Drinksbiz April May 2023

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FROM THE EDITOR

Victoria Wells

Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

A collective effort WHEN I was interviewing Richard Wilson of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa for our feature story this issue, I asked him what it was about New Zealand’s craft distilling industry that kept him motivated.

Instead of talking about export potential or excise relief (although both of those certainly came up in our discussion, see page 20) he instead spoke about passion and collaboration. He said that he loved the fact that everyone he came across in his work as Chair of the DSA, or as owner of his own business Sandymount Distillery, really cared about the products. Whether

they were also a distiller, or were a bar owner, a liquor store owner or anyone else connected to the drinks industry: “... everybody gets nerdy and are passionate about the products,” said Wilson. “And the collaboration and the attitudes towards each other are so supportive and encouraging.”

That’s a really positive landscape for our rapidly developing craft spirits industry, which now numbers more than 100 distilleries and is about to get together to celebrate the fifth annual NZ Spirits Awards in June.

That’s a really positive landscape for our rapidly developing craft spirits industry, which now numbers more than 100 distilleries.

Collaboration has really come to the fore across the drinks industry over the past couple of months, following Cyclone Gabrielle and the devastation in the North Island, particularly around Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

It’s been incredible to see TV footage and social media feeds full of teams of people shovelling silt out of their local wineries and breweries, literally digging bottles of wine out of mud to save what they can, pitching in to help with harvesting fruit, and offering equipment and production facilities to other businesses in need.

Yes, there’s a long road ahead for many businesses and families affected by the cyclone, but there’s a whole industry behind them. (You can find out more about how to help on page 98.)

Enjoy the issue, Victoria.

My picks 2021 Tony Bish Heartwood Chardonnay Buying this wine supports one of Hawke’s Bay’s leading winemakers and offers an incredible experience of a masterfully crafted Chardonnay. How could you not?

(Pg 32) Sprig + Fern Superdelic Fresh Hop Pale Ale Okay – full disclosure: this fresh hop beer had only just been brewed as Drinksbiz went to print so I haven’t actually tried it, but it’s a safe bet that the Sprig + Fern brewers have created something pretty special with new release hop Superdelic. (Pg 46) The Cardrona ‘Full Flight’ Single Cask Release – Sherry The New Zealand whisky landscape is really hotting up, and this new release from Cardrona is absolutely delicious: full of spice and luscious sweetness. (Pg 61)

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 5

CONTENTS

APRIL / MAY 2023

PUBLISHER

Karen Boult karen@boult.co.nz +64 21 320 663 EDITOR

Victoria Wells victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz +64 27 575 9021 DESIGNER

Lewis Hurst lewis@hurstmedia.nz +64 21 146 6404 hurstmedia.nz

20

A DV E R T I S I N G

REGULARS

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

BEER & CIDER

Diary Dates

8

Cover story

10

Industry News

12

International News

19

Feature: In good spirits 20 Legal Notes

24

Non-Alcoholic News

26

RTD News

27

drinksbiz.co.nz

44 Beer & Cider Report

44

Opinion: Michael Donaldson 50 WINE

Beer & Cider News

51

SPIRITS Associate Member (NZ) Drinksbiz is published every second month by

28

Trade Media Limited.

Wine Report: Chardonnay

28

Top Picks

36

Opinion: Joelle Thomson Wine News

38 40

The contents of Drinksbiz

56

are copyright and may not be reproduced in any

Spirits Report: World Whiskey & Bourbon

56

Spirits News

90

form without the written permission of the publisher.

Please address all editorial, subscription and advertising

LAST ORDERS

enquiries to Trade Media Limited, P O Box 37745,

6 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Distributors

96

Cyclone Recovery Support

98

Parnell, Auckland.

NOW IN RECYCLED GLASS

WHAT’S ON

Diary Dates APRIL

Friday 26 – Sunday 28 May

Monday 12 – Wednesday 14 June

Wednesday 19 – Sunday 23 April

The Chardonnay Affair 2023 – Gisborne

Negociants Fine Wine Tour – (Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington)

A celebration of Chardonnay to be held around wineries in Gisborne with a range of events including a Chardonnay Masterclass, food and wine matching and a trip on The Chardonnay Express. thechardonnayaffair.co.nz

JUNE

Negociants New Zealand is showcasing a selection of award-winning New Zealand and Australian wines from its portfolio at three events to be held in Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington.

Trade customers can register for the trade sessions (website below) to be held from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. The public can purchase tickets through the website for the 6pm-8pm sessions. The events will be held in Auckland at The Hilton Auckland on Monday 12 June, at the Christchurch Town Hall on Tuesday 13 June, and at Te Wharewaka in Wellington on Wednesday 14 June. negociants.com/nz/events

Thursday 8 – Friday 9 June

Sunday 25 – Tuesday 27 June

Hopstock 2023 – Wellington A city-wide celebration of New Zealand’s hop harvest to be held in the capital with 26 venues pouring fresh hop beers. Programme details available on the website. hopstock.co.nz

Friday 26 – Sunday 28 May MAY

Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 May

The Great NZ Food Show – Hamilton A two-day consumer show of food, beverage and culinary products to be held at Claudelands in Hamilton. Exhibitor details available on the website. greatnzfoodshow.com Friday 19 May

Yalumba The Professionals Lunch – Auckland A three course wine luncheon to be held at The Park Hyatt with guest speaker, Louisa Rose, Head Winemaker for Yalumba Wines. To reserve tickets, email Tina Rutherford at Negociants (email below). trutherford@negociants.com

The Food Show – Wellington The country’s largest consumer culinary event returns to Wellington over three days at Sky Stadium. Exhibitor details available on the website. foodshow.co.nz

Distillation NZ 23 – Auckland A conference for New Zealand’s distilling industry to be held at The Hilton Auckland with speakers, seminars and exhibitors.

Registration is open via the website. avenues.eventsair.com/ new-zealand-distillers-conference-2023 Friday 9 June

NZ Spirits Awards Gala Dinner – Auckland The trophy awards dinner for NZ Spirits Awards 2023, presented by Spirits New Zealand Inc. and Distilled Spirits Aotearoa. spiritsawardsnz.nz

Fine Food NZ – Auckland The trade show dedicated to food service, hospitality and food and beverage retail returns to the Auckland Showgrounds for three days. Includes the Hospo Hui, presented by the Restaurant Association on Monday 26 June. finefoodnz.co.nz Tuesday 27 – Wednesday 28 June

Hospitality NZ Conference 2023 – Auckland A two-day conference and trade show for the hospitality and accommodation sectors to be held at The Pullman in Auckland. hospitality.org.nz/s/conference Wednesday 28 June

Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence – Auckland The black-tie Gala Dinner to be held at The Pullman in Auckland for the 25th Hospitality Awards for Excellence, presented by Hospitality NZ. hospitality.org.nz/s/awards Note: While event details were correct at time of print, we recommend checking individual event websites for the latest updates.

8 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

SLUG

2022 Vintage Edition Out Now

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 9

COVER STORY – JACK DANIEL’S BONDED

Savouring success with

Jack Daniel’s Bonded

The newest addition to Jack Daniel’s premium range, Jack Daniel’s Bonded is already racking up fans and accolades across the globe…

JUST MONTHS after launching, Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey has cemented itself as a stand-out addition to the Jack Daniel’s range and also took the coveted title of ‘Whisky of the Year 2022’ from Whisky Advocate.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded was released to the New Zealand market in September 2022 to honour the whiskey-making excellence of the iconic Jack Daniel Distillery. It is a permanent extension in the Jack Daniel’s Family of Brands.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded is Bottled-inBond at 100 proof (50% ABV), with packaging inspired by the original design of the 1895 Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey bottle.

As stipulated by the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, a bonded whiskey must be distilled by a single distiller during a single season, matured in a government bonded 10 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

warehouse for at least four years and bottled at 100 proof.

“The Jack Daniel Distillery has been making exceptional American whiskey to the highest standards for generations, before and after the Bottled in Bond Act, dating back to the days of Mr. Jack himself,” said Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller. “Jack Daniel’s Bonded is a nod to our heritage with a touch of innovation and craftsmanship.”

Jack Daniel’s Bonded Tennessee Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Bonded is Jack’s timehonoured recipe of 80% corn, 12% malted barley, and 8% rye. The barrels were hand selected for their unique and particular characteristics of deeper colour, flavour and aroma, which bring a darker, richer, and more oak-forward character to Jack Daniel’s Bonded.

Jack Daniel’s – a part of whiskey history Jasper Newton Daniel (commonly known as Jack) established his distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee in 1866. It was officially registered by the U.S. Government the same year, making it the first registered distillery in the United States and it is on the National Register of Historic Places. It was here that Jack Daniel introduced his signature Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey, which drips through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before it goes into barrel. Lynchburg in Tennessee is still home to the Jack Daniel’s distillery.

COVER STORY – JACK DANIEL’S BONDED

“Jack Daniel’s Bonded is a nod to our heritage with a touch of innovation and craftsmanship.”

- Chris Fletcher, Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller

It is a big, bold Tennessee Whiskey at 100 proof with layered notes of caramel, rich oak, and spice giving way to a pleasantly lingering finish.

Instant accolades

Jack Daniel’s parent company, BrownForman, says that the new Bonded Series has received “powerful and impactful acclaim” from whiskey critics across the globe, topped by the title of ‘2022 Whisky Of The Year’ from Whisky Advocate.

Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of the Year list is the most coveted global accolade in the whiskey industry. The chosen whiskies are best in class for their style and represent the absolute highlights across a year of tasting.

Brown-Forman says that over the past five years it has been laying the foundations to premiumise the Jack Daniel’s family of brands and elevate their whiskey credentials. It says that Jack Daniel’s Bonded receiving the top award will continue to pique interest and increase trial with super premium consumers.

Jack Daniel’s brand manager at New Zealand distributor Hancocks, Matthew Taylor, says that Jack Daniel’s Bonded is a significant release for the Jack Daniel’s brand and its heritage. “The release of the Bonded product is exciting news for Jack Daniel’s fans, being the brand’s first super-premium line extension in 25 years! At 100 proof, what’s left to prove, right?”

Jack Daniel’s is distributed in New Zealand by Hancocks.

Jack Daniel’s Bonded 50% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Available in 6-bottle case Tasting Notes

Colour: Dark mahogany Aroma: Caramel, rich oak, spice Taste: Big and bold with dark brown sugar, cooked fruit and seared oak Finish: Warm baking spice with a touch of smoke.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

Graham Norton and Invivo toast 10 years 2023 MARKS ten years of collaboration between New Zealand company Invivo and UK talk show host Graham Norton on their award-winning wine and spirits range.

Invivo says that the GN wine brand has been integral to its global success and over the past decade has returned more than $85 million into the New Zealand economy.

The partnership between Norton and Invivo began in 2011, after a “cheeky” phone call from Invivo co-founder Tim Lightbourne that led to Invivo wines being enjoyed on the set of Norton’s TV show.

Soon after in 2014, Invivo and Graham Norton created their first Sauvignon Blanc together.

The collaboration now includes ten wines and spirits and the range is the most awarded celebrity wine brand globally in recent years. GN Wines and Spirits are available in ten countries and at every major supermarket and liquor store in New Zealand.

Graham Norton says he is delighted to be celebrating ten years of GN wines and spirits with Invivo. “It’s surreal thinking that our little collaboration together started out all those years ago with just one New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and is now all over the world with ten wines and spirits. I’m amazed, and proud of it too.”

Norton is a shareholder of Invivo and is hands-on with the process: tasting and blending each new vintage of wine with Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and

West Akld’s The Trusts shifting to franchise model THE TRUSTS liquor retail chain in West Auckland has announced it will change all its stores to a franchise brand model under either Liquorland or Super Liquor.

The Trusts has 25 stores, making it one of New Zealand’s largest liquor retail chains, and a community mandate to operate liquor retail licenses in their area. Profits from the retail stores have seen the 12 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Graham Norton with Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron.

Rob Cameron, which the trio record and release for the world to see.

“I don’t just put my name to the wines,” says Norton. “I’m involved and I love being part of the process. I look forward to our blending day each year following the harvest in New Zealand, so our 2023 one is going to be an extra special one. It really shows we’re building the GN wine brand for the long haul.”

Tim Lightbourne says they are very proud of the success of GN wines and

organisation’s social enterprise model return millions of dollars to community charities and groups each year.

The move will see its liquor outlets in the region rebranded and operate as either Liquorland or Super Liquor stores within the coming 12 months. In 2021, the Trusts moved to replace three of its stores under the Liquorland brand and another one in 2022.

Allan Pollard, CEO of The Trusts, says there will be no reduction in the number of outlets as a result of the change and the replacement of the new stores is part of a million-dollar retail upgrade of Trusts sites over the coming 12 months. “This change programme is an extension of

spirits. “We could never have thought from that first vintage we would be producing over 15 million bottles! We also love catching up with Graham every year for the blending sessions. This filmed blending session with Graham is something unique to Invivo and supports the authenticity of the collaboration.

Finally, we would also like to thank our retailers and customers for supporting the brand over the years. We are looking forward to another ten vintages!”

Allan Pollard, CEO of The Trusts

The Trusts’ strategic growth strategy, with the move designed to create significant cost efficiencies for us and removing the cost of running our own retail brand.”

He says The Trusts will retain ownership of the new franchised stores, allowing them to continue to fund hundreds of local charities, sporting and community groups.

INDUSTRY NEWS

Pals gains B Corp certification NEW ZEALAND drinks brand Pals has achieved B Corp certification – the first alcoholic RTD brand only to do so.

B Corp Certification is a global designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.

Pals Director and Co-Founder, Mat Croad, says they’re particularly proud to gain the certification after operating for only three and a half years. “Landing our B Corp certification is a huge milestone for Pals – especially being recognised for our sustainability efforts so early on in our business journey. Becoming certified was a huge undertaking for our small team and something we’re all so proud of.”

Nick Marshall, Pals Director and Co-Founder adds: “When we set out to achieve B Corp certification, it helped provide a rigorous framework and benchmark for sustainable business practices that we will continue to improve against for the years to come.

Although it’s fantastic to be the first in our category to achieve this certification, we hope in time that B Corp certification will become a norm for all businesses.”

The certification process included team volunteering, implementing a supplier code of conduct, the Unsung Pals initiative (which rewards local heroes doing great things in their community), achieving

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official carbon zero certification (endorsed

by Toitū) and implementing enhanced parental policies, which offers soon-to-be Pals parents up to 80% pay for 16 weeks or 13 weeks at full pay.

25th anniversary of Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence THE HOSPITALITY New Zealand Awards for Excellence will mark 25 years in 2023 with preparations underway for the event, which recognises excellence across the hospitality and accommodation sectors.

Awards will be made in 25 categories and the Supreme Winner Award will be chosen from these.

Finalists across all business and people categories will be announced on April 21. The winners of the ‘People of the Year’ awards categories will be awarded on 27 June at the Hospitality Social Evening 2023 and The Awards for Excellence 2023 blacktie dinner will take place on June 28. This will also conclude the two-day #HNZ23 conference and trade show event at the Pullman Hotel in Auckland.

Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Julie White says the awards are the pinnacle of the industry.

“It gives all operators nationwide a chance to recognise and reward those who continue to excel and progress in our industry and create the highest possible standards for both their guests and their team.”

The Awards for Excellence 2023 will be hosted by Hospitality New Zealand in conjunction with longtime principal partner Lion New Zealand.

“Lion has proudly sponsored the Awards for 25 years and we are delighted to be supporting them again for the 25th anniversary year,” says Lion New Zealand’s Managing Director Craig Baldie. “We look forward to celebrating excellence in the industry.” hospitality.org.nz/s/ awards

Distributed by Federal Merchants & Co | federalmerchants.co.nz | 09 578 1823

INDUSTRY NEWS

SHOWCASE

Super shopping experience SUPER LIQUOR launched its new brand standards project 18 months ago and is now celebrating a project that is almost complete.

Franchisees have fully engaged with the project, which was designed to improve the shopper experience for its loyal customer base and to connect with a new audience.

Super Liquor Chief Executive, Darren Jacobs, said “We are very proud of the investment that franchisees have made in their stores; to differentiate and to continue to build on a great brand is fantastic”.

Jacobs believes that the new store experience and design trends play a major role in how current and future customers perceive the Super Liquor businesses. “We are experiencing great feedback from customers and suppliers who like the fresh new look,” he says.

With over 170 stores nationally, Super Liquor says it is determined to maintain its number one position in the market.

Find out more at superliquor.co.nz

Super Liquor Rotorua central

Broken Heart Spirits joins Buy Kiwi QUEENSTOWN-BASED DISTILLERY Broken Heart Spirits has joined the newly launched Buy Kiwi website – an e-commerce platform created to encourage New Zealanders to buy from local businesses.

“If we can get more Kiwis supporting Kiwi-owned businesses, we will be able to keep more money in the country, retain and create more jobs and, by extension, help local communities,” says Jamie Farmer, Managing Director of Buy Kiwi.

Broken Heart Spirits’ range of award-winning spirits, liqueur and lager is now available on the website.

Louise Clark of Broken Heart Spirits says they’re excited about the opportunity to promote their New Zealand business to more New Zealanders. “Buying internationally is becoming more and more expensive, so keeping the revenue in New Zealand helps everybody. We’re able to get product in front of people who are specifically looking at supporting New Zealand, and who really care about what they’re purchasing; that’s who we want.”

Any business that is at least 80% New Zealand-owned and selling products and/or providing services across the country can register to be considered as a vendor. Farmer also says that any business in a flood-affected area that has been impacted can join Buy Kiwi for free for the next year. buykiwi.co.nz

Merger for Wellington and Auckland hospo groups

Super Liquor Frankton

Super Liquor Alexandra

16 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

HOSPITALITY GROUPS Kāpura (formerly Wellington Hospitality Group) and Joylab (formerly Barworks) are joining forces to create Star Hospitality Group.

Kāpura operates more than 35 venues across the Wellington region, Waikato and the Bay of Plenty and employs more than 1000 people, while Joylab operates more than 20 bars and restaurants across Auckland and employs about 600 people.

In a statement announcing the merger, DB Breweries – the current major shareholder in Joylab – says that it will acquire the remaining shares in

Joylab and merge Joylab with Kāpura. Kāpura founders Jamie Williams and Andrew Williams will continue as shareholders in Star Hospitality Group.

Kāpura CEO Jamie Williams will become CEO of Star Hospitality, while Joylab Managing Director John Hellebrekers will join the Star Hospitality Board. The Star Hospitality executive team will include senior executives from Kāpura and Joylab.

DB says that the transaction is expected to close in April 2023 subject to standard consents and further details will be released upon the transaction closing.

SHOWCASE

Iconic Spring from Saverglass DEVELOPED WITH the low/no alcohol milieux in mind, the minimalist ICONIC SPRING from French specialist glass company Saverglass will also delight spirit-lovers.

Low and no alcohol products are the new black. Also known as ‘mocktails’ or ‘virgin cocktails’ these new spirit-free concoctions are fruity flavour bursts.

Colourful and cheery, they quench a thirst for simple, authentic pleasures, as is the healthy trend.

Inspired by this wave of alternative thinking, ICONIC SPRING, part of the FREE SPIRIT collection, exudes a revitalising breath of fresh air. Full of zing, to re-enchant a gustatory, sensory and celebratory universe. More elaborate than they might look, these new bottles with an inverted conical shape are sure to impress!

Introducing Saverglass the business

Saverglass is an international company with its Head Office in France. Saverglass (NZ) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saverglass, so customers have the assurance of working with a well-known global entity with a focus on customer

service, product quality, innovation, business continuity and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Saverglass continuously develops its management systems and is ISO 22301 certified for Business Continuity Management. Our company is the first glass and decoration company in

ICONIC SPRING, part of the FREE SPIRIT collection, exudes a revitalising breath of fresh air. the world to receive this certification, which demonstrates our ability to provide our customers with confidence in continuity of supply in the event of exceptional circumstances. We have a full suite of quality and food safety ISO certifications too.

Our CSR vision and strategy ensure that Saverglass is a sustainable business for the consumer, our customers, suppliers,

ICONIC SPRING

financiers, employees and shareholders and is, in particular, respectful of the human and climatic stakes of our planet.

Mindful of our activity in creating premium glass bottles and the industrial challenges associated with it, preserving the environment and resources quickly became evident. Early on, we optimised all of our processes by seeking both economic and ecological solutions.

Year after year, these simple, pragmatic actions have been structured around a strong CSR program, which today contributes to being a significant factor of our Group’s overall strategy.

The inspirational Māori concept of ‘he tangata, he tangata, he tangata’ (it is the people) is central to the Saverglass model and great care is taken to protect and develop our teams worldwide, because our employees are our most powerful resource... and their commitment powers our innovative momentum.

Find out more about the ranges from SAVERGLASS 09 522 2990 saverglass.com

LET YOUR SPIRIT SWELL

Gorgeous and dazzling, the ICONIC SPRING bottle stands out for its soft contours. It features a minimalist, subdued, rounded design and a stylish neck, topped with a small, vibrant carnette finish.

Light as a feather, it has a flat and discreet punt, which is, after all, the charm of Saverglass. Its inverted conical body offers an infinite array of variation. A bottle full of promises — a future must!

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

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Pasta partnership for Heinz and Absolut ABSOLUT HAS teamed up with Heinz in the UK to launch its own version of the much-loved Pasta alla Vodka recipe to consumers. Limited-edition jars of Heinz x Absolut Tomato Vodka Pasta Sauce were released in Waitrose in early April.

The collaboration was inspired by a spicy vodka pasta recipe by supermodel Gigi Hadid that went viral on social media in 2020.

Irish whiskey a top performer in U.S. spirits industry THE DISTILLED Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) and the Irish Whiskey Association (IWA) report that American

In the press release announcing the partnership, Absolut says that the vodka is the “magic” that unlocks the flavours and intensifies the aroma. “During the cooking process, the alcohol from the vodka is reduced, boosting the volatile flavour compounds already present in the tomatoes and creating a rich texture that perfectly balances the creamy, cheese notes with the rich tomato and fragrant basil.”

consumers’ interest in super premium Irish whiskey is at an all-time high.

According to DISCUS, American consumers purchased more than 6.1 million 9-litre cases of Irish whiskey in 2022, which generated USD$1.4 billion in revenues for distillers and contributed significantly to the record-breaking growth of the U.S. spirits industry.

Last year marked the first time that U.S. spirits supplier revenues surpassed beer, and Irish whiskey played a key role in this achievement, emerging as the fourth fastest-growing spirit in both revenue and volume in the U.S. “The remarkable growth of Irish whiskey in the U.S. is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship of our

Pernod Ricard acquires majority stake in Skrewball PERNOD RICARD USA has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire a majority stake in in Skrewball, the world’s first super-premium peanut butter flavoured American whiskey.

Skrewball was founded in 2018, by Steven and Brittany Yeng, and the brand surpassed half-amillion nine-litre cases sold in 2022.

Pernod Ricard says flavoured whiskeys appeal to a wide range of consumers, going beyond traditional whiskey lovers. It remains one of the fastest growing spirits categories in the US, representing a quarter of the overall whiskey sales in the world-leading market.

“Skrewball has proven its uniqueness and success with a large audience, so we are delighted to have this brand as part of our portfolio” says Ann Mukherjee, Chairman and CEO of Pernod Ricard North America. “With a product that brings an iconic American flavour to the spirits world, Steven and Brittany have found a true point of difference in the category. We are looking forward to unlocking the magic of this brand and a successful journey ahead.”

(See Skrewball in the Whiskey Report, pg 56.)

distillers,” says William Lavelle, Director of the IWA. “As the largest and most valuable market for Irish whiskey, we are proud to continue our rich history of supplying America with this iconic spirit.

It’s exciting to see consumers embrace the premium-and-above expressions of Irish whiskey, and we look forward to further growth in the years ahead.”

“As consumers continue to trade up to more premium products, Irish whiskey is perfectly positioned to offer them a special experience,” says Chris Swonger, President and CEO of DISCUS. “In just two decades, we’ve seen the high-end premium and super premium segments of Irish whiskey grow a staggering 1,053% and 2,769%, respectively.”

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 19

FEATURE – DISTILLED SPIRITS AOTEAROA

In good spirits With the fifth annual NZ Spirits Awards fast approaching, Victoria Wells spoke to Chair of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa, Richard Wilson, about its work for the local industry…

AS THE world of New Zealand craft spirits continues its rapid development it has hit a major milestone – chalking up its 100th distillery – a significant step for an industry considered to be in its infancy little more than a decade ago.

These distilleries range in size from micro distilleries with 30 litre stills right up to large-scale operations, and as their numbers continue to increase, our craft spirits industry is also growing in terms of innovation and diversity of product.

Chair of industry body Distilled Spirits Aotearoa, Richard Wilson, says it’s the steady stream of new local gins that are often used as a growth marker for New Zealand’s craft spirits, but points out that it’s much bigger than that.

“It’s also the non-gin brands; the innovation we’re seeing in rums and whiskies. Because I go to the distilleries I see what’s not commercially available yet. They’re typically the brown spirits, the aged spirits, the things that take a while to get there. And so the craft spirits industry is moving as rapidly as it’s perceived to be through the gin world, but in all sorts of other areas as well.”

Building foundations

Distilled Spirits Aotearoa was established 20 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Richard Wilson of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa

in 2018 to give a local and united voice to New Zealand distillers, and Wilson, who is also the founder and owner of Sandymount Distillery on the Otago Peninsula, says around 85% of New Zealand’s distilleries are members.

With more distilleries coming on stream and others looking to scale up and explore export markets too, the DSA’s work has become even more crucial as it focuses on building strong foundations for the still relatively young industry.

This work has been outlined in its three-year strategic plan, which has three pillars of focus for 2023-25 around resourcing, advocacy, and promotion.

Resourcing covers professional development and education, industry standards and best practice. Wilson says that formal training through providers such as International Brewers and Distillers (IBD) and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is a huge opportunity to establish New Zealand’s credentials internationally.

This is especially relevant in an industry where many distillers come to the role through varied paths and with differing levels of experience.

“The better we are as producers, the easier the path will be to gain recognition.

That also ties in nicely with our goals for industry-led legislation and health and safety,” points out Wilson. “It’s really important that we shine a light on best practice and make sure we’re enabling safe environments within our distilleries because of the wide scale of our businesses.”

The DSA’s advocacy work with government centres on on-going issues like excise relief, and it is working with Spirits NZ to lobby for the “normalisation” of spirits: that is including spirits in discussions usually dominated by beer and wine, and at occasions too, through education around responsible consumption.

It is also hoping to boost tasting room tourism for distilleries by advocating to have them included in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Cellar Door Tasting) Amendment Bill. The Bill, which currently specifies wineries only, aims to streamline the process for selling samples at cellar doors by letting wineries charge for samples without having to have a separate on-licence and the additional costs associated with that.

Wilson describes the advocacy work as “a slow moving beast” but says looking across the Tasman has been useful.

FEATURE – DISTILLED SPIRITS AOTEAROA

“We’re lucky that we’ve got a really close precedent set with the Australian model, which we’re reflecting on. And because they’re a couple years ahead of us, we can see the successes achieved in a fairly similar market.”

“It’s our job to raise the profile of New Zealand’s craft.

That is the mission of the DSA: to support New Zealand to become the world’s best craft spirits producer.”

Telling the story of NZ spirits

regulation allows us to build that style while keeping within the realms of the spirit’s integrity.”

Creating a New Zealand spirits brand story to promote internationally is another major piece of work, as more distilleries look to overseas markets.

“It’s our job to raise the profile of New Zealand’s craft overall,” says Wilson. “That is the mission of the DSA: to support New Zealand to become the world’s best craft spirits producer.”

The question of “a New Zealand style” for craft spirits is still evolving, but recent definitions created for New Zealand rum and New Zealand whisky have helped to give structure as these categories grow.

Rum has seen a surge in growth locally, and Richard Wilson says the definition ensures the production processes would be recognised internationally while allowing for the development of a local style. “It allows us to let the category have integrity… but it’s non-restrictive enough to allow some New Zealand character and vibrancy to come through. The naming

Celebrating the industry

The DSA’s work to promote industry excellence is showcased at the annual New Zealand Spirits Awards (to be held in June), which it runs in partnership with Spirits New Zealand.

2023 marks the Awards’ fifth year and Wilson says they are an important part of the industry’s on-going development as distillers can mark themselves against products from around the world. He is also looking forward to welcoming back international judges this year.

“It’s a really good benchmark for us to prove that we have world-class products.

It’s a celebration of all of our distillers’ work and a brilliant opportunity to bring a lot of stuff out of the woodwork that isn’t known about or largely celebrated, or is in small volumes. Because there’s

some amazing innovation and awesome products out there.”

June will also see the inaugural Distillers Conference held in Auckland, dovetailing with the NZ Spirits Awards Gala dinner. The Conference will offer two days of local and international speakers and Wilson says it is a chance to further cement New Zealand craft spirits’ place within the drinks industry.

“It delivers educational content, it delivers opportunity for connections to be made between the distillers, suppliers, and associated trades. It’s also a really good opportunity for us to be seen by guests like the Australian market, Australian distillers, MPs, the brother and sister industries with beer and wine, and anybody else that might be outside looking in.

“It’s our opportunity to all be together in one place, deliver a lot of value to our members, and solidify the fact that the DSA and the New Zealand spirits industry are serious.”

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 21

FEATURE – DISTILLED SPIRITS AOTEAROA

Key dates for 2023 NZ Spirits Awards 14 April: Entries close. Tickets available for Gala Dinner 21 April: Deadline for judging samples to be received 2 – 5 May: NZ Spirits Awards Judging (4 days) 11 May: Medal winners announced 9 June: Gala Dinner (Auckland) with Trophy winners announced For entry and ticket details visit spiritsawardsnz.nz

Distillation NZ 23 Dates: 8 - 9 June (Auckland) Registration is now open for the two-day Distillation NZ 23 conference, to be held at The Hilton Auckland. Programme details and registration links are on the website. avenues.eventsair.com/new-zealanddistillers-conference-2023/ For more about Distilled Spirits Aotearoa – visit online at distilledspiritsaotearoa.org.nz Judging at 2022 NZ Spirits Awards

A WO R L D O F F L AV O U R

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Drink responsibly.

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LEGAL NOTES

Pervinder Kaur

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

Open all hours?

Alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur explains the key areas for consideration when it comes to trading hours for your business…

WHEN IT comes to opening hours for onand off-licence premises there are several matters that a district licensing committee or Authority will consider when assessing an alcohol licence application.

These fall under s 105(1)(d) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and, when considering days and hours of trading of a premises, ss 43 – 45 are relevant too. Section 43(1)(a) provides the default maximum trading hours: for on-licences and club licences these are the hours between 8 am and 4 am.

The Act sets out to limit the hours for off-licences in comparison to on-licences, so section 43(1)(b) provides that the default maximum trading hours for off-licences are the hours from 7 am to 11 pm.

These hours apply to off-licence alcohol sales irrespective of any on-licence hours that a premises may have that go beyond these hours. So far as trading hours are concerned, ss 43–45 establish no presumption in favour of the default hours and nothing in them requires that a local authority justify departure from the hours (see Auckland Council v Woolworths New Zealand Ltd [2021] NZCA 484 at [25]).

The LAP effect

However, having default maximum trading hours set out under the Act does not allow an applicant to apply for those maximum trading hours. The relevant district licensing committee is required to consider whether there is a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) in force that applies to an application.

24 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Where there is no LAP in place at all, or there is a LAP but it does not provide for maximum trading hours and the premises currently has a licence with more liberal maximum trading hours than the default national maximum trading hours set out in s 43, then s 44 of the Act becomes relevant. Section 44 makes it clear that the most restrictive hours of the two would be observed – whether they are under the current licence conditions or under default national maximum trading hours.

If a premises is located in a residential area, then an on-licence premises such as a bar or a restaurant would need to take that into consideration when applying to trade for certain hours, especially if they are late night hours. Similarly, a countryside pub or eatery would need to consider the rural locality and noiserelated issues when looking to apply for trading hours later than 10 pm.

Another example might be a bottle store proposing to operate near a school – the district licensing committee

Proposed opening hours play a significant part in the success of an alcohol licence application, so it pays to give all the elements thorough consideration.

Generally, a LAP would set out maximum trading hours for premises in its district and the respective district licensing committee would need to take the provisions under the LAP into consideration when assessing an application and the proposed days and hours in it. This is set out under s 45 of the Act, which makes it clear that a district licensing committee cannot grant longer hours than those specified in the LAP once the LAP is in force.

Location, location, location

A district licensing committee also has to take into account where the premises is located when considering the proposed days and hours of trading.

in this instance may look at restricting the store’s trading days and hours to minimise the school students’ exposure to alcohol.

Essentially, what is required is that the proposed days and hours of opening are in line with the object of the Act, which is that the sale and supply of alcohol is undertaken safely and responsibly and that alcohol-related harm caused by excessive or inappropriate consumption of alcohol is minimised.

Proposed opening hours play a significant part in the success of an alcohol licence application, so it pays to give all the elements thorough consideration before applying for specific days and hours of trading.

NON-ALCOHOLIC NEWS

Terps & Co partners with Negociants NEGOCIANTS NZ has announced it is now the national distributor for award-winning New Zealand artisan producer of alcoholfree spirits and RTDs, Terps & Co. The Terps & Co range is formulated around plant-based terpenes (compounds found in the essential oils of plants). The products are classed as alcohol-free, low in calories, vegan, keto and paleo-friendly, with no added sugar.

Terps & Co offers a range of nonalcoholic terpene spirits in 750ml bottles, and a range of alcohol-free RTDs in 250ml cans.

General Manager of Negociants NZ, Dean McHenry, says they are excited to add the brand to the portfolio.

“Considering the rapid rise in no- and low-alcohol beverages, the partnership with Terps & Co provides Negociants

with a timely opportunity to play in the increasingly important category with a genuinely exciting and disruptive brand.”

Terps & Co co-founder, James Crow, says they’re thrilled with the partnership.

“The access to more retailers and regions is just part of the reason we are excited to be partnering with Negociants. As customers’ perception of the nonalcoholic category changes, having a partner such as Negociants only goes further to legitimise the impact Terps & Co can have on how people manage their drink consumption for the better.”

Negociants

The following Terps & Co products are now available through Negociants New Zealand:

750ml bottles • Tequila-style • Vodka-vibe • Gin-like • Rum-esque • Whiskey-feel 250ml RTD cans (in 10-packs) • Margarita-muse • Monday-mule • Gin-like & Tonic

Naked Life arrives in NZ MELBOURNE-BORN BRAND, Naked Life, has launched the first of its RTD range of nonalcoholic, sugar-free, canned cocktails into New Zealand through distributor Hutchinsons.

Countdown is stocking four of the most popular SKUs (Classic G&T, Margarita, Italian Spritz, and Mojito) and Hutchinsons is hoping to have it more widely available soon.

26 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Naked Life offers 15 ready-to-drink cocktail SKUs in Australia and more of the range is expected to arrive in New Zealand as brand awareness grows.

Each Naked Life product is made with distilled botanicals and contains zero sugar and zero alcohol.

Founder and CEO, David Andrew, says that the Naked Life range builds on the growing numbers of consumers moderating their alcohol consumption. “We can see a clear shift in the drinking culture and consumer behaviour throughout Australasia compared to when we started out with product development two years ago.”

Michael Taylor of New Zealand distributor Hutchinsons says Naked Life is an exciting addition to the New Zealand market. “We are excited to bring

a market leader from Australia into our growing market here in New Zealand. It’s a quality product that will no doubt resonate with our own sober curious population as they look

for premium options for their diverse non drinking occasions.”

Naked Life 250ml 4-packs are RRP $17.99 Hutchinsons

RTD NEWS

Byron Bay Brewery launches RTD cocktails AUSTRALIAN BRAND Byron Bay Brewery has launched two of its canned sparkling cocktails in New Zealand through Lion NZ. The company was founded in 2008 and purchased by Lion in 2016.

It released its RTD range in Australia in 2019.

Two flavours are now available in New Zealand: Byron Bay Brewery Sparkling Lemon Gin Spritz, and Byron Bay Brewery Sparkling Pina Colada. The RTDs are 4.6% ABV and available in 330ml can 10-packs.

Kate Snedden, Head of Innovation at Lion NZ, says they are excited to launch the products in New Zealand and showcase the spirit of Byron Bay. “There’s a unique energy to Byron Bay – it’s a place where art, music and surf culture collide. After a successful launch into Aotearoa, we are confident Kiwis will enjoy Byron Bay Brewery’s delicious sparkling cocktails.”

Byron Bay Brewery Sparkling Cocktails are available in: • Pina Colada - Sparkling Cocktail infused with Gin, Lemon Juice and Soda • Lemon Gin Spritz – Sparkling Cocktail infused with Gin, Pineapple Juice and Soda Byron Bay Brewery Sparkling Cocktails 330ml 10-pack RRP $29.99

Lion

New Pineapple & Watermelon from Odd Company KIWI DRINKS brand Odd Company has launched a new Pineapple & Watermelon flavour in its RTD range. It blends vodka, pineapple and watermelon with sparkling water for a tropical punch with just 2.0g of sugar per 100mL. Odd Company Pineapple & Watermelon 5% ABV, 330ml 10-pack RRP 27.99

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WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

golden hour

Chardonnay is the world’s most planted grape and most popular wine. Joelle Thomson selects our annual round-up of some of the best and brightest from New Zealand and beyond…

28 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

RRP $18 - $24.99 2020 I Mori Chardonnay RRP $18 Negociants

Sicilian wine is hot – and not just because its vineyards are closer to the Equator than most wine-producing regions – but because its wines are also gaining ground in their integrity, big time. Chardonnay has found a happy footing in this warm Mediterranean climate, where its full body and creamy flavours benefit from the island’s hot days and mild nights. These provide even ripening conditions to create soft, smooth, tropical fruit-scented wines, such as this one. 17/20 2022 Ara Single Estate Chardonnay RRP $18.99 Giesen

The Giesen brothers may have begun winemaking in North Canterbury, but their move to Marlborough has benefited their brand and their diversity of wines, which includes deliciously good value examples such as this full-bodied Chardonnay. It’s made from an extensive vineyard, which the company acquired from Ara. A complex, deliciously bold but balanced Chardonnay that sings with bright acidity, which adds length and zesty flavours. 17.5/20

2022 The Ned Chardonnay RRP $19.99 Marisco

If an ‘Under $20’ wine were to pack a high value punch, then The Ned Chardonnay is it. Fermentation in French oak puncheons (500 litre barrels) gives the wine a smaller surface area in contact with oak, which maximises maturation and adds smooth depth. The wine also gains textural qualities from spending nine months on yeast lees to build mouthfeel.

It was bottled without fining, so also qualifies as vegan-friendly. It’s not only delicious but incredible value for money too. 17.5/20 2021 Main Divide Chardonnay RRP $21.99 EuroVintage

This wine puts North Canterbury’s white wine foot forward incredibly successfully with its full-flavoured style, medium-body and lingering finish. It is buttery, creamy and rich in taste, with beautiful balance from its crisp lime zesty acidity, which adds depth to every succulent sip.

17.5/20

2022 Yalumba GEN Organic Chardonnay RRP $22 Negociants

Yalumba has been known for its highquality wine since its inception in 1849 and this organically certified Chardonnay joins its ranks at an accessible price point.

Flavours of ripe peach and nectarine are enhanced by a balancing creamy smoothness on the mid-palate and a note of crispness on the finish. 17.5/20 2022 Matahiwi Chardonnay RRP $23.99 Grey Beard Trading

This Chardonnay is a winner on price and flavour. It’s made with grapes from two outstanding areas in Hawke’s Bay: Bridge Pa and Crownthorpe, both with free-draining stony gravels and cool nights to preserve fresh flavours. It was made a couple of hours down the road from the vineyards at Matahiwi Estate in the northern Wairarapa. Fermentation was in stainless steel and ageing on yeast lees has built textural mouthfeel to match the flavours of ripe peach, apricot, spicy nutmeg and the long, soft finish. 17.5/20

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WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2021 Abbotts & Delaunay Les Fruits Sauvages Chardonnay

RRP $25 - $34.99

RRP $24 Negociants

2021 De La Terre Chardonnay

Southern French Chardonnay at its best, made from grapes grown in four different areas: the Cévennes, the Aude valley, Limoux, and the Hérault plain. Each area brings richness and roundness to the wine, a third of which was fermented in a mix of older and new French oak barrels to enhance the smoothness and soft approachable mouthfeel. It was aged for nine months in barrel with lees.

There was no malolactic fermentation, so the textural qualities are all about fruit ripeness. 17.5/20 2021 Lake Chalice The Raptor Chardonnay RRP $24.99 Hancocks

A big, deeply satisfying Chardonnay with a full body and finely tuned flavours of ripe grapefruit and white peach. Complex flintiness and flavours of fresh lemon juice add a zingy tang and length of taste to each sip. 17.5/20

30 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

RRP $27.99 Dhall & Nash

A fantastic, flavoursome style and great value for money from a medium-sized and highly experienced winery team.

If big, buttery Chardonnays rock your world, then this is one of the best modern examples. It’s from Hawke’s Bay winemaker Tony Prichard, who was a long-term winemaker at Church Road before building his own winery. This is a full-bodied, dry and intensely creamy Chardonnay with overt barrel ferment characters adding oatmeal aromas and spicy notes. 18.5/20 2020 Abel Chardonnay

2020 Astrolabe Chardonnay RRP $28.99 Astrolabe Wines

Winemaker Simon Waghorn loves Chardonnay and it shows in this wine, which is made from hand-picked grapes grown in three areas of Marlborough: the lower Wairau Valley, Wrekin Vineyard on the clay hillsides of the Southern Valleys, and Windmill Block at Dumgree in the Awatere Valley. Wild yeast fermentation with a portion of whole clusters encourages ripe fruit flavours to come through in the wine, which benefits with creamy mouthfeel from maturation on lees in French oak. A top wine at an affordable price. 18.5/20 2021 The King’s Bastard Chardonnay

RRP $28.99 Abel Wine

RRP $28.99 Marisco

Abel Chardonnay tastes like it should cost a whole lot more than $28.99. It comes from Nelson, which is famous for flinty, fresh, full-bodied Chardonnays from the Moutere Hills, where sunny slopes and rich clay soils add ripeness and depth to wines. Abel is a family-owned wine brand owned by a family with a long winemaking history, a passion for great whites and who bring decades of experience to bear in this deliciously succulent wine, which offers superlative value for money. 18.5/20

A generous wine in body and flavour, made from hand-harvested grapes treated to a combination of whole bunch fermentation in stainless steel and fermentation in oak. All of the wine was aged in oak to give its creamy, rounded, full-bodied style. The ten months oak maturation with lees stirring adds opulence and builds weight in the mouth, with a little malolactic fermentation to soften the wine’s fresh, crisp style. It was filtered but not fined prior to bottling, making it vegan certified. 17.5/20

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2020 Giesen Uncharted Chardonnay RRP $29.99 Giesen

2021 Nga Waka Chardonnay RRP $30 Hancocks

Great label and name but, more importantly, the wine inside the bottle also lives up to the mark of breaking new ground in quality and style. Full-bodied, creamy flavours add smoothness and depth to each sip of this lively, fleshy, dry white. The 2020 vintage was excellent for quality across the board in Marlborough, as this lovely Chardonnay shows. 17.5/20

Nga Waka is one of Martinborough’s oldest wineries and one of its best producers, as is shown in this dry, smooth, medium-bodied Chardonnay. Flavours of white peach and ripe lemon zest come through with a softness that makes it a beautiful drink now and also suggest that this wine is a bit of a keeper, ageing nicely for up to five years, potentially longer.

17.5/20

2019 Oak Estate Hawke’s Bay Home Block Chardonnay

2021 Vasse Felix Filius Chardonnay

RRP $30 Oak Estate

RRP $32 Negociants

Subtle oak maturation brings a beautifully smooth texture to this wine and adds complexity to the flavour spectrum, along with a touch of spice and creamy texture from the barrel ageing process. Mediumbodied and deep in flavour, this wine is from Stefan and Nadine Loetscher’s evocatively named Oak Estate. 17.5/20

Filius is one of the great Chardonnays of the Southern Hemisphere and is priced well below its actual quality. All grapes are hand-picked and whole bunch pressed with five hours skin contact, which adds depth to the flavours of this full-bodied, flinty, complex wine from Margaret River.

The grapes were fermented with wild yeasts in French oak, 13% of which was new. This is an extremely modest amount of new oak for grapes grown in such a warm climate as that of Western Australia.

The finished wine was aged for seven months in oak (a combination of two to five year old barrels); again, a qualitative step to add depth, weight and a range of delicious flavours. 19/20

2021 Delta Hatters Hill Chardonnay RRP $30 Black Market

It’s been said that winemakers are as mad as hatters because it’s a pricey game to take part in, but this wine is actually named after Hatter’s Hill in Marlborough, which in turn was named after Tom Hatter, an early resident of the region. This Chardonnay benefits from Marlborough’s cool nights, which preserve its natural acidity, adding freshness and zing to the full bodied, oatmealy, creamy smooth and lightly buttery flavours. A very good Chardonnay at a very modest price.

18/20

2020 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10 Chardonnay RRP $32.99 Negociants

Saint Clair is a large winery with the meticulous attention to detail that both the winemakers and the family ownership bring to the winemaking table. And this beautiful, full-bodied Marlborough Chardonnay testifies to that with its rich flavours of caramel, oatmeal and fresh, complex nut flavours. It is dry and silky on the mid-palate, which is nicely balanced by acidity from the vineyard site, which is nestled in the Omaka Valley in Marlborough. 18.5/20 2020 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 11 Chardonnay RRP $32.99 Negociants

A big, powerful Chardonnay from the Wairau Plains in Marlborough, where the grapes were machine harvested and then 100% fermented in French oak barriques, 80% of which were new. This adds layers of spice to the wine and provides a pronounced barrel ferment character of creamy notes with hints of butter, cedar and a light touch of oak on the finish.

18.5/20

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 31

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2021 Mount Edward Chardonnay RRP $34.99 Mineral

One of my top five wines from a blind tasting delving into Central Otago Chardonnay, held late last year in Bannockburn. This wine is all about the freshness and zest of Chardonnay; the grape’s innate personality is captured here with lemon zest freshness, silky smooth textural notes and a lovely lightness with a long flavoursome finish. 18.5/20 2021 Tony Bish Heartwood Chardonnay RRP $34.99 Tony Bish Wines

Tony Bish is Hawke’s Bay’s king of Chardonnay and, like many of the region’s talented winemakers, he has been impacted significantly with loss in wine production this year due to the cyclone, which is all the more reason to beat a path to this outstanding wine from New Zealand’s second biggest wine region. Grapes in this Chardonnay come from vineyards in two areas of Hawke’s Bay: the Upper Dartmoor Valley and Bay View, north of Napier. All grapes were hand-picked and 95% were fermented in barrel, with the remaining 5% in Bish’s French oak ovum. Maturation in 25% new Taransaud oak accounts for both the creamy flavours in the wine and its name.

One of New Zealand’s best Chardonnays every year. 18.5/20

32 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

RRP $35 - $49.99

2021 Chard Farm Judge and Jury Chardonnay

2021 Carrick Chardonnay

RRP $39 Chard Farm

RRP $36 EuroVintage

Carrick is one of the top producers in Central Otago (and in my top five wineries). All the grapes in this wine were hand-picked and sorted in the vineyard, which is planted with four different Chardonnay clones. They were all whole bunch pressed to tank and fermented with wild yeasts in oak barrels. Barrel stirring builds weight and texture on the palate with a low-ish amount of new oak in the wine (just 12%), which enhances body and spicy notes without dominating.

A creamy, powerful style with edgy, youthful acidity giving this wine more than a passing resemblance to great Chablis. 17.5/20 2021 Nautilus Chardonnay RRP $36 Negociants

This wine is a labour of love, made with hand-picked grapes grown by Jim and Debbie Greer in Renwick, Marlborough with winemaking by Clive Jones, the long-term Nautilus winemaker. Barrel fermentation was with wild yeasts in French oak barriques, 20% new, with minimal lees stirring to add depth but retain restrained flavours. Deliciously fresh and bright with bold ripe citrus flavours of grapefruit and a medium body, a long finish and lingering flavours. Very good now and will develop into an even more gorgeous Chardonnay in five to six years.

18.5/20

Chard Farm’s Judge and Jury Chardonnay is named after a majestic rock formation near the Central Otago winery. It is one of the first great New Zealand Chardonnays from Central, made from grapes grown on the winery’s Tiger and Viper vineyards, which deliver lively citrus aromas and great acidity on the front and mid-palate.

A firm backbone of refreshing acidity also adds balance to the full-bodied, creamy and textural style. 18.5/20 2016 Giesen Organic Chardonnay RRP $39.99 Giesen

Giesen’s certified organic Chardonnay is a winner at six years old, with vibrant lemon and grapefruit flavours driving its fresh style, medium body and long finish. The wine’s youthful freshness illustrates just how well New Zealand Chardonnay can age and highlights Marlborough’s ability to ripen white wine grapes in a diverse range of styles. 17/20 2021 Clearview Reserve Chardonnay RRP $41.99 Clearview Estate

Big, ripe peachy flavours combine with creamy nuances in texture and taste in this full-bodied Chardonnay. French oak maturation softens the succulent, crisp ripe apple note in the wine, which was made by Hawke’s Bay winemakers Tim Turvey (co-founder of Clearview Estate) and Matt Kirby. 18/20

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2019 William Fevre Petit Chablis RRP $42 Negociants

This is a winner. The word ‘petit’ doesn’t do justice to the powerful, full-bodied style of this lovely wine from Domaine William Fevre, one of the great Burgundy producers. All grapes were hand-picked and fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness, which shines through in this wine’s flavours of ripe white peach, crunchy red apple and in its long finish.

Ageing was in stainless steel vats for eight to 10 months. 17.5/20 2021 Palliser Estate Chardonnay RRP $43.99 Negociants

Palliser Estate Chardonnay is made from grapes grown on two different vineyards in Martinborough: 69% from the Palliser home vineyard, with the remainder from Om Santi, an organically certified vineyard site. All grapes were hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented in French oak with wild yeasts. Maturation for 10 months in barrels adds complex savoury flavours and weight. 18.5/20 2021 Felton Road Chardonnay Bannockburn RRP $46.99 Felton Road

This is an exceptional wine with both a lightness and powerful structure. I love its honesty and lack of pretension with a smooth, creamy texture, lively acidity, great concentration of lemon citrus curd and zest, and long finish. 18.5/20

2021 Esk Valley Great Dirt Sea Bed Chardonnay

2021 Neudorf Rosie’s Block Amphora Chardonnay

RRP $49.99 Villa Maria

RRP $50 EuroVintage

This is one of Hawke’s Bay’s great whites, made with grapes that were hand-picked, fermented with wild yeasts in French oak and then given nearly a year in oak to build complex aromas of smooth creaminess, spice and oatmeal. It’s a full-bodied style that is a great match with roast chicken, pan-fried fish and creamy pasta dishes. 18.5/20

This delicious Chardonnay is an exceptionally complex, full-bodied expression of Rosie’s Vineyard Chardonnay from Moutere, Nelson. It is from the same vineyard site as the previous wine, except that this wine was fully fermented with wild yeasts in 1005 clay amphora for 10 months on lees. This adds an intensely savoury aroma to the wine, which has subtle but noticeably different aromas and flavours to its sister wine. This was also bottled without fining, making it veganfriendly. 19/20

RRP $50 and above 2021 Neudorf Rosie’s Block Moutere Chardonnay RRP $50 EuroVintage

This classic, fresh, full-bodied, flinty and flavoursome Chardonnay is made from grapes grown on Rosie’s Vineyard, which was named after the daughter of Neudorf founders Tim and Judy Finn. Rosie’s Vineyard was planted in 1999 and is a dry farmed, certified organic vineyard site.

All the grapes were hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeasts in barrels for 10 months, which included a mix of 33% one year old barrels and the remainder older oak. Lees ageing has built flavour and structure into the wine, which was bottled unfined and is vegan-friendly. 18.5/20

2019 Carrick EBM Chardonnay RRP $51.99 EuroVintage

This powerful dry white from Central Otago is a small volume, high quality blend of Chardonnay that was grown on two vineyards and used to make 12 barrels of Chardonnay with EBM, which stands for ‘extended barrel maturation’.

The 18 months of barrel ageing in this wine is significantly longer than for most Chardonnays and imparts complex savoury flavours, weight and structure.

Wild yeast ferment adds further to its delicious range of flavours. Bottled without fining or filtration. Vegan friendly.

18.5/20

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 33

WINE REPORT – CHARDONNAY

2020 Two Rivers The Spring Chardonnay

2021 Nanny Goat Single Vineyard Queensberry Chardonnay

2021 Palliser Estate Om Santi Single Vineyard Chardonnay

RRP $55 Procure

RRP $57 Negociants

RRP $85 Negociants

Hand-picked grapes from 30-year-old Mendoza clone Chardonnay give this great white its fabulous acidity, and a moderate 12.5% ABV makes it beautifully balanced, while full of flavour. Wild yeast fermentation was followed by ageing for nearly 18 months in seasoned French oak barriques where it gained its fleshy, fullbodied style and creamy flavours.

It was bottled unfined and unfiltered with low sulphur and then aged for another year before release. It is sealed with Diam cork and just 2,000 bottles were made.

18.5/20

Now we’re talking. This wine has an elegant, smooth mouthfeel, high but balanced acidity, and creamy texture. It is one of my top Chardonnays from Central Otago and is made with grapes grown on a relatively small vineyard at Queensberry, between Cromwell and Wanaka. 19/20

This is a rich, textural, full-bodied Chardonnay made to reflect its origins in the dry, warm vineyard site of Om Santi, Palliser Estate’s organically certified vineyard in Martinborough. All the grapes were hand-picked and whole bunch pressed with fermentation in French oak barrels with vineyard yeasts. A great wine with a long life ahead, although drinks well now too. 19/20

2021 Te Kano Northburn Chardonnay RRP $55 Te Kano Estate

Te Kano Winery is a hidden jewel in Bannockburn, one of Central Otago’s most successful wine sub regions. The grapes in this wine were grown on Te Kano’s vineyard in Northburn, not far up the road, north of Cromwell. The hot days there provide ripe lemon flavours for this full-bodied wine with its zesty acidity and long, flavoursome finish. It drinks well now and is a keeper for the long term.

18.5/20

2020 Domaine Rewa Chardonnay RRP $66.99 Dhall & Nash

A smooth, silky, seamless Chardonnay, highlighting Central Otago’s climatic suitability for producing outstanding dry, full-bodied white wines. A wine with a creamy smooth mouthfeel and spicy, oaty, savoury notes. 18.5/20 2021 Tony Bish Skeetfield Chardonnay RRP $67.99 Tony Bish Wines

Skeetfield Vineyard is one of the great sites in Hawke’s Bay and is home to dry grown Mendoza (aka ‘hen and chicken’) Chardonnay grapes, which make intensely concentrated, powerful and beautifully well-balanced wines. All grapes in this wine were hand-harvested and whole bunch pressed to barrels where they were fermented with indigenous yeasts, which build character, flavour and body. 18.5/20

2020 Tony Bish Zen Chardonnay RRP $139.99 Tony Bish Wines

A great wine from a winemaker who adores Chardonnay and clearly knows how to coax the best from it. All the grapes in Zen come from the great Skeetfield Vineyard, and there is a delicious depth of flavour with bright acidity adding length to every sip.

Layers of complex aromas include ripe citrus, white peach, nectarine notes and grapefruit zest. 19/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 96.

34 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

DRINK RESPONSIBLY

LET GO AND FEEL

WINE – NEW RELEASES

Top Picks Five great wines for lingering autumn days, as selected by Joelle Thomson…

2022 Jenny Dobson Florence Fiano Hawke’s Bay

2020 Urlar The Mediator Pinot Noir RRP $32.99 Negociants

RRP $38.99 Wine by Jenny Dobson

Winemaker Jenny Dobson’s Fiano is dry, crisp and deliciously drinkable. Fiano is a white Italian grape variety that is finding fertile new ground in a small way in this country. Dobson uses grapes from a vineyard in Hawke’s Bay that was planted

by Bryce Campbell in 2010 and included a tiny portion of Fiano – just 0.2 hectare.

The soils it grows in there are volcanic, similar to those of Fiano’s original home in southern Italy. The result is a bone-dry, refreshing white, made from hand-picked grapes with a portion macerated on skins overnight to increase texture. 17.5/20

Fiano is a white Italian grape variety that is finding fertile new ground in a small way in this country.

Silky smooth with bright summer red fruit flavours, spicy complex aromas and firm structure adding interest to every delicious sip of this wine. It comes from a great vintage for Wairarapa Pinot Noir because the 2020 summer was dry, warm and produced outstanding Pinot Noirs, such as this superb example from winemaker Jannine Rickards of Urlar Wines. Great acidity gives beautiful structure to this wine, which is outstanding quality for the price. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered. 17.5/20

Ara Zero Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough RRP $11-$13 Giesen

This is a refreshingly dry and flavoursome new take on the alcohol-removed category of wine. It is an authentic expression of Sauvignon Blanc, albeit with no alcohol. It is light-bodied with medium flavour intensity and, while it has a sweet, fruity mid-palate flavour, it is a convincing wine lookalike. Drink lightly chilled. 17/20

2020 Sideways Reserve Wairarapa Pinot Noir RRP $38.99 Sideways Wine

Sideways is one of the funniest wineinspired films ever made and was the inspiration for this light-bodied, elegant, spicy Pinot Noir made with grapes grown in the Wairarapa. This is a regional blend of Pinot Noir, fermented with wild yeasts.

The grapes were left on skins for 21 days prior to being pressed to barrel for 12 months in oak, 23% new, which has softened the wine, rounding out its body and adding spicy nuances of flavour.

16.5/20

2022 Giesen New Zealand Riesling RRP $14.99 Giesen

One of the most successful and delicious Rieslings made in this country each year.

Succulent, richly citrusy, and beautifully balanced by concentrated lemon, lime and apple juice flavours. Acidity adds structure to this excellent young Riesling, which has outstanding length of flavour and offers a ‘wow’ factor in both taste and value for money. 18.5/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 96.

36 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

OPINION – WINE

Joelle Thomson

Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

Vintage reflections Why does the word ‘vintage’ carry such cachet – and is it valid? Joelle Thomson examines these questions and writes with a heavy heart about vintage 2023 for the North Island…

IT NEVER ceases to amaze me how much money clothing stores can gain from adding the word ‘vintage’ to a sign above a rack of clothes that could come from any old year, any old label and any old wardrobe. While there is certainly older quality clothing out there that’s worth a little (hell, I think I have some), there’s no question that the word ‘vintage’ is used with gay abandon. The same thing happens when it comes to wine.

What is a vintage wine? The simple answer is: most wine. The vintage is the year in which the grapes are picked. So, if you’re enjoying a nice glass of 2021 Central Otago Chardonnay while reading this, the vintage is the year that was on the wine’s label. That’s when the grapes were picked. Good, really good, or not so great – the vintage is the year the fruit was harvested, regardless of its quality.

Most wines are made from grapes picked in a single year, but with such a devastating vintage in some parts of the country this year, the question about good vs bad vintages is a reasonable one.

As rain continued to fall in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne in late February, winemakers could do little more than stand by (on high ground hopefully) as they watched it bucketing down, soil moisture levels rising and their livelihoods being washed away, by the hour.

“I’m still hoping to harvest grapes and make wine but probably about 25% less than I’d planned for,” said one winemaker, who described Cyclone Gabrielle as “The week from hell, with friends who have lost their lives and livelihoods, their 38 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

orchards, vineyards and homes.” And another winemaker, who also did not wish to be quoted at such an early stage said: “It’s impossible not to feel guilt as well as relief that our vineyard is okay when so many friends have lost so much.”

Early reports suggest that most vineyards on stony ground have survived, but while vines might remain intact, the grapes may not all be usable this year.

“Most of my vines are okay but we can’t get home after going out to look at them because roads are closed and it’s still

Wineries continue to clean up, assess what is salvageable and harvest what fruit they can. raining and there’s no power, but luckily we managed to get the last available motel room and a toothbrush to share,” said winemaker Jenny Dobson, in the first few days after the cyclone.

At the time of writing, wineries continue to clean up, assess what is salvageable and harvest what fruit they can. One thing we know for certain is that vintage 2023 in Hawke’s Bay will likely be remembered as ‘vintage horribilis’, along with other east coast wine regions in the North Island. I live in one. Martinborough is an hour’s drive from the coast but its stony soils and usually dry climate bear more than a passing similarity to other

east coast areas. Not so much this year.

There have been hot sunny days. There are vineyards with healthy grapes, but it has rained a lot and it’s impossible not to walk around this village hearing the words “…really challenging...too much rain...” but good things do come out of less than favourable years. Winemakers in the Bay and in Martinborough are redeeming good quality grapes from many vineyards, many of which I have walked around, picked grapes from and seen first-hand some great quality in the making.

While the damage wrought by Cyclone Gabrielle is unprecedented in Hawke’s Bay, this region has given us some of its best ever Cabernet Sauvignons and Syrahs from the past two years. Hawke’s Bay can rightly bask in the glow of its reds from 2020 – they are the most impressive wines from Hawke’s Bay to have ever touched the sides of my tasting glass and they are on the market now.

The cyclone’s devastation has made for a heartbreaking vintage for many in the Bay, but we can still provide support for them, their wines and their talents.

Try this…

2020 Te Awanga Syrah RRP $28.99

Power and deliciousness combine in this complex red made entirely from Hawke’s Bay Syrah, which shines in this full-bodied wine from the dry, warm 2020 vintage.

Flavours of ripe black plum, blueberries and black olives are captured in a silky red that drinks beautifully.

WINE NEWS

Invivo soars with inaugural flight

NEW ZEALAND company Invivo made headlines in wine media around the world with its first Invivo Air flight at the end of January, taking guests on a charter trip between Auckland and Queenstown.

The trip on the world’s first winery airline included return flights, an overnight stay, wine tastings, a vineyard visit and winemaker dinner, and the 30 seats sold out in hours when it launched online.

The Invivo Air Saab 340 plane named ‘Cloud Wine’ departed from Auckland

Airport, and began with a guided wine-tasting of the Invivo, Graham Norton and Invivo X, Sarah Jessica Parker ranges led by Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron.

Invivo says it plans on releasing dates for its next flight later in 2023 and is also taking registrations and destination requests for future domestic and international flights at invivoair.com.

Invivo says that it will also be offsetting carbon emissions on behalf of every guest on the trip.

Chill with Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé Limited Edition AN INNOVATIVE limited edition of Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé with a colourchanging label is now available in New Zealand through distributor EuroVintage.

The thermosensitive label on the bottle includes a Snowflake Freshness Indicator that turns bright pink when the French sparkling wine is perfectly chilled and reveals additional decorative illustrations as the wine reaches its ideal temperature.

Veuve du Vernay Ice Rosé is RRP $19.99 EuroVintage

SHOWCASE

Mud House launches South Australian reds MUD HOUSE Wines is launching two new red wines – a Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon from South Australia – which will join the Mud House range of New Zealand wines.

Available from mid-April across all channels, the new Australian varietals are a welcome addition to the Mud House range, which presently comprises a Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc.

Both new wines are from the 2022 vintage, which delivered grapes of excellent quality, despite yield being slightly down on the previous year.

Mud House South Australia Shiraz 2022 is an intense, full-bodied wine with luscious dark fruit flavours, complemented by liquorice, chocolate and spice notes. The Mud House South Australia Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is a medium-full bodied wine with rich and ripe cassis and spicy plum flavours, complemented by blackcurrant, vanilla and sweet spice aromas.

To provide distinction on-shelf from the existing Mud House range, the two new wines feature Australia’s native Banksia on-pack, in the same spirit as the traditional Mud House New Zealand

40 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

design, which features the native Nīkau palm. The Banksia symbolises new beginnings and a sense of discovery.

With the introduction of these two new SKUs, Mud House is poised to capitalise on increased segment growth. Australian reds are growing twice as fast as the total wine category, with reds $15$19.99 the fastest growing segment.

Varietally, Cabernet Sauvignon is also in growth, while Shiraz is the second biggest red wine varietal in the red wine category behind Pinot Noir. Mud House South Australian reds will be line priced with the rest of the range at RRP $15.99.

Hamish McRae, Sales and Marketing manager for Mud House in New Zealand said: “Mud House’s new additions, from the heart of South Australia, build on the essence of our adventurous spirit and are the perfect extension to the original Mud House New Zealand varietals. We are really excited to be bringing these South Australian reds to market here in New Zealand.”

Mud House is distributed

by Hancocks. For more information contact John Yoo: john.yoo@hancocks.co.nz 021 950 845

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WINE NEWS

AMW launches The Wine Map of Marlborough APPELLATION MARLBOROUGH Wine (AMW) has launched a new map that it says delineates the Marlborough wine growing region for the first time and will help understanding of its subregional detail and diversity.

The Wine Map of Marlborough was a project driven by the Marlborough Wine Map Collective (MWMC), a team of five members from AMW, the member-led organisation established in 2018 to protect the integrity, authenticity and brand value of wines produced within its region.

The first commercial vineyards were planted in Marlborough 50 years ago, with vines now occupying around 30,000 hectares. “Naturally, subregions with distinct microclimates and stylistic

features have been identified over this time,” says John Buchanan, AMW chair.

Over a two-year period, the map team worked with Wellington-based cartographer Roger Smith of Geographx and local designer Megan Boreham of Eye Catcher Designs.

Team member Matt Thomson of Blank Canvas, says Marlborough winemakers have talked about subregional identity for a long time but lacked the key tool to to communicate it effectively to their audience.

“Marlborough’s hugely diverse soils, micro-climates and ultimately terroirs, mean producers can craft wildly different expressions of Sauvignon Blanc here,” says Thomson. “The vision is that wine enthusiasts will be able to use the map to pinpoint the subregional style they desire, whether that be the lemongrass-accented Blind River, passionfruit and blackcurrant-driven Dillons Point, or elderflower and white currant expression of Condors Bend.

And there are many more.”

The Marlborough Wine Map will be available for purchase from Appellation Marlborough Wine. appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz

Shaky Bridge names new Winemaker/GM SHAKY BRIDGE has announced Mike Kush as winemaker and general manager to lead the Alexandra winery. It says Kush’s appointment reaffirms its commitment to producing best-in-class Pinot Noir that reflects the best of the region and Alexandra basin.

“We are one of the original wineries in Central Otago with my parents Gill and the late Bill Grant planting some of the first vines in the region back in 1973,” says Dave Grant, owner and winemaker of Shaky Bridge, which makes estate wines focused on Pinot Noir.

“Mike, with his range of experiences, passion for the region, and commitment to quality, is the perfect person to come on board and lead the winery. He knows the best wines in the world with one foot in the old world and one foot in the new world, and has a vision for where Central Otago and Pinot Noir from the region can go.”

Mike Kush and Dave Grant of Shaky Bridge

Originally from Chicago, USA, Kush began his winemaking career in Sonoma County and has worked for wineries worldwide, including New Zealand, Burgundy, Mosel, Argentina, Portugal, and South Africa. He is also the winemaker and owner of Chasing Harvest wines, producing wines in New Zealand and Douro, Portugal. Kush is also a candidate for the Masters of Wine, currently in Stage 2. shakybridge.co.nz

WINE NEWS

McArthur Ridge releases 2020 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir ALEXANDRA VINEYARD, McArthur Ridge, has released its 2020 Grand Reserve Pinot Noir – a limited-edition wine crafted for cellaring.

Chief winemaker, Matt Connell, says 2020 was chosen as a reserve production year due to its cooler vintage. “Lower temperatures in the area helped to cultivate higher acidity and the moderate summer supported really great flavour and sugar development,” he says.

The new release follows a slew of awards for McArthur Ridge’s 2020

Southern Tor Pinot Noir, and Connell says while the terroir is similar for both wines, the Grand Reserve gets “the royal treatment”. “We target the blocks and monitor them continuously, looking for those with more flavour concentration so that the Reserve wine stands out as being really special and unique.”

Connell suggests cellaring the “McArthur” Grand Reserve for up to 10 years. It is produced in extremely limited volume with just 200 half cases available. RRP $80 Brandhouse

SHOWCASE

Brent Marris named in ‘Master Winemaker Top 100’ MARISCO VINEYARDS is raising a glass to its founder and winemaker Brent Marris after he was named in this year’s ‘Master Winemaker Top 100’ list from The Drinks Business magazine in the UK. The publication released its highly anticipated list in March, which showcases winemakers from all over the globe, specialists in their country and region, who are recognised for their contribution to the world of wine and their ability to craft exceptional wines.

This year, The Drinks Business also recognised the best of the best from its Global Master competitions and selected several winning winemakers for additional trophies – Brent Marris was awarded the Master Winemaker Trophy for Best Sauvignon Blanc, which he received at

Wine Paris in February. This trophy does not relate to a specific wine, but to Marris as a winemaker of the variety.

General Manager Sales & Marketing for Marisco Vineyards, Siobhan Wilson, says that the accolade is an outstanding recognition for a man who has really put Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc on the world map.

“We cannot begin to describe how proud we are of such an accolade,” says Wilson.

“To be judged alongside the best of the best is a huge achievement and endorses all that we do here at Marisco, and Brent’s vision: controlling our own destiny, making exceptional wines from our family-owned vineyards and bringing the true story of Marlborough to the world.” marisco.co.nz

Founder of Marisco Vineyards, Brent Marris, with wife Rosemary (second left) and daughters Claudia, Olivia, Emma and Georgia.

BEER REPORT

MARKUS SPISKE

Whether it’s the juicy punch of fresh hop brews, no worries no-alc options, or something in between, the latest beer releases offer something for everyone.

44 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

BEER REPORT

Note: Beers and ciders are listed in order of % ABV. Garage Project Tiny XPA

Mikkeller Weird Weather

McLeod’s Sunset Surf Pale Ale

<0.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $4 and 6-pack RRP $19 Garage Project

0.3% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.50 Longbreeze Distributors

4.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 McLeod’s Brewery

This XPA is the second release under Garage Project’s Tiny no-alcohol brand and packs just as much flavour as its predecessor, Tiny Hazy IPA. An extra pale ale, Tiny XPA is a pale golden, super crisp ale brewed with pilsner malt, Simcoe, Strata and Citra hops for juicy hop characters and tropical aromatics.

The brainchild of Danish science teacher and brewing pioneer Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, Mikeller Weird Weather Non Alcoholic IPA is a floral, New England Style IPA with a full body and grassy notes of pine. Brewed in Belgium, this is a light non-alcoholic drop with a subtle haze throughout. Serve extra cold.

US Loral and New Zealand Nectaron hops combine for a wave of flavour in this new release from McLeod’s. Floral pineapple and soft citrus notes drift over a smooth malty base with just enough bitterness to keep it refreshing and crisp.

Sawmill Non-Alc Bare Beer Hazy IPA

Export Ultra Low Carb Lager

<0.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $20.99 Sawmill Brewery

The no-alcohol beer category continues to blossom and Sawmill have followed up the success of their initial Bare Beer pale ale with a Hazy take on the same. A juicy IPA with big tropical and citrus aromas, the haze rounds out the brew and obscures the absence of alcohol even more. With less than half a percent ABV, this is a beer that is good to go anywhere, anytime.

4.2% ABV, 330ml, 745ml and keg – from RRP $19.99 for 330ml 12-pack.

DB

Export is now offering an Ultra Low Carb version in its popular lager range. This new addition to the line-up is 99% carbfree, 99% sugar-free and contains only 26 calories per 100 ml. DB says it is “made for Kiwi beer drinkers who appreciate low bitterness, [and] refreshing lagers.”

Belgian brewery Mikkeller has taken the zero alcohol and run with it all the way to a Belgian wheat beer style. This is a pale golden drop with notes of banana and coriander seed.

5.2% ABV, 500ml RRP $8.99 McLeod’s Brewery

This rich stout pours black as night with a creamy off-white head, and boasts Tahitian vanilla and cacao nibs in the mix.

Roast malt aromas and a luxurious palate of coffee and cocoa laced with vanilla, rum and soft liquorice notes. Full-bodied and rich with balanced bitterness for a soft, toasty finish.

McLeod’s Blue Sky American Pale Ale 5.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 McLeod’s Brewery

Mikkeller Drink’in The Sun 0.3% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.50 Longbreeze Distributors

McLeod’s Billycan Milk Stout

The new Tiny XPA is the second release under Garage Project’s Tiny no-alcohol brand.

This American-style Pale Ale uses Talus and Citra hops for plenty of bright grapefruit over citrus aroma and flavour.

It’s all balanced on a soft malt base with golden oats for a slightly moreish note and balanced bitterness.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 45

BEER REPORT

Sprig + Fern Duhoppily Fresh Hop Hazy

Garage Project Liquid Refreshment NZ IPA

Emporium Wet Exit Fresh Hop Cold IPA

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99, 888ml RRP $13.99 – also in keg Sprig + Fern

5.6% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.50 Garage Project

6% ABV, 330ml RRP $6 – also in keg Emporium Brewing

The team at Garage Project describe this as beer as “100% Kiwi hopped” as it’s brewed with a selection of Aotearoa’s finest and finished with a hit of brand new liquid Motueka SubZero Hop Kief. This is a bright golden IPA with clean, snappy bitterness and luscious lifted notes of citrus, feijoa and ripe stone fruit.

The team at Emporium used fresh Motueka hops picked from Okuora Farm in Canterbury and quickly slung them into this Cold IPA for a really nice resinous bite. Hints of watermelon with a citrus mid-palate makes for an intriguing combination.

With the local Nelson hop farms just minutes away, Sprig + Fern's brewers jumped in the van and returned with two hop varieties from two farms: Pacifica from New Hoplands and the soughtafter Riwaka hop from Holmdale Farm.

This hazy pale ale combines orange zest marmalade with pungent tropical, grapefruit and citrus notes – like fruit salad in a glass.

Sprig + Fern Harvest Pilsner™ 5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99, 888ml RRP $12.99 – also in keg Sprig + Fern

Sprig + Fern’s multi-award-winning Harvest Pilsner™ marries Riwaka and Motueka hop varieties, harvested by its brewers on their annual pilgrimage to the local hop farms in the Nelson region. This Pilsner is fresh and juicy, oozing tropical and citrus notes and the zest of lime.

Sprig + Fern Superdelic Fresh Hop Pale Ale 5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 – also in keg Sprig + Fern

The Sprig + Fern brewers were thrilled to use the new Superdelic hop from NZ Hops for this fresh hop brew. They’ve let its full flavour shine, getting it straight from bine to brew. Superdelic packs juicy berry and tropical fruit flavours and aromas, as well as tangy citrus and sweet, candy-like characteristics.

46 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Sawmill Chocolate Stout

Hop Federation Green Limousine Fresh Hopped IPA

5.6% ABV, 500ml RRP $12.99 Sawmill Brewery

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

Sawmill’s Chocolate Stout is one of their seasonal brews and this year they’ve used cacao nibs and cocoa husks from Lucid Chocolatier in the Wairarapa. The cacao and cocoa in the brew create a smooth chocolate hit, while oats give this dark drop a luscious, velvety texture.

Hop Federation’s signature fresh hop beer returns for 2023 – Green Limousine is an IPA fresh-hopped with Nelson Sauvin hops grown just down the road from the brewery. It’s so close, in fact, that they’re off the bine and into the brew in as little as 30 minutes. It also uses Nelson Sauvin, Taiheke and Southern Cross hops that are picked, dried, pelletised and into the whirlpool within 24 hours. The result is a golden brew full of luscious fresh hop character.

Emporium Hippogate Saison 6% ABV, 330ml RRP $6 – also in keg Emporium Brewing

A classic Saison from Kaikōura brewery Emporium. There’s subtle spice on a graham cracker base and hints of stewed citrus fruit on the mid-palate. A delicious autumnal offering.

BEER REPORT

McLeod’s Jump Rock Unfiltered IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 McLeod’s Brewery

This IPA is named for a favourite local jumping off point with the crew at Northland brewery McLeod’s. One of McLeod’s signature unfiltered IPA bases is loaded with Nelson Sauvin and Simcoe hops. It’s all gooseberry, citrus and fresh pine needle, alongside a hint of toffee and soft malts. Balanced and fresh.

Pacific Coast Brewery x Hop Revolution Tapawera NZ Pils 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10 – also in keg Pacific Coast Beverages

Nelson’s Hop Revolution have teamed up with new Mangawhai brewery Pacific Coast to craft this crisp and delicious New Zealand Pilsner. Gladfield pale pilsner malts were paired with Riwaka hops, LalBrew NovaLager yeast and then dry-hopped with Nelson Sauvin for balance. The result is a flavourful pils with gooseberry and pine notes that keep you coming back for more.

Sawmill Azacca Hazy IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Sawmill Brewery

This bright orange hazy from Matakana’s Sawmill uses the Azacca hop, named after the Haitian God of Agriculture. Combined with Mosaic hops, the brew features tropical and citrus notes, softened and balanced by the embracing haze. A dry finish keeps you going back for more.

Sawmill Fresh Hop Riwaka Hazy IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 Sawmill Brewery

This golden hazy is a joy to behold after a long day. The orange, green, and purple graphic style on the can is eye-catching and in the glass there are big punchy grapefruit and passionfruit aromas from the freshly harvested Riwaka hops, which hit the brew within 24 hours of picking on the hop farm in Tasman.

Sawmill Fresh Hop Superdelic Hazy IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 Sawmill Brewery

Brewed with all-New Zealand ingredients, this big, bold IPA is a feast for the senses.

Sporting a beautiful soft pink can, this hazy is full of freshly harvested Superdelic hops – the newest hop variety from NZ Hops. Think tropical, ripe mango and sweet berries, all bound with a soft mistiness.

Bach Brewing Duskrider Red IPA 6.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Bach Brewing

A re-release, last seen in 2021, Bach Brewing’s Duskrider Red IPA is a combination of hoppy goodness with a caramel toffee malt. Pouring a dark ruby colour in the glass, the hop varieties – US Cascade, Amarillo, Citra and Nelson Sauvin – give flavours of pine and citrus while the malts add sweet caramel notes.

Complex yet balanced.

Bach Brewing Sticky Buds Nelson Sauvin Fresh Hop IPA 6.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Bach Brewing

Sawmill Fresh Hop Superdelic Hazy IPA uses the latest hop release – Superdelic – from NZ Hops.

Think tropical, ripe mango and sweet berries, all bound with a soft mistiness.

The “sticky buds” in this brew are green Nelson Sauvin hops, picked fresh and delivered to Bach Brewing in Auckland for a major fresh hop punch. The brewers describe the aromas as “pungent and skunky” while the juicy flavours are a heady blend of tropical, citrus and gooseberry.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 47

BEER REPORT

Epic Hop Gator

McLeod’s Mt Lion IPA

McLeod’s Subtropical Stout

6.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Epic

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 McLeod’s Brewery

6.7% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 McLeod’s Brewery

Epic’s new fresh hop release uses super fresh Motueka hops grown on Eggers Hop Farm in Nelson. The hops were picked, packed, flown to Auckland and added to the tank within six hours to create a hazy IPA that’s packed full of juicy Motueka crushed lime character.

Mt Lion IPA takes its name from an iconic local range at Bream Head, not far from McLeod’s Waipu brewery. Idaho 7 and Citra hops bring dank orange and citrus character with fruit-laden aromas and taste. It’s all balanced on a light malt base with a hint of caramel and smooth bitterness for a super drinkable IPA.

This is McLeod’s take on a classic tropical stout, made in New Zealand’s winterless north. Well-crafted and warm-fermented, the brewing style is suited to balmy islands and equatorial climes. Roasted malts up front with rich, fruity espresso and chocolate notes. Drinks like a slightlysweetened espresso with a smooth, medium body hinting at alcohol for a touch of winter warmth.

Badass Beverages California Sun 6.4% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Badass Beverages

Named after the classic R&B track, California Sun brings together the best from both West and East Coast styles of IPA. Smooth, fruity and aromatic, there’s also a hint of smokiness at the end – like a day spent in the California sunshine and finished off with a beach bonfire at night.

Bach Brewing Flock of Seagulls 6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Bach Brewing

This is Bach Brewing’s tribute to its top-of-the-South-Island roots and as such this Tasman Bay Hazy IPA is brewed with all-Nelson hops: Riwaka, Nectar, Nelson Sauvin and Kohatu. So hazy you’d probably describe it as milky, there are flavours of stone and tropical fruits, all nicely rounded out by the soft Nelson haze.

Bach Brewing Velvet Marley Chocolate Cherry Stout 6.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Bach Brewing

This dark brew is a veritable dessert in a glass. It’s easy to be seduced by its dark berry, creamy vanilla and cacao nib characters. There are powerful cherry and raspberry layers that lead to a slightly funky, smoky mid-palate and sherbet-like finish. Impeccably balanced.

McLeod’s Forty Acre Fresh Hop UIPA 6.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 McLeod’s Brewery

First brewed in 2016, Forty Acre is a celebration of the New Zealand hop harvest. The McLeod’s team uses fresh green hop cones harvested in Nelson, flown directly to their Waipu brewery and used within hours of picking. They use over 400 kilograms in one batch for big, green resin-like hop character over a sublime oily texture with a mouthful of flavour.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 96.

48 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

100% craft brewed fermented non-alcoholic beer (not alcohol removed). Loaded with Hazy IPA characters including tropical and stone fruit notes, for an unmistakably beer finish.

www.bachbrewing.co.nz

TRADE TO enquiries@bachbrewing.co.nz

OPINION – BEER

Michael Donaldson

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

Totally Superdelic Michael Donaldson looks at the ongoing pursuit of newness and the latest exciting addition to the NZ Hops portfolio…

THE SEARCH for the ‘ever-new’ in the beer world is about more than adding fruits and quirky flavours, it’s about tweaking ingredients and techniques as well.

At one end of the flavour puzzle the addition of fruit to sours, or lactose, chocolate and vanilla to stouts allows brewers to push the envelope and soothe the palates of the beer-curious.

But beer’s four main ingredients: malt, hops, yeast – and even water – also play a role in the flavour spectrum. Advances in techniques with dry-hopping and the role of yeast have allowed brewers to unlock more flavour potential from hops through what is known as biotransformation, which means that under certain conditions, hops produce different flavours.

Long gone are the days when hops were used just for bittering – now it’s about opening the chemical pathways that allow hops to express flavours such as apricot, peach, passionfruit, pineapple, lime, coconut and strawberry.

Complementing the new ways of extracting flavour are the new varieties of hops themselves. In 2020, NZ Hops Ltd made a big splash with Nectaron and the huge pineapple juice flavours it can deliver.

They’ve now followed that release up with Superdelic (formerly known by its trial name of NZH-102), with the first commercial release coming off the bines this harvest season.

Dr Ron Beatson has retired from his work as the chief hop scientist at Plant 50 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

& Food Research but remains a brand ambassador for NZ Hops, and it was under his watch that Superdelic first came to the fore.

Beatson says the hop stood out as a seedling way back in January 2012 because of its different genetic background. “It’s a different type of hop, and that’s what we wanted to achieve,” Beatson said.

“A big part of our research programme is about trying to differentiate ourselves from US and Europe and we achieve that through parentage.”

That difference is a flavour profile that brings sweet berry

that used artwork created by artificial intelligence, with a strong 1970s psychedelic vibe.

While the global hop market is tough right now, with an over-supply in the US and globally, Stewart believes the small volume of unique character hops produced in New Zealand will always have a market. “All up, we’re less than 2% of the global markets, we’re not a big volume player – so we have to make sure our hops have a ‘wow factor’ that makes us desirable.”

Mike Sutherland of Sawmill Brewing, who delivered the first official Superdelic beer, says the new hop is contributing

That difference is a flavour profile that brings sweet berry notes as well as (bizarrely) bubblegum and lollies... notes as well as (bizarrely) bubblegum and lollies, and as such it’s designed to complement other hops in the NZ Hops portfolio, which covers flavours such as lime, grape and passionfruit.

Beatson says genetics is the greatest contributor to different hops flavours. “You create variability via genetics. Environment, or terroir, does have some influence. And you can tweak it further depending on harvest time and how it’s kilned.”

Blair Stewart, general manager of sales and marketing for NZ Hops Ltd, says interest in Superdelic has been “phenomenal” following a launch

to a broader portfolio of flavours from the ‘made in New Zealand’ range. That breadth of character is what brewers (and punters) want – it allows the creation of the new flavour experiences that everyone is chasing these days.

“Superdelic definitely has more of that berry character and it’s got that ripe mango thing going on that you get in a lot of Aussie hops,” says Sutherland.

There are plenty of breweries using Superdelic in fresh hop beers out this month (see the Beer Report on page 44) and they will be a good way to have a Superdelic experience.

BEER & CIDER NEWS

New chapter at Peckham’s

NZ Hops launches new ‘Superdelic’

PECKHAM’S IS embarking on a new chapter with new owners, as Caroline Peckham hands over the reins of the award-winning craft cidery in Upper Moutere.

Jody and Lois Scott are taking over the business, which was founded by Caroline Peckham and her late husband Alex, who died last year. Alex Peckham was regarded as a leading light in cider making in New Zealand and the Peckhams are known for their well-crafted ciders that combine tradition with innovation, using cider apples grown in their orchards.

Jody Scott has been head cidermaker at Zeffer Cider for eight years and Caroline Peckham says her husband liked and respected him very much. She says she's excited to have the “passionate cidermaking duo” of the Scotts taking Peckham’s Cidery and Orchard into its next stage, while she plans to move out of the area to be closer to family.

AFTER MORE than 10 years of breeding work, NZ Hops has released its latest cultivar, Superdelic™, for the 2023 season.

“This exceptional hop is a playful number, with red fruit, candy, citrus and tropical fruit characteristics, offering brewers something totally different to use in their craft,” says Blair Stewart, general manager of NZ Hops.

NZ Hops’ hop breeding partnership with Plant & Food Research is led by scientist Kerry Templeton, who says Superdelic has “winning strengths”. “Its excellent yield potential will allow growers to produce high-quality hops more efficiently and sustainably. And in the brewers’ hands, new and interesting beers will come from Superdelic’s unique flavour and aroma profile,” says Templeton.

Dr Ron Beatson, who led the hop breeding programme at Plant & Food Research before his retirement in 2021 predicts that Superdelic will be “a significant player”.

Several of the co-op’s 27 Master Growers have been involved in early grower trials for Superdelic, including Wilson Matthewson of Glenrae Hops. “We’ve been impressed with Superdelic’s vigorous bine growth. It promises to yield well, and it looks spectacular out in the field.”

Through NZ Hops’ Bract Brewing Programme, select global brewers have also trialled Superdelic in special craft brews to explore the hops’ characteristics, aromas, and brewing performance.

NZ Hops says that commercialisation of a new variety is a vital part of its commitment to innovation. Over 85% of New Zealand-grown hops are exported, with a turnover of around $40 million. Superdelic follows Nectaron® in the growing NZ Hops Ltd brand family. “Nectaron brought a whole new flavour profile to the market in 2020, with its full tropical notes. Demand for Nectaron grows every year and we expect the same with Superdelic,” says Blair Stewart.

“From the very first brew we knew it was something special,” says Mike Sutherland, Director at Sawmill Brewery. “In a Hazy IPA it revealed its ripe mango, sweet berry, and citrus notes. We also noticed its unique performance, with great biotransformation properties from dry hopping during active fermentation. It is an incredible addition to our brewery. We were lucky to be one of the first to try it.”

Caroline Peckham with Jody Scott and the Alex Peckham Memorial Trophy at the 2022 NZ Cider Awards.

nzhops.co.nz

SHOWCASE

Fresh hop heaven from Sprig + Fern WITH THE hop farms just a hop, skip and a jump away from Nelsonbased brewery Sprig + Fern, owner and Master Brewer Tracy Banner makes her annual pilgrimage to select and harvest the freshest of hops to craft new releases that highlight the distinctly different hoppy flavours.

For the 2023 Hop Harvest, Sprig + Fern have brewed three different beers: Duhoppily Fresh Hopped Hazy Pale Ale, Harvest Pilsner™ Fresh Hopped Pilsner (both released in March) and Superdelic™ Pale Ale to be launched in mid-April and using the new brand hop cultivar Superdelic™ (Trial Hop – NZH102).

Fresh, juicy and delicious – available in 440ml, 888ml and keg formats.

Order through sales@sprigandfern.co.nz

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 51

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Record entries for 2023 New World Beer & Cider Awards JUDGES IN the 2023 New World Beer & Cider Awards have assessed a record number of entries, with more than 700 submissions received from around 100 local beverage makers and importers.

Results will be announced in May and the 30 top-ranked entries will make up the New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30 with a further 70 ‘Highly Commended’ brews appearing in a combined Top 100 list on the New World website.

Chair of Judges, Michael Donaldson, says it was a pleasant surprise to have such a large number of entries given the difficulties around weather upheavals and CO2 shortages faced by many in recent months. “To be celebrating a record-breaking year for entries really demonstrates the

industry’s strength, persistence and belief in their products, and shows the value a win in these awards can offer.”

Organisers say that from 100 beers in 2020, the Hazy and Juicy beer class is now by far the largest with more than 140 entries, followed by IPA with around 90 entries and Pale Ale with around 80.

In other classes, fruit is the clear trend, featuring strongly in entries to the Sour and Speciality Beer and Cider classes.

Around 5% of the entries were in either the newly created ‘low carb’ class, or the low (under 1.15% ABV) and no alcohol class, both areas where brewers continue to innovate in response to rising consumer demand.

Born, Bred & Brewed In The Bay Since Ninety Six. mounbrewingco.com | @mountbrewingco.brewery

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Post-COVID recovery for brewing - NZIER NEW RESEARCH into New Zealand’s brewing industry shows steady recovery and significant economic contributions despite several years of disruption and supply concerns.

The study by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) has found that the brewing industry generated close to $900 million in revenue for the government in 2022 and was worth $3.3 billion in the year to September 2022.

The research, Brewing in New Zealand – Economic contribution of brewing, was conducted by independent research company NZIER and commissioned by The Brewers Association of New Zealand to evaluate the brewing industry and its contribution to the economy.

“The brewing industry contributed $896 million last year in GST and excise tax to government revenue,” says Dylan Firth, Executive Director of The Brewers Association of New Zealand. “Excise tax increased in line with inflation by 6.9% in 2022, the largest spike in 30 years. In

the year to November 2022, alcohol was responsible for $1.22 billion of excise taxes and duties; beer alone contributing $401 million.

“The brewing sector, like many in New Zealand, is seeing a recovery that has brought it back to levels seen before the pandemic. And while the sector has grown in value, overall consumption has remained steady.”

However, he says one of the biggest issues for beer in the past 12 months

has been the difficulties of supply chain and accessing some brewing inputs, such as C02. “We are working with the government to develop longer-term solutions for the brewing sector who are uniquely placed to recapture C02 through the fermentation process. This will take time and investment, but long term the aim is to utilise the excess C02 and even be able to distribute to others who need it for their food and beverage processing.”

GrEAT SOUNDING BEEr.

MALTY

HOPPY

LIGHT

DArK

sweet

bitter

SHOWCASE

Pure craft at Pōkeno Whisky A distillery in the northern Waikato is crafting distinctly New Zealand whisky from barley to barrel…

TUCKED AWAY in the hills just south of Auckland is a whisky distillery that prides itself on using New Zealand ingredients to craft single malt whisky, using processes that honour tradition while reflecting innovation and a sense of place.

Pōkeno Whisky is made using only New Zealand barley (sourced from three family-owned farms in the South Island) and pure spring water. Every part of the whisky-making process is done on site: from mashing and distilling, to maturation, filtration and bottling. There is even a purpose-built cooperage for barrel making.

Matt and Céline Johns founded Pōkeno Whisky Company in 2017 and released their first range of single malt whiskies in mid-2022. The Pōkeno Whisky range is available nationwide through Liquorland and exported to nine international markets, with more in the pipeline.

Matt Johns, who has more than 25 years’ experience in the whisky industry, says that the Pōkeno area had two standout qualities when it came to whisky making: the spring water from the surrounding volcanic hills, and an ideal climate for maturation.

54 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

“Obviously, in production of whisky the water’s incredibly important,” says Johns.

“We managed to build the distillery over a water aquifer, and it’s a type of water that’s really rich in iron and manganese, so it’s great for distilling.

“Secondly, the levels of humidity and atmospheric pressure here in Pōkeno are crazy, and that all acts to accelerate maturation.”

The Pōkeno Whisky difference

Pōkeno Whisky’s core range comprises three expressions: Pōkeno Origin, Pōkeno Revelation, and Pōkeno Discovery. There are also regular single cask releases, such as the PX sherry cask aged single malt.

Matt and Céline Johns work with the team in their state-of-the-art distillery, which is fully automated to allow full control over fermentation and distillation.

“Everything at Pōkeno is done with no compromises,” explains Matt Johns.

“Long fermentation, slow distillation – this is a real point of difference – enormous reflux in the stills creating an incredibly smooth and sweet spirit with wonderful citrus notes.”

Another unique aspect to Pōkeno Whisky is that it’s home to New Zealand’s

only working cooperage. Matt Johns says that it became part of their plan a few years ago, after realising there were no cooperages in New Zealand. The couple could see an opportunity around further developing the New Zealand character of their whiskies by making barrels from native wood.

In late 2022, experienced Master Cooper Mike Tawse arrived from Scotland to join the Pōkeno Whisky team and the purpose-built cooperage is where he repairs, toasts, chars and builds new casks.

Matt Johns says they’ve experimented with a range of native New Zealand woods that they’ve air dried, toasted and charred and then aged for six months with new make spirit to assess the effects.

“There were a couple of native woods that really stood out, and one of them was totara,” says Johns. “We decided to start there and we’ve got some more that we’ll experiment with in coming months.”

Mike Tawse’s first totara barrel rolled out of the cooperage in January this year and was filled with whisky; early sampling indicates the totara barrel ageing is bringing a creamy, coconutty depth to the spirit.

At a time when New Zealand whisky is starting to make a place for itself on the global stage, the use of native wood is a distinct difference for Pōkeno Whisky.

“For me, it’s probably one of the most exciting things we’re doing,” says Johns. “This is a world first. The only way of making New Zealand native wood barrels is if you have a cooperage in New Zealand, because exporting native timber that hasn’t been transformed into something else is prohibited. So we are the only people on this planet who can make totara barrels at this point in time.”

Pōkeno Whisky owner and co-founder Matt Johns

Fast growth at Pōkeno

Since the first release in August 2022, the range has quickly gained traction here and overseas. Pōkeno Whisky is New Zealand’s largest distillery and was scaled up straight away for launch into international markets, where 90-95% of its stock is sent. It is already exporting to the UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Norway, USA, China, Taiwan and Australia, with launches into other overseas markets underway.

Pōkeno Whisky also sent the biggest ever single shipment of New Zealand single malt whisky to Australia in December last year. The distillery partnered with The Whisky Club Australia to create an exclusive edition of Pōkeno Origin, which was its featured ‘Whisky of the Month’ in March.

Matt Johns says that while New Zealand is a small single malt market, they understand the importance of having a good domestic presence and have an exclusive partnership with Liquorland to be part of the core range across its stores, and also supply key independents such as Whisky Galore and key on-premise outlets.

Master Cooper Mike Tawse

Start of the journey

For Matt and Celine Johns and the team at Pōkeno Whisky, it’s just the beginning.

“We’re at the start of the journey here,” says Johns. “We’re a true craft distiller.

We’re only focused on single malts so there’s no compromise ever on our process.

“We’re getting incredibly mature whisky very early, but because they’re not spending so much time in barrel, they’re really fruit-forward. So, we’ve got a real point of difference, which will distinguish New World from Old World. We’ve got our own profile.

Now available from Pōkeno Whisky Pōkeno Origin

Fully matured in first fill bourbon casks – showcasing the profile of Pōkeno single malt.

Pōkeno Discovery

A marriage of spirit fully aged in first fill bourbon, Oloroso and PX sherry casks, then finished together in cask for a final period of maturation.

“We want to put New Zealand on the map as a single malt-producing nation and prove to the rest of the world that we can make just as good whisky over here as anybody else.”

Pōkeno Whisky Company

For wholesale orders email contact@pokenowhisky.co.nz Pōkeno Whisky is open for distillery tours and tastings every Saturday.

For tour bookings and more information visit pokenowhisky.com

Pōkeno Revelation

A marriage of spirit fully aged in first fill bourbon and new New Zealand red wine casks. It is then finished together in cask for a final period of maturation.

Pōkeno Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish

After a full maturation in a first fill bourbon barrel, this single malt is re-casked into a PX sherry butt from Miguel Martin for six months.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 55

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

From rich Kentucky bourbons to the diverse range of world whiskeys emerging, check out what’s hot for shelves and spirits lists…

56 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Note: World whiskies are listed by price within their country category. Bourbons are listed by price. *Pricing subject to change

World Whiskey NEW ZEALAND

batch10 Mānuka Smoked Kentucky Whiskey

Divergence Virgin French Oak Single Malt

Albar Salted Caramel Whisky

45% ABV, 700ml $85 batch10

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Beverage Brothers

The folk at batch10 have used premium Kentucky whiskey for this addition to their portfolio, which they smoke with mānuka for a distinctively New Zealand character.

It has a strong smoked quality and a smooth finish.

This New Zealand single malt is made from 100% Canterbury-grown and malted barley. Mashed, fermented and double pot still distilled and aged more than three years in 50 and 100 litre virgin French oak barrels in Christchurch, home to craft distillers The Spirits Workshop.

Luscious 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.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Albar

This distinctive whisky from the team at Dunedin’s iconic Albar was first made in 2010 just for the bar, but is now more widely available. It’s a rich, malty whisky with layers of smooth caramel and a hint of Marlborough sea salt.

Thomson Whisky Two Tone Release 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 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.

Broken Heart Spiced Whisky 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $90 Giesen Group

Queenstown distillery Broken Heart uses single malt Scotch and rests it in fragrant spiced rum casks to create this smooth spiced whisky with notes of malt, cereal, vanilla and light spice.

Pōkeno Origin 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Pōkeno Whisky

This release from relative newcomer 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.

1919 Distilling White Barley 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $100 1919 Distilling

This single malt new make was distilled in 1919 Distilling’s 1800L copper pot and has hints of green apple and malt.

Thomson Whisky Mānuka Smoke Single Malt 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $114.99 Thomson Whisky

This whisky is made from 100% New Zealand-grown 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.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 57

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Thomson Whisky South Island Peat Single Malt 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $114.99 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. Awarded Best NZ Single Malt ‘no age statement’ at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards.

Scapegrace Chorus II 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Hancocks

Aged three years in virgin French oak, this single malt whisky has notes of citrus blossom, poached pears and all-spice.

Scapegrace Timbre IV 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Hancocks

Three years in Bulgarian oak gives this whisky its flavours of baked apple, stewed plums and vanilla sponge dessert.

58 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Pōkeno Discovery

Scapegrace Revenant III

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $121.99 Pōkeno Whisky

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Hancocks

This whisky is made from parcels of stock that have been fully matured in first fill bourbon, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks, blended, and then laid back down in cask again. 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.

Mānuka-smoked New Zealand Laureate barley is at the heart of this single malt release from Scapegrace. Aged three years in virgin French oak, it has a warm, smoky ember character with notes of mocha and bitter chocolate.

Pōkeno Revelation

Aged five years, this single malt has notes of cinnamon, cloves, rich creamy vanilla, and buttered toast.

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $121.99 Pōkeno Whisky

A marriage of spirit fully aged in first fill bourbon and New Zealand red wine casks. These are then finished together in cask for a final period of maturation.

A sweet and smooth whisky, with notes of mango, grapefruit, strawberry bonbons, lychee and sherbet.

Scapegrace Rise I 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Hancocks

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Divergence FIVE

Waiheke Whisky The Sweetwater

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $130 Beverage Brothers

41% ABV, 700ml RRP $140 Waiheke Whisky

This is the first five-year-old whisky in the Divergence range and was a special release for whisky festival Dramfest, held in Christchurch in March. It combines a single 100 litre South Australian sherry cask and a single 100 litre ex-bourbon barrel, both aged five years at the Spirits Workshop distillery in Christchurch. It has aromas of vanilla, crème brûlée, blackberries and cinnamon; creamy vanilla, oak, spice, blackberries and pear follow on the palate with a lingering finish of stewed apple and pear and vanilla cake.

Made from New Zealand malt, double distilled in copper pot stills, The Sweetwater is aged for five years in French oak ex-white wine casks that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred, and is then finished in ex-bourbon barrels.

Sweet and malty aromas lead to initial candied orange peel and honeycomb on the palate. The finish in American oak lends notes of almonds, clove and vanilla.

A mouth-coating, easy drinking whisky with a bourbon creaminess giving way to a long peppery dry finish.

Divergence Port Wood

Auld Distillery Usquebaugh

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $130 Beverage Brothers

46% ABV, 200ml RRP $145 (also in 700ml for on-premise) Auld Distillery

This whisky is aged four years in genuine Portuguese ex-Tawny Port barrels, re-coopered to 50 and 100 litre sizes, shaved, toasted and re-charred in Portugual. It has aromas of summer berries, stewed white stone fruit and creamy vanilla. In the mouth there is fresh plum, light caramel and sweet ripe raspberries with a medium chocolate hazelnut finish.

Pronounced “OOSH-kweh-bah”, this is Auld Distillery’s take on “usquebaugh” – the ancient version of whiskey; 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.

Auld Distillery Single Grain New Make Whisky 46% ABV, 700ml (on-premise only) Auld Distillery

This 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.

Waiheke Whisky Moss 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $150 Waiheke Whisky

Made from lightly peated New Zealand malt, double distilled in copper pot stills and aged in American oak casks. A fullbodied whisky that the Waiheke Whisky team described as “...easy drinking, Moss is 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.

Auld Distillery’s Usquebaugh is a single malt new make imbued with Southland saffron, aged honey and rare botanicals.

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 59

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

After a full maturation in a first fill bourbon barrel, Pōkeno Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish is re-racked into a PX sherry butt from Miguel Martin for six months.

The Cardrona ‘Growing Wings’ Single Malt Whisky 64.8% ABV, 375ml RRP $155 Cardrona Distillery

This release from New Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery is a cask strength “celebration” of five years in oak. Growing Wings Solera is a marriage of select ex-Oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels and has flavours of pecan pie, loaded with treacle and vanilla bean clotted cream.

Waiheke Whisky Dyad 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $160 Waiheke Whisky

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.

60 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Waiheke Whisky Seris 1 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $160 Waiheke Whisky

Seris is the sherry-finish range from Waiheke Whisky (‘Seris’ is the Arabic for ‘Jerez’, the birthplace of sherry). It is made from lightly peated New Zealand malt, double distilled in copper pot stills.

First maturation is in American oak wine barrels that have been shaved, toasted and re-charred, giving a floral bouquet.

Finishing in Apera (Australian sherry) casks helps to develop glazed orange peel, citrus, spiced apple and sandalwood notes. The palate is rich and mouthcoating with flavours of butterscotch, raisins, fruit cake, cereal and a touch of peat, complemented with a savoury spice finish.

1919 Distilling Kirikiriroa 5YO 44% ABV, 500ml RRP $175 1919 Distilling

This five-year-old single cask release has been aged exclusively in a red wine barrel.

Spice and red fruit notes on the nose, then sweet and lush on the palate with rich fruit notes from the wine cask and hints of chocolate and coffee.

Thomson Full Noise Limited Edition Single Malt 54.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99 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.

Pōkeno Pedro Ximénez Cask Finish 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99 Pōkeno Whisky

After a full maturation in a first fill bourbon barrel, Pōkeno Whisky re-racked this single malt into a PX sherry butt from Miguel Martin for six months. The result is a whisky with depth and complexity: rich notes of ripe cherries, Christmas cake and dark chocolate, alongside sweet citrus and vanilla.

Waitui Whiskey 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99 Kiwi Spirit Distillery

This small batch whisky from Golden Bay’s Kiwi Spirit Distillery is aged for eight years in mānuka honey mead oak barrels, which adds a soft honeyed sweetness. 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.

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

The Cardrona ‘Full Flight’ Single Cask Release – Bourbon

AUSTRALIA

Starward Solera Single Malt Whisky

66.9% ABV, 375ml RRP $255 Cardrona Distillery

Starward Two-Fold Whisky

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Tickety-Boo

A seven-year-old release from The Cardrona Distillery, this is part of their final progress report range ‘Full Flight’.

This single cask bottling has layers of honeyed Central Otago apricots, applewood and vanilla, and finishes with rich cream custard notes.

The Cardrona ‘Full Flight’ Single Cask Release – Sherry 62.7% ABV, 375ml RRP $255 Cardrona Distillery

The second release in Cardrona Distillery’s ‘Full Flight’ final progress report, the sherry cask expression was bottled at seven years and one day. The spirit was matured in a González Byass Oloroso sherry butt, then transferred to a Pedro Ximénez butt for finishing. Flavours of buttered hot cross buns laden with spice and sticky raisin, nectarine and Cardrona’s signature borage flower honey.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 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 Nova Single Malt Whisky 41% ABV, 700ml RRP $97.99 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.

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 Fortis Single Malt Whisky 50% ABV, 700ml RRP $127.99 Tickety-Boo

‘Fortis’ is from the Latin meaning ‘bold’ or ‘brave’ and this is one of Starward’s highest proof bottlings. It has aromas of Madagascan vanilla, rich toasted American oak, blackberry jam, raisins, caramelised fig and ripe plums. In the mouth there is more vanilla with rich fruit flavours of quince paste, raisins, chocolate ganache, cinnamon and banana bread. The finish is lingering, with baking spices and ripe figs and raisins.

Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Archie Rose

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, stone fruit and baked apple pie with a lingering fresh herbal finish.

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Archie Rose Single Malt Whisky 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Archie Rose

The team at Archie Rose use a sixmalt 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 Octave Barrel Single Malt Whisky 48% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99 Tickety-Boo

This distinctly Australian single malt combines Starward’s progressive redwine-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.

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Starward Peated Finish Single Malt Whisky

Callington Mill Sherry Fusion Single Malt

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99 Tickety-Boo

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99 Glengarry

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.

This whisky was matured in 100 litre ex-Pedro Ximenez sherry casks and ex-Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia, Spain.

Callington Mill Emulsion Single Malt 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99 Glengarry

This triple-distilled single malt was matured in handcrafted 100L Apera casks and then in an exclusive 700L Tawny cask from Portugal’s Douro Valley and premium 300L French oak Cognac casks.

A light and elegant whisky with notes of pineapple, vanilla and Turkish delight.

Callington Mill Symmetry Single Malt 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99 Glengarry

Aged in 100L Australian Tawny (port) and Apera (sherry) casks, this limited release whisky has notes of stewed apricots and caramel, leading into orange peel and maple syrup on the palate.

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 is a blend of hand-selected parcels from tawny barrels, rum barrels, bourbon barrels and Apera barrels. The eldest of these barrels were 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.

Callington Mill Entropy Single Malt 52% ABV, 700ml RRP $239.99 Glengarry

Initially aged in small Tawny and Apera casks, this spirit is then further matured in Tokay, Muscat and Muscadelle casks from Victoria’s Rutherglen region.

Awarded Gold at the San Francisco Spirits Awards 2022.

DI S TR I BUTED BY FEDERAL ME RCHANT S & CO

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Overeem Single Malt Port Cask Matured

Callington Mill Audacity Cask Strength Single Malt

JAPAN

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99 Glengarry

65.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $299.99 Glengarry

Suntory Whisky Toki

This single malt is the signature offering from Tasmania’s Overeem Distillery.

Soft and delicate on the palate with salted caramel, toasted marshmallow, butterscotch, toffee and sweet malt.

This Tasmanian single malt was originally created at the Old Kempton Distillery and initially matured in 20 litre Australian Tawny and Apera casks before further ageing in 300 litre white fortified wine casks from Victoria’s Rutherglen region.

Bottled at cask strength with intense notes of vanilla custard, cocoa and tobacco.

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.

Overeem Single Malt Sherry Cask Matured 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99 Glengarry

Aged in French oak ex-sherry casks, this single malt has aromas of chocolate ice-cream, citrus, hay, vanilla, rum-soaked dried fruits, barley sugar, butter menthol, cinnamon, and Christmas cake. On the palate, it delivers chocolate, cinnamon, vanilla, hay, grass, stewed stone fruits, and roasted nuts flavours. A finish of lightly charred nuts and sherry-infused dried fruits.

Overeem Cask Strength Port Cask Matured 60% ABV, 700ml RRP $349.99 Glengarry

Bold and robust, this cask strength whisky has flavours of spiced dried fruit, salted caramel, butterscotch, sweet toffee and candied orange. A lingering finish with chewy caramel and light spice.

Overeem Cask Strength Sherry Cask Matured 60% ABV, 700ml RRP $349.99 Glengarry

Aged in French oak ex-sherry casks, this whisky has flavours of rich dark chocolate, dried fruits, plums and raisins, alongside hazelnuts, nutmeg and cinnamon.

Mars Iwai Tradition is a contemporary Japanese whisky that uses a blend of sherry, American oak, bourbon and wine casks.

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43% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99* Beam Suntory

Mars Iwai Tradition 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $129.99 Hancocks

A contemporary Japanese whisky that uses a blend of sherry, American oak, bourbon and wine casks. It is rich and complex with sweet honey and malt fragrances that lead to a palate of ripe cherry, honey toffee, and a ginger spice.

Mars Cosmo 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $189.99 Hancocks

A smoothly elegant malt whisky by Japanese distillery Shinshu, with some Scottish input to the blend. It has notes of honey, caramel and ripe fruit, augmented by hints of wood and smoke.

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Hibiki Harmony 43% ABV, 750ml RRP $249.99* Beam Suntory

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 $269.99* Beam Suntory

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 $269.99* Beam Suntory

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.

Amrut Single Malt Peated Whisky is a combination of Indian barley, Scottish peat and American oak from award-winning Indian distillery Amrut.

Hakushu 12YO

Amrut Single Malt Peated Whisky

43.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $429.99* Beam Suntory

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $100 Tickety-Boo

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.

A combination of Indian barley, Scottish peat and American oak create this whisky from award-winning Indian distillery Amrut. It has aromas of intensely dry peat with a hint of citrus, while the palate is initially sweet molasses, leading to peat and dry spices and a clean finish.

INDIA Amrut Indian Single Malt Whisky 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $90 Tickety-Boo

There are liquorice-bourbon notes on the nose of this whisky from India (the first single malt to be made in that country), with burnt honeycomb and toffee, too. Rich on the palate, with barley-oak sweetness and a long, layered sweet-dry finish.

Amrut Fusion Single Malt Whisky 50% ABV, 700ml RRP $100 Tickety-Boo

Heavy oak aromas, with hints of barley sugar and soft smoke. Intense on the palate with warming, full-blown peat, a sherry trifle note, barley fruitiness and intense chocolate fudge. Dry peat and oak on the finish with molasses sweetness and spice.

USA Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey 35% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Federal Merchants

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

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.

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Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey

Stillhouse Whiskey

Jack Daniel’s Bonded

45.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Hancocks

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $70.99 Whisky & More

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 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.

Stillhouse is known for the distinctive stainless steel packaging across its range. This whiskey is made from 100% corn, distilled in a traditional copper still then charcoal filtered. It’s full of natural sweetness from the corn, with a mellow flavour and smooth finish.

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.

Named ‘Whisky of the Year 2022’ by Whisky Advocate.

Bowsaw Straight Corn American Whiskey

Redemption Rye Whiskey

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $65.99 Whisky & More

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Premium Liquor Co.

Kentucky distillery Bowsaw makes this whiskey from a mash bill of 91% corn, 5% barley and 4% rye. It has cereal aromas with notes of vanilla and caramel, leading to an intense, smooth and sweet palate with hints of rye spice and soft barley.

While US federal law states that a whiskey must be 51% rye grain to be classified as a rye, the makers of Redemption have pushed the boat out to 95%. This intensifies the flavour of rye spice with light floral and citrus notes. A slight mint finish makes this whiskey great for sipping or mixing in a classic cocktail.

Burnt Ends Blended Scotch Whisky and American Rye 45% ABV, 500ml RRP $65.99 Whisky & More

Inspired by the barbecue joints of the USA, this rich, meaty expression brings together Tennessee rye whiskey and sherry cask-finished peated single malt Scotch whisky, all within a bottle that looks like it should hold barbecue sauce.

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Motörhead Iron Fist American Prime Whiskey 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $80.99 Whisky & More

This full-bodied spiced whiskey is part of the liquor offering from English rock band Motörhead. It’s named for one of their most popular songs and albums, Iron Fist.

Made in the USA as a classic American whiskey with flavours of caramel, dried fruit, nuts and oak.

PB & W Peanut Butter Whiskey 35% ABV, 750ml RRP $85.99 Whisky & More

A blend of whiskey with three different peanut flavours creates this rich and sweet expression. It has aromas of peanut butter chocolate cup, vanilla, caramel and a touch of hazelnut leading to a full palate rich with buttered popcorn, salty peanuts, shortbread cookie and chocolate cream.

Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey 35% ABV, 750ml RRP $85.99 Whisky & More

A combination of peanut butter with classic American whiskey, along with notes of chocolate and vanilla.

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Rebel Straight Rye

Slipknot No. 9 Whiskey

Yellow Rose Rye Whiskey

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $87.99 Proof & Company

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $95.99 Whisky & More

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $113.99 Thirsty Camel

A full-bodied whiskey with a bold rye flavour and solid mix of sweet and spice.

A spicy nose opens up into rich rye character balanced by hints of vanilla.

Heavy metal band Slipknot teamed up with fellow Iowans Cedar Ridge Distillery to create their No.9 Whiskey. It was blended by Slipknot co-founder Shawn “Clown” Crahan, and features Iowa corn as well as a helping of rye, which brings a kick of spice to the fore.

Made from 95% American rye, this whiskey has mild vanilla and pine aromas with a hint of brown sugar. On the palate it is slightly sweet, with spearmint, mild pepper and maple.

Templeton Rye 4YO 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $94.99 Thirsty Camel

Templeton Rye uses a mash of 95% rye, giving it a bold base and strong rye character, and is aged in new charred white-oak barrels. It has a grassy aroma with notes of Christmas spice, while on the palate it is slightly chewy with hints of caramel, butterscotch, toffee and allspice.

The finish is clean and smooth.

Tincup 42% ABV, 750ml RRP $94.99 Thirsty Camel

Tincup whiskey is branded as a “classic American whiskey”. It is made from two whiskeys, each aged in #3 charred oak barrels for a minimum of four years: “High rye” bourbon, distilled and aged in Indiana, is blended with a small amount of Colorado single malt whiskey. These are then cut with Rocky Mountain water.

Tincup has a bourbon-style profile with a bold and spicy finish.

Templeton Rye 6YO 45.75% ABV, 750ml RRP $104.99 Thirsty Camel

The six-year-old expression of Templeton Rye adds more complex rye notes to the 4YO’s signature taste, thanks to extra ageing in American oak barrels. It has a floral aroma, with notes of dry spice, butterscotch, vanilla, cherry and green apple. It’s smooth on the palate with flavours of fruit, toasted oak and a burnt sugar sweetness leading to a lingering spicy finish.

Gold Bar Whiskey California Cask 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $105 Whisky & More

Aromas of burnt sugar and soft hay open to fresh orchard fruits and red berries in this cask-finished whiskey. The palate is bright and warming with soft sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel. Subtle flavours of red fruits, baking spices, and gentle wood smoke.

Michter’s US1 Sour Mash Whiskey 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 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 $119.99 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.

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Michter’s US1 Unblended American Whiskey 41.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Tickety-Boo

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

Blackened Whiskey 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $120 Whisky & More

This is the award-winning, super-premium whiskey collaboration from late Master Distiller Dave Pickerell (considered the ‘founding father’ of craft distilling) and American heavy metal band Metallica. It is a blend of hand-selected, aged bourbons and ryes finished in black brandy casks that underwent ‘Black Noise’ – a process that uses Metallica’s music to deliver a precise range of low hertz soundwaves into the oak casks causing the whiskey to interact with the charred oak staves.

Wiseman Kentucky Straight Rye 50.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $127.99 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.

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Willett Family Reserve 4YO Rye

Templeton Rye 10YO

55% ABV, 750ml RRP $134.99 Tickety-Boo

52% ABV, 750ml RRP $148.99 Thirsty Camel

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. It’s robust on the palate with dark cherry, burnt vanilla, and lingering spice.

Aged a full decade in charred new American oak, Templeton 10 year rye is bottled from a hand-selected single barrel.

Aromas of chocolate, vanilla, toasted oak, green apple, and apricot lead to a smooth palate of dark oak with honeyed floral notes and Templeton’s signature rye spice.

A clean finish with lingering butterscotch.

Sazerac Rye Whiskey 45% ABV, 700ml RRP $139 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.

Templeton Rye Oloroso Sherry Cask 46% ABV, 750ml RRP $141.99 Thirsty Camel

The traditional Templeton 6YO rye spends an additional nine months in Oloroso sherry casks to create this expression with aromas of crème caramel, candied orange peel, figs, sultanas and notes of nutty Oloroso Sherry. Rich and oily on the palate with tropical fruit, exotic spices, milk chocolate and walnuts. A long, creamy finish.

Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey 45% ABV, 700ml RRP $150 Proof & Company

A rye whiskey from Kentucky’s Limestone Branch Distillery, named for a former Master Distiller: Minor Case. Aged in creamy sherry casks, this whiskey has an earthy aroma alongside sweet sherry notes, flavours of butterscotch and a smooth finish with hints of dried fruit.

Angel’s Envy Rye 50% ABV, 750ml RRP $195.99 Whisky & More

This American rye whiskey is finished in Caribbean rum casks, giving it aromas of citrus, caramel candy, maple sugar, vanilla, oak, hazelnut, spice and sherry wood.

On the palate there is sweet rum, sherry wood and soft oak.

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Shenk’s Homestead Small Batch 2022 Release

Sagamore Cask Strength Straight Rye

CANADA

45.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $269.99 Tickety-Boo

56.1% ABV, 750ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Canadian Club 8YO

A sour mash whiskey made with a substantial amount of rye – the unique character of the 2022 release of this small batch whiskey is due to a portion being aged in special toasted French oak barrels made from 24 month air-dried wood sourced from the Vosges region of France.

It has toasty aromas with molasses and spice, enhanced by dried fruit and honey on the palate. Smooth finish.

Matured for between four to seven years, this Sagamore Spirit rye whiskey is a made to a traditional Maryland style, offering deep chocolate, hazelnut and molasses flavours from the older stock, and a lifting citrus and spice (vanilla and clove) from the younger barrels.

Michter’s US1 Barrel Strength Rye Whiskey

Sagamore Reserve Double Oak Straight Rye 48.3% ABV, 750ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A single barrel limited release, this barrel strength rye whiskey has aromas of butterscotch and cinnamon with a hint of cherries. It’s warming and rich in the mouth with toasty vanilla and caramel up front and a dry oaky spice on the finish.

This straight rye whiskey is matured for an additional period in ‘wave stave’ oak casks that have been freshly toasted, imparting a warm caramel and dark vanilla flavour from the increased surface area of the barrels. It has a nutty taste of freshly roasted hazelnuts, coconut and walnut, joining the signature kick of aromatic and peppery spices.

Michter’s 10 Year Old Straight Rye Whiskey

Sagamore Spirit Signature Rye Whiskey

46.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $479.99 Tickety-Boo

41.5% ABV,700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

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.

A traditional Maryland-style rye whiskey, it features candied dried orange peel with notes of clove and nutmeg and lingering hints of walnut and brown sugar to finish.

56.9% ABV, 700ml RRP $374.99 Tickety-Boo

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99* Beam Suntory

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 $44.99* Beam Suntory

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 $44.99* Beam Suntory

A new 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.

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Cotswolds Signature Single Malt was the first English single malt ever made in the Cotswolds and uses only locally grown barley, which is floor malted.

Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey 33% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 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 fire-breathing dragon who just ate a whisky barrel full of spicy cinnamon”.

Canadian Club 12YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99* Beam Suntory

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 $79.99* Beam Suntory

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.

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Masterson’s 10 Year Straight Rye Whiskey 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $159.99 Premium Liquor Co.

Cotswolds ‘Peated Cask’ 59.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Cotswolds ‘Founders Choice’

Produced at the Cotswolds distillery, this new release of their ‘Peated Cask’ expression is an unpeated spirit that has matured in Quarter Casks that once held peated whisky, giving a subtle tinge of smoke and peat to the whisky. The nose is rich with the aroma of vanilla, with dried fruits and spice. To taste, there is a gentle creamy peat smoke with a light fruitiness and woody sugars. Bottled at natural strength without chill-filtration.

59.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Cotswolds Signature Single Malt

A Canadian whiskey with a mash bill of 100% rye, Masterson’s is distilled in classic pot stills using glacial water and aged for 10 years in new American oak. The whiskey is smooth with flavours of pepper and spice, and a soft, lingering sweetness.

ENGLAND

This cask strength release from the Cotswolds Distillery is a vatting of shaved, toasted and re-charred American oak red wine barriques selected by founder Daniel Szor. The nose presents notes of sweet plums, dark chocolate and fig rolls, leading into spoonfuls of cranachan (a traditional Scottish dessert of cream, raspberries, oats and whisky) and fresh strawberries on the palate. The finish is rich and nutty with a lingering array of spices.

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.

Distributed in New Zealand by Tickety-Boo Liquor Ltd. Phone 09 377 7597 or email sales@tickety-boo.co.nz for further information. www.tickety-boo.co.nz

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

IRELAND Jameson Irish Whiskey 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $45.99, 1L RRP $61.99 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.

Jameson Orange 30% ABV, 700ml RRP $45.99 Pernod Ricard

Jameson Irish Whiskey is blended with zesty orange flavour to create a whiskey liqueur that balances zesty peel and juicy orange citrus fruits with sweet and spicy whiskey undertones.

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.

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The Dubliner Whiskey and Honeycomb is a distinctive Irish whiskey liqueur that marries honeycomb, caramel and whiskey.

Jameson Caskmates Stout Edition

Powers Gold Label

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Pernod Ricard

43.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $56.99 Pernod Ricard

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

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. Pot still oils and spices on the finish, fading to rich barley, toasted wood and honey.

Slane Irish Whiskey

The Dubliner Whiskey and Honeycomb

40% ABV, 700ml $54.99 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. It is initially spicy on the palate, but quickly sweetens with rich butterscotch and dried fruit, and finishes with a hint of dried fruit and caramelised sugar. Smooth and robust.

30% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Federal Merchants

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

Jameson Black Barrel 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 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.

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Shanky’s Whip Irish Whiskey Liqueur 33% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Thirsty Camel

A blend of black Irish whiskey and Irish spirits with flavours of cream and vanilla.

Rich and sweet with notes of spice.

Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey 40% ABV, 1L RRP $67.99 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 Original

Sailor’s Home ‘The Journey’

40% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99 Lion

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Premium Liquor Co

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.

The Journey brings together whiskeys aged in virgin American oak and American bourbon barrels and finished in Jamaican rum casks. It has aromas of butterscotch, toasted oak and dark rum, leading to a palate of sticky toffee and rum roundness balanced with malt depth. Ripe banana, molasses and vanilla on the finish.

The Busker Blend Irish Whiskey 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Thirsty Camel

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.

Bushmills Black Bush

Kilbrin

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Lion

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99 Brandhouse

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.

A blended malt whiskey with aromas of malted cereal, vanilla, juicy pear, oak, and cinnamon applesauce. Sweet and creamy vanilla on the palate with pear and malted cereal. The long finish is warm, dry, and peppery, with liquorice and bittersweet citrus peel.

Connemara

Bushmills 10YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 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.

The Busker Single Malt Irish Whiskey 44.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Thirsty Camel

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.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99* Beam Suntory

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.

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SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Proper No. Twelve

Green Spot – Mitchell & Son

Teeling Single Malt

40% ABV, 1L RRP $79.99 Lion

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Pernod Ricard

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Hancocks

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.

A non-age statement single pot still Irish whiskey comprising of pot still whiskeys aged between seven and ten years. The whiskey is matured in a combination of new bourbon and refill bourbon casks as well as sherry casks. There are fresh aromatic oils and spices on the nose, with orchard fruits, barley and subtle toasted wood. It is full and spicy on the palate. A hint of cloves accompanies green apples and toasted oak before a lingering finish of spices and barley.

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 Irishman Founder’s Reserve

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.

Teeling Single Grain 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks

Matured in Californian red wine barrels, this Irish whiskey has aromas of fruit cake and spice with a soft, sweet 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.

The Sexton Single Malt Irish Whiskey 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Thirsty Camel

The Sexton single malt is made from 100% Irish malted barley, is triple distilled in copper pot stills and aged four years in Oloroso sherry butts, giving it flavours of dried fruit, nuts and honeycomb.

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40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Thirsty Camel

This is the signature blend created by Walsh Whiskey founder Bernard Walsh, combining old Irish pot still whiskey and single malt Irish whiskey. It contains 100% whiskey distillates from the copper pot still and is matured in bourbon casks. It has aromas of spice, black pepper, cinnamon, peaches and vanilla. In the mouth there are flavours of pot still spice, malt, dark chocolate, bourbon oak, and crème caramel. A lingering finish of oak and butterscotch.

Tullamore D.E.W 12YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $96.99 Federal Merchants

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Flaming Pig Black Cask Irish Whiskey takes its name from the term the distillery team uses for the blackened American oak casks used for ageing the spirit.

Writers’ Tears Copper Pot

The Irishman Single Malt

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $98.99 Thirsty Camel

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $103.99 Thirsty Camel

Writers’ Tears is a distinctive blend of aged single malt and single pot still whiskeys matured and aged in American oak bourbon casks. It is distilled entirely from barley in traditional Irish copper pot stills. Copper Pot has aromas of apple with hints of vanilla and honey. On the palate it is gently spiced with a burst of ginger and butterscotch and background notes of toasted oak. The finish is long with subtle notes of milk chocolate and almonds.

A small batch classic Irish single malt that is triple distilled and aged in oak bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, giving it sweet vanilla and rich fruit characters.

It has aromas of ripe peach, dried apricot, and tropical fruits with hints of orange blossom and vanilla fudge. On the palate there is vanilla sweetness, toasted almonds and honey, a little oak, digestive biscuits, apricots, and a hint of cocoa. The finish is long with a light maltiness and sweet oak.

Sailor’s Home ‘The Haven’ Single Pot Still 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Premium Liquor Co

The first release of the Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey style from Sailor’s Home. Aged in Spanish Oloroso sherry and American bourbon casks, it has aromas of green grapes, warm spice and honeyed oak.

The mouthfeel is creamy, with pot spices, roasted almonds and vanilla notes. Brown sugar and ripe black fruits on the finish.

Flaming Pig Black Cask Irish Whiskey 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $107.99 Thirsty Camel

The ‘flaming pig’ in this whiskey’s name is what the distillery team calls the blackened American oak casks used for ageing the spirit. These deeply charred casks create a whiskey with deep, complex flavours and notes of vanilla, spice, caramel, butterscotch and smoke.

Sailor’s Home ‘The Horizon’ 10YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Premium Liquor Co

The first release in The Islands Series from Sailor’s Home combines Irish malt and grain whiskeys, matured for at least 10 years in American bourbon casks with finishing in selected Barbados rum casks. It has aromas of brown sugar and ripe tropical fruits; flavours of malted honey, oak, rum, vanilla and caramelised banana; and a finish of buttery toffee with orange zest.

Writers’ Tears Double Oak 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $115.99 Thirsty Camel

This core expression in the Walsh Writers’ Tears range focuses on whiskey blends first made popular in 18th century Ireland: aged single pot still and single malt premium whiskeys. Writers’ Tears Double Oak is a blend of the two premium whiskey styles aged in American and French oak. There is sweet vanilla, cinnamon, plum and poached pear on the nose, with pressed grapes and citrus zest on the palate. The finish has chocolate undertones and lingering spice.

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SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Sailor’s Home ‘Caravelle’ 10YO

Redbreast Single Pot Still 12YO

The Irishman 12YO Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Premium Liquor Co

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Pernod Ricard

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $145.99 Thirsty Camel

Caravelle is the second in The Islands Series from Sailor’s Home. It is named for the sailing ship used for long voyages of exploration in the 15th – 17th centuries, and for Presqu’ile de la Caravelle, the wild and lush natural reserve in Martinique.

Irish malt and grain whiskeys are matured for at least 10 years in American bourbon casks and blended before finishing in selected Martinique rum casks. It has aromas of pineapple, savannah grass and demerara sugar – on the palate there is fat creamy toffee, sugar cane, blood orange and liquorice with a finish of candied bananas.

This is the signature bottling from Redbreast, which is the largest 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.

From famed Walsh Whiskey, The Irishman 12YO is a triple distilled 100% single malt (made from Irish barley) that has spent 12 years in exclusively first fill, flame-charred bourbon casks. Sweet vanilla on the palate bolstered by black peppercorns and a succulent fruity mid-section. A lingering finish with barley, oak, a touch of creamy dairy fudge and dark chocolate.

Yellow Spot 12YO - Mitchell & Son

Redbreast Single Pot Still 15YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $139.99 Pernod Ricard

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99 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. It has aromas of hay, black pepper, nutmeg, clove oil and green tea, with sweet honey and peaches from the Malaga casks. 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.

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.

Writers’ Tears Red Head 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $122.99 Thirsty Camel

Maturation in Spanish Oloroso sherry butts gives this single malt Irish whiskey its signature ruby colour (and its name), along with rich dried fruit character.

There is orange peel, dried fruits and sherry plums on the nose, while in the mouth there is nutty Oloroso, spicy raisins and creamy oak. The finish is long and complex with an orange note.

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The Irishman Cask Strength Rare Whiskey 54% ABV, 700ml RRP $235.99 Thirsty Camel

The Irishman Cask Strength series from Walsh Whiskey is described as “an annual celebration of one of Irish Whiskey’s greatest traditions”. The annual releases share Walsh’s signature triple distilled Single Malt and Single Pot Still whiskey as selected by The Irishman’s founder Bernard Walsh. Aromas of green fruits and spice lead to a palate of sweet apple blossom, wild honeycomb and nutty spice.

Walnut, chocolate and toasted oak on the finish.

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SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Writers’ Tears Cask Strength Rare

Dingle Single Malt Whiskey

Hinch 10YO Sherry Finish

53% ABV, 700ml RRP $236.99 Thirsty Camel

46.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A vintage release that marries selected aged single pot still and aged single malt Irish whiskeys, as chosen by Walsh Whiskey founder Bernard Walsh.

Matured in American oak casks, this is a full-bodied, high strength, flavoursome whiskey with hints of toasted oak, biscuit, dark chocolate and sweet vanilla.

Selected from a small batch of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry and ex-Port casks, this Irish whiskey carries a complex aroma: juicy fruit flavours of fruit pastels, wine gums and glazed cherries, along with a biscuity vanilla note. To taste, there is a warming flavour of mulled wine, plump raisins and toffee apple, lingering to a dry and spicy-sweet note of cinnamon-dusted churros.

Matured and selected by the Hinch Distillery, this 10-year-old triple distilled whiskey has been matured in American oak before spending a final period of at least six months in sherry casks from Jerez. Sweet, creamy and initially fruity with flavours of poached pears, the sherry casks introduce a warming Christmas spice and dried fruit character.

Hinch ‘Small Batch’

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Jameson 18YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $289.99 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 $299.99 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.

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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 with both single malt and grain whiskeys, married together from small batches.

A classic, smooth Irish whiskey, balancing soft fruity sweetness, buttery vanilla and soft oak notes.

Waterford ‘The Cuvée’ Inspired by the châteaux of France, this whisky from Irish distillery Waterford draws on its library of Single Farm Origin whiskies to create a whisky that it describes as “the definitive Waterford Whisky”. Its complex aromas include red apples, breadcrust, green foliage, lavender, orange, ripe banana skin, fresh mint and coffee cake. On the palate there are clove sweets (boiled lollies), white pepper, grapefruit, lemon zest, dark chocolate, cherries and dried herbs. The finish is of pepper, with oily spiciness that softens and lingers.

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

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Whiskey/Bourbon Brands 2023 1919 Distilling

Batch10

Burnt Ends

Cotswolds

1919 founder/owner Soren Crabb makes spirits from scratch at his Auckland distillery. The name was inspired by the Prohibition vote in New Zealand, which took place in December 1919 and was a close call, with just 50.3% of the vote against.

1919 also produces gin and rum.

New Zealand brand batch10 launched with a honey bourbon in 2017. They import barrels of premium Kentucky bourbon from the US and combine it with organic honey. The brand name refers to the tenth batch of their trials as being the one that formed the recipe.

A brand of whiskey made by Atom Labs and created to complement the flavours of American BBQ.

Albar

Bib & Tucker

Albar is a whisky and craft beer bar that opened in the centre of Dunedin in 2006 and has become an institution.

Owners Steven and Anita Collins have been making the Salted Caramel Whisky on-site since 2010.

A small batch bourbon whisky brand produced by 35 Maple Street Spirits in the USA.

Cotswolds Distillery was established in 2014, becoming the first full-scale distillery in the history of England’s famously picturesque district. It was founded by New Yorker Daniel Szor, a former financier and keen whisky connoisseur who had moved to the Cotswolds with his family. Cotswolds Distillery makes gin, whisky, vermouth and liqueurs.

Amrut

A Kentucky bourbon brand named for Colonel Albert Blanton who was the president of the famed George T. Stagg Distillery, now known as the Buffalo Trace Distillery, where Blanton’s is made. Each bottle features a distinctive horse and jockey bottle stopper in reference to the Kentucky Derby.

A whisky brand made by India’s Amrut Distilleries in Bangalore.

Amrut Single Malt Whisky launched in 2004 and shot to fame after renowned whisky writer Jim Murray gave it 82/100 in 2005 and 2010, and named Amrut Fusion Single Malt as the third best whisky in the world with a score of 97/100.

‘Amrut’ is a Sanskrit word that can be translated as ‘nectar of the gods’.

Angel’s Envy

A bourbon brand founded by Wes Henderson and his father, award-winning Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson in 2010 under their Louisville Distilling Company. Today, the distillery is a subsidiary of Bacardi Ltd. Archie Rose

Founded in 2014 and located in Sydney, Archie Rose Distilling Co. produces a range of whiskies, gins, vodkas and rums, as well as one-off collaborations, limited releases and spirits experiences.

Auld Distillery

A family farm and distillery in Scotts Gap, north of Riverton in Southland. Founder and distiller Rob Auld released a range of gins in late 2022 and also makes whisky. All the ingredients are grown and distilled on the farm, which has been in the Auld family since 1883.

Basil Hayden’s

Part of the small batch bourbon collection developed by Jim Beam Master Distiller Booker Noe in 1992 and named for 1792 whiskey pioneer Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr.

Blackened Whiskey

An American whiskey brand created for rock band Metallica.

Blanton’s Bourbon

Bomberger’s

This brand is part of Michter’s distillery in Kentucky.

Bomberger’s was the distillery’s name in the mid-1800s after Pennsylvania Dutchman Abraham Bomberger purchased what was then Shenk’s, which had been founded in 1753 and was America’s first whiskey company.

Bowsaw

An American whiskey brand distilled in Owensboro and Louisville, Kentucky.

Broken Heart

A New Zealand spirits brand launched by Master Distiller Joerg Henkenhof. Based in Queenstown, the award-winning range has grown to include several gin expressions as well as vodka, rum, and whisky.

Buffalo Trace

This Kentucky distillery dates back to the early 1800s and is said to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in the US. It takes its name from the paths carved through the wilderness by ancient buffalo and followed by 18th century pioneers and explorers.

Bulleit Bourbon

An American whiskey brand founded in 1987. Bulleit’s distillery is in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

Bushmills

Famed Irish brand Bushmills holds the title of the world’s oldest distillery, having been granted its licence to distil in 1608. It is located in the village of Bushmills, County Antrim in Northern Ireland.

The Busker

A modern Irish whiskey brand that draws on traditional distilling processes. The Busker range is made at the Royal Oak Distillery in County Carlow, located on an 18th-century estate in Ireland’s Ancient East region.

Callington Mill

A distillery in the historic Tasmanian town of Oatlands.

Opened in 2022, the distillery is on the site of the Callington Mill, which was built in 1837 to grind flour and for illegal whisky distillation. Callington Mill Distillery and its purpose-built technology have been described as creating “a new era” in Tasmanian whisky.

Canadian Club

Hiram Walker founded his distillery in 1858 in Detroit, later moving to Ontario, Canada.

His whiskey was popular in the gentlemen’s clubs of the US and Canada in the late 19th century where it became known as “Club Whiskey”. Its popularity was such that American distillers petitioned for the word “Canada” to be included on the bottle to distinguish it from their own competing whiskeys. The move backfired, and made Club Whiskey more exclusive. Walker added “Canadian” to the label in 1889 and to the name of the whiskey the following year.

Cardrona

Cardrona Distillery in the Cardrona Valley opened in 2015 and makes whisky, vodka, gin and limited edition liqueurs.

Connemara

This Irish whiskey brand is made by the Kilbeggan Distilling Co. west of Dublin. Connemara is said to be inspired by Ireland’s ancient distilling traditions.

Dingle

Situated in the southwest of Ireland, Dingle was established in 2012 at the forefront of the new wave of Irish distilling and has become a highly sought-after whiskey since its first release.

Divergence

Divergence is the single malt whisky brand from small batch craft distillery The Spirits Workshop in Christchurch, which also makes Curiosity Gin. The Dubliner

An Irish whiskey brand made in the city district known as ‘Dublin 8’.

E.H. Taylor

Part of the Buffalo Trace brand family, E.H. Taylor is named after Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor, Jr, considered to be a founding father of the bourbon industry. He bought the O.F.C. Distillery at the end of the Civil War and developed techniques still in use today. The whiskies are still aged in century-old warehouses that he built.

Eagle Rare

Eagle Rare is distilled and distributed by the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky. It is part of the wider brand family which includes E.H. Taylor, Stagg and Sazerac.

Flaming Pig

An Irish whiskey brand founded by two local drinks industry entrepreneurs. The name ‘Flaming Pig’ refers to the intensely charred American oak barrels used in the whiskeymaking process.

Fireball

A whiskey-based liqeur brand produced by the Sazerac Company of New Orleans.

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SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON Four Roses

Jim Beam

Masterson’s

Overeem Distillery

A brand of Kentucky bourbon whiskey produced in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Its Spanish Mission-style distillery was built in 1910. It takes its name from the four roses worn by a local woman to indicate her acceptance of the marriage proposal from distillery founder Paul Jones Jr.

Jim Beam is the world’s number one selling Kentucky bourbon.

It traces its history back to 1795 when Jacob Beam sold his first barrel of ‘Old Jake Beam’, based on a corn-whiskey recipe created by his father.

The family distillery, known as ‘Old Tub’, passed through the generations until 1894 when Col. James Beam took over from his father. In 1943, a decade after the end of Prohibition, ‘Old Tub Kentucky Bourbon’ changed its name to Jim Beam, in honour of the Colonel, who died five years later.

A Canadian whiskey brand named for ‘Bat’ Masterson, a U.S. Army scout, lawman, professional gambler and journalist known for his exploits in the 19th and early 20th century American Old West.

A Tasmanian whisky distillery founded in 2007 by Casey Overeem as the fourth distillery in Tasmania. Overeem’s first single malt was released in 2012 and the family business continues today.

Michter’s

PB & W

An American peanut butter whiskey brand.

John B. Stetson

This distillery traces its origins to America’s first whiskey company, founded in Pennsylvania in 1753. It was originally known as Shenk’s and later as Bomberger’s. It became known as Michter’s during the 1950s but closed in 1989. The name was revived in the 1990s and the distillery moved to Kentucky.

The whisky brand of famed American clothing label Stetson.

Minor Case

Gold Bar

An American whiskey brand made in San Francisco. Gold Bar makes a range of whiskies finished in California wine barrels. Its bottles are shaped like gold bars and each one features a solid brass coin depicting the “Lady of Fortune” – a symbol of luck and prosperity – minted at America’s oldest operating private mint.

Hinch

Hinch Distillery is in County Down, Ireland and takes its name from Ballynahinch, meaning ‘town of the island’ in Gaelic. Hinch Distillery makes whiskey and gin.

Hogs 3

A Kentucky bourbon brand.

The name refers to wild hogs that roamed near a familyrun corn farm in Kentucky, where any corn not devoured by the hogs would be sent to the neighbouring distillery to make bourbon.

Jack Daniel’s

Jasper Newton Daniel (commonly known as Jack) established his distillery in Tennessee in 1866 and introduced his signature Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey, which drips through 10 feet of sugar maple charcoal before it goes into barrel. Lynchburg in Tennessee is still home to the Jack Daniel’s distillery.

Jameson

The world’s best-selling Irish whiskey brand was actually established by Scotsman John Jameson. He arrived in Dublin in 1780, married into a family with distilling ties and established the John Jameson & Son Irish Whiskey Company in 1810, based at the family’s Bow Street Distillery. The Bow Street site is now a visitors’ centre and the Jameson range is produced at Jameson Distillery Midleton in Cork.

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Kilbrin

An Irish whiskey brand named for the parish of Kilbrin in County Cork.

Knob Creek

One of the four small batch bourbon brands developed

by Jim Beam for the premium end of the market. Knob Creek was created by Master Distiller Booker Noe in 1992.

Legent

A collaborative release created by Jim Beam’s seventh generation master distiller Fred Noe and Suntory Whisky’s fifth chief blender Shinji Fukuyo.

Legent is a super-premium bourbon that first came to market in 2019.

Maker’s Mark

Maker’s Mark was first bottled in 1958 under its distinctive red wax seal, which is dipped by hand. The bourbon is ‘aged to taste’, rather than a specified length of time, with the Master Distiller and a tasting panel determining when each barrel is ready.

Mars Shinsu

Mars Shinsu is Japan’s highest whisky distillery, situated in the alpine village of Miyada, at nearly 800m in southern Nagano Prefecture between the north and south Japanese alps.

The Hombo family has been distilling for more than a century and added whisky to their repertoire in 1949.

The rye whiskey brand of Limestone Branch Distillery in Kentucky, which was founded in 2011 by brothers Stephen and Paul Beam, who have family links to Jacob Beam, who started the Jim Beam legacy. Minor Case is named for the Beams’ great-grandfather, who was a Master Distiller in the late 1800s.

Mitchell & Son

Mitchell & Son in Dublin is Ireland’s oldest wine and spirit merchant and currently run by the 6th and 7th generations of the Mitchell family. Established in 1805 as a bakery, coffee shop and confectionery business, the family expanded into wine in the 1880s and then whiskey bonding, sending empty casks to the local Jameson Distillery on Bow Street. These were filled and returned to the Mitchell’s cellar warehouse beneath Dublin’s streets. The barrels were marked with a daub or ‘spot’ of paint to identify how long they would be matured for – hence the name ‘Spot Whiskey’.

Motörhead

A Swedish single malt whisky made for English rock band Motörhead.

Old Forester

Old Forester was created in 1870 and is the longest running bourbon on the market today, as it is the only remaining bourbon continuously distilled and marketed by the founding family before, during and after Prohibition. It was also the first bourbon to be sealed in a glass bottle.

Peaky Blinder

A spirits brand made by Sadler’s Ales in the UK. The Pōkeno Whisky Company

A New Zealand whisky distillery just south of Auckland’s Bombay Hills, in Pōkeno. Founded by Matt and Celine Johns in 2017, Pōkeno Whisky launched its first range of single malts in mid2022 and has New Zealand’s only cooperage. The distillery uses only New Zealand barley, and pure spring water from the surrounding volcanic hills. All processes are managed on site, from mashing, distilling and maturation, through to filtration, bottling and coopering.

Powers Whiskey

This Irish whiskey brand traces its roots to innkeeper James Power who opened a distillery in John’s Lane, Dublin in 1791. It is known as the first Irish whiskey ever to be bottled. Today, Powers is made at Midleton Distillery just outside Cork and is owned by Pernod Ricard.

Proper Whiskey

An Irish whiskey brand founded by mixed martial artist Conor McGregor.

Rebel Bourbon

This Kentucky bourbon uses a recipe first created in 1849.

Today, it is made by Lux Row Distillers in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Redbreast Whiskey

The largest selling single pot still Irish Whiskey in the world, Redbreast was produced originally by Dublin spirits merchant Gilbey’s, which was established in 1857.

Gilbey’s used distillate sourced from Jameson’s Bow Street Distillery. Today, Redbreast is owned by Irish Distillers, a subsidiary of Pernod Ricard.

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON Redemption

Shanky’s Whip

Starward

Tincup

Redemption whiskey is sourced in Lawrenceburg, Indiana from the old Seagram’s distillery, founded in 1847. The whiskey is batched and barrelled in Bardstown Kentucky at Bardstown Barrel Selections. The Redemption name was chosen to reflect the idea of rye reclaiming its status, as prior to Prohibition it was the #1 selling type of whiskey.

A brand of Irish whiskey liqueur that takes its name from the tale of an Irish jockey named Shanky.

Legend has it that when thrown from his horse mid-race, Shanky returned to the racetrack with an ostrich and cart and a whip.

An Australian whisky brand, established in Melbourne by founder David Vitale in 2007.

The whiskies are matured exclusively in Australian wine and Apera (sherry) barrels.

Starward notes the variable Melbourne climate as a contributing element to the distinctive profiles of its whiskies, which are said to mature faster than those in traditional distilleries.

Tincup takes its name from an old mining town on the western side of the Rockies, itself named for the Colorado mining pioneers and the tin cups from which they drank their whiskey.

This American whiskey cut with Rocky Mountain water is made by founder, distiller and Colorado local, Jess Graber.

The bottle top also acts as a tiny cup.

Stillhouse Whiskey

The original Tullamore distillery opened in 1829 in the town of Tullamore in Ireland’s County Offaly. The D.E.W in the name refers to Daniel E. Williams, who started as a stable boy at the distillery and worked his way up to become the owner, creating the whiskey that still bears his name today. The brand was sold in the 1960s and production was shifted to Cork in the 1970s, but it was returned to a new distillery in Tullamore in 2014, where it is still made.

Rickhouse

A bourbon brand from San Francisco distillery Gold Bar. Russell’s Reserve

Named for master distiller Jimmy Russell of Wild Turkey fame, this bourbon brand offers hand-selected small batch bourbon made at the same Kentucky distillery as Wild Turkey by Russell and his master distiller son, Eddie.

Sagamore

Sagamore Spirit Distillery is in Baltimore’s Port Covington and was founded to celebrate the history of Maryland’s great distillers and inspire passion for Maryland Rye whiskey.

Sailor’s Home

An independent Irish whiskey bottler based in Limerick, Ireland. It was inspired by the Sailor’s Home, built in 1856 by the merchant families of Limerick, local government and port officials as a place to offer sanctuary on the journey to seafarers and explorers coming through the port.

Sazerac

Sazerac Rye Whiskey symbolises the tradition and history of New Orleans in the 1800s, when saloons masquerading as ‘coffee houses’ sprang up. It was at the Sazerac Coffee House on Royal Street where a toddy made with Rye Whiskey and Peychaud’s Bitters was served and became known as the “Sazerac”.

Scapegrace

This New Zealand distillery has been internationally awarded for its gins and launched its first vodka in mid-2020 and single malt whisky in 2022.

It is currently building a new distillery in Central Otago.

The Sexton

An Irish whiskey brand from Northern Ireland, conceived and created by Alex Thomas, who is one of the few female master blenders in the world.

Sheep Dog

A peanut butter whiskey brand produced by Sazerac Company in Louisville, Kentucky.

Shenk’s Homestead

Swiss Mennonite farmer John Shenk founded Shenk’s distillery in Schaefferstown, Pennsylvania in 1753, making it America’s first whiskey company. In its earliest days, Shenk’s produced whiskey from rye grain, a favourite local crop in the Pennsylvania Blue Mountain Valley where the distillery was located. The distillery was later sold and re-named Bomberger’s, and subsequently Michter’s. Today, Michter’s is based in Kentucky.

Skrewball

A whiskey brand founded in 2018 in San Diego by husbandand-wife co-founders Steven and Brittany Yeng, Skrewball Whiskey launched as the first peanut butter whiskey.

Slane

Slane Irish Whiskey is a collaboration between the whiskey-making Brown family of Brown-Forman in Kentucky, and the Conyngham family of Slane Castle in Ireland. Located in Boyne Valley, once home to several distilleries, the whiskey is made in a new distillery built in the renovated 250-year-old castle stables.

A brand of American whiskey packaged in distinctive stainless steel cans.

Suntory Whisky

Suntory was founded by Shinjiro Torii in 1923 with the Yamazaki Distillery, which is Japan’s first and oldest malt whisky distillery.

Initially inspired by traditional Scottish whisky, Torii envisioned a Japanese approach by choosing a terrain and climate completely different from those of Scotland. Suntory now has three distilleries with distinct styles: Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita.

Teeling Whiskey Co.

Brothers Jack and Stephen Teeling established Teeling Distillery in Dublin in 2015. It was the first new distillery in the city in more than 125 years and was close to where their ancestor Walter Teeling had his craft distillery in 1782.

A single malt New Zealand whisky made in Golden Bay

by Kiwi Spirit Distillery. The company’s range includes gin, vodka and liqueurs.

This Irish whiskey house started in 1999 with husband-and-wife team Bernard and Rosemary Walsh making an Irish coffee mix called Hot Irishman. Their first whiskey launched in 2007 (The Irishman) and Walsh Whiskey now offers a range of signature, boutique and special release whiskies. In 2013 it shifted to Royal Oak in County Carlow, where a distillery, warehousing and visitor centre have been built.

This New Zealand whisky brand was established by husbandand-wife team Rachael and Mathew Thomson more than a decade ago. They have a distillery in Riverhead, northwest of central Auckland, where they blend whiskies and distil single malt using a hand-beaten copper pot still and New Zealand grown and malted barley. The Thomsons age their whiskies in a range of casks including ex-bourbon barrels, New Zealand red wine casks and some miniatures.

This is part of the Buffalo Distillery brand family and is named for George T. Stagg, who bought the OFC distillery from E.H. Taylor in 1878 and is regarded as one of the early craftsmen of the bourbon industry.

Waitui Whiskey

Walsh Whiskey

Thomson Whisky

Stagg Jr

A distillery on Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.

Founded in 2010, they make a range of award-winning single malt whiskies.

A rye whiskey that takes its name from a small town in Iowa where the residents produced a popular whiskey in the 1920s.

An American whiskey made for Iowan heavy metal band Slipknot by fellow Iowans Cedar Ridge Distillery.

Founded in 2009, Smooth Ambler is a distillery based in West Virginia, USA. It was purchased by Pernod Ricard in 2016.

Waiheke Whisky

Templeton Rye

Slipknot

Smooth Ambler

Tullamore D.E.W

Waterford

Waterford Distillery in Ireland sources its barley from 97 farms across Ireland and each farmer’s crop is harvested, stored, malted and distilled separately, in order to capture the terroir of each one. Every bottle of Waterford whisky features its own TÉIREOIR code, which can be entered online to reveal content around the whiskey’s origins and journey from field to bottle.

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SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON Wild Turkey

Wild Turkey can trace its origins back to 1895 but got its name in 1940. It is made on Wild Turkey Hill in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell joined the company in 1954, where he remains today, working with his son Eddie. The father-and-son master distiller duo are both members of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame and the only active father-andson duo of bourbon master distillers in the world.

Willett

An independently family-owned and operated distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Founded in 1936, the business is today led by parents Even and Martha Willett Kulsveen and now the fifth generation of family distillers, siblings Britt and Drew Kulsveen, are continuing the family tradition of hand-crafted bourbons. The Willett family of brand labels includes Willett, Johnny Drum, Old Bardstown, Noah’s Mill, Rowan’s Creek, Pure Kentucky, and Kentucky Vintage.

Woodford Reserve

The Woodford Reserve Distillery is one of Kentucky’s smallest and oldest, dating back to the mid-1800s, although the brand itself was launched in 1996.

The distillery has one of the few heat-cycled barrelhouses in the world. It is the official bourbon of the famous Kentucky Derby.

Woodstock

A bourbon brand made in Kentucky using limestone filtered water and aged in charred oak barrels.

Yellow Rose

Yellow Rose Distilling was launched by a group of friends in 2012 and is the home of the first legal distillery in Houston, Texas. It takes its name from a woman in local folklore, known as the Yellow Rose of Texas.

Legend has it her bravery and guile helped Sam Houston win the battle for Texas’ independence from Mexico.

Yellowstone

The bourbon whiskey brand of Limestone Branch Distillery in Kentucky, which was founded in 2011 by brothers Stephen and Paul Beam, who have family links to Jacob Beam, who started the Jim Beam legacy.

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Bourbon RRP $40 - $59.99 Woodstock Bourbon 37% ABV, 1L RRP $41.99 Asahi NZ

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

Jim Beam White 37% ABV, 1L RRP $44.99* Beam Suntory

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.

Old Forester 80 Proof 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $48.99 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 Black 43% ABV, 1L RRP $49.99* Beam Suntory

This extra-aged version of Jim Beam is a smooth, more flavourful style than the original, 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 at the end.

Jim Beam Devil’s Cut 45% ABV, 1L RRP $49.99* Beam Suntory

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 be served neat or on the rocks.

Wild Turkey American Honey 35.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Thirsty Camel

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

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Jim Beam Double Oak 43% ABV, 1L RRP $56.99* Beam Suntory

A twice-barrelled version of Jim Beam, where the bourbon is poured into a second freshly charred barrel to mature further. This added interaction 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.

Peaky Blinder Bourbon Whiskey 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.99 Whisky & More

Aromas of honey and buttered corn, with underlying stone fruit. In the mouth there is peach, vanilla and a hint of barrel char with peppery heat that builds alongside candied peels. Brown sugar and gingerbread on the finish.

John B. Stetson Kentucky Bourbon 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $58.99 Whisky & More

This is the bourbon of the Stetson brand made famous by a generation of American cowboys. Initial flavours of mild butterscotch, corn, and a lovely mash character; the grains are distinct yet smooth on mouthfeel. Defined warmth and boldness with a light bite.

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Wild Turkey Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 43.4% ABV, 1L RRP $59.99 Thirsty Camel

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 Rye 40.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Thirsty Camel

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.

RRP $60 - $79.99 Bulleit Bourbon 45% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 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.

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.

Wild Turkey 101 50.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Thirsty Camel

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.

Woodford Reserve 45.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Hancocks

Intense aromas of rich dried fruit, hints of mint and oranges covered with a dusting of cocoa. Faint vanilla and tobacco spice.

Rich, chewy, rounded and smooth in the mouth, with complex citrus, cinnamon and cocoa. Toffee, caramel, chocolate and spice notes. Silky smooth finish that lingers.

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Hogs 3 Bourbon

Rebel Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Basil Hayden’s

40% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99 Brandhouse

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99 Proof & Company

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99* Beam Suntory

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.

A smooth, wheated bourbon made in one of Kentucky’s oldest distilleries. Aromas of honey and butter lead to a palate rich with raisin and warm spice.

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.

Maker’s Mark 40% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99* Beam Suntory

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. batch10 Honey Bourbon 36% ABV, 700ml RRP $70 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.

Four Roses Bourbon 40% ABV, 1L RRP $72.99 Whisky & More

Aromas of pear, florals, gentle spice and honey open up to a crisp, smooth palate full of fresh fruit with hints of apple.

Wild Turkey Longbranch 43% ABV, 750ml RRP $74.99 Thirsty Camel

Longbranch is made with eight-yearold 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 notes of gentle pepper and toasted oak.

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 43.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 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. The finish is long and creamy with lingering hints of honeyed apple.

Legent 47% ABV, 700ml $79.99* Beam Suntory

This unique collaboration combines Kentucky distilling with Japanese blending and was first released in 2019. Legent (pronounced “lee-jent”) 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.

batch10 Honey Bourbon is a blend of Kentucky bourbon with organic New Zealand honey.

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SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Maker’s Mark 46

Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon

Four Roses Single Barrel

47% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99* Beam Suntory

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $85.99 Whisky & More

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $102.99 Whisky & More

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.

Rich aromas of spice and fruit with hints of sweet oak and caramel lead to a creamy, mellow palate with ripe red berries and moderate sweetness. The finish is soft and smooth.

Four Roses Single Barrel is aged for at least seven years in a newly charred American white oak barrel. The barrel is selected only when it has developed the required spicy character, floral nose and slightly dry, delicate finish.

Redemption Bourbon 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Premium Liquor Co.

Aged three years in new charred oak barrels and with a mash bill of 75% corn, this bourbon has a classic sweet taste with notes of vanilla and caramel from the wood, and some light spice flavour from the rye.

Johnny Drum Private Stock Bourbon 50.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $90 Tickety-Boo

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

Wild Turkey Rare Breed 56.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Thirsty Camel

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

RRP $80 - $149.99

Rowan’s Creek Small Batch Bourbon

Knob Creek

50.05% ABV, 750ml RRP $100 Tickety-Boo

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99* Beam Suntory

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

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 continues on the palate, which is initially oily but finishes dry with notes of oak and lingering spice.

Wild Turkey Rare Breed is a smooth barrel proof whiskey with notes of sweet tobacco and hints of orange and mint.

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Gold Bar Rickhouse Cask Strength Bourbon 51.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $103.99 Whisky & More

This cask strength straight bourbon whiskey is matured in extra charred new American oak then raked over French oak staves for a complex oak and smoke taste profile with lingering sweetness.

Bold, toasty and rich with pronounced vanilla, spice and smoke.

Smooth Ambler Old Scout Bourbon 61.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 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.

SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Willett Pot Still Reserve Bourbon 47% ABV, 750ml RRP $110 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.

Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old Bourbon 45% ABV, 750ml RRP $120.99 Thirsty Camel

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 handselected small batch bourbon with a rich caramel and vanilla taste and a smooth finish.

Noah’s Mill Small Batch Bourbon

45.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Tickety-Boo

57.15% ABV, 750ml RRP $125 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.

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.

Gold Bar Black Double Cask Bourbon 46% ABV, 750ml RRP $120 Whisky & More

A straight bourbon whiskey double cask-finished in Napa Valley wine barrels for smoothness and complexity. Bold and balanced layers of smoke, spicy rye and creamy fruit.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon 43.3% ABV, 750ml RRP $125.99 Whisky & More

This bourbon is finished in port wine barrels and has immediate aromas of caramelised mandarin skin, jammy raspberries and ripe figs. It’s more bourbon-driven on the palate, with flavours of creamy vanilla, tobacco leaf, toffee and light oak. The finish is fruity and long, with lingering notes of dark chocolate, red apple and blackberry jam.

Kentucky Owl The Wiseman 45.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $127.99 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. Awarded Double Gold at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition Smooth Ambler Contradiction Bourbon 50% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Pernod Ricard

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

Yellowstone Select Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 46.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $130 Proof & Company

This straight bourbon features a delicate fusion of flavours in a handpicked blend of 4- and 7-year-old bourbons. It has aromas of rye spice, leather and cherries with smoked caramel flavour and a finish of smoky oak and brown sugar.

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SPIRITS REPORT – WORLD WHISKEY & BOURBON

Yellow Rose Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey

Kentucky Owl Confiscated Bourbon

Bomberger’s Declaration Bourbon Whiskey 2022 Release

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $131.99 Thirsty Camel

48.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $250 Tickety-Boo

54% ABV, 700ml RRP $373.99 Tickety-Boo

Made from 100% Texas yellow corn and aged in small American oak barrels in Houston, the team at Yellow Rose say that it is the 15-20º temperature swings in the area that give this bourbon its unique characteristics. Intense aromas of rich caramel and vanilla with a hint of floral, it is sweet and rich in the mouth. A long finish with lingering caramel and vanilla.

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’ blends 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.

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 2022 release is rich and layered with a portion aged in Chinquapin oak. Aromas of dark fruit and brown sugar lead to toffee notes that transition into rich chocolate balanced by sweet berries and delicate notes of spice.

The finish is robust with complex depth.

Bib & Tucker 6YO Bourbon 46% ABV, 750ml RRP 139.99 Premium Liquor Co.

A six-year-old bourbon aged in charred American white oak barrels to create a smooth, balanced spirit with a hint of sweetness. Intense vanilla aromas sit alongside fresh-cut grass, wet stone and aged leather. Vanilla and leather continue in the mouth and evolve into a warm, lightly crisp palate with a touch of spice. The finish is lingering with notes of chestnut.

EH Taylor Small Batch Bourbon 50% ABV, 750ml RRP $275 Federal Merchants

Blanton’s Original Bourbon

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.

46.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $220 Whisky & More

Kentucky Owl St Patrick’s Edition

RRP $150 and above

A single barrel bourbon with a creamy vanilla nose and hints of nuts, caramel, orange and light chocolate.

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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.

Stagg Jr 67.2% ABV, 750ml RRP $375 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 US1 Toasted Barrel Kentucky Bourbon 45.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $509.99 Tickety-Boo

Ageing Michter’s US1 Kentucky Straight Bourbon in a second custom-made barrel that is toasted, rather than charred gives this bourbon campfire character, with notes of cinnamon, pecan and candied fruit. The lingering finish is of baked pears, vanilla and marshmallow.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 96.

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New Amigos Aotearoa mezcal TWO FRIENDS with a love of mezcal have created a new expression specifically for the New Zealand palate, launching Amigos Aotearoa mezcal.

Kiwi Hayden Bigelow and Mexican Adrian Martinez-Ruiz have made it their mission to introduce Kiwi consumers to the joys of the distinctive Mexican spirit.

In June 2022, the friends travelled to Mexico to meet Maestro Mezcalero, Juan Diego. Together, they created the unique Amigos Aotearoa flavour profile, which they describe as a: “smoother, more approachable, more mixable spirit compared with other mezcals.

An ideal starting point for the virgin mezcal drinker.”

Amigos Aotearoa mezcal has the hallmark smoky mezcal aroma, which deepens on the palate. It's super smooth with a hint of sweetness.

It's imported through the friends’ company B & R Beverages Limited.

They are selling their mezcal direct to consumers via their website and to

on-premise as well, with plans for liquor retail down the track.

The pair also plan to develop other agave-based beverages (100% agave tequila and RTDs) that will be marketed under the Amigos Aotearoa brand.

Amigos Aotearoa mezcal is RRP $95. amigosaotearoa.co.nz

SHOWCASE

Barrel-aged releases from Teeling x Akarua RENOWNED IRISH whiskey brand Teeling has collaborated with Central Otago winery Akarua on two new releases aged in barrels that previously held Akarua’s award-winning 2019 Pinot Noir.

Master Distiller at Teeling, Alex Chasko, is renowned for his innovative cask selection when it comes to Irish whiskey: creative expressions of true character. The distillery has achieved over 400 awards in the past six years for its innovative style of whiskey.

Teeling describes the collaboration as “a partnership 40,000 km in the making”, as the casks travelled from Akarua’s winery to Dublin within 48 hours of emptying to be filled with Teeling single malt whiskey.

Two casks have been produced and will be available in the New Zealand market – cask numbers 76412 and 76413.

The Teeling Single Malt whiskey was aged in bourbon barrels for the first 16 years before being finished for a further 12 months in Akarua’s red wine barrels. Limited to just 308 bottles, non-chill filtered and bottled at 57%+ ABV (cask 76413 57.4%, Cask 76412 57.2%), this is truly an Irish whiskey to savour.

Available to order now through Hancocks.

Tasting notes Cask #76412

Nose: Crème brulee and malt give way to vibrant notes of grapefruit peel.

Taste: Vibrant citrus carries through from the nose, accompanied by more orchard fruits, melon and a subtle hint of black pepper spice.

Finish: More pronounced dried fruits and hints of wood tannins on the finish. A certain citrus freshness remains.

90 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

Cask #76413

Nose: Intense forest fruits, honey, and raisins dominate the nose.

Taste: Silky notes of chocolate ganache and nuttiness are joined by berry compote and a touch of subtle orange citrus.

Finish: Long, lingering finish with lashings of spicy oak and baking spice. A beautiful, well-balanced dryness remains.

SPIRITS NEWS

The Macallan Harmony Collection TWO NEW expressions that form the second edition of The Harmony Collection from Highland whisky distillery The Macallan are now available in New Zealand.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired

by Intense Arabica and The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica have been inspired by the Ethiopian Arabica coffee bean. Their hybrid packaging was created using repurposed and recycled materials including coffee bean husks, which would have otherwise been discarded.

The Macallan Whisky Maker, Steven Bremner, created the intensely flavoured whiskies to pair

with coffee, after working with world renowned coffee experts at The Macallan Estate.

Inspired by Intense Arabica is reminiscent of a sweet yet strong espresso coffee, while Smooth Arabica conveys the flavours of a gently spiced and soft Americano. Both can be paired with coffee to provide a new way to enjoy The Macallan.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Inspired

by Intense Arabica and The Macallan Harmony Collection Smooth Arabica are RRP $349.99 and available in limited quantities.

Hancocks

New Divergence 3-pack CHRISTCHURCH CRAFT distillery The Spirits Workshop has released three of its Divergence whiskies in a 200ml three-pack. The new pack contains a 200ml bottle of Divergence Virgin French Oak, Divergence Port Wood, and the newly released Divergence FIVE, which is the first five-year-old release from the brand.

Divergence 3-pack is RRP $130.

Beverage Brothers

SHOWCASE

The story of Hogs 3 Bourbon BOURBON HAS come a long way in the last 20 years in the New Zealand liquor retail market; from a few mainstream brands to a plethora of single barrel, small independent distillery offerings, and the rise of age statements in a similar fashion to single malt whisky. Unfortunately, the price of quality bourbon has also risen accordingly over this time.

Bourbon was once seen as the ‘poor cousin’ to single malt whisky, a moniker that is being quickly eroded by the quality of new releases from the ‘good ole boys’ in Kentucky.

Hogs 3 Bourbon is a classic example of this: a straight up, no nonsense, sipping bourbon. From the very first sip, Hogs 3 Bourbon exudes a sense of place and time – the low setting Kentucky summer sun, a rocking chair on the farm veranda, corn fields waving in the wind…

Which is actually not far from the truth,

92 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

with the name ‘Hogs 3’ deriving from wild hogs that used to feed on the corn grown on the family farm. Any corn left was sent to the local distillery to produce an authentic straight bourbon, affectionately known as “Hogs”.

Hogs 3 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey takes its classic texture and

sweet taste from the freshwater springs of the limestone shelf that runs through the southern states of America.

Aged for over three years in charred barrels, Hogs 3 has a rich red colour, smooth crisp taste, and a long warm finish.

Best drunk straight up with a block of ice, or add a quality mixer. Enjoy!

Hogs 3 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey takes its classic texture and sweet taste from the freshwater springs of the limestone shelf that runs through the southern states of America.

Hogs 3 Bourbon

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $ 69.99

Aroma Honey with hints of liquorice and clove.

Taste Orange and corn intertwined with vanilla and dried fruit notes.

Finish Warm and pleasing with lingering sweetness.

Hogs 3 Bourbon is available through Brandhouse To order contact orders@brandhouse.co.nz

COFFEE LIQUEUR

WHEN WE START BREAKING THE STATUS QUO, WE BECOME UNLIKE EVERYONE ELSE. IT’S OUR CHANCE TO CHANGE HOW THINGS ARE DONE. IT’S THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA.

Meticulously crafted with cold brew coffee, Australian wheat Vodka and Australian sugar.

Our ground-breaking cold brew process unveils an extraordinary richness and intricacy to confidently elevate the spirit.

Frequently savoured solo on rocks or as the desired foundation to an exemplary Espresso Martini.

Distributed in New Zealand by Tickety-Boo Liquor Ltd. Phone 09 377 7597 or email sales@tickety-boo.co.nz for further information. www.tickety-boo.co.nz

SPIRITS NEWS

Broken Bean Coffee Liqueur arrives PREMIUM COFFEE liqueur Broken Bean is now available in New Zealand through distributor Tickety-Boo. Broken Bean is a family business from the Central Coast of New South Wales that launched in Australia in May 2022 and is now in more than 150 venues across that country.

Broken Bean describe themselves as “coffee brewers and distillers” and make Broken Bean Coffee Liqueur using cold brew coffee, Australian wheat vodka and Australian sugar. They use a ground-breaking cold brew process that creates richness and complex coffee flavours.

“The coffee culture in New Zealand is incredibly strong, and we are excited to bring our unique coffee liqueur to the market with the help of Tickety Boo Liquor,” says Matt Faulkner of Broken Bean. “We believe that our coffee liqueur will

be a hit with Kiwis who appreciate quality and innovation.”

Tickety-Boo’s Kevin Rowe says they’re excited to work with Broken Bean. “We have been wanting to include a quality coffee liqueur brand in the Tickety-Boo Liquor portfolio for some time now and with Broken Bean we have a product designed and crafted by exceptional and experienced coffee brewers. We’re excited to be part of the continuing popularity of coffee cocktails in the market and with Broken Bean we have a product that will elevate the quality of any coffee-based cocktail and will be available at a competitive price point.”

Broken Bean Coffee Liqueur is available in 700ml bottle format and 2L – 20L bulk for on-premise and wholesale requirements.

Broken Bean Coffee Liqueur 700ml is RRP $54.99 Tickety-Boo

SHOWCASE

New NZ-made recycled glass bottles for Dancing Sands DANCING SANDS Distillery is proud to release their gins in a new recycled glass bottle made right here in Aotearoa.

Dancing Sands will become the first distillery to move their bottle production to New Zealand on a commercial scale.

Moving their bottle production from Europe back home to New Zealand will remove 15,000kg of carbon emissions from their production cycle every year.

Dancing Sands Distillery founders Sarah and Ben Bonoma were motivated to reduce their carbon emissions when Dancing Sands started exporting to the UK. The fact that they were importing bottles from Europe, filling them in Golden Bay and then sending them right back to where they came from did not sit well with them and led to Sarah contacting New Zealand’s only glass bottle manufacturer.

This began an 18-month process to design and produce a custom glass bottle. It hasn’t always been an easy path to take. “We knew that moving bottle production to New Zealand, and using recycled glass was the right thing to do,

94 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

but it has been a long road to bring our goal to fruition with many hurdles along the way,” says Sarah Bonoma, Dancing Sands Co-Founder/Managing Director.

“To be honest, it would have been easier to go offshore for bottle production, but we knew that we had to stay the course and make it happen.”

Each of the custom-designed bottles will have ‘Golden Bay, New Zealand’ proudly

debossed into the top of each, paying homage to what the Bonomas consider to be the best corner of the world. In the spirit of keeping it local, they brought on Nelson-based designer Ben Alden, whose hand-drawn illustrations now adorn each of their new bottles.

Dancing Sands is distributed by Federal Merchants

SPIRITS NEWS

Bayside Rum launches PledgeMe campaign AUCKLAND-BASED BAYSIDE Rum Co. has launched a campaign on crowdfunding platform PledgeMe to help the rum start-up branch into new rum line categories and build resilience into its supply chain.

Bayside Rum Co. launched its kūmarabased ‘Three Moons’ Rum last year, which won Silver at the 2022 NZ Spirits Awards and has stockists and on-premise presence around New Zealand, but founder and managing director Egor Petrov says that despite the initial success the business faced some pandemic-related supply-chain problems.

“Looking towards 2023, our goal is to expand the product range and develop supply chain resiliency to ensure that products can be replaced as quickly as they leave the shelves,” says Petrov.

The PledgeMe campaign includes a single barrel partner programme and a limited edition ‘Sugar and Spice’ bottled rum preorder campaign.

Anna Saveleva and Egor Petrov of Bayside Rum Co.

The Single Barrel Partner Programme looks to work with up to ten rum enthusiasts and connoisseurs each year to co-develop products that represent the different regions of New Zealand, while the pre-order is for a new line of limited release products called Sugar & Spice using sweet orange peel, chai, vanilla, cocoa and horopito.

“This PledgeMe campaign will not only help us establish a more robust supply chain, but will also give Kiwis a chance to play an active role in writing the next chapter in the history of New Zealand spirits,” says Petrov.

Bayside Rum Co.’s PledgeMe campaign runs until the end of April. pledgeme.co.nz

SHOWCASE

The Dalmore 2022 Edition – 18 Year Old RENOWNED HIGHLAND distillery, The Dalmore, has released its new 2022 edition: The Dalmore 18 Year Old. The 2022 edition is the first of a new venture for The Dalmore with its higher age statement whisky. The Dalmore 18 Year Old is available in New Zealand through Hancocks.

The Dalmore describes the 18YO expression as: “a new liquid that is rarer and better than before, with a completely new packaging build and design to support the specialness of this annual release.”

The 18 Year Old story

The new release has been meticulously hand crafted by The Dalmore’s Master Distiller and his team of artisans, in line with the distillery’s age-old whisky making philosophy.

The annual limited edition begins its maturation journey in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, giving a base of soft vanilla and honey. Further enhancement follows, with a longer finishing in 30- year-old hand-selected Matusalem Oloroso sherry casks, exclusive to The Dalmore, from the González Byass bodega in Spain.

The placing of these casks close to the cold, damp floor and walls of the dunnage warehouses at The Dalmore Distillery, allows this whisky to reach its full potential: an exceptionally unique single malt with a rich, deep chocolate character “The epitome of our house style, this exceptional 18 year old expression harnesses bolder notes. A robust and unique whisky,” says Gregg Glass Master Whisky Maker and Blender at The Dalmore.

Tasting notes:

Aroma: Vanilla, dark chocolate, English marmalade, and sweet liquorice Palate: Chocolate raisins, citrus fruits, rich coffee, nutmeg, and spice Finish: Stewed fruits and toffee.

Available to order now through Hancocks.

“The epitome of our house style, this exceptional 18 year old expression harnesses bolder notes. A robust and unique whisky.” – Gregg Glass Master Whisky Maker and Blender, The Dalmore

DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023 95

DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY

Distributors 1919 Distilling

Dhall & Nash

021 024 22067 1919distilling.com

0800 369 463 dnfinewine.com

Abel Wine

Emerson’s

022 381 8466 abelwine.com

03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

AlBar

Emporium Brewing

03 479 2468 saltedcaramelwhisky.co.nz

03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz

Archie Rose

Epic Beer

nick@archierose.com.au archierose.com.au/nz

0800 212 337 epicbeer.com

Astrolabe Wines

EuroVintage

03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz

0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

Asahi Beverages NZ

Federal Merchants

09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz

Auld Distillery

Felton Road

aulddistillery.co.nz

03 445 0885 feltonroad.com

Bach Brewing 09 390 0149 bachbrewing.co.nz

Batch10 021 530 550 batch10.com

Badass Beverages hello@badassbeverages.co.nz badassbeverages.co.nz

Beam Suntory 0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

Beverage Brothers 03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz

Black Market

Garage Project 04 801 8076 (ext 3) garageproject.co.nz

Giesen Group 03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz

Glengarry 0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz

Grey Beard Trading 021 712 784 greybeardtrading@gmail.com

Hancocks 0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

blackmarket.co.nz

Hutchinsons

Brandhouse

0800 555 258 hutchinsons.co.nz

0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz

Cardrona Distillery

Invivo Wines 0800 468 486 invivowines.com

03 443 1393 cardronadistillery.com

Kiwi Spirit Distillery

Chard Farm

03 525 8575 kiwispiritdistillery.co.nz

03 441 8452 chardfarm.co.nz

Clearview Estate 06 875 0150 clearviewestate.co.nz

DB Breweries 0800 746 432 db.co.nz

Kono 04 546 8648 kono.co.nz

Lion 0800 107 272 lionco.com

DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY

Longbreeze Distributors

Pacific Coast Beverages

Sawmill Brewery

Tony Bish Wines

027 205 2795 longbreezedistributors.co.nz

021 0393 155 pacificcoastbeverages.co.nz

09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz

06 650 3353 tonybishwines.co.nz

Marisco

Pernod Ricard

Sideways Wine

Villa Maria

09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com

sideways-wine.com

0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz

McLeod’s Brewery

Pōkeno Whisky Co.

021 382 342 mcleodsbrewery.co.nz

contact@pokenowhisky.co.nz pokenowhisky.com

03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz

Mineral

The Premium Liquor Co.

orders@mineralwine.co.nz mineral.co.nz

09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz

Mission Estate

Procure

06 845 9350 missionestate.co.nz

procurewine.co.nz

info@thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz

Proof & Company

Tickety-Boo Liquor

ordersnz@proofandcompany.com proofandcompany.com

09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz

Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

Oak Estate 06 879 7019 oakestatewines.co.nz

Sprig + Fern

Te Kano Estate 03 928 6951 tekanoestate.com

Thirsty Camel

Q Liquid

Thomson

09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

027 828 7271 thomsonwhisky.com

Vintners NZ 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

Waiheke Whisky info@waihekewhisky.com waihekewhisky.com

Whisky Galore 03 377 6824 whiskytrade.co.nz

Whisky & More 029 773 0394 whiskyandmore.co.nz

Wine by Jenny Dobson 06 839 5780 Winebyjennydobson.co.nz

SHERRY CASK CONNOISSEURS SINCE 1826

© 2018 The Glendronach Scotch Whisky, 43-48% Alc. By Vol.

SAVOUR WITH TIME, DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

CYCLONE RECOVERY SUPPORT

How to help the cyclone recovery Cyclone Gabrielle left a steep road to recovery for many wineries, distilleries and breweries in the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne regions. If you can’t join the clean-up crews on the ground, then we’ve found some other ways to help get them back on their feet even faster.

Buy the products Talk to your reps to find out whether any of the wineries, distilleries or breweries in their portfolios were affected by Cyclone Gabrielle. Their production facilities, cellar doors or tasting room spaces might be out of action for a while, but they may well have stock on-hand and ready to sell.

planned at wineries around the region.

These include food and wine matching, a Chardonnay Masterclass with Sophie Parker Thomson MW, and the very special Chardonnay Express – a trip aboard an historic steam train alongside Gisborne winemakers.

Find out more at thechardonnayaffair.co.nz

Gabrielle. A GiveALittle page has been set up to help get the family and their business back up and running. givealittle.co.nz/cause/ zeelandt-brewery-cyclone-recovery Follow their journeys at: zeelandt_brewery coneandflower

Other useful websites if planning a visit: tairawhitigisborne.co.nz gisbornewine.co.nz hawkesbaynz.com hawkesbaywine.co.nz

Donate directly Hawke’s Bay Winegrowers Charitable Trust has set up a Cyclone Gabrielle Relief Fund to help those in the region’s wine industry affected by the massive weather event.

By the end of March, it had raised more than $160,000 with 100% of donations going to those most in need in the Hawke’s Bay wine community.

For New Zealand donations please use the bank account as follows: Name: HBW Charitable Trust Number: 02-0700-0005785-025 Reference: Please use code HBWGRF and your name and cell phone number

Make like a tourist While some roads in and around the regions remain closed and rebuilding is still underway in some areas, Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne are open for business and keen to welcome visitors at accommodation, cellar doors, tap rooms and winery restaurants. Much of the Hawke’s Bay Wine Trail network is still open too.

Find the updated trail status and map at hbtrails.nz/ride-our-trails/trail-map Gisborne is spotlighting its local Chardonnay during ‘A Chardonnay Affair’ from 26-28 May. It’s part of international Chardonnay Day celebrations with events 98 DRINKSBIZ APRIL / MAY 2023

If you require a donation receipt, email info@hawkesbaywine.co.nz For residents outside of New Zealand, please use name and reference as above but the following account number: BSB: 02-0700 Account number: 0005785-025 SWIFT code: BKNZNZ22 hawkesbaywine.co.nz/cyclone-relief/

Support Zeelandt Brewery Hawke’s Bay’s popular Zeelandt Brewery in Eskdale, owned by Chris and Luciana Barber, and the adjoining Cone & Flower Garden bar, were devastated by Cyclone

Buy the Hawke’s Bay Cyclone Recovery Gin The National Distillery Company has created a special fundraising Hawke’s Bay Cyclone Recovery Dry Gin, with 80% of the proceeds donated to the Cyclone Relief Fund managed by Hawke’s Bay Foundation. It’s part of a wider fundraiser with local design collective Thieving Acorn, who have produced a range of t-shirts and stickers too.

Priced at RRP $75, limited quantities of the Hawke’s Bay Cyclone Recovery Gin are available through the NDC website. “With the help of our amazing collaborators, we were able to create a classic Hawke’s Bay gin that we’re sure you’ll love,” say the team at NDC. “Local artists Stems & Paper designed a beautiful label, Strokers donated T-shirts, and Saverglass, Columbit, Font Design, Label and Litho, Wilsigns and Thieving Acorn helped with everything else we needed.”

Find the gin under ‘Collaborations’ online at nationaldistillery.nz