lemon 6%.

ABNZ GM Marketing Oliver Downs says the Hard Rated brand has proved a huge success amongst our Aussie neighbours, quickly becoming Australia’s number one-selling white spirit-based RTD.

Downs says he’s sure it will be a big hit for 18+ New Zealanders too. “Hard Rated is a significant launch for Asahi Beverages New Zealand in 2025, and we’re really excited to bring it to our shores.”

New Zealanders of drinking age will have access to Hard Rated Alcoholic Lemon flavour as a ten pack of 330ml cans from the first week of April.

“We created the East Imperial Gin & Tonic RTD range because we knew consumers found it hard to replicate the perfect G&T at home,” says Michael Tutty, Head of Sales & Marketing at East Imperial. “With 90% of an RTD being the mixer,

quality is everything. A great mixer has always been the key to a better G&T, and now we’ve done the work for you – bringing bar-quality drinks into a can, without compromise.”

East Imperial Gin & Tonic RTD 250ml 6-pack is RRP $21.99

Socialsmiths

“Hard Rated is a significant launch for Asahi Beverages New Zealand in 2025 and we’re really excited to bring it to our shores.”

– Oliver Downs, Asahi Beverages NZ GM Marketing.

Brewing in NZ

The Brewers Association and the Brewers Guild have released an update on

the

industry with their Brewing in New Zealand – Industry Report…

THE REPORT provides a comprehensive overview of the brewing sector’s impact on the economy, tourism, and regional communities.

An economic force

The industry contributes NZD $3.58 billion to the country’s annual GDP, representing 0.9% of the total national GDP with 52% coming from excise duties and GST, highlighting the industry’s importance to government revenue.

Total employment impact of the brewery industry in 2023 is estimated to support 35,200 jobs. This equates to 1.3% of total employment in New Zealand. Approximately one third of the jobs are created to the point where beer is ready to leave the brewer, and two-thirds are created in the downstream value chain.

$1.7bn of taxes (income, business, GST, excises) are collected by the government each year, based on the GDP impact the beer brewing industry creates in New Zealand. 19% percent ($326 million) is paid by the breweries and all organisations contributing their inputs; a further 29% ($488 million) is paid by the organisations downstream from the breweries. The

remaining 52% ($881 million) of revenue is collected through GST and excise duties. This is made up of $430 million in GST; $385 million of excise on New Zealand produced beer and $66 million of excise imposed on imported beer.

Regional growth

Auckland dominates the brewing landscape, contributing 42% of the GDP impact and 40% of beer-related employment. The region is home to 88% of beer production, with large-scale brewers like Lion, DB, and Asahi driving much of this output.

Alongside Wellington, Auckland is also a hub for exporting breweries, with 60% of Auckland-based brewers currently exporting their products. This regional success showcases the industry’s ability to drive economic growth and create opportunities across the country.

However, the brewing industry’s impact extends far beyond Auckland, with smaller regions playing a crucial role in providing diverse and unique experiences. For example, Canterbury and Wellington each contribute 12% of beerrelated employment, highlighting their

importance as key brewing hubs.

In Waikato, breweries are thriving, with the region contributing $263 million to GDP and supporting over 2,700 jobs.

Smaller regions are also making their mark. Otago, home to some of New Zealand’s most iconic craft breweries, contributes $188 million to GDP and supports nearly 2,000 jobs.

Meanwhile, Southern Lakes and Bay of Plenty are emerging as important players, with breweries in these regions engaging in tourism and community initiatives.

Over in Taranaki the area has seen a surge in brewing activity, with all brewers in the region intending to start exporting within the next two years, showcasing the potential for growth in smaller markets.

Changing tastes

As markets mature and economies change, the beer industry often sees changes to popular styles or varieties. The last year has been no different.

A continued surge in the popularity of low carbohydrate beers has seen them move to the most popular style, from 15% in 2023 to 18% of total beer sales in 2024. This has in part driven the growth of lager

Consumer preferences are also shifting, with a growing demand for low and no-alcohol beers. The volume of low and no-alcohol beer consumed has increased by 750% since 2019, reflecting changing attitudes.

beer over other styles, which have all seen a slight decline, with lagers making up 64% of the entire beer market.

In the craft sub segment, hazies are still strong with continued growth from 21% – 23% of total craft beer sales from 2023 – 2024.

Expanding global reach

The industry is making waves internationally, with 30% of breweries currently exporting their products and 16% planning to start within the next two years.

Australia is the largest market, accounting for 70% of New Zealand’s beer exports, reflecting the strong demand for Kiwi beer across the Tasman.

Other key export destinations include the Cook Islands, China, and the United States, with most exports concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region due to the proximity and freshness requirements of beer.

Community-minded brewers

Community is at the core of the brewing industry, with 85% of brewers actively engaged in local initiatives. These contributions range from sponsorships

and fundraising to charitable donations and community events. This commitment to community engagement highlights the industry’s role in supporting local causes and fostering strong community ties.

Breweries and tourism

The industry is also a key player in tourism, with over 60% of breweries involved in tourism activities.

Nearly 80% of breweries offer taprooms, providing unique experiences that attract both local and international visitors. These taprooms not only serve as a point of sale but also enhance New Zealand’s tourism offering by providing a taste of local culture and craftsmanship.

Challenges and opportunities

While the industry thrives, it faces challenges such as supply chain constraints, particularly with key inputs like barley and CO2.

The closure of the Marsden Point oil refinery has led to a reliance on imported CO2, increasing production costs. However, the industry continues to innovate, with many breweries capturing CO2 from the fermentation process and

exploring alternative gases like nitrogen.

This is not only a solution to a supply problem but a focus on more sustainable activities, which is matched across the board with focus on water use reduction and waste minimisation.

Consumer preferences are also shifting, with a growing demand for low and no-alcohol beers. The volume of low and no-alcohol beer consumed has increased by 750% since 2019, reflecting changing attitudes toward health and wellness.

At the same time, high-alcohol beers (over 5% ABV) more common with craft and premium beers have seen a 15% increase in popularity, indicating a diverse and evolving market.

Looking ahead

The New Zealand brewing industry continues to be a vital part of the economy, driving growth, employment, and community engagement while expanding its reach through exports and tourism. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and community, the industry is well-positioned to thrive in the years to come.

Tick the boxes

Pervinder Davies Pervinder specialises in alcohol licensing law and is a director of Pervinder Davies Law in Christchurch. pervinderdavieslaw.co.nz

Pervinder Davies has some advice on common mistakes when it comes to alcohol licensing and how to avoid them…

SO, YOU’RE ready to get your alcohol licence. Whether you’re running a bar, restaurant or bottle shop, this process can involve a lot of paperwork and needs careful attention to avoid oversights or slip-ups that can end up costing you time, money – or even your licence. Here’s a guide to the most common mistakes in alcohol licensing and how to steer clear of them.

1. Incomplete or wrong applications

It’s the most common pitfall and the easiest to avoid. Many businesses submit applications with missing details or incorrect information. Maybe you forgot a signature, or maybe you got a date wrong – either way, it can mean delays, opposition, a public hearing, or a flat-out rejection. Double-check everything before you hit ‘send.’ Consider having someone else read over your application to help spot any errors you may have missed. It’s better to take a little extra time upfront than to get stuck fixing mistakes later on.

2. Ignoring local regulations

Did you know that each district in New Zealand has its own alcohol regulations? While the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 lays out the legislative framework, your local council might have its own set of guidelines. Heard of Local Alcohol Policy and/or a bylaw? Maybe there are zoning rules you didn’t know about, or specific hours when alcohol can be sold in your area. These local regulations can vary, so it’s important to know exactly what your district requires. A little research early in the process can save you from major headaches down the line.

3. Missing deadlines

Deadlines in the alcohol licensing world are serious. If you miss the deadline for your application or renewal you could face penalties or even a gap where you’re not legally allowed to sell alcohol.

Mark key dates on your calendar, set up reminders, and plan ahead. If you’re renewing your licence, start the process a few months before your current licence expires, so there’s no last-minute panic. It’s much easier to do it early than scramble at the last second.

5. Ignoring public objections

Your community could have a say in whether or not you get your alcohol licence. If your neighbours or local groups have concerns about your business they can raise objections, and those objections can slow down or stop the process altogether. Public pushback can be tough to handle, but it’s better to get ahead of it. Chat with your neighbours, explain your plans, and address any concerns before they turn into formal objections. A little community engagement goes a long way toward making sure your application goes smoothly.

Many businesses submit applications with missing details or incorrect information.

4. Forgetting about staff training

Here’s one you might not have thought about: staff training. If you’re serving alcohol, your staff need to be trained to follow the rules. They should know the ins and outs of the rules and regulations; from checking IDs to recognising signs of intoxication. Not having well-trained staff could lead to hefty fines or even the loss of your licence. Invest in a good training programme to make sure your team is ready to serve responsibly and keep on top of training over time.

6. Going solo

The alcohol licensing process can be complicated, especially if you’re new to the game. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and think you can handle it all yourself, but getting expert advice can save you a ton of stress and mistakes. Whether it’s a lawyer, a consultant, or someone who’s been through the process before, getting professional help means you’re not left guessing. Why go it alone when a little guidance can make the whole process easier?

Stunning auvignon

The country’s most famous wine continues to evolve and excite. Joelle Thomson rounds up new releases and iconic drops for shelves and wine lists…

RRP $14 – $19.99

2024 Dashwood Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $14.80

Foley

This wine puts the capital ‘V’ in value for money and is a light-bodied, flavoursome blend of grapes grown in the Wairau and Awatere valleys in Marlborough. Aromas of passionfruit, mango and pineapple vie for attention in this refreshing wine. Drink now and over the next 18 months.

2024 Spy Valley Satellite

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $16.90

Red + White Cellar

This gold medal-winning Sauvignon Blanc tastes good and helps the planet, with a portion of the sale proceeds of every bottle going towards funding tree planting projects. Fresh aromas of pineapple and passionfruit are underpinned by juicy acidity, adding succulence to every lively, flavoursome and lingering sip. This wine won the trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024 as well as a gold medal and green award at the same competition.

2023 Giesen Estate Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $17.99

Federal Merchants

This impressive dry Sauvignon Blanc is a blend of grapes grown in Marlborough’s largest sub regions: the Wairau and Awatere valleys. These areas bring very different qualities to the palate with bold fruit salad in the glass, tempered by flinty, citrusy purity and a long finish.

2024 Tohu Awatere Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $18.50

Kono

Tohu’s Awatere Sauvignon Blanc is outstanding value for money. This superlative dry white offers flinty vibrancy and depth of tropical fruit intermingled with fresh garden herbs such as dill, thyme and a note of capsicum. Layered and lovely to drink, this wine will also evolve over the next two to four years.

2024 ME by Matahiwi Estate

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $18.99

Matahiwi Estate

This fun brand from Matahiwi Estate offers one of the best-value dry Sauvignon Blancs in New Zealand today. It’s made from grapes grown at the winery in the northern Wairarapa. The style and flavours here are of crisp fresh passionfruit and citrusy lime underpinned by zesty acidity with a light body and lingering finish. Very good quality at this price.

2024 Dunnolly Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $19.99

Dunnolly Wines

‘Concentrated’ and ‘expressive’ are qualities that every winemaker wants to pack into their best wines and Nicky Parish of Dunnolly Estate in North Canterbury does it superbly in this Sauvignon Blanc. Light in body with depth of flavour, the wine has hints of tropical fruit with outstanding layered fresh herb aromas and beautiful fresh acidity adding an impressive framework.

RRP $20 – $29.99

2024 Vavasour Awatere Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $20.50

Foley

This Sauvignon Blanc sings of freshness in every sip, thanks to its origins in the cool, wild and windswept Awatere Valley south of Blenheim. Sauvignon Blancs from here tend to be zesty and bold with a dry style. This wine has layered aromas of lemon, crisp red apples and a subtle tropical flavour note. An excellent wine at a super affordable price.

2023 Ara Single Estate

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $20.99

Federal Merchants

Ara is a large vineyard in Marlborough and home to the grapes that went into this vibrant, intense, citrusy wine. Dry in style with dialled up flavours of ripe lemons and a hint of grapefruit zest, this is gorgeous drinking and good value.

2024 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $21.90

Red + White Cellar

A big wine in volume and taste, Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc is fruit-forward with zesty aromas of fresh passionfruit and a smooth, creamy body thanks to a portion of the grapes being barrel fermented. This builds body, smoothness and depth as well as complex layers of flavour. Very good value for money.

2023 Main Divide Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $21.99

EuroVintage

This is a very good example of tropical-scented, lively and crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Vibrant acidity and freshness, piercing green herbs and tropical fruit aromas; a great wine for the price.

2023 Marisco The Kings Series

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $21.99

Lion

The name ‘Brent Marris’ is synonymous with Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and the winemaker’s now iconic brand is made from grapes grown in the region’s Waihopai Valley. Hot days and cool nights bring pristine fresh acidity to this wine, ensuring every sip has juicy, succulent citrus and tropical fruit flavours with a long finish. Great buying.

2024 Leefield Station Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $21.99

Marisco

Leefield Station is a large vineyard and working farm in the Waihopai Valley in Marlborough, where the growing conditions favour fresh, tropical fruit flavours. This wine was made with grapes fermented in stainless steel to retain refreshing acidity, adding depth and length to the taste of pineapple, passionfruit and even hints of ruby red grapefruit.

2024 The Gaia Project Sauvignon

Blanc Marlborough

RRP $22

Mission Estate

An excellent value Sauvignon Blanc, this time with soft, fruity flavours and a smooth texture, which makes it great drinking as a young wine. The Gaia Project is part of Mission Estate winery’s environmentally aware vineyard management and is aimed at making wines along sustainable guidelines, including using lower energy to produce them. This wine is an excellent match with freshly panfried or baked fish.

2024 Opawa Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $22

Negociants

Opawa Sauvignon Blanc has the ‘wow factor’ in taste and offers excellent value for money. Tropical fruit aromas leap out of every glass of this vibrant, fruit-forward wine, which is framed by beautifully balanced, zesty acidity that adds impressive structure to every sip. Excellent value for money.

2024 Roaring Meg Central Otago

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $22

Foley

This vibrant young wine shows there are strong white strings to Central Otago’s wine bow. Bold tropical fruit and fresh herb aromas bring vibrancy alongside flavours of passionfruit, pineapple and ripe apples, underpinned by bright fresh acidity. A lovely match with shellfish.

2024 Eradus Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $22.99

Stone Pony

Awatere Valley south of Blenheim is home to Eradus Wines, which produces this fabulously flinty, fresh take on the Sauvignon theme. Aromas of greengage plums and lemons add a subtle layer to the aromas of tropical fruit in this medium-bodied, great value wine.

2024 Nautilus Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $24

Negociants

One of Marlborough’s best Sauvignon Blancs every year, Nautilus consistently leads with a dry style that has vibrant fruit aromas and aromatic freshness, suggesting thyme, fennel and dill. A medium-bodied, lingering and delicious wine.

SAUVIGNON BLANC reached a new peak of 28,109 hectares planted nationwide over the past year, up on 27,478 hectares in 2023. Marlborough remains the epicentre of this grape variety in volume terms on a global scale, but the growth in stylistic diversity is also notable with more oak-influenced Sauvignons making their presence felt. Unlike the rich, buttery Fumé Blancs of the 1980s and 1990s, these oak-influenced wines are altogether more elegant, subdued and downright delicious.

2024 Te Tera Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $24.99

Foley

Te Tera is striking in look and in taste. This is one of Martinborough’s most affordable highquality wines each year and consistently puts the region’s best foot forward with vibrant fruit that suggests a tropical note but is flinty, citrusy and dry. Very good value.

2024 Villa Maria Seaspray

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $24.99

Villa Maria

A tangy, tasty and tantalising Sauvignon Blanc with flinty flavours of fresh herbs, nuances of tropical fruit and a subtle salty influence. This wine comes from the Awatere Valley, which is relatively close to the coast, south of Blenheim.

2024 Forrest Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $25

Forrest

Forrest has always been a pioneering producer and this bone-dry, juicy and complex wine continues this work. It’s an outstanding modern style, successfully combining classic French Sauvignon Blanc (think Sancerre) with the tropical fruit-scented hallmark flavours of Marlborough. The winery is also run by two generations of Forrests today, with the fatherdaughter team of John and Beth Forrest at the winemaking helm.

2023 Te Kairanga Estate Sauvignon

Blanc

RRP $25.99

Foley

This Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc has a light, fresh style with aromas of fresh herbs, gooseberries and a crisp texture, underpinned by bold acidity framing the wine’s structure and bringing a lingering finish.

2024 Jules Taylor Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $26

Hancocks

Winemaker Jules Taylor adores Sauvignon Blanc and aims to capture the essence of Marlborough in each zingy, vibrant sip of her tropical fruit-scented wine. Aromas of passionfruit, tangelos and ripe grapefruit all add complex layers of flavour. This wine drinks beautifully now and can hold over the next two to four years.

2024 Astrolabe Marlborough

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $28

Astrolabe

Famous and extraordinarily delicious, Astrolabe’s flagship wine puts an outstanding foot forward for Sauvignon Blanc. Vibrant fruit purity leads into a weighty wine with layered fresh fruit aromas followed by a dry taste with depth and succulence. Fresh acidity frames this wine, bringing purity and length to every sip.

2023 Mission Estate Reserve

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $29

Mission Estate

This is a treat. A weighty style of Sauvignon Blanc in a fuller-bodied fashion with barrel fermentation adding lift and weight as well as accentuating creamy aromas that bring complexity, shine and polish. All of Sauvignon’s tropical fruit hallmark flavours are present and counted, along with oak-derived smoothness and body.

2024 Craggy Range Te Muna

Martinborough Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $29.95

Vintners

Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc is a wine to watch. It is rising in stature, volume and international recognition, as this outstanding Sauvignon Blanc shows. It has vibrant, intense and complex layers of fresh tropical fruit, notes of fennel and dill and great structure. A portion of the grapes (10%) were hand-picked, whole bunch fermented and aged in a combination of French oak barriques and puncheons, with 2% new oak in the blend. The attention to detail in the vast Martinborough vineyard from which this wine comes, and in the subsequent winemaking, is second to none. The 2023 Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc gained a top spot in Wine Spectator magazine’s Top 100 wines.

2023 Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Blanc

Whole Bunch Fermented

RRP $29.99

EuroVintage

This talented winemaking team may be best known for producing commanding Pinot Noir and complex Rieslings but Pegasus Bay has also carved out a niche for outstanding Sauvignon Blancs with body and great longevity, such as this one. Layered, complex aromas of smoked citrus and lemongrass are captured in a lively, youthful wine, which drinks superbly now and will age further, gaining depth of flavour for the next seven to eight years.

RRP $30 to $39.99

2024 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $30

Red + White Cellar

This wine is organically certified, vegan-friendly and outstandingly intense with a salty tang flattering tropical fruit notes and a dry flavour from start to finish. A portion was fermented using indigenous yeast.

2024 Escarpment Te Muna

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $30

Vintners

This is the first Sauvignon Blanc produced at Escarpment winery in Te Muna Valley and winemaker Tim Bourne plans to build on it, both in terms of volume and style. It has purity and a medium body with subtly smooth texture and layers of flavour. Freshness leads the lively flavours in this wine from tropically nuanced through to a long, delicious finish.

2023 Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $31

Negociants

This wine has bright, juicy and tropical aromas but absolutely bone-dry flavours. The grapes come from vineyards in the Southern Valleys and Wairau Plains in Marlborough so the flavours represent the region’s varied climates and topography, revealing bold lemongrass and vibrant red apple, along with tropical passionfruit. Most grapes were hand-picked and all were lightly pressed and cold settled to retain fresh fruit flavours. Lees ageing adds further depth and weight. Drink now or over the next seven to eight years.

2024 Astrolabe Awatere Valley

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $31

Astrolabe

Marlborough’s Awatere Valley has a cooler climate, higher winds and lower crop levels of grapes compared with the Wairau Plains where most of the region’s grapes grow, and yet both sub regions can produce outstanding Sauvignon Blanc. Wines like this one, made entirely from Awatere grapes, tend towards the fresh herb flavour spectrum with tropical flavour notes in the background and a dry style in the forefront. This wine excels in these ways with a vibrant, lingering finish.

2022 Jules Taylor Wines OTQ

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $32

Hancocks

‘OTQ’ stands for ‘On the Quiet’, which was how this left-field take on Sauvignon Blanc began: it was something of an experiment, tucked away in a corner of the winery. Today, it is not so quiet and has forged a reputation as a tasty ripple in the new wave of oak-influenced Sauvignon Blancs made in Marlborough. All of the grapes were grown in the Upper Awatere Valley, hand-picked and whole bunch pressed into old French oak for a swift fermentation with indigenous yeasts. Winemaker Jules Taylor uses the softening effects of malolactic fermentation to bring softness and a smooth texture to this wine.

2021 Spy Valley Envoy Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $34.90

Red + White Cellar

Envoy is Spy Valley’s ultra-premium range, made only in exceptional vintages. This weighty, full-bodied Sauvignon Blanc was made from hand-picked grapes from the Waihopai Valley. It gains its texture from fermentation in a combination of new and older oak barrels, which creates the smooth, soft mouthfeel and also builds layers of flavour and beautifully vibrant fruit aromas. Ripe citrus and passionfruit tropical notes bring complexity to the oak influence in this succulent and juicy Sauvignon.

2024 Jules Taylor Late Harvest

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $36

Hancocks

Luscious liquid honey flavours lead in this late harvest Sauvignon Blanc with its 157 grams of residual sugar and 11.2% alcohol. It was made from hand-picked grapes from a relatively small harvest and the result is an unctuous wine with the texture and taste of liquid honey, ripe passionfruit and a citrusy lemon finish. Drink lightly chilled with candied lemon desserts.

Envoy is Spy Valley’s ultra-premium range, made only in exceptional vintages.

2022 Rockburn Fumé Blanc

Central Otago

RRP $36.99

Hancocks

If you’re noticing an increasing number of dry, full-bodied, commanding white wines with a difference, welcome to the new wave of oak-influenced Sauvignon Blancs. Rockburn’s Fumé Blanc is one of the best and is made from hand-picked grapes grown in Central Otago. Full barrel fermentation brings a full body and smooth, creamy texture to this flavoursome, savoury Sauvignon Blanc, imbuing it with great length of flavour. The volumes made are small and the quality is exceptionally high.

2024 Astrolabe Kekerengu Coast

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $38

Astrolabe

Flinty, green, fresh aromas lead into this Sauvignon Blanc with its light body and incredible vibrancy. It has bold acidity and flavours of green plums and fresh herbs, all of which suggest its origins in the cool climate of the coastal vineyard at Kekerengu, south of Blenheim. The fresh sea air, cool nights and sun-drenched days bring firm acidity and lifted citrus flavours to this lively young wine.

2021 Pegasus Bay Minuetto

Sauvignon Semillon

RRP $39.99

EuroVintage

Dry white Bordeaux is one of the great wines of the world and is also the inspiration behind this outstanding new addition to Pegasus Bay’s reserve wines. Bold aromas of lemongrass, creamy citrus notes and an outstandingly complex purity with layers of flavour all make this a wine to contemplate. In keeping with its French counterparts, this blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon was given a significant amount of fermentation in old oak puncheons, along with 200 days of fermentation as whole bunches in stainless steel tanks to retain freshness and fruit vibrancy. The finished blend is approximately 60% Sauvignon and 40% Semillon.

RRP $40 and above

2022 Greywacke Wild Sauvignon

RRP $42

Negociants

2023 Villa Maria Woven is an outstanding expression of Sauvignon Blanc now, and will evolve beautifully for eight to nine years.

Greywacke Wild Sauvignon is a great expression of season and place, made in a hands-off style with indigenous yeast, barrel fermentation in French oak barriques (including a small portion of new oak) and lots of patience. Lees stirring during fermentation builds complexity and depth into this wine, which is made from grapes picked using a combination of hand and machine harvesters. This wine is a great match with seafood and will age well for the next 10+ years.

2024 Dog Point Vineyards Section 94

RRP $60

Red + White Cellar

Section 94 represents a pivotal swing in the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc story. Its savoury, nutty, dry and full-bodied style gains depth from fermentation with indigenous yeasts in older French oak barrels, where it spends 18 months maturing into an evolved style. Dog Point Vineyard founders and owners, Ivan and Margaret Sutherland and James and Wendy Healy are all pioneers of the modern Marlborough wine era. Section 94 is a bold and complex take on the Sauvignon Blanc theme. It drinks well now and has at least another decade of age-worthy potential.

2023 Villa Maria Woven

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $65

Villa Maria

The Villa Maria Fine Wine Release is an annual event on the New Zealand wine calendar and sees wines such as the Woven Sauvignon Blanc trickle onto the market, highlighting great vineyard sites, seasons and extra care in production. This wine is made from hand-picked grapes fermented in oak with indigenous yeasts. These incremental steps accentuate the depth of flavour that it is possible to achieve in Sauvignon Blanc, appearing here as complex fennel, dill and fresh herb aromas intermingled with tropical fruit. This is an outstanding expression of Sauvignon Blanc now, and will evolve beautifully for eight to nine years.

Joelle Thomson Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

Best of the Bay’s bunch

Joelle Thomson explores the diversity of New Zealand’s second-biggest wine region…

WHERE IS the most diverse region in Aotearoa New Zealand? Three contenders spring to mind: Hawke’s Bay, Nelson, and Central Otago. The latter may prove controversial given it has approximately 80% of its vineyard area devoted to Pinot Noir. The flip side is that Central has an incredibly diverse range of vineyard aspects (which way it faces the sun or not), microclimates, potential elevations, and weather.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Nelson also boasts massive diversity because it has long been a hotbed of experimentation for aromatic white grape varieties and quirky reds, such as those the Seifried family has made in homage to their Austrian heritage.

Then we get to Hawke’s Bay. This region is the second-biggest on the New Zealand wine scene and not only spans a wide range of climates but arguably has the broadest range of grape varieties. These include nearly all the usual suspects: Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Riesling and Syrah. The notable exception is Pinot Noir, which few people produce in the Bay.

Its winemakers also take the road less travelled and make Albariño, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Malbec, Montepulciano and Tempranillo, among others.

All of this diversity and more was on display at Harvest Hawke’s Bay in late 2024. This is no ordinary wine festival. For starters, it’s not open to any old winery to pop along to.

Festival director Liz Pollock has forged a reputation for events outside the

box, which showed in her hand-picked wineries at the 2024 Harvest event, where wines were served alongside dishes from the crème de la crème of restaurants in Hastings and Napier.

Hawke’s Bay is a long way behind Marlborough in terms of vineyard area planted, but its wide range of grape

Wines to seek out

2019 Askerne Archer Chardonnay

RRP $39.90

Co Pilot

Smooth, toasty and full-bodied Chardonnay with creamy notes and a freshness adding balance.

2021 Askerne Dr John Cabernet

Sauvignon Malbec Cabernet Franc

RRP

$59.90

Co Pilot

An outstanding red modelled on left bank Bordeaux (aka Cabernet Sauvignon-led) reds with its powerful structure and complex layers of dark berries, black olives and dried herbs; 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Malbec and 6% Cabernet Franc.

2023 Chateau Garage Amphora

Cabernet Sauvignon

RRP $120

Chateau Garage

Big, bold and elegant at the same time. Fermented in a 500 litre Hungarian amphora with daily hand plunging and five months maturation in oak.

varieties and wine styles give it a diversity that, in my view, no other region in this country can hold a torch to.

Hawke’s Bay has diversity in spades, which shows in its groundbreaking success as a Great Wine Capital of the world, in its superlative Chardonnays and in its full-bodied reds.

2021 Čuvar Rivermere Gimblett

Gravels Chardonnay

RRP $44

Fistonich Family Vineyards

The name Hugh Crichton is synonymous with great Chardonnays from Hawke’s Bay so it’s no surprise that he made this multitrophy-winning wine. Full-bodied, smooth and layered with ripe citrus, rounded stone fruit and creamy notes.

2023 Maison Noire Cabernet Franc

RRP $29

Maison Noire

Dark, plummy and delicious; the essence of Cabernet Franc. Drinks well now and will evolve for the next three to four years.

2023 Redmetal Albariño Sur Lie

RRP $32

Red + White Cellar

‘Sur Lie’ means ‘on lees’, which builds texture and creamy smooth flavours into this tangy, zesty Albariño from Bridge Pa in Hawke’s Bay.

2023 Smith & Sheth Albariño

RRP $32.99

Negociants

Textural Albariño with tangy flavour notes and impressive viscosity, which brings weight to the delicious framework of bright acidity in this wine.

LET GO AND FEEL

Top Picks

Joelle Thomson selects five outstanding new wines to try as autumn sets in…

2024 Three Fates Albariño

RRP $35

Three Fates Wine

Plantings of Albariño grew from 64 to 75 hectares across Aotearoa New Zealand between 2023 and 2024 and this new expression is a lovely example from the winemaking team of Holly Girven Russell, Hester Nesbitt and Casey Motley under their new brand. It‘s fleshy, citrusy and medium-bodied. The grapes were hand-picked and the wine was aged seven months in barriques and puncheons post-fermentation, giving it depth and a smooth mouthfeel. Drinks well now and can age for four to five years.

2023 Three Fates Hawke’s Bay Rosé

RRP $35

Three Fates Wine

It may be named Rosé, but this deliciously rewarding and medium-hued wine tastes more like a chillable red, straddling the two styles with its dry and deliciously weighty flavours. Would have wide appeal to a range of wine-lovers.

2024

RRP $34.99

Hancocks

This gorgeous looking Rosé is made from Montepulciano, an Italian grape variety that is grown in small volumes in New Zealand, including in Hawke’s Bay, where this lovely wine originates. Dry in taste with depth of dried red fruit flavours and a medium body, it drinks well now and offers a step up from many everyday Rosés. Its beautiful floral label design is by photographer Emma Bass.

Calvert Vineyard is one of the great vineyard sites on Felton Road and offers grapes with consistently fabulous, opulent flavours.

RRP $102

Mineral

Calvert Vineyard is one of the great vineyard sites on Felton Road and offers grapes with consistently fabulous, opulent flavours, even in young new wine releases. Hand-picked grapes bring a ripe plum fruit expression to the glass, supported by impressive structural acidity, which gives this wine its powerful framework and potential longevity. Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir has a long life on its side, willpower permitting, and if stored in optimum conditions: cool, dark, and untouched. The vineyard was originally one site, founded by Owen Calvert (hence the name), but has been divided in two, partly owned by Calvert and the other portion by Felton Road.

2023 Felton Road Chardonnay

RRP $62.50

Mineral

Stonefruit aromatics are supported by firm acidity, which gives impressive vibrancy to this full-bodied wine. Flavours of apricot kernels, ripe citrus and a smooth, creamy nuanced texture are seamlessly integrated in this beautifully structured Chardonnay. This wine has great balance, a long finish and the ability to age superbly for nine to 10 years.

2023 Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir

Emma by Trinity Hill Rosé

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Hawke’s Bay

Chardonnay Collection

2023 revealed

HAWKE’S BAY Winegrowers is celebrating five years of the prestigious Hawke’s Bay Annual Chardonnay Collection with the announcement of the 2023 vintage selection.

Selected blind by Cameron Douglas, MS, the 12 Chardonnays are chosen to represent the apex of the 2023 vintage.

Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers says that each bottle embodies the unwavering dedication, skill, and innovation that defines Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay.

The Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Annual Chardonnay Collection 2023 is:

• AC Reserve Chardonnay 2023

• Alchemy Chardonnay 2023

• Alpha Domus The Batten Chardonnay 2023

• Askerne Reserve Chardonnay 2023

• Bilancia Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2023

• Bilancia Kaikora Vineyard Chardonnay 2023

• Clearview Estate Reserve Chardonnay 2023

• Craggy Range Chardonnay 2023

• Čuvar Iris Chardonnay 2023

• Paritua “Willow” Chardonnay 2023

• Sileni Exceptional Selection Chardonnay 2023

• Squawking Magpie Gravels Chardonnay 2023

Cameron Douglas, MS, says he was deeply impressed with the calibre of the wines. “I remain resolute in my thoughts about Hawke’s Bay as a premier New Zealand Chardonnay producing region. Winemakers here have a true understanding of site and vintage, and this was again expressed in the wines for the 2023 vintage. Congratulations to the producers and the viticulture teams.”

Lawson’s Dry Hills celebrates B Corp Certification

Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers says that the Annual Chardonnay Collection has firmly established itself as a benchmark for quality and a showcase of the region’s commitment to excellence in Chardonnay winemaking. It says that the 2023 Collection, which will be shared with wine media worldwide, is a testament to the remarkable expertise of the region’s producers and highlights the diversity of expressions across Hawke’s Bay’s unique subregions.

Cloudy Bay marks 40 years

CLOUDY BAY marked its 40th anniversary on February 28 this year, entertaining guests from around the world and releasing a Sauvignon Blanc to commemorate the occasion. Founded in 1985 by winemakers David Hohnen and Kevin Judd, the first vintage of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc captured the attention of wine enthusiasts globally and the winery has since built a legacy of producing world-class wines

that have garnered international acclaim and defined the Marlborough region as a global wine destination.

The winery has vineyards in Marlborough and Central Otago and has expanded its portfolio over the years to include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pelorus méthode traditionnelle.

The Cloudy Bay 40th vintage Sauvignon Blanc is described as “a true expression of the 2024 growing season”, noted to be an

LAWSON’S DRY Hills has announced it is now B Corp Certified, in time for the release of its 2024 wines and as the company brings its domestic distribution back in-house from February. Director and General Manager, Sion Barnsley, says Lawson’s Dry Hills has a vision to lead New Zealand in sustainable wine production. “As a B Corp, we now join a movement of businesses committed to transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet. Alongside our existing sustainability accreditations, becoming B Corp Certified continues to improve our business at every juncture.”  Andrew Davies, CEO of B Lab Australia &

Aotearoa New Zealand has congratulated the company on its achievement as it joins 170 businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand and over 9,000 B Corps worldwide.

“Meeting our high global standards is challenging, especially in industries with complex supply chains and manufacturing processes like winemaking. Lawson’s Dry Hills’ certification independently verifies their ongoing commitment to sustainable wine production, people, and the planet.”

The B Corp certification applies across the business and includes all the company’s brands: Blind River, Inviniti, The Sisters, and Mount Vernon, as well as Lawson’s Dry Hills.

“exceptional” vintage marked by the driest conditions on record, with a drought declared in March.

Alongside the wine’s release, Cloudy Bay also welcomed 40 international trade guests from its global markets to its brand home in Marlborough. The guests experienced a multi-day educational and immersion experience, culminating in a 40th birthday party on site.

Milestone for Central Otago’s organic wine

CENTRAL OTAGO’S organic wine movement has reached a major milestone with 30% of the region’s vineyard area now certified organic, the highest proportion in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Spearheaded by Central Otago Winegrowers Association (COWA), this achievement began with COWA’s 2009 goal to certify 20% of vineyard area by 2020, a target it surpassed by reaching 23%.

COWA then partnered with Lincoln University for a comprehensive study on achieving 50% of planted area under organic certification by 2030.

COWA says that while challenges like conversion costs and financial support remain,

the study highlighted Central Otago’s vibrant peer network, innovative spirit, and growing international market appeal as cornerstones of future success. By adopting practical, phased strategies and focusing on targeted research it says the region is well-positioned to solidify its reputation as a global leader in organic, biodynamic and regenerative viticulture.

The study’s findings also revealed an opportunity to educate consumers about the environmental impact of their choices, encouraging a deeper appreciation for environmentally conscious farming principles.

“Every sip of wine tells the story of the land it comes from. Every purchase – whether it’s a

Wine pioneer Peter Babich passes away at 92

THE BABICH family is mourning the passing of Peter Babich, a respected leader in the New Zealand wine industry, who passed away on 2 February 2025, aged 92.

David Babich, Peter’s son and CEO of Babich Wines, said, “On behalf of the Babich family, and with great sadness, I would like to announce the passing of my father, Peter John Babich.

“He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was considered by many to be a giant in the New Zealand wine industry. Dad was a man of incredible vision, integrity, and passion for his family and craft, but it was his warm personality, tireless dedication, and genuine care for people that leaves the greatest legacy, both in our family and across the wine community. He will be deeply missed.”

Peter Babich was born into a winemaking family on 20 June 1932, with his father Josip having founded Babich Wines in 1916. He joined the family winery in 1949, aged just 17, and over a 70-year career played a critical role in transforming the company into one of New Zealand’s leading wine producers.

The family’s wines are now exported to over 60 markets. around the world. Babich was also instrumental in establishing the wine export certification process which helped pave the way for the growth of New Zealand wine on the world stage.

Peter Babich become a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1989. In 1995 he was made a Fellow of the Wine Institute of New Zealand, and in 2015 he was inducted into the New Zealand Wine Hall of Fame.

glass, bottle, or case – directly impacts a vineyard somewhere,” says Rosie Menzies, winemaker at Carrick, one of Central Otago’s pioneering organic producers. “We’d love to see consumers and wine

professionals embrace land stewardship in their choices and reviews. It’s a fresh perspective on wine that could truly make a difference, reshaping how people value the connection between wine and the land.”

Matawhero to showcase Gisborne for 50th birthday

GISBORNE’S

MATAWHERO Wines is celebrating 50 years in 2025, with plans to use its growing international presence to showcase the region to the world.

Owners Kirsten and Richard Searle will host a commemorative function, as well as Chardonnay Master Classes in Gisborne and throughout New Zealand from March to June. In May, Matawhero will release a 50th anniversary wine, a Gewürztraminer, a varietal for which Matawhero has always been famous.

Matawhero is marketing and selling product in the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, and the Cook Islands, and Kirsten Searle says they want to share their story and the uniqueness of the Gisborne region with the world.

She says Matawhero wants to prove that Gisborne’s 2% share of New Zealand’s annual wine production is no barrier to global ambitions. “We’re combining our 50-year anniversary with elevating Gisborne as a wine destination and celebrating Matawhero as a standard-bearer for the region.”

Denis Irwin created the first Matawhero vintage in 1975, after the original vineyard on Riverpoint Rd was planted in the sixties by his father, Bill Irwin. The Searle family purchased Matawhero in 2008 and passionate vintner Kirsten Searle took the helm.

Matawhero is the oldest cellar door in the region, and the Searles re-established it to become a much-loved destination with a tasting and dining area and outside areas for eating. Boutique accommodation has also been added.

matawhero.co.nz

Kirsten and Richard Searle with Denis Irwin

Carrick vineyard

Louis Vavasour debuts oceanaged sparkling

LV BY Louis Vavasour has released LV Ocean-Aged Marlborough Methode Traditionnelle, New Zealand’s first sparkling wine aged in the ocean depths.

Inspired by an historical account of unearthed champagne bottles from a shipwreck still drinking beautifully, winemaker Louis Vavasour embarked on a controlled experiment to explore the potential effects of the ocean environment on premium sparkling wine maturation. Specially designed cages containing bottles of LV Methode Traditionelle were submerged 25 metres deep in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds for 18 months.

A subsequent blind comparative tasting by Master of Wine Simon Nash and Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas revealed that the ocean-aged expression displayed remarkable freshness and drive, suggesting a definitive variation in the wine’s profile, influenced by the unique environment of ocean ageing.

The ocean-aged wines are available alongside their cellar-aged counterparts in a limited-edition release (only 50 two-pack cases), offering a unique opportunity for side-byside comparison of the contrasting profiles.

LV Wines has launched the second phase of the OceanAged Wine Project, submerging bottles aged on lees during the tirage stage to delve deeper into the ocean’s effects on autolysis while also ageing more finished wines to examine the influence of ocean cellaring further. This next cellared batch will resurface in September 2026.

lvwine.co.nz

Harvest days

The heat rolls on as autumn arrives and fresh hop season adds extra flavour to the mix…

Note: Beers and ciders are listed by order of % ABV.

Bach Non-Alc ALL DAY Golden Lager

Lemon Radler

<0.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99

Bach Brewing

Bach Brewing’s latest addition to its nonalc range really is an all-day proposition. A 330ml can of bright golden lager with a natural lemon infusion, this Radler-style brew brings all the flavour but virtually none of the alcohol. An ideal option for those wanting a thirst-quencher.

Garage Project TINY Lager with Lime

<0.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $15.99

Garage Project

This is a little beer packing a big flavour profile. Garage Project’s Tiny with Lime is a virtuallyalcohol-free drop that packs the familiar flavours of a Mexican cerveza with a twist of lime citrus. The malt and maize shine through and the lime gives a crisp bitterness that keeps you coming back. A great addition to the Tiny range.

Garage Project Beyond the PaleLavender Scare

2.2% ABV, 330ml RRP $5

Garage Project

This is the latest iteration of Garage Project’s traditional avant garde release to celebrate the New Zealand Fringe Festival. Lavender Scare combines lavender flowers, citrus and monk fruit (also known as swingle fruit), a Chinese herbaceous perennial of the gourd family. The result is a ‘lavender lemonade’ sour with a hint of purple tint and a perfumed aroma.

Duncan’s x Footnote Modern God

Glitter Lager

4.2% ABV, 330ml RRP $5

Duncan’s Brewing

Duncan’s has teamed up with contemporary dance company Footnote New Zealand Dance for a collab brew inspired by their national tour: ‘Modern God’. The American light lager is described as “taking inspiration from the show’s critique of global internet culture and the evolving complexity of the virtual world”. It’s been brewed with Chinese-inspired flaked rice and a glittery twist. Viral and grammable.

Monteith's Navigator Low Carb Hazy

4.2% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $28.99

Bach Brewing’s new Radler-style brew brings all the flavour but virtually none of the alcohol.

DB

This low carb hazy is the latest addition to the Monteith’s Classics range. It has 33% less carbs compared with Monteith’s West Coastin’ Hazy and is a refreshing, easy-going pale ale that delivers a fruit-forward profile with low bitterness.

Behemoth Bright as Day IPA

4.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $21.99

Behemoth

Bright as Day is a go-to IPA packed with pleasing hop flavours, but at a reasonable 4.5% it isn’t trying to blow your head off. Pouring golden in the glass, the aromas are a tropical blend of New Zealand and American hops with vibrant citrus and juicy fruit up front.

An eminently sessionable beer, perfect for late summer get-togethers.

8-Wired Island Breeze Coconut and Mango Sour

4.7% 440ml RRP $8.99 – out 17 March

8-Wired

8-Wired has created an island escape in a can: tropical flavours of mango and coconut mingle over a refreshingly tart base in this super chill new release.

8-Wired Breakaway Lemon and Lime Radler

4.8% 440ml RRP $7.99 – out 24 March

8-Wired

Leave your thirst in the dust with Breakaway Radler, the quintessential refreshment of German cyclists. A splash of zesty lemon and lime makes this crisp lager even more thirstquenching, whether you’re on your first lap, or your last.

Garage Project I Heart Blueberry & Pineapple Sour

4.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.50

Garage Project

Summer fun is here with Garage Project’s I Heart Blueberry and Pineapple Sour. Pouring blue in the glass the fruit flavours burst through: sour pineapple and bright blueberries mix with zesty foeder barrel sour to create a beer that’s exploding with colour and juicy fruit flavour.

Duncan’s Irasshaimase Yuzu

Sorbet Sour

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $12

Duncan’s Brewing

Irasshaimase! Duncan’s newest summer release offers a big, warm Japanese welcome. It’s a crisp, refreshing and smashable yuzu sorbet sour topped off with a dusting of seaweed salt for a subtle umami kick.

Hop Federation Fresh Hop Pilsner

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Hop Federation

A good pilsner is a godsend in summer and a fresh hopped brew takes it to another level. Riwaka brewers Hop Federation have taken advantage of the best of the local produce and their pilsner is loaded with freshly picked Motueka and Taiheke hops from just down the road. The result is a zingy and zesty pils with crisp citrus flavours.

Sprig + Fern Harvest Pilsner

15th Anniversary Edition

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.49 and 888ml RRP $13.49 Sprig + Fern

The 2025 fresh hop harvest marks the 15th anniversary of Nelson brewery Sprig + Fern’s multi-award-winning fresh hop pilsner, once again carefully crafted with local hops from the Tasman region, hand-selected by Master Brewer, Tracy Banner. Harvest Pilsner has become a sought-after release each fresh hop season.

The 2025 fresh hop harvest marks the 15th anniversary of Nelson brewery Sprig + Fern’s Harvest Pilsner.

McLeod’s East Coast Days Unfiltered Pale Ale

5.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99  McLeod’s

The craze for haze goes on and McLeod’s is slaking the thirst of “unfiltered” fans with this cloudy ale. It’s a showcase of US hops Talus and Mosaic and the result is a beer that’s floral, dank and fruity. What’s not to love?

Behemoth Apricot Pie Sour Ale

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Behemoth

You may not have eaten an apricot pie in a while, but Behemoth’s Apricot Pie Sour Ale will take you right back to the last time you snacked on one of the glorious, family-size deep dish numbers. The soft apricot fruitiness of the ale is encased with a touch of yeasty sourness that perfectly evokes the pastry pie-ness of the drop. Serve for dessert or recommend to punters looking to expand their horizons. Presented in a great can featuring an apron-bedecked mum-monster. Recommended.

Sawmill Fresh Hop Pilsner

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 – out late March/early April

Sawmill

It’s fresh hop season and Sawmill have given their original pilsner the fresh hop treatment. The hops in question are NZH-109 and Nelson Sauvin from Upper Moutere and they combine for a light, crisp drop with punchy and fresh green hop character on the finish.

Sprig + Fern Monohoppily Fresh Hop Hazy

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 and 888ml RRP $13.99

Sprig + Fern

The team at Sprig + Fern describe Monohoppily as their “homage to the hop harvest” as it is brewed to capture the essence of a single hop variety. Monohoppily Fresh Hop Hazy is packed with hand-selected hops, locally-sourced from the Tasman region, creating a buttery-smooth hazy packed with an unmistakably fruity and explosively green flavour and aroma.

The Hop Federation team reckon the hops can be in the mix as quickly as 30 minutes from farm to brew.

8-Wired Ripe ‘n’ Ready - Farm Fresh Bright IPA

5.8% 440ml RRP $10.99 – out 7 April

8-Wired

Plucked ripe ‘n’ ready from the vines at Clayton Hops, the farm-fresh Riwaka and Motueka cones in this bright IPA deliver flavours that are punchy, vivacious, and oh so moreish. Luscious tropical fruit and zesty citrus shine over a malt base that’s crisp and quenching, giving the hops a glorious moment in the sun.

Behemoth Mango Mango Mango Sour Ale

5.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Behemoth

Just like the fruit machine on the can, Behemoth have spun up a jackpot with their Mango Mango Mango Sour Ale. A ripe and tropical drop, it’s bursting with mango flavour from start to finish. While the fruit is up front, this is a sour ale with enough bite to keep you coming back for more.

Yeastie Boys Prejudice Ginger Biscuit IPA

5.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Hancocks

Yeastie Boys have produced an intriguing curio of an IPA here. Pouring a bright copper in the glass, the familiar IPA notes are adorned with a zing of ginger on top of biscuity, caramel sweetness. Serve as a dessert beer or recommend to punters looking to try something a little different.

Behemoth On the Sun Hazy IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Behemoth

This release from Behemoth celebrates the 20th anniversary of the second album from legendary New Zealand band The Black Seeds. On the Sun was released in 2004 and featured the now iconic Kiwi anthem ‘So True’. Two decades later, Behemoth have captured the sun-soaked spirit of the tune in a hazy IPA that’s dripping with tropical flavours from the Clayton and Nectaron hops.

Behemoth Ready or Mot, Here I Hop IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Behemoth

This is a Motueka Cold IPA that’s bursting with hop flavours. Crisp, clean and refreshing, the 2024 Clayton Motueka Hops are showcased to their fullest extent, delivering tropical aromas punctuated with lemon and lime citrus notes and even a few bursts of navel orange. It’s a big, exuberant IPA that would pair beautifully with a board of cold cuts or even a meat-heavy pizza.

Hop Federation Concrete Jungle IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 – also in keg Hop Federation

From the spray-painted hop on the can to the punchy tropical notes, this is an IPA with street cred. Packed full of Nectaron, Rakau and Idaho 7 hops, there are fresh, fruity tropical flavours and a bold bitterness.

Hop Federation Green Limousine Fresh Hop IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Hop Federation

The Green Limousine in question here refers to the much-anticipated yearly delivery of fresh Nelson Sauvin hops that Hop Federation infuse into their Fresh Hop IPA. Thanks to their Tasman location, the Hop Federation team reckon the hops can be in the mix as quickly as 30 minutes from farm to brew. Now that’s fresh. The result is a beautiful golden IPA packed with hop goodness.

Sawmill Aotearoa Series #57 Victory Knives Hazy IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Sawmill

A celebration of all things New Zealand, Sawmill’s Aotearoa Series has this time collaborated with Victory Knives, a marketleading locally-owned business that has been producing quality knives in New Zealand for 97 years. The Victory Knives Hazy IPA combines Moutere, Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka and Motueka hops for a vibrant hazy IPA with lemon / lime citrus and tropical aromas. Juicy and moreish.

Sawmill Fresh Hop Riwaka Hazy IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 – out late March

Sawmill

Here’s a creamy, oaty, silky drop from Sawmill that combines the smoothness of a well-made hazy with big, punchy grapefruit, passionfruit and tropical aroma from freshly harvested Riwaka hops from Clayton Hops in Nelson. Perfectly balanced between sweet and bitter the fruit flavours jostle with a slight dank diesel hoppiness.

Sawmill Passionfruit Hazy IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Sawmill

Sawmill have taken the tropical fruit flavours of a hoppy hazy and lifted them even further with the addition of passionfruit pulp to create a hazy IPA bursting with juicy tropical aroma and a punch of real passionfruit. The Nelson Sauvin, Riwaka and Citra hops have a faint citrus and wine character and the passionfruit comes in over the top with a wave of fruity flavour.

McLeod’s West Coast Nights IPA

6.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

McLeod’s

The team at McLeod’s describe this as: “…a brand-new New Zealand superstar hop mash-up!” Nectaron and Superdelic go handin-hand in this IPA, which is all pineapple vibing with an array of grassy tropical fruits. Smooth and delicious, with balanced bitterness, it’s as bright as a late summer west coast sunset.

Bach CRYO GENIUS Cryo-hopped Hazy IPA

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Bach Brewing

Cryo-hopping concentrates hops into pellets using liquid nitrogen for intense hop flavour and aroma. Bach Brewing’s Cryo Genius features a veritable fruit salad of hops including Nectaron, Nelson Sauvin, Superdelic, Mosaic, El Dorado, and Citra. It’s a pale, slightly hazy drop packed with resinous yet balanced hop character without the astringency of some hopped-up ales. Easy drinking and delicious.

Duncan’s Plum Waffle Pastry Sour

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $12

Duncan’s Brewing

Plum and everything in-between. This pastry sour is a luscious combination of Black Doris plums, roasted almonds, coconut, vanilla and maple syrup.

Yeastie Boys Thirst Trap Hazy Pale Ale

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Hancocks

A ‘thirst trap’, according to the internet, is a sexy selfie designed to attract attention. Yeastie Boys’ Thirst Trap is a big, juicy hazy that certainly attracts attention. Tropical flavours of mango and pineapple mix with notes of passionfruit and banana, all conjoined in a soft, hazy brew. A luscious hazy as salacious as the can in which it arrives.

CIDER

Elemental Totally Oaked 2024

6.4% ABV, 330ml RRP $7.90 and 500ml RRP $11 –out late March/early April

Elemental Cider

Crafted from a blend of Slack ma Girdle and Kingston Black apples, this 2024 vintage of the annual release from Ōtaki cidery Elemental introduces new French oak barrels into the mix. There are delicate vanilla aromas, layers of smooth toffee apple and creamy butterscotch on the palate, and a long, silky finish. Elegant yet complex, its dry acidity is the perfect match for richer dishes like barbecued salmon or roast pork.

Bach SCRUMPY Hard Apple Cider

6.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99

Bach Brewing

Hawke’s Bay apples have been crushed and fermented into a hard “scrumpy” style cider in this beauty from Bach Brewing. Pouring a vibrant gold in the glass, this is a highly drinkable cider with earthy aromas and a forward sourness that puts overly-sweet ciders to shame. Recommended.

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

Sunny outlook for hop harvest 2025

Hop heads unite – it’s that time of year again and Michael Donaldson says things are looking great for this year’s fresh hop brews…

ANOTHER EXCELLENT hop harvest is on the cards after a temperate winter and almost perfect spring seasons were followed by a late-summer burst of heat.

Nelson’s hottest weather arrived a little later than usual, but given the nice build-up to summer the hops were in the best possible shape ahead of harvest in late February and early March.

Last year’s winter was dry and cold, delivering the frosty weather that hops need to go dormant. A temperate spring meant good early growth and a slow start to summer meant the hops were wellfed and well-watered ahead of the high temperatures.

Dean Palmer from Hinetai Hops said the “super-kind” weather meant less pest control than normal was needed. As a result, “all the hops are all looking good — very lush and healthy”.

Like the rest of the world, New Zealand has seen some reduction in demand for high-profile hop varieties.

A period of over-supply of American hops and the tough economic conditions of the past four years has driven down demand.

But there could be some good signs for the local brewing industry, with Palmer saying the “domestic” hop varieties –those used primarily within New Zealand – were seeing a slight uptick in demand.

“With some of those domestic varieties, Pacific Gem, Green Bullet, Dr Rudi, Southern Cross … the demand is slightly up, we think,” says Palmer.

“Whereas the international varieties are down on last year.”

The main buyer for Green Bullet is Lion, for use in the ever-popular Steinlager Classic. But a number of craft brewers are also using Green Bullet as a kind of homage to that enduringly popular lager.

The international varieties are the main ones NZ Hops Ltd exports: Nelson Sauvin, Nectaron, Motueka, Riwaka, and Superdelic.

The other development this season for local brewers and drinkers is the extra planting of two trial hops: NZH-106 and

Worth watching out for slightly later in the season will be the harvest from Garston in Southland.

NZH-109. They’ve jumped out of a group of experimental hops and qualified for wider planting around the Tasman area to see how they perform in different soil types and microclimates.

The two hops came through a series of tests last year, including NZ Hops Ltd’s Bract Brewing Programme, where select brewers used them and reported back their findings.

Both of these hop varieties, alongside the likes of Nelson Sauvin, Nectaron, Motueka and Riwaka, will be popular

picks for brewers in fresh hop beers set for release through late March and early April.

Worth watching out for slightly later in the season will be the harvest from Garston in Southland. These southern hops, which express slightly different characteristics from their Tasman-grown siblings, are harvested a few weeks later compared with the Tasman region, so it gives brewers a chance to do a second run of fresh hop beers if they so desire.

There will also be some interest in the continuing evolution of Taranaki’s hop harvest, with two farms there benefiting from investment by Venture Taranaki to encourage the exploration of hopgrowing in the region.

Taranaki has good sun, good soil and reliable rainfall although it does suffer when it comes to other key hop-growing factors: wind (too much) and cold days (not enough).

In theory, there are enough days below 7°C in the inland part of the region, but there’s way too much wind, so shelter belts are needed to protect vulnerable hops. However, there’s enough upside to see two gardens in the region: Quarter Acre Hops based in Tikorangi and the Verry family farm in Tarata.

Both towns are on the northern side of Mt Taranaki, with Tarata more inland. Traditionally, local breweries Shining Peak and Three Sisters get the pick of these fresh Taranaki hops, and hop-heads are advised to seek them out.

Brewers Guild relaunches

NZ Ale Trail

THE BREWERS Guild relaunched its beer tourism product, the NZ Ale Trail, as the busy summer season kicked off.

The nationwide initiative offers an interactive map where visitors can explore brewery and taproom locations, plan a trail, and discover food and beverage experiences across Aotearoa.

The Trail was originally tested in 2020, but the subsequent lull in tourism and pressures on businesses saw it parked until the market was ready for a new proposition.

The Guild says that research conducted by Tourism New Zealand, which showed that 85% of visitors to New Zealand have food and drink tasting at the top of their priority list, indicated the time was right to relaunch the new-look trail.

“We want to be proactive in supporting both our brewers and hospitality businesses by creating a platform that makes it easier for visitors to explore what the industry has to offer,” says Melanie Kees, Executive Director of the Brewers Guild of New Zealand.

“The goal is to promote beer tourism as a new and exciting option for those who are looking for an alternative to the usual food and beverage experiences –

we’ve taken our industry and turned it into an attraction!”

The NZ Ale Trail is open to any venue that offers a wide selection of New Zealand beers or brewing-related experiences.

“Brewing is fun and vibrant, urban and rural, the industry is year-round, and we’ve got some fantastic sustainability stories to tell as well, so we tick a lot of the boxes of what visitors and locals are looking for,” says Kees. “The craft of brewing is an attraction in itself; in fact, many venues offer brewery tours, tasting trays, and other activities that offer a fully immersive experience.”

NZ Cider Day debuts

THE FIRST NZ Cider Day was held on Saturday 8 March, in a new initiative from the Fruit Wine & Cider Makers Association of NZ.

The Association says that NZ Cider Day will be an annual event that spotlights the craftsmanship behind

locally produced ciders, showcases the unique flavours of New Zealand cider, and encourages Kiwis to explore the diverse range of styles.

The nationwide event included cider tastings and themed events in pubs and bars. “This is a fantastic

opportunity to bring together the cider community and showcase how truly special cider can be,” said Jody Scott, Chair of the Fruit Wine & Cider Makers Association of NZ.

cider.org.nz

She says that while beer tourism is a popular activity in Europe and North America, it is as yet an “untapped” market in New Zealand.

Kees said she looks forward to Tourism New Zealand and regional tourism agencies getting behind the initiative.

“You can have hospitality without tourism, but you can’t have tourism without hospitality, and the NZ Ale Trail will offer both of those in a way that showcases the talent, innovation, and experiences that the local brewing industry has to offer.”

nzaletrail.com

Celebrating New Zealand’s leading women in cider

With March 8 this year marking both International Women’s Day and the inaugural New Zealand Cider Day, it’s the perfect time to spotlight three women shaping the future of New Zealand’s cider scene.

Tracy Banner Sprig + Fern Brewery

With more than 40 years in the brewing industry, Owner and Master Brewer of Sprig + Fern, Tracy Banner, is one of New Zealand’s most respected brewers. Moving to New Zealand from the UK in the 90s, she has made a name for herself in the Nelson craft beer scene and the Sprig + Fern brand has grown throughout the country. Tracy’s expertise extends beyond beer, with Sprig + Fern also producing a range of ciders, such as Apple, Mango & Lime, and Berry. Her dedication to quality and innovation has earned her the title of “Mother of New Zealand brewing”, inspiring the next generation of brewers and cidermakers alike.

Tracy’s expertise extends beyond beer, with Sprig + Fern also producing a range of ciders.

Tammy Viitakangas

Mata Brewery

Tammy launched Mata Brewery in 2005, building a family-run operation known for its inventive, locallyinspired brews. Based in Whakatāne, Mata has become a favourite, embracing local ingredients to create one-of-a-kind beers and ciders to accompany a vibrant taproom that has become a community hub. Tammy’s foray into cider-making has been just as creative as her beer brewing, with flavours that reflect the region’s rich produce, such as golden kiwi, berry, and feijoa. Her ciders have gained industry recognition, proving that innovation and a love for local flavours go hand in hand.

Carmen Gray Elemental Cider

Ōtaki-based Carmen Gray stands apart as New Zealand’s only woman cidermaker dedicated exclusively to cider. She focuses on traditional methods at Elemental Cider, allowing tree-ripened apples and pears to take centre stage without added sugars or fruit flavours. Her ciders are crisp, dry, and true to the fruit, earning Elemental a loyal following. Carmen’s purist approach highlights the artistry of cidermaking, showcasing what can be achieved when nature is left to do the talking. This commitment to quality has seen her ciders receive significant awards in multiple competitions.

in the Radler style. A fusion of golden malts, Nelson hops and natural lemon.

Moa Brewing partners with Venues Ōtautahi

MARLBOROUGH-BASED MOA Brewing Co. has been named the preferred pourage partner covering the major city venues across Christchurch in a four-year deal with Venues Ōtautahi.

The company says that venues for the beverage partnership include the new One NZ Stadium, as well as Apollo Projects Stadium, Wolfbrook Arena, the Christchurch Town Hall, and the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

Moa Brewing Co. managing director (and now Canterburybased local) Stephen Smith says the partnership is a major strategic development for the

SHOWCASE

Why craft cider deserves a spot on every drinks menu

FOR TOO long, cider has been the underdog in the drinks industry, often overshadowed by craft beer and fine wine. But cidermakers like Peckham’s, New Zealand’s current Champion Cider Producer, are changing that perception.

With a focus on craftsmanship and a commitment to redefining how people see cider, Peckham’s proves that great cider deserves just as much recognition as the finest wines and beers.

The cider specialists Peckham’s ciders stand out because they’re made using a wide range of specialist cider apples, all grown in their own orchard in Upper Moutere. These apples contribute complex flavour profiles, lending depth, body, colour, and texture to every cider. Their flagship Peckham’s Classic Apple is an off-dry staple, while Peckham’s

business. “Our family- and locallyowned business is privileged to have this opportunity to partner with Venues Ōtautahi to help create first-class guest experiences across Christchurch. Brand provenance, local sourcing and connection is a major consideration now – particularly with food and beverage products.”

The four-year deal includes providing beer, cider, ginger beer and RTD beverages for all Venue Ōtautahi venues. The opening of One New Zealand Stadium will account for more than 200 pourage taps alone across its bars and lounges.

Hazy Apple – off-dry to medium – is soaring in popularity. Alongside these, Peckham’s crafts a range of bold, rich, and award-winning small-batch ciders released throughout the year.

Match it with cider

These ciders also shine when it comes to food matching. Cider and cheese are a classic match, but Peckham’s ciders also pair beautifully with traditional pub fare like burgers and pizza, while being refined enough to complement an à la carte dining experience. A medium-style cider can even elevate spicy dishes in a way that beer often can’t.

Delight customers with craft cider

With growing consumer interest in authenticity, quality, and sustainability, craft cider is having its moment. Peckham’s embodies these values, making cider that is both delicious and artisanal. Thoughtfully curating a cider selection, one that includes authentic, complex ciders like Peckham’s can elevate any drinks menu, offering something unique, food-friendly, and undeniably high-quality.

So next time you’re refreshing your drinks list, ask yourself: does your drinks menu do craft cider justice?

Find out more at peckhams.co.nz

Jody and Lois Scott of Peckham’s

Tuatara moves into Upper Hutt’s Brewtown

AFTER NEARLY 25 years on the Kāpiti Coast, Tuatara has moved into a new home in Upper Hutt, joining the craft beer community at Brewtown.

DB says the move was nearly a year in the making and the first Brewtown-brewed batch was due on sale in early 2025.

Tuatara head brewer, Paul Roigard, says he and the team are thrilled to be joining the community of passionate craft beer afficionados at Brewtown. “It’s a brewer and beer lover’s dream, with over 20 well-known craft breweries, a distillery, entertainment and eateries all within easy access of Wellington city. We’ve been warmly welcomed by the other breweries on site and are looking forward to working alongside their likeminded teams.”

Once complete, the new site will bring together Tuatara’s existing brewing and packaging capability, with the packaging of DB’s Nelson-produced cider brands. DB says this allows for future innovation

and growth across its craft beer, cider and wider portfolio.

“Our investment in this new, purposebuilt site sets us up for maximum flexibility, production efficiency and growth,” says Roigard. “We’re excited about the possibilities this move presents, with access to

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

So, we brewed you a beer. Inspired by the big bold flavours of Bird Dog IPA, but without the bite. Little Bird is an alcohol-free* IPA, with a deliciously-puritanical, true expression of the hop flavour. It’s so tasty, you won’t even realise you’re not drinking. Until the morning, of course.

*Contains not more than 0.5% Alc/Vol

new equipment, including a new packer from Italy and a German-built bottle inspector that will complement the existing kit we’ve moved down from our old Kāpiti site.”

DB says the new Brewtown site will be a dedicated brewery for the time being, with a tap room planned for future development.

Paul Roigard of Tuatara

whiskies A WORLD OF

More consumers are discovering the varied delights of world whiskies and bourbon – we round up the ever-growing range available in New Zealand…

Note: World whiskies are listed by RRP within their country category. Bourbons are listed by RRP.

WORLD WHISKY

NEW ZEALAND

Albar Salted Caramel Whisky

40% ABV, 250ml RRP $29.99 and 700ml RRP $69.99

Albar

This distinctive whisky from the team at Dunedin’s iconic Albar has been made since 2010. It’s a rich, malty whisky with layers of smooth caramel and a hint of Marlborough sea salt.

The NZ Whisky Collection Wilson’s Misty River Whisky Liqueur

35% ABV, 375ml RRP $49

The NZ Whisky Collection

This whisky liqueur from The NZ Whisky Collection is made from single malt whisky handcrafted in Dunedin from malted New Zealand barley. The addition of herbs, spices, and local quality honey give it a light, delicate flavour. Bottled and aged in Oamaru.

The NZ Whisky Collection South Island

Single Malt

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $89

The NZ Whisky Collection

Aged in an ex-bourbon cask, this is a light, delicate “entry level whisky” with soft caramel and fruity notes.

Thomson Whisky Two Tone Release

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.95

Thomson Whisky

This whisky’s name refers to the two kinds of cask used in its maturation: European oak that formerly held New Zealand red wine, and American white oak used exclusively for whisky. The whisky itself is made from selected whiskies that are barrel aged and blended by Thomson Whisky. The infinity symbol on the bottle replaces an age statement and refers to the marriage of casks. Aromas of rich caramelised fruit, with a palate that is dry with oak and red fruit characters and a hint of spice and tannins.

batch10 Mānuka Smoked

Kentucky Whiskey

45% ABV, 700ml $90

batch10

The folk at batch10 use premium Kentucky whiskey for this release, which they smoke with mānuka for a distinctively New Zealand character. It has a strong smoked quality and a smooth finish.

Broken Heart Single Malt Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $90

Broken Heart Spirits

Rested for more than six years in charred bourbon and ex-spiced rum casks, this complex whiskey from Queenstown distillery Broken Heart has aromas of candied ginger, fruit cake and poached pear leading to a palate of toffee, sticky date pudding and crème brûlée with a soft, buttery biscuit finish. The bourbon barrel imparts charred oak vanilla notes alongside butterscotch, heather honeycomb and orange marmalade, while the rum cask infuses subtle stone fruit, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg.

The NZ Whisky Collection Dunedin

DoubleCask

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $99

The NZ Whisky Collection

Aged in an ex-bourbon cask and finished in an oxidised New Zealand Pinot Noir cask for a light, dry sherry-style finish. A delicate whisky with soft salty toffee and red fruit notes.

Divergence Otago Pinot Barrel

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Beverage Brothers

Aged for 3½ years in ex-Otago Pinot Noir barrels, this reddish-amber whisky delivers a fruity aroma with ripe cherry, hot cross bun, fig, blackberry, charred oak, chocolatey malt and vanilla. On the palate there is cherry, blackcurrant, raisins, vanilla and baking spices, backed by sweet by malt and soft oak tannins.

Pōkeno Origin

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Pōkeno Whisky

This release from Pōkeno Whisky is fully matured in first fill bourbon casks. Toasted vanilla beans and sweet butterscotch give way to citrus notes, creamy toffee and hints of caramelised banana for a sweet, complex and lingering finish.

Waiheke Whisky Honey & Rye

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109

Tickety-Boo

A traditional bourbon mash of corn, barley and a high portion of rye is double distilled in copper pot stills before being mixed with Waiheke Island mānuka honey and aged in American oak casks. Notes of mānuka honey, grilled nuts, vanilla, and toasty oak. The palate is sweet and concentrated with grassy notes, honey and spice.

Waiheke Whisky Oak & Rye

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109

Tickety-Boo

This bourbon-style whiskey is made using a traditional bourbon mash of corn, barley and a high portion of rye, double distilled in copper pot stills and aged in American oak. A dark, concentrated whiskey with vanilla, spice and caramel on the nose. The palate is soft with burnt toffee, apple and spice notes, and a gentle, generous finish.

Divergence Virgin French Oak

Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $114.99

Beverage Brothers

Made from 100% Canterbury-grown and malted barley, this single malt is mashed, fermented, double pot still distilled and aged more than three years in 50 and 100 litre virgin French oak barrels in Christchurch. Aromas of toffee, vanilla, milk chocolate and a hint of raisin with oak/wood and soft floral undertones. Gentle on the palate with a rounded mouthfeel and notes of oak, dark caramel, dark cocoa, new leather, creamy tannin, floral and anise. A slightly dry finish with a hint of sweetness.

1919 Distilling First Light Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $115

1919 Distilling

This release from Auckland distillery 1919 Distilling is copper pot distilled and matured in first fill bourbon casks. A full-bodied whisky, First Light is sweet, with hints of pear and honey giving way to a complex finish and hints of vanilla.

1919 Distilling Goleta Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $119

1919 Distilling

A rich and rounded whisky, Goleta has its primary maturation in ex-bourbon casks and is finished in Spanish Sherry casks, giving it notes of fresh dried fruits and aromas of sultanas and hints of chocolate.

The NZ Whisky Collection Oamaruvian Revolution

46% ABV, 500ml RRP $119

The NZ Whisky Collection

Aged in an ex-bourbon cask and finished in a fresh Central Otago Pinot Noir cask for a fresh, fruity finish and “strawberries and cream” character.

Scapegrace FORTUNA VI

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Hancocks

This single malt from Scapegrace has aromas of buttery biscuit, orchard fruit, roasted nuts and oak spice. On the palate there is crisp green apple, tinned peaches, caramel and nutty malt. An oaky, spicy finish. Crafted from mānukasmoked New Zealand Laureate barley and aged in virgin French oak.

Waiheke Whisky Fairlight

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $119

Tickety-Boo

A blend of premium unpeated world whisky with the distiller’s selection of Waiheke Whisky’s peated back catalogue. The team at Waiheke Whisky say that Fairlight shares its name with the world’s first music synthesizer as it is “the synthesis of two hemispheres in the bottling”. Aromas of heather, honey, vanilla and gentle peat. Smooth and creamy on the palate with notes of sweet fruit, oak, smoke and brine.

There’s an autumnal feel to Scapegrace Dimension VII with its notes of spiced walnuts, cider apples and sweet hay to the fore.

Pōkeno Discovery

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $121.99

Pōkeno Whisky

Parcels of stock that have been fully matured in first fill bourbon, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez casks are carefully selected, blended and then laid back down in cask again to create Pōkeno Discovery. It is a rich and complex whisky, with notes of dark chocolate, black forest gateau, ripe cherries and sweet citrus, giving way to a rich, smooth and lengthy finish.

Pōkeno Revelation

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $121.99

Pōkeno Whisky

A marriage of spirit fully aged in first fill bourbon and New Zealand red wine casks, then finished together in cask for a final period of maturation. A sweet and smooth whisky, with beautiful notes of mango, grapefruit, strawberry bonbons, lychee and sherbet.

Rifters Royalburn Single Malt

46% ABV, 350ml RRP $125.95

Rifters

This two-year-old whisky has a surprisingly mature character with aromas of sweet toffee and dried orange peel, complemented by subtle notes of dry hay and toasted oak. Fresh, almost citrusy fruit flavours emerge on the palate, with pear and apple giving way to a dominant orange character. Cinnamon spice and soft wood on the finish. The second release is set for October 2025.

Scapegrace DIMENSION VII

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Hancocks

There’s an autumnal feel to this single malt release from Scapegrace with its notes of spiced walnuts, cider apples and sweet hay to the fore. Smoked spice, orchard fruit and honey emerge on the palate with a finish of nutmeg and walnut. Made with mānuka-smoked New Zealand Laureate barley and aged in virgin French oak.

Scapegrace FORTITUDE V

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Hancocks

Mānuka-smoked New Zealand Laureate barley is at the heart of this single malt release from Scapegrace. There is oak char, earthy vanilla, cranberry, smoked almonds, and liquorice on the nose leading to flavours of honeyed pears, allspice, toasted oak, marzipan, and dried fruit. Aged in virgin French oak, it has a rich and well-spiced finish.

Auld Single Grain New Make Whisky

46% ABV, 200ml trio RRP $135

Auld Farm Distillery

This is the is the clear, pure spirit straight off the still at Auld Distillery. This New Zealand Single Grain New Make Whisky is Auld’s distilled essence of their grain. Unaged and clear, this “whisky spirit before it’s whisky” expresses the first flavours and qualities of their whisky making on the farm in Scotts Gap, Southland.

Auld Single Grain Oat Whisky

46% ABV, 200ml RRP $135

Auld Farm Distillery

A collector’s edition release from Auld Distillery in Southland, made from 2017 Harvest Oats, a crop that has been grown on the farm since 1883. This is the family’s first bottling of whisky and is described as: “an expression of our oldest grain grown on the farm… a progress report as our Whisky stock matures closer to the 2025 full release of Single-Malt.” It also commemorates the 100-year anniversary of Rob Auld’s grandfather settling on the Scott’s Gap property.

Thomson Whisky Mānuka Smoke

Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $135

Thomson Whisky

This whisky is made from 100% New Zealandgrown and malted barley smoked using native mānuka wood, then distilled through Thomson Whisky’s hand-beaten copper pot still. Aromas of smoke sit over a hint of underlying sweetness, with a spicy/savoury character that develops as it opens up. Intense smoke with notes of spice on the palate and a lingering smoky finish.

Thomson Whisky South Island Peat

Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $135

Thomson Whisky

The New Zealand-grown malted barley used in this whisky is smoked using South Island peat for an additional local touch. The whisky is distilled through a copper pot still and bottled in its youth, as “an update from the barrel”. Aromas of smoke and salt with a vanilla sweetness. On the palate it is rounded with a subtle sweetness and intense smoke that lingers on the finish.

Auld Usquebaugh

46% ABV, 200ml RRP $145

Auld Distillery

Pronounced “OOSH-kweh-bah”, this is Auld Distillery’s take on “usquebaugh” – the ancient version of whisky; a rare and early recipe of what whisky was 100 years before barrel ageing. Auld Distillery’s single malt new make is imbued with Southland saffron, aged honey and rare botanicals. It’s complex and layered with initial honeyed aromas leading cake spice, malt and anise. Velvety and dry on the palate with a warm depth balanced by menthol and fresh spice notes.

The NZ Whisky Collection Oamaruvian Cask Strength

55.8% ABV, 500ml RRP $149

The NZ Whisky Collection

This higher proof whisky is aged in an ex-bourbon casks and finished in Syrah casks for a rich, deep flavour. Reminiscent of Christmas cake in a bottle.

Sandymount Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $149

Sandymount Distillery

This release from Otago distillery Sandymount is New Zealand’s only certified carbon zero whisky, made using South Island grain, and spring water from the Sandymount Distillery grounds. It offers a generous dose of rich malt, red apples, white chocolate, and coffee.

Waiheke Whisky MOSS

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $169

Tickety-Boo

Made from lightly peated New Zealand malt, double distilled in copper pot stills and aged in American oak casks, this is a full-bodied, easy-drinking whisky that the Waiheke Whisky team describe as “a gateway to New Zealand peat.” Floral aromas of jasmine, with liquorice, vanilla bean and cough syrup, created by the interaction of the lightly peated malt with the American oak wine barrels, which have been shaved, toasted and re-charred. Further maturation in first fill bourbon barrels provides a creamy texture and a long lingering finish with spice and sweet fruit, and a hint of smoke.

Pōkeno Whisky describe Vino de Naranja Single Cask as one of their most innovative single malts yet.

Pōkeno Exploration Series Winter Malt

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99

Pōkeno Whisky

The Winter Malt release from Pōkeno was inspired by a unique selection of New Zealand malts chosen for the mashbill, including mānuka smoked malt, chocolate roasted malt, toffee malt and Laureate Distillers Malt. The whisky is aged in first fill bourbon barrels and has aromas of sweet honeyed smoke, chocolate caramel slice, vanilla bean and toffee. On the palate there are notes of bitter dark chocolate, cocoa beans and creamy fudge, leading to long, sweet and smoky finish.

Thomson Full Noise Cask Strength

Single Malt

54.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $175

Thomson Whisky

A cask strength (hence ‘Full Noise’) mānuka smoke single malt whisky from Thomson Whisky in northwest Auckland. Made from 100% New Zealand-grown mānuka-smoked malted barley, aged in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and bottled straight out of the cask. Deeper and more abundant smoke notes in this uniquely New Zealand dram.

1919 Distilling TransPacific Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $185

1919 Distilling

Copper pot distilled and matured in first fill bourbon casks, this single malt is finished in Jamaican rum casks. A complex and sweet single cask bottling, the whisky melts in the mouth with toffee, tropical fruits and organic vanilla.

Waiheke Whisky Seris 2

42% ABV, 700ml RRP $189

Tickety-Boo

Made from peated New Zealand malt and double distilled in copper pot stills, this New Zealand single malt is aged in American oak casks for four years before being finished in Australian Apera (Sherry) casks. Aromas of glazed orange peel, spiced apple and peat smoke. The palate has notes of butterscotch, raisins, fruit cake, cereal and peat complemented with a savoury spice finish.

Waiheke Whisky Dyad Chardonnay

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199

Tickety-Boo

Dyad is the wine barrel finish range from Waiheke Whisky. This release, distilled in 2015, is made from unpeated New Zealand malt. It was double distilled in copper pot stills and matured in a refill bourbon barrel, then finished in a French oak ex-Chardonnay barrel from Waiheke’s famed Mudbrick Vineyard. A rich and inviting nose leads to a complex palate with some umami character. An oily mouthfeel, well balanced with both sugar and lemon notes. A long finish with hints of a nutty, yeasty character from the Chardonnay.

Waiheke Whisky Dyad Peat + Port

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199

Tickety-Boo

Made from peated New Zealand malt and double distilled in copper pot stills, this expression from Waiheke Whisky was aged in bourbon oak casks for four years before being finished in a Waiheke Island vintage fortified wine (NZ Port) cask. It has aromas of red fruits, Christmas cake and peat smoke. The palate is concentrated and rich with red fruits and spice complemented with a long, smoky finish.

Pōkeno Sunshine Single Cask

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Pōkeno Whisky

Pōkeno founder Matt Johns says that this collaboration with Gisborne brewery Sunshine was: “… an idea hatched while paddling out the back of Pines and pursued over a beer or two in the Sunshine taproom”. The distillery’s Limited Edition Single Malt Whisky is aged for a year in Sunshine Brewing’s casks, adding layered notes of treacle, toffee and Toblerone over Pōkeno’s signature citrus notes.

Pōkeno Vino de Naranja Single Cask

56.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Pōkeno Whisky

The team at Pōkeno Whisky describe this brand-new release as one of their most innovative single malts yet. Initially matured in a first fill bourbon cask, the whisky is finished for 18 months in a Spanish ‘Vino de Naranja’ Orange Wine cask. There are sweet notes of candied orange rind, almond and citrus on the nose, while in the mouth freshly pressed blood orange mingles with Jaffa Cake and Terry’s Chocolate Orange for a long, rich and creamy finish.

Waitui Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Kiwi Spirit Distillery

This small batch whiskey from Golden Bay’s Kiwi Spirit Distillery is aged for eight years in mānuka honey mead oak barrels. It has a luscious aroma full of creamy butterscotch and mānuka honey with hints of malt and oak. Delicate on the palate, with notes of oak, smoke, and honey.

Pōkeno Exploration Series Totara Cask

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99

Pōkeno Whisky

This whisky is the first in the world to be matured in 200 litre totara barrels, which were handcrafted at Pōkeno Distillery in New Zealand’s only working cooperage. The native New Zealand tree is hard and straight grained, with very sweet and creamy notes when toasted. After a full maturation in first fill bourbon casks, the whisky is transferred to the totara barrels for a second maturation period. On the nose there are notes of creamy coconut, sweet scented sap, ripe white peach and freshly cut wood. In the mouth there is bitter lemon, stone fruit and hints of dark chocolate for a long, sweet finish.

The NZ Whisky Collection South Island Single Malt 25YO

40% ABV, 350ml RRP $299

The NZ Whisky Collection

This is The NZ Whisky Collection’s only lightly peated whisky, with soft smoke character. Distilled at the famous Wilson’s Distillery, it has been matured and bottled in Oamaru. It has notes of honey and golden fruit, and a lingering sweet, malty finish with subtle smoke.

The Cardrona Single Malt ‘American Barrel’

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $353

Cardrona Distillery

Barrels sourced from five bourbon distilleries in the United States are used to give this whisky its notes of borage flower honey, clotted cream, toasted oats, vanilla bean and nectarine.

The Cardrona Single Malt ‘The Falcon’

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $353

Cardrona Distillery

This release is a trinity of three hand-selected casks (ex-Oloroso, ex-bourbon, and ex-Pinot Noir), drawn from some of Cardrona Distillery’s oldest stocks and reduced to 52% ABV. Notes of burnt toffee, vanilla cream, sun-scorched nectarine, and pepper.

The Cardrona Single Malt ‘Otago Pinot Cask’

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $353

Cardrona Distillery

Ageing in an ex-Otago Pinot Noir barrique gives this single cask release notes of sunscorched nectarine, ripe berry fruits, fig, pecan pie, borage flower honey and clotted cream.

The Cardrona Single Malt ‘Sherry Cask’

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $353

Cardrona Distillery

This special single cask release is aged in ex-Oloroso Sherry barrels and has notes of maple pear tart, sticky raisins, hazelnut, chewy nougat, and borage flower honey.

Waiheke Whisky Bog Monster

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $399

Tickety-Boo

A rare release, the Bog Monster is a single cask distilled in 2015 from heavily peated New Zealand malt, with peat sourced from the Tussock Creek peat bogs of Southland. With only first fill and refill bourbon barrels used, the Waiheke Whisky spirit character with the heavy peat influence is front and centre on the palate.

Waiheke Whisky Cantankerous

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $399

Tickety-Boo

A limited-edition release of double distilled, non-peated single malt which has spent time maturing in three cask types: virgin American oak, bourbon, and muscat. This whisky showcases a blend of vanilla, caramel, and light spice from the American oak, while the refill bourbon layer adds corn sweetness. The muscat finish reveals nuttiness, ripe red fruits, and brown sugar on the palate and finish. Winner of ‘Best in Class’ at the NZ Whisk(e)y Awards 2024.

The NZ Whisky Collection The Otago 30YO Single Malt

44.7% ABV, 350ml RRP $599

The NZ Whisky Collection

The ultimate expression from The NZ Whisky Collection. This is a beautifully aged, elegant whisky with depth and character. It offers sweet pear, honey and vanilla, hints of soft spices and a deliciously lingering finish.

AUSTRALIA

Starward Two-Fold Whisky

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75.99

Tickety-Boo

This double grain whisky from Melbourne’s award-winning Starward distillery uses new make spirit made from malted barley and a spirit made from aromatic and dry wheat –each is aged in Australian red wine barrels before blending. Two-Fold has aromas of bright red berries coated in buttery vanilla spice. In the mouth there’s a balance of smooth, rich caramel and tropical fruit, leading to a delicate, dry and lingering finish.

Starward HER Honeycomb Whisky

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Tickety-Boo

A collaboration with Melbourne’s HER bar, this expression from Starward combines its Two-Fold whisky with Local Honey Floral Blend from 4,500 beehives at Pure Peninsula Honey on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. The lush honey adds a decadent richness to bright and fruit-forward whisky.

The Gospel Solera Rye Whisky

42.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $95

Mineral

Made using 100% Australian-grown rye sourced from a single farm in the Murray Mallee region of South Australia, this whisky embodies classic rye flavours in an approachable soft and smooth way. Described as: “…an American style rye whiskey with a unique easy-going Australian attitude”. Notes of baking spices, orchard fruits, dark toffee and sweet oak.

Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky

41% ABV, 700ml RRP $107.99

Tickety-Boo

A fruity, double distilled single malt made with Australian barley and craft brewers’ yeast for extra flavour. Aged for three years in Australian red wine barrels, this smooth and complex whisky has bright aromatic notes of red berries, orchard fruits, vanilla, caramel and soft oak spice.

Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Hancocks

Australian craft distillery Archie Rose uses malted rye and malted barley for this whisky, which is aged in virgin American oak casks in the maritime air of coastal Sydney. Layered and aromatic with notes of spiced custard, ginger, stonefruit and baked apple pie with a lingering fresh herbal finish.

Archie Rose Single Malt Whisky

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Hancocks

The team at Archie Rose uses a six-malt mash bill for this whisky to give it a rich and expressive flavour, full of distinct regional character. It is aged predominantly in Australian Apera (Sherry) casks, complemented by a selection of ex-bourbon and Archie Rose’s own 36-month air-dried ex-rye casks. The whisky has aromas of fresh herbs, shortbread biscuits, raisins, toffee and dark chocolate, while the palate is full of sticky date pudding and amaretto with a final note of espresso.

Starward Solera Single Malt Whisky

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Tickety-Boo

This twice-distilled single malt whisky from Australian distillery Starward is fully matured in carefully selected Apera casks, an Australian fortified wine similar to sherry. It is rich and well balanced with flavours of jammy fruits, creme brûlée and spice, with a lingering dry finish.

Starward 100-Proof Single Malt Whisky

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $137.99

Tickety-Boo

A robust single malt whisky that is fully matured in American oak, red wine barrels and bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV). Championing Australian ingredients, 100-Proof is full-bodied and decadent, featuring notes of juicy plum, ganache and sweet vanilla.

Starward Octave Barrel Single Malt Whisky

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99

Tickety-Boo

This distinctly Australian single malt combines Starward’s progressive red-wine-barrel maturation with one of the most famous wines from iconic Barossa winery Yalumba. Octave Barrels is aged in Yalumba’s The Octavius Shiraz barrels to create a rich whisky with aromas of red fruit, raisins, ripe peach, caramel and toasty oak and a palate of dark forest fruits with a toasted oak backbone. Toasted marshmallow on the finish.

Starward Peated Finish Single Malt Whisky

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99

Tickety-Boo

Following the award-winning release of UnExpeated in 2021, this is Starward’s second ‘New World’ take on an Old World whisky style. Starward’s three-year-old maturing red wine cask whisky spent 18 months in heavily saturated ex-Islay peated casks to create a whisky with flavours of ripe red fruits and deeper, smokier finish.

Starward Bourbon Cask #2

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99

Tickety-Boo

This recent addition to the Starward line-up is a shift from the distillery’s (now famous) use of Australian red wine barrels for ageing its spirit. Here, the distillers fresh-filled bourbon casks with Starward’s tropical and fruitforward new make spirit and aged it for five years. It has aromas of grilled pineapple and vanilla leading to a palate of lemon curd, dried banana and succulent honey. The finish is long, with characteristics of buttered toast and toasted oak.

Starward Vitalis 15th Anniversary Release Single Malt Whisky

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $209.99

Tickety-Boo

Vitalis marks 15 years since Starward founder David Vitale started his Melbourne distillery, which has become known for its ageing of whisky in Australian red wine barrels. It’s a blend of hand-selected parcels from tawny barrels, rum barrels, bourbon barrels and Apera barrels. The oldest of these barrels was filled in 2011 and the youngest in 2018. The resulting whisky has aromas of chewy toffee, raisins, chocolate coated pineapples and cedar. The palate is big and viscous with rich dried fruits, redcurrant, and lightly roasted coffee beans. A long and oily finish with a delicate balance of fruit and oak.

JAPAN

Suntory Whisky Toki

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99

Suntory Global

This delicate Japanese whisky has aromas of basil, green apple and honey, while on the palate there is grapefruit, green grapes, peppermint and thyme. The finish is subtly sweet and spicy with a hint of vanilla oak, white pepper and ginger.

Mars Iwai

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $119.99

Hancocks

A rich Japanese blended whisky with a light, sweet and floral fragrance and flavour notes of sweet pear and dark cacao.

Mars Iwai Tradition

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $139.99 Hancocks

A blended whisky made in honour of Kiichiro Iwai, the creator of Mars, half a century after the Iwai pot still was put into operation. A rich gold whisky with complex, sweet honey and malt fragrances.

Mars Iwai Tradition Wine Cask Finish

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $159.99 Hancocks

This blended whisky is made by ageing Iwai Tradition for over a year in barrels used for red wine at Mars Yamanashi Winery and Mars Hosaka Winery. Smooth and elegant on the palate, there is a balanced combination of the aged wood aroma of sherry casks and the sweet vanilla aroma of wine casks. The tannins and umami of the red wine add depth of flavour.

Mars Iwai Tradition Sherry Cask Finish

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $179.99

Hancocks

A blended whisky in which Iwai Tradition is further aged in ex-Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. The rich flavour of Iwai Tradition is enhanced by notes of brown sugar and maple syrup from the sherry casks.

Mars Maltage “Cosmo”

43% ABV, 750ml RRP $189.99

Hancocks

A whisky with a rich, sweet aroma reminiscent of honey and caramel, subtle smoky flavour and a round, soft mouthfeel with a gentle aftertaste. Named for Mount Kosmo, one of the mountains in Japan’s Central Alps.

Hibiki Harmony

43% ABV, 750ml RRP $249.99

Suntory Global

From the Suntory Whisky collection, Hibiki has lifted aromas of rose and lychee over a hint of rosemary, wood and sandalwood. On the palate, there is a honeyed sweetness with candied orange peel and white chocolate. The finish is subtle with a touch of mizunara (Japanese oak).

Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $279.99

Suntory Global

Made in Suntory’s mountain-forest distillery, the Hakushu range is set apart by its distinctive fresh green notes. The Distiller’s Reserve has aromas of peppermint, melon and cucumber leading to a palate of yuzu, grapefruit, and lemon thyme. Refreshing on the finish, with subtle smoke.

The Yamazaki Distiller’s Reserve

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $279.99

Suntory Global

Lush red fruit dominates the aroma of this whisky from famed Japanese distiller Suntory, with strawberry and cherry sitting alongside a hint of mizunara (Japanese oak). The fruit persists on the palate with raspberry, white peach and a touch of coconut. The finish is clean with sweet vanilla and a hint of cinnamon.

Mars Komagatake Single Malt

2021 Edition

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $319.99

Hancocks

Komagatake Single Malt is produced at the Mars Shinshu Distillery, at the foot of Mount Komagatake in Japan’s Central Alps. The “2021 Edition” is a single malt whisky made by vatting mainly malt liquor aged in bourbon barrels and sherry casks. A fruity aroma with the gentle sweetness of ripe persimmons on the palate.

Hakushu 12YO

43.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $439.99

Suntory Global

Suntory’s Hakushu distillery is also known as the ‘Mountain Forest Distillery’, and this whisky abounds with green fruit and herbal characters. Aromas of basil, pine needle and green apple lead to a palate of sweet pear, mint and kiwifruit. The finish has characters of green tea and subtle smoke.

Three different wood casks (ex-bourbon, ex-French wine and ex-sherry) are used to craft the multi-award-winning Indri Trini The Three Wood.

Nikka ‘From The Barrel’

51.4% ABV, 750ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Aromas of pineapple, wood varnish and a strong oak influence from the Japanese white oak casks. Bottled at a cask strength of 51.4%.

Nikka ‘Miyagikyo’

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This single malt is full of floral fruitiness balanced by a rich sherry cask influence, bringing dried fruits and a lingering spicy finish.

The Nikka ‘Tailored’

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

A rich and malty whisky with an abundance of orchard fruits on the palate, balanced by a soft, sweet toffee note and lingering spicy fruit cake.

Nikka Taketsuru ‘Pure Malt’

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

A fresh and lively whisky with a soft fruitiness from the use of sherry casks, which is joined with a touch of nuts and gentle smoke in the background.

Nikka ‘Yoichi’

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Earthy smokiness balances delicately with oak spice and nutty characters. Soft fruit and a distinct coastal note make this a robust savoury dram.

INDIA

Indri Trini The Three Wood

46% ABV, 750ml RRP $99.99

World@BWS

Three different wood casks (ex-bourbon, ex-French wine and ex-sherry) are used to craft this multi-award-winning whisky. Gentle and mellow on the nose with hints of black tea, caramelised pineapple and a whiff of oak comes forward, followed by vanilla, honey, spice and raisins. Rich on the palate with gentle spice and woody characteristics. A subtle and balanced finish.

Indri Dru

57.2% ABV, 750ml RRP $139.99

World@BWS

‘Dru’ is a cask strength expression, where selected ex-bourbon barrels are handpicked and married by Indri’s master blender. In Sanskrit, ‘Dru’ means wood, tree or a vessel made of wood. In ancient Indian mythology, Dru was a vessel in which ‘soma’ (a drink) was collected and offered to the gods. A fruity aroma with vanilla, subtle citrus, gentle spice, chocolate and honey tones. A sweetish, fruit-forward flavour with soft spice, sweet vanilla, chocolate, wood and citrus. A full, lingering finish.

Indri Diwali Edition

60% ABV, 700ml RRP $1,199.99

World@BWS

Indri Diwali Collector’s Edition is a peated Indian single malt made with six-row barley, distilled in traditional copper pot stills crafted in India. Carefully matured in PX Sherry Casks in the sub-tropical climate of North India, this unique expression has a whiff of smoke and a palate full of candied dried fruits, toasted nuts, subtle spice, oak, and bittersweet chocolate.

USA

Ole Smoky Moonshine Banana Pudding

17.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $55.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Flavours of vanilla wafers, whipped cream and bananas are blended with Ole Smoky Moonshine to create a unique dessert-like pour.

Ole Smoky Moonshine Apple Pie

20% ABV, 750ml RRP $59.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Moonshine and apple pie are synonymous with America and come together in this blend of pure apple, ground cinnamon and other spices with Ole Smoky Moonshine.

Ole Smoky Whiskey Mint Choc Chips

17.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $59.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

The flavours of mint ice cream and chocolate chips are blended with whiskey to make a smooth and creamy pour that is dessert in a glass.

Jack Daniel’s

40% ABV, 1L RRP $61.99

Hancocks

This Tennessee whiskey is left to drip through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before it goes into barrel. It has aromas of oak, sweet vanilla and caramel, which continue on the palate.

Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Federal Merchants

A flavoured whiskey full of natural peanut butter flavours, notes of vanilla and caramel popcorn with warm whiskey undertones.

Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99  Pernod Ricard

Skrewball was born from a best-selling cocktail at co-founders Steve and Brittany Yeng’s restaurant in Ocean Beach, California. A blend of smooth whisky and creamy peanut butter flavours.

Wild Turkey Rye

40.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $65.99

Campari NZ

A deeper “alligator” char is used for this whiskey, which pays tribute to America’s first distilled spirit: rye whiskey. Wild Turkey Rye has bold rye flavour balanced with big vanilla, butterscotch and spice notes.

Ole Smoky Whiskey Peanut Butter

30% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

The sweet, creamy flavour of peanut butter blended with Ole Smoky Whiskey.

Ole Smoky Whiskey Salty Caramel

30% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A richly decadent combination – this salty caramel whiskey tastes like liquid caramel with a hint of salt on the finish.

Ole Smoky Whiskey Mango Habanero

35% ABV, 750ml RRP $74.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

This creative spin on whiskey combines the sweet taste of mango with a spicy habanero pepper finish. Serve neat or use in cocktails for a kick of heat.

Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

45.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

Hancocks

A spicy aroma with distinct notes of rye, black pepper, cedar, cassia bark and a sweet marzipan character. The taste is of clove, rye, mint, molasses and honey, mingled with hints of apple and malt. The finish is long and sweetly spiced.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Hancocks

This expression from Tennessee distillery Jack Daniel’s is ‘bottled-in-bond’ meaning that it is from a single distillery, is from one distilling season, is bottled at 100 proof (50% ABV) and aged in a federally bonded warehouse for at least four years. It has aromas of caramel, rich oak and spice, and is big and bold on the palate with dark brown sugar, cooked fruit and seared oak. The finish is of warm baking spice with a hint of smoke.

Ezra Brooks Straight Rye 99 Proof

49.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A genuine straight rye whiskey with slightly sweet and oaky tones, and a warm and spicy finish.

Misunderstood Ginger Spiced Whiskey

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99

Federal Merchants

Misunderstood is a blend of select bourbon and American whiskey aged in American oak barrels and finished with two types of real ginger. Aromas of vanilla bean, caramel and hints of fresh ginger and mandarin lead to flavours of fresh cut ginger root, light toasted oak and hints of ginger snap cookies and crème brûlée. A light, lingering ginger finish with hints of baking spice and butterscotch.

Sazerac Rye Whiskey

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Federal Merchants

Synonymous with New Orleans, this rye whiskey has a drier, spicier taste in keeping with its rye base. It has aromas of clove, vanilla, anise and pepper, which combine with subtle notes of candied spices and citrus. The finish is big and smooth with hints of liquorice.

Wiseman Kentucky Straight Rye

50.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Tickety-Boo

A traditional rye made with a mash bill of 95% rye. A spicy nose progresses onto the palate, while the long finish starts as fresh rye bread and moves slowly toward buttered cinnamon toast, ending with a hint of walnut.

Rebel 100 Straight Rye

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $100

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A full-bodied whiskey with a bold rye flavour and hints of vanilla.

Michter’s US1 Sour Mash Whiskey

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Tickety-Boo

The unique grain selection for this whiskey means it cannot be categorised as a rye or a bourbon. It has warm, toasted burnt sugar notes with spice, sweet smoky fruit, candied cherries and honeyed vanilla. It starts out like a bourbon but finishes like a rye.

Michter’s US1 Straight Rye Whiskey

42.4% ABV, 700ml RRP

$129.99

Tickety-Boo

Select American rye grain is sheared to maximise the extraction of flavour for this rye whiskey. It’s made using charred new American white oak barrels and is spicy with peppery notes, citrus, butterscotch and oak.

Michter’s US1 Unblended

American Whiskey

41.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Tickety-Boo

Unlike bourbon or rye, which, by definition, must be aged in new oak barrels, Michter’s US1 Unblended American Whiskey uses whiskeysoaked barrels to achieve its flavour profile. It has deep butterscotch and vanilla notes, hints of caramel and dried fruit with a ripened fruit finish.

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey

45% ABV, 750ml RRP $130

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey is a tribute to Minor Case Beam, who began working in the bourbon business in 1871. Distilled by the Beam family, this award-winning whiskey uses yeast cloned from MC Beam’s own jug and is finished in sherry casks. Its aroma has hints of earth with sweet sherry notes. A hint of butterscotch on the palate and additional notes of dark fruit and spice from the sherry cask finish.

Willett Family Reserve 4YO Rye

55% ABV, 750ml RRP $134.99

Tickety-Boo

A small batch rye whiskey from Kentucky’s Willett Family Estate. It has aromas of brandied cherry, cinnamon, and baking spices with a hint of oak. Robust on the palate with dark cherry, burnt vanilla, and lingering spice.

Rossville Union Master Crafted

Straight Rye Whiskey

47% ABV, 750ml RRP $136

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Aged for more than four years, this whiskey delivers a smooth, slightly smoky taste and a robust, spicy finish with a hint of cherry.

Yellowstone Single Malt Whiskey

54% ABV, 750ml RRP $152

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Made from 100% malted barley and aged in new charred American oak barrels, this is a smooth and complex whiskey. A sweet, medium body with notes of honey, dates and spiced pear, and a strong oak finish with hints of cinnamon and walnuts.

High West Campfire Whiskey

46% ABV, 750ml RRP $165

Constellation Brands

High West Campfire is a blend of straight rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, and blended malt Scotch whisky. Aromas of butterscotch, shortbread biscuit, smoke and wood lead to a palate of vanilla, salted caramel, toasted brioche, red berry compote, chai spices and pipe tobacco. Sweet and smoky on the finish with lingering spice.

Rossville Union Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whiskey

58.6% ABV, 750ml RRP $200

Hi I.Q. Liquor

High West Campfire is a blend of straight rye whiskey, straight bourbon whiskey, and blended malt Scotch whisky.

Bottled at a full 117.2 proof, Rossville Union’s Barrel Proof Straight Rye Whisky is full-bodied and smooth with aromas of spice, vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and wood. Sweet and caramel-forward on the palate with bold spice, a slightly smoky body, oak, and a balanced finish.

One of Michter’s most limited production items, the 10YO Straight Rye Whiskey has deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon.

Shenk’s Homestead Small Batch 2023 Release

45.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $309.99

Tickety-Boo

A sour mash whiskey made with a substantial amount of rye – the 2023 release is notable for being produced with malted rye in the recipe and a portion aged in toasted French oak. A warm and rich expression with highlights of spiced fruit, nougat, honey and spiced chocolate.

Michter’s US1 Toasted Barrel Rye Whiskey

53.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $379.99

Tickety-Boo

Aromas of toffee, honey, black walnut, and a hint of campfire leads to flavours of dark chocolate, salted caramel, cherry and mint with pronounced spice balanced by toasted oak on the finish.

Michter’s 10 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey

46.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $479.99

Tickety-Boo

One of Michter’s most limited production items, the 10YO Straight Rye Whiskey has deep notes of vanilla and toffee, toasted almonds and cinnamon with crushed pepper and a hint of orange citrus.

Kentucky Owl Mardi Gras XO Cask

11YO Rye

51.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $749.99

Tickety-Boo

A limited-edition release rye whiskey from Kentucky Owl, created to celebrate the spirit of Mardi Gras and Louisiana. Aged for 11 years and then spending a further year in rare Bayou XO casks, this is a robust, flavourful straight rye whiskey. In addition to the rye character, there is sweet butter combined with allspice, and the sweetness of the Bayou Rum XO finish.

CANADA

Canadian Club 8YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99

Suntory Global

Aromas of toffee, toasted oak and vanilla lead to a palate of English toffee and rich mellow oak with soft nutmeg and clove. The finish is warm and dry with lingering caramel and vanilla.

Canadian Club 1858

40% ABV, 1L RRP $57.99

Suntory Global

Canadian Club’s flagship whiskey is named for its year of creation. It’s smooth, with spice and zest on the palate and hints of oak and sweet vanilla. The finish is clean, dry, and lingering with subtle oak.

Canadian Club Spiced

37% ABV, 1L RRP $57.99

Suntory Global

A twist on Canadian Club Original, blended with vanilla, allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, clove and juniper berry. A sweet grain and spice aroma, with flavours of sweet fruit and spices and a long finish.

Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey

33% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Federal Merchants

Fireball is a blend of Canadian whiskey with natural cinnamon flavour. Makers of Fireball, Sazerac Company in New Orleans, describe it as like “coming face to face with a firebreathing dragon who just ate a whisky barrel full of spicy cinnamon”.

Canadian Club 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $81.99

Suntory Global

The extra ageing on this expression from Canadian Club creates soft, rounded aromas with a palate that is spicy and creamy with hints of vanilla and rich mellow wood. The finish is long and dry.

Canadian Club 20YO

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99

Suntory Global

A blended Canadian whiskey seasoned in white oak barrels. The rich aroma features toffee, raisin, dark plum and apple blossom. The flavour is a clean combination of nuts and spice, while the lingering finish is of pepper, apple, nutmeg and rich oak.

FINLAND

Kyrö Malt Rye Whisky

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $117.99

Tickety-Boo

Kyrö Malt is the first Finnish single-batch rye whisky, made from 100% malted Finnish wholegrain rye. It is double pot-distilled and aged in new American white oak casks. Aromas of vanilla, caramel, dried fruits and earthy rye lead to a palate full of sweet rye bread, honey and wild berries. The finish is smooth and peppery with caramel and mocha.

Kyrö Malt Oloroso

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Tickety-Boo

This Oloroso expression from Finnish distillery Kyrö is double pot-distilled and aged in three barrel types: Oloroso sherry, new American oak and ex-bourbon. The whisky is mellow yet spicy, with aromas of nuts and caramel.

Kyrö Wood Smoke

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99

Tickety-Boo

Kyrö Wood Smoke is made from 100% malted Finnish whole-grain rye. Following an old Northern tradition, the malt is alder-smoked in a 100-year-old barn. The whisky is double potdistilled and matured in ex-bourbon, French oak and new American white oak barrels, resulting in intense pepperiness and sweet notes of caramel and vanilla lifted by crisp alder smoke.

ENGLAND

Cotswolds ‘Bourbon Cask’

59.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Decadent vanilla custard with a hint of malt. Raisins and caramelised figs, delicate vanilla. Subtly earthy with a hint of honey.

Cotswolds ‘Sherry Cask’

57.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Brown sugar and cherry pie with a touch of roasted coffee beans. Viscous and rich. Full of dark stone fruits and a hint of roasted almonds. Peppery oak spice accompanied by notes of dried fruits.

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This English single malt was the first ever made in the Cotswolds and uses only locally grown barley, which is floor malted. The spirit is then matured in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and reconditioned red wine casks. The aroma is sweetly honeyed, with butterscotch and stonefruits – fresh and stewed – along with nutty marzipan. The palate is oily, lush and rich with orange marmalade, brown sugar and tannins bringing a twist of cracked black pepper. The finish is treacled, with dark red fruit and lingering soft wooded flavours.

IRELAND

Jameson Caskmates IPA Edition

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99

Pernod Ricard

Jameson’s Irish Whiskey is finished in craft IPA barrels for a whiskey with crisp hoppy notes. Flavours of hops and light citrus with sweet herbal notes and delicate spicy tones.

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99

Pernod Ricard

Jameson’s triple-distilled, blended Irish whiskey is finished in Irish craft beer-seasoned barrels. The initial sweet mouth coating typical of the Irish pot still is complemented by subtle hops and cocoa beans from the beer cask finish. The finish is long and sweet with milk chocolate and butterscotch.

Jameson Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99, 1L RRP $67.99

Pernod Ricard

A blend of pot still and fine grain whiskeys that are triple-distilled and aged in bourbon and sherry casks for five to seven years. A light floral fragrance peppered with spicy wood and sweet notes, while on the palate it is a smooth balance of spice, nut and vanilla notes with hints of sweet sherry.

Slane Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml $51.99

Hancocks

Three varieties of casks are used for ageing this whiskey: virgin and seasoned casks made at the Brown-Forman cooperages, and Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez in Spain. The whiskey has complex aromas of fruit, caramel, vanilla, brown spice and toasted oak. Initially spicy but quickly sweetens with rich butterscotch and dried fruit and finishes with a hint of dried fruit and caramelised sugar. Smooth and robust.

Shanky’s Whip Irish Whiskey Liqueur

33% ABV, 700ml RRP $56.99

Campari NZ

A blend of black Irish whiskey and Irish spirits with flavours of cream and vanilla. Rich and sweet with notes of spice.

Powers Gold Label

43.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Pernod Ricard

Spicy aromas of cinnamon, clove oil and white pepper are balanced by apples and pears, on a background of charred oak. On the palate there is cinnamon, green peppers and a touch of nutmeg combined with orchard fruits, vanilla and toasted oak with crisp barley.

The Busker Blend Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Campari NZ

A blend of single malt and single pot still whiskeys, The Busker Blend has tropical fruits and vanilla on the nose leading to a palate of malt sweetness and dark chocolate with subtle toffee fudge and cinnamon.

The Dubliner Whiskey and Honeycomb

30% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Federal Merchants

A distinctive Irish whiskey liqueur that marries honeycomb, caramel and whiskey.

Jameson Black Barrel

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99

Pernod Ricard

A combination of American oak, sherry casks, and double charred bourbon barrels are used to age this whiskey, which is made from single Irish pot still whiskey and a rare small batch grain whiskey. It has intense notes of vanilla sweetness and caramel, alongside toasted wood, fruit and warm spice.

Bushmills Original

40% ABV, 1L RRP $71.99

Lion

A blend of triple-distilled malt whiskey with a lighter grain whiskey. The aroma is light and fruity with a touch of spice and vanilla. In the mouth it is gently warming with slight honey sweetness, while the finish is crisp and fresh with a hint of spice.

Bushmills Black Bush

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99

Lion

The dark hue and rich fruit characters in this whiskey come from its ageing of up to seven years in Spanish Oloroso sherry casks and sweet bourbon barrels. It has aromas of spicy fruit and dark‚ velvety fruit flavours with a lingering sherry sweetness.

The Busker Single Malt Irish Whiskey

44.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99

Campari NZ

This single malt is distilled in large copper stills and then matured in two different woods. Initial accents of fruit lead to pine essence and malt biscuit. Intense flavours of fruit and rich chocolate with a sweet and creamy finish.

Teeling Small Batch Blended Whiskey

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

Hancocks

Created to challenge the conventions of what Irish whiskey could be, this release from Teeling combines casks of grain and malt whiskey aged in ex-bourbon barrels and then married together in Central American rum casks for up to 12 months. Floral and herbal, with a creamy vanilla sweetness, dried fruit, raisin and apricot character and slight tingling spice.

Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 1L RRP $79.99

Federal Merchants

This blended Irish whiskey is triple-distilled and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks. It has aromas of light, sweet citrus and green apple combined with vanilla undertones. Early fresh fruit flavours lead to toasted wood and vanilla sweetness, with a buttery mellowness on the finish.

Bushmills 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Lion

This whiskey is triple-distilled from 100% malted barley and spends at least 10 years in bourbon seasoned barrels, giving it aromas of honey, vanilla and milk chocolate that persist on the palate.

Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey is triple-distilled and aged in a combination of ex-bourbon and sherry casks

Proper No. Twelve

40% ABV, 1L RRP $86.99

Lion

This blended Irish whiskey brand was founded by MMA fighter and boxer Conor McGregor. A blend of Irish grain spirit and single malt Irish whiskey aged in ex-bourbon barrels, it has flavours of vanilla, honey and toasted wood.

Connemara

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Suntory Global

There’s a light and fruity aroma to this Irish whiskey, with distinct smoke and peat. Initially smooth and honey sweet, with malt and fruits giving way to an intensifying full-bodied peat. Complex yet balanced with vanilla oak tones.

Green Spot – Mitchell & Son

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Pernod Ricard

A non-age statement single pot still Irish whiskey comprising of pot still whiskeys aged between seven and 10 years. The whiskey is matured in a combination of new bourbon and refill bourbon casks as well as sherry casks. Full and spicy on the palate.

Teeling Single Grain

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Hancocks

Matured in Californian red wine barrels, this Irish whiskey has aromas of fruit cake and spice with a marzipan character. On the palate there is spice, raisin, red fruit and a hint of tannins, while the finish is dry with lingering wood and spice.

Jameson Single Pot Still

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $100

Pernod Ricard

This more recent addition to the Jameson range in New Zealand opens with wood-driven spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, toasted oak, honeycomb, and salted caramel. There are zesty fruit notes in the background along with fudge, butterscotch, and vanilla while the pot still spices build over time. Flavours of rich dark chocolate, spicy toffee, and ground cinnamon with hints of ginger and orange peel.

The Quiet Man Blended Whiskey

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $102

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Named for John Mulgrew, a barman in the pubs of Belfast, The Quiet Man Blended Irish Whiskey is distilled in small batches and fully matured in first-fill bourbon casks of American oak. Aged four years, the mash bill features a high malt percentage. A sweet blend with a light, floral fragrance and hints of toasted oak and honey.

Teeling Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Hancocks

This whiskey is matured and finished in casks that impart the influence of five wine casks: Sherry, Port, Madeira, white Burgundy and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has aromas of melon, figs, toffee and lemon, while the palate gives notes of dried fruits, citrus, vanilla, spice and cloves. It finishes with a long sweetness in harmony with dry tannins from the wood.

The Quiet Man Single Malt 8YO

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $118

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Aged eight years, this smooth whiskey has notes of vanilla, oak and honey.

Redbreast Single Pot Still 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $134.99

Pernod Ricard

This is the signature bottling from Redbreast, which is the biggest-selling single pot still Irish whiskey in the world. Redbreast 12 is matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks. It has a complex spicy and fruity aroma with toasted wood notes. Full flavoured and smooth on the palate with a balance of spice, fruit, sherry, and toasted notes.

Yellow Spot 12YO - Mitchell & Son

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $144.99

Pernod Ricard

This whiskey contains single pot still components aged in ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and ex-Malaga wine casks. This extra ageing adds a layer of complexity compared with its younger sibling, Green Spot. Pot still spices, honey and red apple combine with flavours of crème brûlée, fresh coffee and toasted oak. Distinctive honeyed character, red grape, and dry barley on the finish.

Tullamore D.E.W 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Federal Merchants

As with Tullamore D.E.W. Original, the 12YO expression is a triple-distilled blend of all three types of Irish whiskey but has a high proportion of pot still and malt whiskeys, matured in a combination of bourbon and sherry casks for 12 to 15 years. There is spice and red wine on the nose with a nutty character followed by a light woody note. It has a deep spice flavour with a robust and creamy body overlaid by chocolate, dried fruit and nut. The finish is long and rich with citrus, chocolate, raisins and marzipan.

Redbreast Single Pot Still 15YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $184.99

Pernod Ricard

Full and rich aromas of berry fruits and aromatic oils. On the palate, the whiskey is rounded and mellow with flavours of succulent fresh fruit combined with spices and toasted wood leading to a long finish.

Jameson 18YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $264.99

Pernod Ricard

Jameson 18YO is the pinnacle of the Jameson range, having been aged for a minimum of 18 years and finished in first fill bourbon casks. On the nose there are aromatic oils with a touch of wood and spicy toffee. It is mellow and smooth on the palate with fudge, toffee, spice, hints of wood and leather, vanilla, and a gentle sherry nuttiness. The lingering finish carries wood, spice, and toffee.

Redbreast Single Pot Still 21YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $339.99

Pernod Ricard

The nose spans fresh tropical fruits, nuts, and rich dried fruit. On the palate there is soft vanilla, toasted oak, and sherry nuttiness with a dusting of pot still spices. Fleshy fruit notes and a creamy mouth feel. The long finish combines oak and pot still spices.

Hinch ‘Small Batch’

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Matured and selected by the Hinch distillery, this triple-distilled blend comes from casks of ex-bourbon oak matured of both single malt and grain whiskies, married together from small batches. A classic, smooth Irish whiskey, balancing soft fruity sweetness, buttery vanilla and soft oak notes.

Hinch ‘Small Batch’ is a classic, smooth Irish whiskey, balancing soft fruity sweetness, buttery vanilla and soft oak notes.

West Cork ‘Bog Oak Charred Cask’

Single Malt

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Spice, dried leather with a sweet, dried fruit undertone. Intense spice, malt and cracked pepper.

West Cork ‘Maritime Release’ Rum Cask Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Caramel and chocolate on the nose. Slight fruit, but more a combination of fresh and dried. Roasted flavours like coffee, toast and chocolate coming through, with a dry finish.

West Cork ‘Original’ Irish Whiskey

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Malt aromas with lingering sweetness, citrus, apple and nutmeg. More malt, slight citrus, cracked pepper.

West Cork ‘Stout Cask’

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

An aroma of chocolate, raisins and cracked nuts. Dark chocolate, coffee and vanilla.

FRANCE

Moutard Fume Brasserie Du Der Whisky

45% ABV, 500ml RRP $129

Glengarry

This lightly smoked French whisky is from the Moutard family, also known for their champagnes. The Fume is made with malted barley from France, Belgium and Germany and aged in ex-Ratafia Champenois casks. The palate is complex with hints of barley sugar, lightly poached and fruity notes of plums, pears and apricots underlined with a subtle smoky note.

BOURBON

RRP $35 - $69.99

Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream

12.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $39.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Ezra Brooks Bourbon Cream is rich and creamy with flavours of buttery caramel followed by rich, sweet toffee, rounded off with a smooth, creamy, warm finish.

Woodstock Bourbon

37% ABV, 1L RRP $51.99

Asahi NZ

A good value Kentucky bourbon that is ideal for mixing in the classic bourbon and cola, or serving straight. Smooth and approachable.

Wild Turkey American Honey

35.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99

Campari NZ

A blend of Wild Turkey Bourbon Whiskey with pure honey. Aromas of orange and caramel that continue on the palate alongside rich honey.

Old Forester 80 Proof

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99

Hancocks

There’s a strong floral character in the sharp, sweet aroma of this Kentucky bourbon, alongside hints of mint, rich tobacco leaf and vanilla. The flavour softens quickly with hints of oak, sweet corn and rye grain. It is spicy with soft vanilla and light orange notes. The finish is long, warm and slightly drying with a touch of sweetness.

Jim Beam White

37% ABV, 1L RRP $57.99

Suntory Global

This is the classic expression of Jim Beam, which is the world’s number one-selling Kentucky bourbon. It has aromas of oak with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon, while the flavour is caramel and spicy fruit with subtle coffee and chocolate. Full-flavoured with a smooth finish.

Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight

Bourbon Whiskey

43.4% ABV, 1L RRP $61.99

Campari NZ

This bourbon is aged for five to eight years in American white oak barrels that have the deepest, No. 4 “alligator” char. Notes of sweet vanilla, pear and hints of spice; finishes with a full, rich flavour.

Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon is aged for five to eight years in American white oak barrels that have the deepest, No. 4 “alligator” char.

Jim Beam Black

43% ABV, 1L RRP $63.99

Suntory Global

This extra-aged version of Jim Beam is a smooth, flavourful style with a rich texture. It has aromas of vanilla, oak and spices that are echoed on the palate, along with tropical fruits. A long finish, with charcoal flavours.

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut

45% ABV, 1L RRP $63.99

Suntory Global

This bourbon gets its name from the liquid that becomes trapped in the wood of the barrel during ageing, dubbed “the devil’s cut” –essentially the opposite of “the angels’ share”. The team at Jim Beam found a way to extract this and then blend it with extra-aged Kentucky straight bourbon. Bottled at a slightly higher 45% ABV for a robust bourbon designed to serve neat or on the rocks.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Federal Merchants

This deep amber bourbon has a complex aroma of vanilla, mint and molasses. Flavours of brown sugar and spice give way to oak, toffee, dark fruit and anise. The finish is long and smooth.

Woodford Reserve

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Hancocks

An elegant and creamy bourbon with mouthfilling spice, vanilla, caramel and fruit flavours, with a touch of mint. The finish is long, smooth and clean, with slight spice and pepper.

Wild Turkey 101

50.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $65.99

Campari NZ

This bourbon is made with a high rye content then aged in American white oak barrels with the deepest char for more character. The ‘101’ refers to the proof at which it’s bottled.

Bulleit Bourbon

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99

Lion

A particularly high rye content gives Bulleit Bourbon its bold, spicy character. Aromas of spice and sweet oak, a smooth palate with notes of maple, oak, and nutmeg. A long, dry finish with a light toffee flavour.

Hogs 3 Bourbon

40% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99 Brandhouse

Aged for over three years in charred barrels, Hogs 3 has aromas of honey with hints of liquorice and clove. Orange and corn on the palate with vanilla and dried fruit notes. The finish is warm and lingering.

Rebel Straight Bourbon

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A wheated bourbon with flavours of honey and butter, followed by a hint of plum and raisins. A long, warm finish with a touch of spice.

RRP $70 - $89.99

Jim Beam Double Oak

43% ABV, 1L RRP $72.99

Suntory Global

A twice-barrelled version of Jim Beam, where the bourbon is poured into a second freshly charred barrel to mature further. This gives hints of toasted wood in the aroma, along with caramel and vanilla, while there is a distinctive spiced oakiness on the palate alongside intense caramel and toffee.

batch10 Honey Bourbon

36% ABV, 700ml RRP $75 batch10

A blend of Kentucky bourbon with organic New Zealand honey. The honey is visible in the bottle as a swirl of sediment. It has a rich honey aroma with dark caramel and a hint of char. On the palate it is honeyed up front, followed by caramel overlaying the spice and wood of the bourbon with a touch of smoke.

Wild Turkey Longbranch

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $75.99

Campari NZ

Longbranch is made with eight-year-old Wild Turkey Bourbon and uses two charcoal filtrations: the first using charcoal from American white oak, and the second made from Texas Mesquite wood. A bright gold bourbon with aromas of vanilla and spice and flavours of caramel, pear, and hints of citrus. The finish is buttery, smooth, and smoky, with gentle pepper and toasted oak.

Rebel Straight Bourbon is a wheated bourbon with flavours of honey and butter, followed by a hint of plum and raisins.

Maker’s Mark

40% ABV, 1L RRP $84.99

Suntory Global

A bright gold bourbon bottled under a distinctive red wax seal. Maker’s Mark has aromas of vanilla and soft caramel that continue on the palate, along with spice, fresh oak and a hint of smoke.

Basil Hayden’s

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Suntory Global

An easy-drinking bourbon with a high-rye mash bill for a refined, approachable taste profile with a spicier character. Aromas of charred oak, vanilla and caramel with hints of dried fruit continue on the palate alongside a touch of black pepper. The finish is long, with charred oak and a hint of dried fruit.

Ezra Brooks 99

49.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99

Hi I.Q. Liquor

This straight bourbon whiskey is charcoal filtered for mellow flavour. Caramel and vanilla on the palate with hints of spice and chocolate, completed with a smooth, warm finish.

Legent

47% ABV, 700ml $89.99 Suntory Global

This unique collaboration combines Kentucky distilling with Japanese blending and was first released in 2019. Legent (pronounced “leejent”) was created by Jim Beam Master Distiller Fred Noe and Chief Blender of Suntory, Shinji Fukuyo. It is made from a Kentucky Straight Bourbon using the Jim Beam recipe, which is then aged in wine and sherry casks before being blended with more Kentucky Straight Bourbon. It has a classic bourbon character rounded out by rich notes of fruit and spice from its cask ageing.

Wiseman Kentucky Straight Bourbon

45.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo

A blend of four Kentucky straight bourbons. Aromas of caramel, allspice, and citrus continue on the palate, with a lingering finish of caramel with hints of oak.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked

43.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Hancocks

This twice-barrelled bourbon is matured in two charred oak barrels, with the second barrel deeply toasted before a light charring to extract additional soft, sweet oak character. It has rich aromas of dark fruit, caramel, honey, chocolate, marzipan and toasted oak, while on the palate it is a full-bodied mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, fruit and spices. A long, creamy finish with lingering hints of honeyed apple.

RRP $90 - $129.99

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon

61.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99  Pernod Ricard

A single barrel edition release bottled at a unique cask-strength, with each release reflecting the exact barrel proof of the distinct cask in which the whiskey was aged. Aged for a minimum of eight years, this high-rye (36%) bourbon is bold, sweet and spicy, with flavours of apple, leather and cherry pipe tobacco.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed

56.4% ABV 700ml RRP $99.99

Campari NZ

A smooth barrel proof whiskey with notes of sweet tobacco and hints of orange and mint.

1792 Small Batch Bourbon

46.85% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99

Federal Merchants

A complex bourbon made from a “high rye” recipe and using a marriage of select barrels. Flavours of distinct spice mingle with sweet caramel and vanilla.

Maker’s Mark 46

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99

Suntory Global

This was the first bourbon in Maker’s Mark wood-finishing series and was created to amplify the flavours in the original Maker’s Mark. It is aged longer with special seared French oak staves added later in the process for a bold, smooth taste. First released in 2010, Maker’s Mark 46 was the first new major expression to be created at the Maker’s Mark Distillery since its original bourbon went into production in 1953.

Rebel 100 Straight Bourbon

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $108

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Made to the original “wheated” bourbon recipe of 1849 and bottled at 100 proof for a rich, full flavour. Notes of honey, vanilla and caramel followed by oaky tones for a warm finish.

Eagle Rare 10YO

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Federal Merchants

Eagle Rare Bourbon Whiskey is aged for no less than ten years and has complex aromas of toffee, orange peel, herbs, honey, leather and oak. The taste is bold, dry and delicate with notes of candied almonds and very rich cocoa. The finish is dry and lingering.

Johnny Drum Private Stock Bourbon

50.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $109.99

Tickety-Boo

Part of the Willett Family Estate brand family, this bourbon has aromas of sour apple, vanilla and oak with flavours of rich fruit, vanilla and spice.

Knob Creek

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Suntory Global

This bourbon whiskey is aged nine years, creating a deep, classic bourbon flavour with a natural oak sweetness. Luscious and fullbodied with a long, smooth finish.

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon

45% ABV, 750ml RRP $115.99

Campari NZ

Father-and-son master distillers Jimmy and Eddie Russell of Wild Turkey fame bring their nearly 100 years of combined experience to this bourbon. A hand selected small batch bourbon with a rich caramel and vanilla taste and a smooth finish.

David Nicholson 1843 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $117

Hi I.Q. Liquor

David Nicholson 1843 is a “wheated” bourbon that provides full-bodied flavour and a smooth finish. There is rich honey and butter with hints of vanilla and oak on the nose. Smooth in the mouth with woody, smoky tones. A long, warm finish with a touch of spice.

David Nicholson Reserve Kentucky

Straight Bourbon

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $123

Hi I.Q. Liquor

David Nicholson Reserve is an extra-aged “ryed” bourbon with full-bodied, spicy flavour. Aromas of vanilla and honey with toasted, oaky spice lead to flavours of spice and sweet honey with a hint of chocolate. The finish is toasty, full-bodied, and lingering.

Penelope Four Grain Straight Bourbon

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $124

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Named for founder Mike Paladini’s daughter Penelope, this is an award-winning signature straight bourbon whiskey blended from three bourbon mash bills. Sweet notes of candied corn and caramel with buttercream icing and a lingering vanilla spice to finish.

Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

45.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Tickety-Boo

This bourbon from American whiskey company Michter’s is made using charred new American white oak barrels. It has flavours of rich caramel with balanced vanilla, stone fruit notes and smoky depth with an oak finish. The term ‘US1’ in its name refers to Michter’s heritage, dating back to America’s first whiskey company.

Rowan’s Creek Small Batch Bourbon

50.05% ABV, 750ml RRP $129.99

Tickety-Boo

Part of Kentucky’s Willett Distillery brand family, the Rowan’s Creek Small Batch Bourbon has aromas of caramel and vanilla with herbal and floral undertones. This persists on the palate, which is initially oily but finishes dry with notes of oak and lingering spice.

RRP $130 - $149.99

Daviess County Kentucky Straight 96 Proof

48% ABV, 750ml RRP $132

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A unique combination of two bourbon mash bills: a smooth wheated and a traditional ryed, for balanced sweetness and spice. A flavourful bourbon with honey, vanilla and caramel notes, a long, warm finish and a hint of spice.

Yellowstone Select Bourbon

46.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $132

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Yellowstone Select is an award-winning Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey distilled by the Beam family. Aromas of leather with hints of citrus and oak lead to a palate of spicy rye with soft cherries, fading to smoked caramel. A lingering finish, rich with brown sugar.

Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey

47% ABV, 750ml RRP $133

Hi I.Q. Liquor

George Remus was regarded as having created one of the Prohibition’s most successful operations, and was known as the King of the Bootleggers (and the inspiration for the Great Gatsby). This is a high-rye style bourbon featuring multiple mash bills for a layering effect on the palate. It has aromas of rye toast and cinnamon with vanilla, caramel, maple, cherries and cream. On the palate there are major flavours of rye spice, caramel, vanilla, dried and candied fruit; pronounced sweetness, with hints of toffee and cinnamon. The body is complex with layers of vanilla, caramel, fruit, cocoa and cream.

A genuine Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Old Ezra 7 is aged a full seven years and bottled at barrel strength.

Smooth Ambler Contradiction

Bourbon

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $134.99

Pernod Ricard

A blend of straight bourbon whiskies from West Virginia, Indiana, and Tennessee, all with varied mash bills. Notes of baking spice and pecan pie, with a creamy finish.

Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $134.99

Tickety-Boo

The strikingly opulent bottle for this bourbon was fashioned using the blueprints for the original still at the Willett distillery, which was founded in Kentucky in 1936. The bourbon has aromas of vanilla cake, while the palate features caramel, vanilla, spice and citrus.

Daviess County Bourbon Cabernet

Sauvignon Finish

48% ABV, 750ml RRP $136

Hi I.Q. Liquor

This bourbon combines two bourbon mashbills: a smooth wheated and a traditional ryed, and is finished for six months in Napa Valley Cabernet barrels for added complexity. This brings out a smoothness topped with hints of fruit and toasty oak to complement the honey, vanilla and caramel.

Daviess County Bourbon French

Oak Finish

48% ABV, 750ml RRP $136

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Six months finishing in French oak casks adds a layer of oaky complexity to this bourbon. The French oak highlights the bourbon’s chocolate notes, which pair with the honey, vanilla and caramel flavours.

Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon

57.15% ABV, 750ml RRP $149.99

Tickety-Boo

A lush, rich whiskey from Willett in Kentucky. There are walnuts, prunes, and floral notes on the nose, which persist on the palate, alongside a hint of lavender. The finish has a lengthy burnt caramel character.

RRP $150 and above

Yellowstone Special Finishes – Rum Cask

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $151

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Yellowstone’s 4YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is finished for nine weeks in rum cask barrels, imparting notes of spice and tropical sweetness.

Yellowstone Special Finishes

– Toasted Staves

50.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $151

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Finishing with a combination of toasted oak staves creates a unique flavour profile in this release from Yellowstone. It features a blend of High Toast, American Oak Double Toast, Rickhouse, High Vanilla and Spicerack staves mixed with 4YO Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Old Ezra 7

58.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $194

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A genuine Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Old Ezra 7 is aged a full seven years and bottled at barrel strength. It has flavours of oak and black pepper with hints of tobacco, balanced with cinnamon, caramel and vanilla for a long, warm and spicy finish.

Penelope Architect Bourbon

52% ABV, 750ml RRP $194

Hi I.Q. Liquor

This innovative bourbon uses the principles of architecture to design and build new and distinct flavour profiles. The team at Penelope Bourbon work in collaboration with Tonnellerie Radoux of France, using French oak staves and their state-of-the-art OakScan® process to build precise flavours in every bottle. A bourbon full of rich vanilla, toasted oak and hints of almond, with savoury oak and cacao nibs to finish.

Penelope Barrel Strength

52% ABV, 750ml RRP $199

Hi I.Q. Liquor

Blended from three bourbon mash bills and aged in hand-selected new American oak barrels, Penelope Barrel Strength has notes of caramel syrup and subtle barrel char and pushes the boundaries of Penelope Four Grain’s balanced flavour profile.

Penelope Bourbon Toasted Barrel

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $204

Hi I.Q. Liquor

After full maturation in charred new American oak barrels, Penelope Bourbon is finished in a new, hand-toasted barrel. Flavours of brown sugar and cinnamon breakfast pastry with roasted marshmallow and slight spice to finish.

Kentucky Owl Confiscated Bourbon

48.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $250

Tickety-Boo

Distiller Dixon Dedman named this bourbon in tribute to his great-great grandfather, whose barrels of bourbon were seized by the government just ahead of Prohibition in the USA. ‘Confiscated’ is a blend of 6-, 9-, 10-, and 12-year old distillates to create a complex nose full of gardenia and honeysuckle, along with grape, red apple, banana and toasty sourdough. On the palate there are characters of toffee, muted sweet cinnamon spice, and fresh-squeezed orange juice, balanced with white grapes and finishing with a hint of cayenne.

Lost Barrel Bourbon 28YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $250

Kiwi Spirit Distillery

This very special release available through Kiwi Spirit Distillery in Golden Bay was bottled from just two barrels of four-year-old bourbon that originally came out of Kentucky’s Heaven Hill Distillery in 2000. Now aged 28 years, it’s a rich and decadent expression.

Uncut and unfiltered, Stagg Jr is a robust bourbon whiskey that has been aged for nearly a decade.

Kentucky Owl St Patrick’s Edition

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $284.99

Tickety-Boo

A blend of Kentucky straight bourbons varying in age from four to eight years old. This limited release has rich caramel and vanilla notes from the more aged bourbons; spice and fruit from those with a higher rye content; and sweetness and citrus from wheated bourbon.

Kentucky Owl Takumi Edition

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $284.99

Tickety-Boo

Kentucky Owl’s Master Blender John Rhea joined forces with Japanese whisky blender Yahisa Yusuke to create this special edition bourbon release. It has a full-bodied palate with flavours of buttery rye bread and notes of caramel and cinnamon that bring out a fruitiness of apple and pear.

EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbon

50% ABV, 750ml RRP $320 Federal Merchants

This bourbon has been aged inside century-old warehouses constructed by E.H. Taylor Jr, who is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the bourbon industry. It has flavours of caramel corn sweetness, mingled with butterscotch and liquorice. The finish has a soft mouthfeel that develops into subtle spices of pepper and tobacco.

Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon Whiskey 2023 Release

54% ABV, 700ml RRP $384.99

Tickety-Boo

This bourbon whiskey honours the legacy of the distillery known as Bomberger’s in the 1800s, which became Michter’s in the following century. The 2023 release is bold and rich with signature fruit and spice, transitioning into rich chocolate and a long, warm baking spice finish.

Stagg Jr

67.2% ABV, 750ml RRP $445 Federal Merchants

Uncut and unfiltered, this is a robust bourbon whiskey that has been aged for nearly a decade. There is rich, sweet chocolate and brown sugar on the palate, mingled with bold rye spiciness. The lengthy finish has hints of cherries, cloves, and smoke.

Michter’s 10YO Straight Bourbon

Whiskey

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $479.99

Tickety-Boo

Aged for a decade in new charred American white oak barrels, this whiskey has big, bold notes of dark toffee and caramel, with charred oak, maple syrup and vanilla.

Sarah Miller Freelance spirits writer, judge & consultant

ginadingding.com

A bittersweet choice

Amid

the growing sober-curious movement, non-alcoholic

aperitivi might just be the next big thing, says Sarah Miller

LIKE MANY women my age, I’ve experimented with sobriety. Specifically for nine months at a time, 13 and 16 years ago, and mostly under duress! Back then, alcohol-free options were largely limited to lime and soda, Becks Blue, or a Virgin Mary.

Then, in 2015, Seedlip took the drinks industry by storm. Described as the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit, Seedlip initially met a mixed reception (largely due to its high price tag) but proved to be a pioneer of the no/low movement, outselling every other spirit – boozy or otherwise – in Selfridges in

products are arguably the ones that aren’t trying to mimic alcohol at all.

Working outside of recognised spirit styles such as gin and rum may make these non-alc products harder to define and popularise, but this perceived weakness is also their strength. Unencumbered by expectation, these brands are creating a new category of ‘grown-up’ drinks that are defined not by what they lack (alcohol) but by what they possess. And, for now, it’s the aperitifstyle drinks that are achieving this best, by embracing botanical diversity to create complex bittersweet beverages with body

launch a non-alc aperitivo created by macerating apple cider vinegar with botanicals including fig, rhubarb, black pepper, rosemary and sage. And while founder Dan Joines doesn’t intend to actively suggest a serve with alcohol, Vault’s pilot testers have already enjoyed mixing it into lower ABV Negronis and Manhattans, as well as sipping it neat over ice, or with soda.

What is so exciting about these handcrafted products that elude easy definition is the creativity at the heart of them, and that shows no signs of abating.

Botivo has already released two limited-edition collaborations, including a barrel-aged bottling with Berry Bros. & Rudd, but if it’s wood-aged spirits you’re interested in then keep an eye on Seedlip founder Ben Branson. His latest enterprise, Sylva, launched in late 2024 and uses innovative techniques including ‘sonic maturation’ to extract flavour, colour and character from a wealth of woods to create a <0.5% ABV dark sipping spirit.

It’s early days, but the tasting notes for Sylva’s first Padauk edition (named after the red-orange African hardwood) of “freshly baked chocolate cake, buttered whole grain toast, and green walnuts” makes tantalising reading, and the beautiful bottle wouldn’t look out of place on the backbar of any top hotel either. With a limitless freedom to colour outside the lines, and an impressive commitment to innovation over imitation, it is these craft producers who are making the ever growing no- and low-alcohol category arguably one of the most exciting to watch.

Personally sourced and blended by award winning Mexican Chef Luis Cabrera. With 100% Weber Blue Agave, multiple global spirits awards and a ready to share format, we make it easy for entertainers to share good times with great friends. Contact Kane@agavespirits.co.nz if you’re interested in ranging our award winning cocktails.

Art of Italicus cocktail comp opens to Kiwi bartenders

ENTRIES FOR global cocktail competition The Art of Italicus aperitivo challenge have opened and for the first time, New Zealand is among the 10 countries invited to participate.

First held in 2018, The Art of Italicus invites bartenders from select countries around the world to create an innovative spin on the aperitivo.

Italicus is one of the topawarded aperitivo brands globally and is distributed in New Zealand by Tickety-Boo Liquor.

For 2025, the competition is welcoming participants from: France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, UK, USA, and a Wild Card entry open to bartenders from other nations.

This year’s global winner will earn the title of Italicus Bar Artist of the Year 2025 and embark on an exclusive mentorship programme that includes access to the most prestigious bar industry events worldwide. The winner will have the opportunity to work alongside Lorenzo

Lorenzo Antinori

Antinori, from the celebrated Bar Leone in Hong Kong –ranked #1 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 and #2 globally. Competitors are asked to create an original spritz cocktail using a minimum of 40ml Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto and no more than five ingredients. Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from any form of art such as painting, sculpture, music, architecture, or fashion to craft a drink that: “embodies creativity and sophistication whilst demonstrating the spirit’s versatility and distinctive bergamot essence”.

Entries are open until the end of April with National Finals to take place between May and June, where eight shortlisted bartenders per country will have eight minutes to present their creations to a judging panel. Winners of the National Finals will advance with an all expenses paid ticket to the Global Finals in Europe at the beginning of July.

Entry details at artofitalicus.com

New syrups from Crawley’s

DISTRIBUTOR MINERAL has three new syrups in the Crawley’s Bartender range: Chilli Marg; Luxury Coconut; and Yuzu. Created by multiaward-winning bartender Jason Crawley, the syrups are designed especially for bar professionals seeking consistency and quality in the crafting of cocktails.

Crawley’s Yuzu is sweet and sour with a mix between tangy lemon, bitter grapefruit, orange blossom, bright lime, and fresh orange. The Chilli Marg features ancho, habanero and jalapeño chillies finished with Californian yellow chill brine, while Luxury Coconut is rich with coconut flesh, husk, and nuances of coconut milk with a long, creamy, natural finish.

Mineral

Fever-Tree – mix it with the best

FEVER-TREE, the world’s #1 Premium Mixer brand, has appointed Hancocks Wine, Spirits and Beer Merchants as its exclusive distributor in New Zealand.

Global leader in Premium Mixers

Fever-Tree has been the world’s bestselling and top-trending mixer in the top 200 bars for 11 consecutive years (as of 2025).

It is available in 85 countries and its range uses the highest quality ingredients sourced from the finest natural botanicals with no artificial additives.

Fever-Tree works closely with leading global spirit brands and local Kiwi distilleries, elevating the cocktail experience to new heights.

Hancocks is now distributing FeverTree’s wide range of premium tonics and other mixers in a range of formats for on-premise and retail.

Premium Tonics go global

The Fever-Tree journey began in 2003 with a shared vision and a simple question: “If ¾ of your G&T is the mixer, wouldn’t you want to mix with the best?”

After more than two years of searching for the world’s finest ingredients, FeverTree introduced the first Premium Tonic Water in 2005, transforming the mixer category forever.

The brand’s name comes from the Cinchona Tree, also known as the FeverTree, the natural source of quinine: the key ingredient in tonic water.

Today, Fever-Tree offers a range of premium Tonic Waters designed to complement a diverse range of spirits, or for creating alcohol-free mixed drinks.

Joe Jakicevich, owner and Managing Director of Hancocks, says the company is excited to bring the extensive FeverTree range to its customers. “We are delighted to partner with Fever-Tree, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation. This exclusive partnership allows us to bring their outstanding range to New Zealand, offering Kiwis the best mixers to complement their favourite premium spirits.”

Fever-Tree’s Premium Tonic range:

• Fever-Tree Indian Tonic Water

• Fever-Tree Elderflower Tonic Water

• Fever-Tree Mediterranean Tonic Water

• Fever-Tree Wild Raspberry Tonic Water

• Fever-Tree Light Tonic Water

• Fever-Tree Light Mediterranean Tonic Water

The wide range of other mixers available from Fever-Tree is the perfect partner for New Zealand’s most popular and trending serves.

Fever-Tree’s Premium Mixer range:

• Fever-Tree Blood Orange Soda

• Fever-Tree Lime & Yuzu Soda

• Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda

• Fever-Tree Soda Water

• Fever-Tree Distillers Cola

• Fever-Tree Dry Ginger Ale

• Fever-Tree Ginger Beer

• Fever-Tree Lemonade

The Fever-Tree range is distributed exclusively in New Zealand by Hancocks. Contact your Hancocks representative or phone 0800 699 463.

Gold for Kiwis at World Whiskies Awards

NEW ZEALAND distillers celebrated a slew of gold medal wins at the World Whiskies Awards 2025 for Whisky Rest of World (RoW). The winners of the World Whiskies Awards RoW will go on to compete against other winners from France, Scotland, USA and Ireland. All country winners have the chance to become the World’s Best in their category, the results of which will be announced at the Global Dinner in late March.

New Zealand Category Winners

Moonlight Creek Manuka Smoked –

Category Winner Gold (New Make & Young Spirit) – Young Spirit

Moonlight Creek New Make Spirit

– Category Winner Gold (New Make & Young Spirit) – New Make

Scapegrace Vanguard – Category Winner Gold (Single Malt) – No Age Statement

The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask –

Category Winner Gold (Single Cask Malt) – 12 Years and Under

Thomson Quercus Alba Single Cask –

Category Winner Gold (Single Cask Malt) – No Age Statement

Waiheke Whisky Peat + Port – Category Winner Gold (Small Batch Single Malt) –12 Years and Under

Gold Medals

The New Zealand Whisky Collection Dunedin DoubleCask – Gold (Single Malt) – No Age Statement

Waiheke Whisky Cantankerous – Gold (Single Cask Malt) – 12 Years and Under

worlddrinksawards.com

Good George releases Pisces Limoncello Gin

THE LAST release in the current Zodiac Series of gins from Good George is Pisces Limoncello Gin. (Pub quiz tip: Pisces is the 12th and final astrological sign in the zodiac.) The clear glass bottle highlights the spirit’s golden-yellow hue. It has bright, zesty fresh lemon aromas with subtle hints of juniper and floral sweetness. The tartness of lemon peel is balanced by a delicate sweetness while the juniper backbone adds structure, and gentle herbal and floral nuances from the botanicals provide depth.

Good George Pisces Limoncello Gin (40% ABV) 500ml RRP $50

Good George

1919 whisky sets sail

DISTILLER SOREN Crabb of 1919

Distilling has launched a nautical experiment by sending a barrel of his First Light whisky around the North Island by sail boat. Having worked at sea for 10 years, Soren says he’s keen to see what effects an ocean voyage might have on the spirit.

The 190-litre cask left Auckland in early 2025 on a 52-foot yacht and is due to return at the end of June, when a chemical analysis of the spirit will be compared with a sample taken before departure. Soren says he’d expect to see accelerated maturation from the

IMAGINATION DISTILLERY has launched a new premium Triple Distilled Vodka, presented in an eye-catching chrome-coated bottle.

The Kāpiti Coast distillery is known for its bold gin flavours and Head Distiller Chris Charteris says the vodkamaking process was similar to that of the first stage of their awardwinning flagship Triple Distilled Dry Gin. “We capture rainwater at the distillery, hundreds of thousands of litres, which we charcoal filter to produce our gin, creating an unmistakably pure taste experience.”

The vodka is also put through an additional carbon filter process over three days for further purity and watered down with rainwater. Chris Charteris says the vodka has been created with: “a sweet and silky taste to deliver a smooth creamy finish.”

It is presented in Imagination’s custom branded bottle, which features embossing in the glass to represent the distillery location, the surrounding fauna and flora, and the rainwater used in production.

“The one-of-a-kind chrome coating on our new vodka represents the purity and silky-smooth texture of the spirit,” says Charteris. “We have complemented this with gold and silver finishes in logo and label design.”

imagination Triple Distilled Vodka (40% ABV), 700ml RRP $77.99

imagination

constant shift in temperatures and agitation from the boat’s movement. He’s also keen to see if the salty notes often attributed to whiskies that have spent time in coastal locations are evident “...or if it’s all in our heads!”

The barrel will be bottled at the end of the experiment.

Dr Beak –where science meets craft

HORTICULTURE, WINEMAKING and locally-grown botanicals all come together in the range of premium gins from Dr Beak.

The brand was founded in Martinborough in 2017 by Lacey and Tim Bourne. Lacey has a background in horticulture and Tim is a winemaker.

Lacey’s passion for crafting, repurposing, and growing plants led her to explore gin-making, taking inspiration from Aotearoa’s amazing biodiversity.

The idea flourished when she realised she could cultivate or obtain nearly all the botanicals in New Zealand, blending science with craft.

Using botanicals grown in New Zealand brings freshness and traceability to each pour of Dr Beak and supports local growers.

While their juniper is currently sourced from overseas, Lacey and Tim have young juniper saplings growing

on their home block in Martinborough and hope to use these in their gins one day. Dr Beak also gifts 5% of profits to Forest & Bird.

Award-winning Dr Beak range

After three years of recipe development, Dr Beak’s New Zealand Premium Gin launched in 2020 and has won multiple gold medals here and internationally, picking up ‘Spirit of the Year’ at the 2023 USA Spirits Ratings.

Dr Beak’s core range is:

• New Zealand Premium Gin

• New Zealand Garden Gin

In addition, the Bournes have created a series of gins driven by curiosity and designed to showcase key botanicals. This ‘Exploration Series’ consists of both gin and gin-based liqueurs.

Dr Beak’s Exploration Series is:

• Yuzu Garden Gin

• Juniperus Extended Maceration Gin

• Umeshu Gin Liqueur

• Haskap Gin Liqueur

Dr Beak is distributed by Tickety-Boo Liquor

A very special DramFest bottling

WHISKY GALORE and Pōkeno Whisky have teamed up to create a very special bottling, that was released exclusively at the DramFest event in late February.

The whisky centres on a barrel from Spain’s Solera La Ina, which was founded in 1919 and is renowned for being the most aromatic and intense of all fino sherries. In 1923, Hogshead 121 was sent to Glasgow wine and spirits merchants Thom & Cameron, where it was used to mature fine Scotch whisky for 30 years. In the 1950s, the cask was shipped to Bishop & Co in Christchurch, to be used for bottling of their Lochiel whisky. Once emptied, this

SHOWCASE

venerable cask sat discarded for 50 years before finding pride of place on display on the Christchurch shop floor of Whisky Galore.

In 2023, Matt Johns of Pōkeno Whisky and Michael Fraser Milne of Whisky Galore started work to restore the barrel at Pōkeno Whisky’s cooperage. In 2024, more than 100 years after its creation, Hogshead 121 was filled again – this time with Pōkeno single malt whisky distilled in 2020 and aged for four and a half years in a fresh Pedro Ximénez cask.

This single cask 2025 Dramfest Bottling is available in very limited quantities.

Whisky Galore

Mix it up with Monkey Shoulder’s bold new look

MULTI-AWARD-WINNING WHISKY

Monkey Shoulder is made for those who love to mix and mingle. Now, the innovative brand has updated its bottle with a fresh new look. A cool redesign of the label and a lighter bottle with more than a 23% reduction in glass is set to shake up the traditional whisky category.

Made for mixing

Launched in 2005, Monkey Shoulder was the world’s first ‘made for mixing’ blended malt-whisky and has been breaking with convention ever since.

Developed as the ultimate whisky for cocktails, Monkey Shoulder is blended in small batches of Speyside’s finest single malt whiskies, married together to create the perfect drop.

Rich, smooth and fruity, it’s bold enough to be mixed yet balanced enough to enjoy neat, and after winning Gold in the International Spirits Challenge in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021 and 2022 why wouldn’t you?

New look for a premium whisky

The new label design has been optimised for maximum impact, moving to a split label design with premium cues to match the award-winning liquid inside. The brand’s logo has also been increased to aid recognition and impact in-store, online and on the back bar.

The new and improved Monkey Shoulder bottle will be implemented across The Original 700ml and 1L formats. The huge reduction in glass makes for a lighter pour, which is aided further by a longer neck, creating a more polished experience for bar professionals and consumers at home.

Barska Vodka arrives at Q Liquid

DISTRIBUTOR Q

Liquid has two new vodkas from Lithuania in its portfolio with the arrival of Barska Vodka. Barska is made at the only distillery operating in Lithuania today, the Obeliu distillery, founded in 1907.

Vodka Barska Classic is described as smooth and well-balanced with slight sweetness from the grain base and a touch of peppery spice on the midpalate. Vodka Barska Red is smooth and slightly mellow with a touch of natural sweetness.

Vodka Barska Classic (40% ABV) 500ml RRP $25.99 and Vodka Barska Red (37.5% ABV) 500ml RRP $24.99

Q Liquid

Design innovations were optimised with an AI-powered visual analysis to test key design features and label viewability alongside rigorous consumer testing. The result is a new look that not only maintains its premium cues and distinctiveness but improves on them to attract new drinkers.

Loved around the globe, Monkey Shoulder’s new bottle design seeks to continue the brand’s work in breaking category conventions. This playful nature is why it remains one of the fastestgrowing premium whisky brands in the world, with double-digit value and volume growth from 2022 to 2023.

Monkey Shoulder is distributed by Federal Merchants & Co.

The whiskey boom

GREG MEFFORD knows good whiskey. As Managing Director International for US drinks company Luxco, he works with their distilleries that craft premium bourbon brands Yellowstone, Rebel, Ezra Brooks and Remus, as well as American rye whiskey Rossville Union.

Luxco is bringing these sought-after brands to New Zealand in partnership with local distributor Hi I.Q. Liquor to meet growing demand for premium bourbon and American whiskey.

Greg Mefford was in New Zealand for DramFest and chatted to Drinksbiz about the rise of premium bourbon, the shift to higher ABV spirits, and why rye should be on everyone’s radar.

How do you see the world’s rediscovery of bourbon?

“When I travel to Europe, there’s not a Michelin three-star restaurant that doesn’t have Australian, Californian or Chilean wine on the menu, and 25 years ago that would have been a no-no. I feel like bourbon is going through a similar renaissance globally, particularly in what I would call ‘old world’ markets. Bourbon is kind of that ‘new world’ competitor. And I think we’ve established there’s much more to bourbon than what I call the ‘Jim and Jack factor’.

People are graduating beyond that and saying ‘Wow, I never knew there was this vast portfolio of flavour profiles and even secondary finishing!’. We’ve moved to a different plateau, where it’s recognised that you’re not unsophisticated if you ask for a premium bourbon –actually, you might be in the know!”

What makes Luxco’s bourbon portfolio different?

“Our master distillers do secondary ageing. Consciously, we are deciding not to be old school and say ‘This is the only way you make bourbon. It’s the original barrel and that’s it, we’re done.’ We’ve decided that we can put it in a cognac

“You’re not unsophisticated if you ask for a premium bourbon – actually, you might be in the know!”

cask, in a calvados cask, or in a tokay cask and do a secondary finish and add another flavour profile. We’ve always had a diverse portfolio in the US, but it’s expanded dramatically with a craft movement that started 15 years ago.”

Which brands are you most excited to bring into New Zealand?

“Yellowstone has a deep, rich history to it and it’s really good bourbon. It’s the second-oldest bourbon in the United States (it’s only predated by one other by three or four months) and it’s been produced continuously since 1872, including during Prohibition when you could get medicinal Yellowstone!

Steve Beam, our master distiller of Yellowstone at Limestone Branch in Kentucky, is a seventh-generation Beam and his great-great-grandfather and grandmother both had distilleries that made Yellowstone 100 years ago. He’s now using yeast strands that they used back then to make the whiskey at the distillery.

Our Ezra Brooks and Rebel bourbons are from the Lux Row Distillery, about 45 minutes north of Limestone Branch. And then in our Indiana portfolio we’ve got Remus, which is a high rye bourbon and our Rossville Union rye whiskey, with really interesting flavour profiles in different formats.”

Why are we seeing a shift to higher proof whiskeys from the USA?

Flavour. When you let something sit in barrel for seven or 10 years and then you water it down all the way to the minimum and still call it a whiskey, it’s like putting ketchup on your filet mignon: you’re taking away the flavour of your main course.

With the boom in the United States and around the world, people are starting to really understand the flavour profiles and nuances of secondary ageing, but also the original barrel ageing, so by leaving as much of that flavour as we can it’s better for the consumer.

It’s incredibly penalising in places where you’re taxed on every percent of alcohol and so a lot of brands make alternative versions of their products and sell them to these markets in order to hit a certain consumer price. But you’re denying what was really created and what the master distiller really meant the bourbon to taste like.

We don’t produce any of our bourbons at a 40% ABV anymore, everything’s much superior to that and well over 50% in some instances. We are giving the consumer a much more flavourful and enjoyable experience.”

How do you see the future for rye whiskey?

“Nobody was looking for rye ten years ago. And now, look at how many offerings are coming out. They are vastly different whiskeys. I see that as the next plateau we’ll get to. The big education with rye is: ‘Actually, rye can be whatever you want, depending on who’s doing what with it’. When we teach people about rye whiskey we start at one end of the spectrum and move through to work out what they like, because there is something for everybody.”

Luxco brands are distributed in New Zealand by Hi I.Q. Liquor

1919 Distilling 021 0242 2067 1919distilling.com

8-Wired 022 106 1709 8wired.co.nz

Acorn Group 09 273 1252 acorngroup.co.nz

AlBar 03 479 2468 saltedcaramelwhisky.co.nz

Asahi Beverages NZ 09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

Astrolabe Wines 03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz

Auld Distillery aulddistillery.co.nz

Bach Brewing 09 390 0149 bachbrewing.co.nz

Batch10 021 222 3572 batch10.com

Behemoth Brewing 09 948 0425 behemothbrewing.co.nz

Beverage Brothers 03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz Brandhouse 0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz

Broken Heart Spirits 03 442 0819 brokenheartspirits.com

Campari NZ 0800 844 778 camparigroup.com

Cardrona Distillery 03 443 1393 cardronadistillery.com

Chateau Garage chateaugarage.co.nz

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

Distributors

Constellation Brands 09 412 6666 constellationnz.com

DB Breweries 0800 746 432 db.co.nz

Duncan’s Brewing Co. accounts@duncansbrewing.co.nz duncansbrewing.co.nz

Dunnolly Wines 021 314 694 dunnolly.co.nz

Elemental Cider 027 248 7786 elementalcider.co.nz

Emerson’s 03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

EuroVintage 0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

Federal Merchants 0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz

Felton Road 03 445 0885 feltonroad.com

Fistonich Family Vineyards sales@fistonichfamilyvineyards.com cuvarwinery.com

Foley Wines 03 572 8200 sales@foleywines.co.nz

Forrest 03 572 9084 forrest.co.nz

Garage Project 027 535 0917 garageproject.co.nz

Glengarry 0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz

Good George 07 846 9364 goodgeorge.co.nz

Hancocks 0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

Hi I.Q. Liquor Merchants 09 634 4202 hiiqliquor.co.nz

Hop Federation brews@hopfederation.co.nz hopfederation.co.nz

imagination imaginationgin.nz

Kiwi Spirit Distillery 03 525 8575 kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz

Kono 04 546 8648 kono.co.nz

Lion 0800 107 272 lionco.com

Maison Noire 06 874 7660 maisonnoire.nz

Marisco 09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

Matahiwi Estate 06 370 1000 matahiwi.co.nz

McLeod’s Brewery 021 382 342 mcleodsbrewery.co.nz

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

Mission Estate 06 845 9350 missionestate.co.nz

Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

The NZ Whisky Collection 03 434 8842 thenzwhisky.com

Peckham’s Cider lois@peckhams.co.nz peckhams.co.nz

Pernod Ricard 0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com

Pōkeno Whisky Co. contact@pokenowhisky.co.nz pokenowhisky.com

The Premium Liquor Co. 09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz

Q Liquid 09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

Red + White Cellar 09 376 0760 redwhitecellar.co.nz

Red Bull NZ customerservice.nz@redbull.com redbull.com

Rifters 021 0299 5056 riftersgin.com

Sandymount 022 305 6547 sandymount.nz

Sawmill Brewery 09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz

Socialsmiths 09 964 0542 socialsmiths.co.nz

Sprig + Fern 03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz

Stone Pony Wines orders@stoneponywines.co.nz stoneponywines.co.nz

Suntory Global Spirits 0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

Thomson Whisky contact@thomsonwhisky.com thomsonwhisky.co.nz

Three Fates hello@threefateswine.com threefateswine.com

Tickety-Boo Liquor 09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz

Villa Maria 0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz

Vintners 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

Whisky Galore 03 377 6824 trade.whiskygalore.co.nz

World@BWS sales@worldbws.co.nz worldbws.co.nz

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