Drinksbiz Magazine - August September 2022

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 DRINKSBIZ.CO.NZ

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

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“ THE BEST THING IN COCKTAILS SINCE THE OLIVE.”

Graham’s given the cocktail cabinet another shakeup! His latest collab with Kiwi innovators Invivo & Co, Graham Norton’s Own Vodka joins his Irish, Pink and Marmalade Gins and is set to fly off the shelves everywhere.

Made in Graham’s hometown, Cork in Ireland

Distilled with one Irish potato in every bottle!

invivowines.com

FROM THE EDITOR

Victoria Wells

Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

Moving on up THINGS ARE looking up. Figures from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis show that the global beverage alcohol market is rebounding faster than expected and, interestingly, value growth outpaced volume growth in 2021.

You can read more about their findings in the feature on page 22, but in a nutshell, consumers are still seeing alcohol as an affordable luxury – particularly in the more premium space – despite the challenges we’re seeing globally from supply issues, the war in Ukraine, inflation and the ever-present COVID hangover.

IWSR noted total value growth of 15% for the spirits category in 2021, as consumers continued to treat themselves to higher-end products and it is tipping that trend to continue.

That’s encouraging news for our local craft distilling industry, which continues

to grow apace. Entries to this year’s New Zealand Spirits Awards were up nearly 30%, and in the hotly contested gin category, 185 of the 235 gin entries were locally produced. (You can find the Spirits Awards results on page 78.)

Consumers are still seeing alcohol as an affordable luxury – particularly in the more premium space.

more options this year than ever before when it comes to enjoyable non-alcoholic alternatives for those taking part. And these products, which span beer, wine, spirits and RTDs, are building followings that extend far beyond a four-week period.

In other good news, New Zealand’s borders have finally re-opened to the world, hopefully heralding an influx of potential workers and visitors keen to discover the world-class food, wine, craft beer and spirits that we have to offer.

Enjoy the issue, Victoria.

At the other end of the spectrum, IWSR is also forecasting continued growth for the no/low alcohol category, which is seeing a real surge in New Zealand at the moment too. As I write this, Dry July is drawing to a close, but there have been

Noteworthy: A hearty congratulations to Drinksbiz columnist Michael Donaldson on his success at the NZ Beer Awards 2022, where he won the Beer Media Award.

Cheers to that!

My picks 2019 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah Syrah from Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels is always on the money and this exceptional wine from Trinity Hill is just what cold winter evenings require. (Page 31) 8-Wired Double Scoop Baklava Forget heavy winter puddings. Pour a glass of this luscious baklava-inspired dessert beer from 8-Wired and let the notes of almond, hazelnut, orange, honey and spice wash over you. (Page 48) Dead Man's Fingers Hemp There’s just something wonderfully piratical (yes, it’s a word) about a rum called ‘Dead Man’s Fingers’ – and the fact it won the trophy for Best Overall Rum (Spiced/ Botanical) at the NZ Spirits Awards 2022 is even more reason to try it. (Page 59)

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 5

CONTENTS

AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

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

22

A DV E R T I S I N G

BEER & CIDER

REGULARS

Diary Dates

8

Cover story

10

Industry News

12

International News

21

Feature: Brighter times ahead 22 Non-Alcoholic News

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

26

WINE

drinksbiz.co.nz

44 Beer & Cider Report

44

Opinion: Michael Donaldson 50 Beer & Cider News

52

SPIRITS Associate Member (NZ)

28

Drinksbiz is published

Wine Report: Syrah/Shiraz, Merlot

28

Top Picks

36

Opinion: Joelle Thomson

38

Wine News

40

every second month by Trade Media Limited.

The contents of Drinksbiz

56 Spirits Report: Rum

are copyright and may

56

Opinion: Dominic Roskrow 74 Spirits News

75

not be reproduced in any form without the written permission of the publisher.

Please address all editorial, subscription and advertising enquiries to Trade Media

LAST ORDERS

6 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Limited, P O Box 37745,

Distributors

80

Last Orders: Duncan Shouler

82

Parnell, Auckland.

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WHAT’S ON

Diary Dates AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Monday 1 – Wednesday 31 August

Saturday 3 September

Sunday 23 October

Restaurant Month – Auckland

Gintastic – Blenheim

A line-up of special menus at selected eateries and one-off culinary events to be held at venues around Auckland’s CBD. heartofthecity.co.nz/restaurant-month

The Gintastic series boutique gin festivals comes to Marlborough, with a range of New Zealand craft distilleries showcasing their gins. gintasticnz.com

First Light Wine & Food Festival – Gisborne A celebration of Gisborne wine, alongside local food and live music across three vineyard venues. firstlightwineandfood.co.nz

Monday 1 – Wednesday 31 August

Visa Wellington on a Plate

Monday 19 – Sunday 25 September

Friday 28 - Saturday 29 October

More than 120 events and pop-ups form this year’s VWOAP in the capital, including Dine Wellington, Burger Wellington and Cocktail Wellington. wellingtononaplate.com

Wellington Cocktail Week

Winetopia – Auckland

A city-wide celebration of cocktails across the capital’s bars.

A consumer wine tasting event to be held at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf on the Auckland waterfront. winetopia.co.nz

Friday 19 – Saturday 20 August

Beervana – Wellington New Zealand’s biggest beer festival is back for 2022 at Sky Stadium.

Exhibitor info at beervana.co.nz Friday 19 to Sunday 21 August

The Food Show – Christchurch The country’s biggest consumer food and beverage show comes to Christchurch Arena.

Exhibitor info at hub.xpo.co.nz/events

Saturday 24-Sunday 25 September

Highball – Wellington An immersive two-day celebration showcasing some of the best purveyors of cocktails and spirits in New Zealand at the Dominion Building in Wellington. It will feature a range of local and international spirits brands, a speaker series and the finals of New Zealand’s Bartender of the Year. highball.co.nz

Friday 26 – Saturday 27 August

Winetopia – Christchurch A consumer wine tasting event to be held at Te Pae, Christchurch.

Exhibitor info at lemongrassproductions.co.nz winetopia.co.nz

Note: While event details were correct at time of print, we recommend checking individual event websites for the latest updates.

8 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

COVER STORY – CHEEKY HARD ICED TEA

Cheeky appeal New Zealand’s first hard iced tea is taking the local market by storm with a cheeky approach and new distribution…

IT’S BEEN a fast rise from its first blends on the kitchen table of a Dunedin flat to nationwide distribution with Hancocks Wines & Spirits, but Cheeky Hard Iced Tea is making big waves on the New Zealand RTD market.

The non-carbonated iced tea is blended with vodka and real fruit flavours.

At 6% ABV, the range is low-sugar and low-calorie and available in three variants: Peach, Passionfruit, and Lemon.

Inside knowledge

Founders Oli Despatis and Brendan Yielder met while studying marketing at the University of Otago and each had plans to start a business after finishing their degrees. However, they soon realised it

“By being in the target market, we understood what matters most to consumers, and felt that understanding outweighed our inexperience.”

Created by two university friends, New Zealand’s first hard iced tea launched officially in early 2021 and grew to be stocked in nearly 600 stores. The founders have now joined with distributor Hancocks to further bolster Cheeky’s growth and market presence across the country.

10 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

made more sense to launch something while they could take advantage of all the resources and tools available to them at university. “We thought we could get more done by taking our learning and applying it in real time to the challenges a new business would face,” says Despatis.

They also knew that the best brands succeeded by knowing their audience.

“We felt that as students we had a competitive edge,” explains Yielder. “By being in the target market, we understood what matters most to consumers, and felt that understanding outweighed our inexperience.”

Having seen the rise of seltzers and the shift in the RTD markets towards “better-for-you” products, the pair looked at market data and used one of their best market resources: their mates.

“One thing kept coming up: consumers wanted “better for you” options that were lower in sugar, calories, and unnecessary extra ingredients. Seltzers cover that just fine, but we think they fall short when it comes to flavour. We also felt that for a sessionable beverage, non-carbonated is easier on the stomach but a non-

COVER STORY – CHEEKY HARD ICED TEA

carbonated drink needs awesome flavour.

So, we landed on a ‘better for you’, noncarbonated, flavour-packed drink as our starting point for brand development.”

The iced tea difference

Coincidentally, the pair had both spent their teenage years in Canada, where iced tea was hugely popular. They felt it could be a flavour that would also appeal to Kiwi tastebuds. “We saw that popular non-alcoholic iced tea brands were steadily gaining market share in New Zealand, and tea-based drinks were the fastest growing beverage segment globally. We chatted with our mates who confirmed they were all ditching fizzy drinks for tea-based beverages like iced tea and kombucha,” says Despatis.

They started working on Cheeky during the March/April lockdown of 2020, finalising the branding a couple of months later and testing blends in their Dunedin flat.

Despatis and Yielder say they had decided on the brand name even before they’d created their first product. “In Aotearoa, you can describe just about anything as Cheeky. We loved the easygoing Kiwi lifestyle and wanted to reflect that in our brand.”

Working with food and beverage consultancy FoodSouth they created their first flavour, Lemon, in October

Cheeky co-founders Brendan Yielder and Oli Despatis

“We thought an old-school design from the past and simpler times could remind everyone of the good times ahead.” to go retro. The world was in a pandemic, everything was uncertain. We thought an old-school design from the past and simpler times could remind everyone of the good times ahead.”

and launched Cheeky at the Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival just two weeks later.

They followed the sold-out debut by launching a canned product into two Dunedin retailers just in time for Christmas, which promptly sold out as well, leading up to the official launch during O-week at Otago in 2021.

They chose matte-finish cans (“smooth and flat, like the drink inside”) and say the colour palette is designed to evoke a Kiwi summer. “Design wise, we wanted

Cheeky appeal

The brand saw strong sales over summer 2021/2022 and there are plans to expand the Cheeky range in time for summer 2023.

Despatis and Yielder say that the Cheeky journey so far has been amazing and they’re looking forward to what’s ahead.

“The response has been amazing. We didn’t expect to get this far so quickly and we're super-excited to have Hancocks support and know they're ready to take Cheeky to the next level.”

Cheeky Hard Iced Tea 6% ABV, 330ml 10-pack RRP $29.99

A refreshing blend of iced tea with vodka and real fruit flavour.

• Lemon • Passionfruit • Peach cheekyteaco cheekytea.co.nz Cheeky Hard Iced Tea is distributed by Hancocks Wines & Spirits.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 11

INDUSTRY NEWS

Hospitality NZ survey shows wages jump 9% HOSPITALITY NEW Zealand’s 2022 remuneration survey of businesses shows the average hourly rate has risen by 8.9% since last year, while the average salary has risen by 10.5%.

The industry organisation says that the increases reflect fierce competition for staff as operators offer more to attract talent and are almost double the average increase across the whole economy over the same period.

Its survey found that the average hourly wage in hospitality is up $2 to $24.43 – well above both the minimum wage and the Living Wage, including the new Living Wage rate of $23.65 that kicks in from September.

The average salary is up by $6,904 to $72,558.

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive Julie White says the increases reflect the resilience of the sector in light of the ongoing COVID lockdowns, immigration challenges and lower business confidence.

“These are huge changes, considering the economic conditions businesses have been battling, and prove once again the sector is doing more than its part to improve the lot of its workers.

“The ongoing skills shortage is undoubtedly playing a role in buoyant wages in hospitality – the prevailing narrative of ‘pay more’ has not been decisive in filling skills gaps – but should not overshadow the fact our businesses pay competitive wages, and that there are viable careers to be had in one of New Zealand’s biggest sectors.

“The problem of staff shortages will not be alleviated till the Government allows us to bring in the skills we need.”

Key takeaway figures from the remuneration survey are: Hourly rates

• The average hourly wage in hospitality is $24.43. The average hourly wage has

risen 8.9% from 2021 to 2022 ($22.43 to $24.43).

• Average wages within the industry are above the current Living Wage of $22.75, and the new rate from September of $23.65.

• Queenstown and Southern Lakes paid the most above the industry’s average hourly rate – an average of $26.55 or 8.7% above the national average.

• Highest paid roles in the industry included staff working for caterers or in nightclubs. Nightclubs paid an average of 43% above the average industry hourly wage ($30.35), while country hotels paid an average of 29% above the average industry hourly wage ($27.42).

Salaries

• The average salary in hospitality is $72,558. Overall, salaries increased by 10.5% from 2021 to 2022 ($65,654 to $72,558).

• Staff in taverns/pubs/gastro bars earned a wage 6.6% higher than the average industry salary ($77,329).

• Northland paid the highest salary of the regions, an average of $79,731 or 9.8% above the national salary average.

AF Drinks behind NZ’s first 0% bottle store NEW ZEALAND alcohol-free drinks brand AF Drinks opened the country’s first alcoholfree bottle store in central Auckland for a six-week stint over Dry July.

The Curious AF Bottle Shop launched in late June at Ponsonby Central on Ponsonby Road and offered the AF Drinks range as well as a range of alcohol-free pre-mixed drinks, spirits, wines, beers and ciders from around the world with different tastings each week.

Ahead of the opening, Kiwi entrepreneur and founder of Eat My Lunch and AF Drinks, Lisa King, said that while there are positive moves in New Zealand around exploring alcohol-free options, there is a lot of catching up to do. “Even though positive change is happening, with more Kiwis exploring the Sober Curious movement and moderating alcohol consumption levels, there’s a much deeper culture associated with drinking alcohol that isn’t going to shift overnight,” said King.

12 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

“By launching The Curious AF Bottle Shop, we want to continue to normalise the subject of not drinking, so it’s not a socially awkward conversation or situation. And we want to introduce Kiwis to the vast variety of alcohol-free drinks available – you don’t just have to drink water!”

As well as the AF Drinks range, the store also stocked bubbles from Italy and Australia, wines from Sweden and South Africa, and beers from Canada, the USA, the Netherlands, Germany and England.

Distributed by:

INDUSTRY NEWS

Sunset opens at Sudima A NEW rooftop bar, Sunset, has opened at the top of the Sudima Hotel in central Auckland with sweeping views across the central city, waterfront and beyond.

Award-winning CTRL Space designed the fit-out for the 132-seat space, which features unobstructed views to watch the setting sun from its various indoor and outdoor seating zones.

Sunset’s team is led by creative consultant Andrew Glenn, founder of The Oyster Inn on Waiheke, while the bar’s beverage offering has been designed by Dana Johnston, founder of 1885, Agents & Merchants, 46 & York and Pineapple On Parnell, and Mikey Ball, a consultant and former head bartender of London’s award-winning bars, Milk & Honey and Dandelyan. The drinks menu features a Simon Kelly-directed wine list and a locally focused beer selection. Sunset’s manager Pauline Leray was previously at cocktail bar XUXU while F&B manager Lisa Zhao was most recently restaurant manager at Hello Beasty.

Sunset is on the 10th floor of the Sudima Auckland City hotel, at 63-67 Nelson Street.

Double celebration for CCEP COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC Partners New Zealand (CCEP NZ) is celebrating a gold medal in the Employees category at the HRD Employer of Choice Awards and a major milestone on its sustainability journey.

The company has met its commitment to the RE100 – a global initiative

by The Climate Group that brings together businesses that are committed to 100% renewable electricity – by adopting Meridian Energy’s 100% Certified Renewable Energy product.

Since 1 April 2021, 100% of CCEP NZ’s electricity has been certified under the New Zealand Energy Certificate System (NZECS), which verifies that the electricity it consumes from the national grid is matched on an annual basis with electricity produced from Meridian’s certified hydro stations and wind farms. This enables CCEP NZ to report its market-based Scope Two electricity emissions – those emissions linked to electricity usage – as zero. CCEP NZ says that this takes it closer to its aim of net zero reported emissions by 2040.

The company is also toasting success after a gold medal at the HRD Employer of Choice Awards, which reveal New Zealand’s top-ranking employers in terms of overall experience for employees. It is the fourth consecutive year that CCEP NZ has been recognised for its results in key areas including work-life balance, health and wellbeing, career progression, recruitment, training and development, and access to technology and resources.

14 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

SHOWCASE

Flavours of Jamaica at Appleton Estate DEEP IN the middle of Jamaica’s lush and fertile Nassau Valley, Appleton Estate began perfecting complex rum-making more than 270 years ago. Records show that the first distillation was in 1749, and a legacy of passionate people nurturing the Estate and its rums has continued ever since.

Today, under the careful stewardship of the world’s first female Master Blender Joy Spence, Appleton Estate offers a range of premium authentic rums designed to capture its unique terroir and distinctive Jamaican flavours.

The unique terroir of Appleton Estate

The Estate is situated in a karst: rare landscapes made of cone-like limestone hill formations, caves and underground water sources. The limestone acts as a natural filter for rain, absorbing tropical showers and producing a stream of clear azure water that runs through the hills of the Estate and adds a signature sweetness to the rums.

The nutrient-rich, fertile soil and temperate climate of the Nassau Valley create unique growing conditions that make Appleton Estate one of the few rums in the world with a terroir. Using local varieties of sugarcane, non-GMO yeasts for fermentation and limestone-filtered spring water all add a distinctive quality to each bottle of Appleton Estate rum.

Master Blender Joy Spence

Master Blender Joy Spence

The world’s first female Master Blender, Joy Spence first joined Appleton Estate in 1981 as Chief Chemist, having graduated from the University of the West Indies with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and the University of Loughborough with a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry.

She was appointed Master Blender at Appleton Estate in 1997, making her the first woman to hold such a role.

Every barrel of rum used in Appleton Estate rums is picked personally by Joy Spence and her team. In her time at Appleton Estate, she has created many of

Local varieties of sugarcane, non-GMO yeasts for fermentation and limestone-filtered spring water all add a distinctive quality to each bottle of Appleton Estate rum. the blends that made the Estate famous, including the 8 Year Old Reserve and limited edition 50 Year Old, the world’s oldest barrel-aged rum that has been bottled and sold.

The flagship – Appleton 8YO Reserve

The flagship rum of Appleton Estate, this expression was crafted

by Master Blender Joy Spence to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the distillery. It is a blend of pot and column still rums, made with the limestone filtered water that runs through the Estate,

and aged a minimum of eight years in Jamaica’s tropical climate.

A brilliant, honeyed bronze colour, this rum is Appleton Estate’s most versatile expression. It has aromas of spicy fruit and oak, followed by hints of honey, vanilla, spice, and Appleton Estate’s signature orange peel note. The finish is exceptionally smooth, balanced with a hint of molasses and warm oak.

Appleton Estate rums are distributed in New Zealand

by Lion.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 15

INDUSTRY NEWS

Appellation Marlborough Wine welcomes more varietals

THE ORGANISATION founded to strengthen and protect the worldfamous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc has expanded its certification to all Marlborough-grown varietals.

Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) says it is extending and strengthening its guardianship of New Zealand’s largest wine growing region by updating its criteria for inclusion.

The internationally recognised and trademarked organisation says that in addition, every Sauvignon Blanc submitted is being blind tasted by an independent panel to authenticate the wine as a true representation of the region.

“Appellation Marlborough is a pioneering and evolving organisation,” says Ivan Sutherland, AMW chair and co-founder of Dog Point Vineyards.

“These recent refinements strengthen our quality standards and add further credibility to the original values of our appellation.”

Appellation Marlborough Wine was introduced in 2018 to protect ‘Brand Marlborough’ by establishing standards and criteria that provide reassurance to the consumer and enhance the credibility of members’ wines, which undergo a strict certification process.

AMW is trademarked in all key global wine markets.

To date, AMW has focused its attention on the region’s most iconic varietal, Sauvignon Blanc, seeing it as the most at risk. AMW’s 50-plus members voted that the organisation was now in a position to include all varietals under their accreditation umbrella. They also agreed that the tasting of all submitted Sauvignon Blancs was an important refinement of their certification process.

“Every wine comes through the tasting panel reinforced as a great example of Marlborough,” says AMW committee member and Lawson’s Dry Hills’ group marketing manager, Belinda Jackson.

Management moves at DB DB BREWERIES has announced several appointments to its management team. Lauren Mentjox has been hired as Corporate Affairs Director, Darron Curphey has been hired as Supply Chain Director, and Hajni Magdo has been promoted to the newly created role of Digital & Technology Director. All three roles sit on the DB management team and report to the Managing Director.

“I’m thrilled to have such amazing talent joining the ranks at DB,” says Matt Wilson, Managing Director of DB Breweries. “Darron and Lauren are proven experts in their respective fields and we also make the important strategic step to appoint our first Digital and Technology Director / CIO at senior exec level, as we accelerate our Digital transformation.”

16 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

“This additional process strengthens our proposition that AMW wines are authentically Marlborough.”

Jackson says that while there has always been a tasting component to the AMW certification process, determined by (source vineyard) yield, extending it to all Sauvignon Blancs will increase credibility of the brand.

AMW coordinator Amanda McRae says several members have already commenced the process of certifying their 2021 Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. “It has always been the plan to incorporate the broader Marlborough wine offering, but we wanted to start AMW with our region’s flagship varietal and get all the right protocols in place. Just a few years in and it’s clear that AMW provides value to our Sauvignon Blanc. Members were quick to agree that it was time to extend the certification programme to other varietals.” appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz

Lauren Mentjox, Darron Curphey and Hajni Magdo

Distributed by Federal Merchants & Co

INDUSTRY NEWS

Ben McNab wins 2021 Young Winemaker of the Year BEN MCNAB from Palliser Estate in Wairarapa was named the 2021 Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker after a National Final that had been delayed several times last year due to COVID. The event finally went ahead in June at Amisfield Winery in the Pisa Ranges near Cromwell in Central Otago.

McNab competed against fellow finalists Jordan Moores from Valli in Central Otago and Peter Russell from Matua in Marlborough.

The National Final challenged the finalists in a wide range of skills needed to be a top winemaker. This included laboratory skills, wine industry knowledge, CAPEX, wine judging and an interview.

They also had to prepare and deliver a presentation entitled “What can the wine industry do to reach carbon zero by 2050?”

Russell won the Fruitfed Supplies Speeches section of the competition and Moores won the Villa Maria-Indevin Wine Judging section.

The winners were announced at the celebration dinner at The Canyon at Tarras Vineyard. The evening also recognised Rudi Bauer from Quartz Reef as a New Zealand Winegrowers Fellow, so there

Ben McNab

was a great air of celebration throughout the evening.

As well as receiving the title of 2021 Tonnellerie de Mercurey NZ Young Winemaker of the Year, Ben McNab’s prize package also included a travel grant to visit the Tonnellerie de Mercurey (cooperage) in Burgundy, and he will be

an associate judge at the New World Wine Awards. He will also review several wines in the upcoming October-November issue of Drinksbiz.

The 2022 Young Winemaker competitions will run throughout September with the 2022 National Final set for November.

Build-up on to 2022 Young Vit National Final THE CORTEVA Young Vit regional competitions are now complete and the build-up to the National Final is underway.

The 2022 National Finalists are: • Tai Nelson, Soljans, Auckland • Laura Marston, Craggy Range, Hawke’s Bay • Katie Cameron, Escarpment, Wairarapa • Tahryn Mason, Villa Maria, Marlborough

• Nina Downer, Felton Road, Central Otago The National Final will take place at Indevin’s Bankhouse Estate in Marlborough at the end of August. A viti field day and conference, ‘Toit & Technology’ will also run alongside this year’s Final, highlighting exciting New Zealand innovations that are keeping the New Zealand wine industry ahead of the game.

Good luck to all contestants in this year’s competitions.

18 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Tai Nelson, Laura Marston, Katie Cameron, Tahryn Mason, Nina Downer

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SHOWCASE

New Prestige Mecanique from SAVERGLASS NEW FROM French specialist glass company SAVERGLASS is the PRESTIGE MECANIQUE – a range uniquely suited to the preparation of young and fruity wines, sparkling wines, or beers that seek up-market packaging positioning.

With its glass weight optimised at 780g, this bottle, characterised by an elegant silhouette with perfect proportions, will show off your wines and beers in a refined and sophisticated manner.

Move to reusable

Never before have the planet and its protection featured so prominently in consumer concerns. It is clear that environmental issues are at the heart of the debate. Today’s consumers want to consume less, but better. In fact, the “less is more” movement is now reflected by the ‘RRR’ trend: reduce, reuse, recycle. Many brands are starting to think about how they can be more responsible, too, and this move to reusable bottles is an answer to that need. The mechanical stopper options in the market include reusable and sustainable stoppers to ensure hermetic preservation of drinks. A winner all round.

Available in both Antique Green and Flint, PRESTIGE MECANIQUE bottles will take your packaging to new heights.

Find out more about this SAVERGLASS range 09 522 2990 saverglass.com

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PRESTIGE BEER COLLECTION “UNDER PRESSURE”

The PRESTIGE Swing Top design is aimed at beers that seek an up-market packaging positioning. The design is characterized by its elegant silhouette. With perfect proportions, it will show off your beer in a refined way. Another advantage of the design is the adaptation to a swing top closure: easily reusable, sustainable and ensures hermetic preservation.

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

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NEW RESEARCH has revealed how climate change is likely to increase the potential for wine production in the UK – with conditions projected to resemble those in famous growing regions of France and Germany.

A team of researchers from the University of East Anglia (UEA), the London School of Economics, Vinescapes Ltd and Weatherquest Ltd have charted the potential for the sector over the next 20 years by drawing on the latest detailed climate projections.

Their findings, published in July in the journal OENO One1, show how the climate of a larger area of England and Wales is projected to become suitable for reliably growing sparkling wine grape varieties, and how the potential for high quality still wine production is rapidly emerging.

Lead UEA researcher Prof Steve Dorling, of the School of Environmental Sciences and forecasting company Weatherquest Ltd, said: “We’ve seen viticulture in the UK expand nearly 400% from 761 to 3,800 hectares between 2004 and 2021. Over that period the warming climate has supported much more reliable yield and quality of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties – these varieties are blended in the production of champagne-style sparkling wine.”

The researchers considered how often growing conditions in the UK are projected to climatically resemble those seen most recently in famous sparkling and still wine producing regions in Champagne and Burgundy regions of France, and in Baden in Germany.

However, they warn that significant challenges remain, arguing that the rapidly changing UK climate requires the industry to remain agile and not ‘lock-in’ to production that cannot adapt to the changing growing conditions.

Climate change projections for UK viticulture to 2040: a focus on improving suitability for Pinot Noir, Alistair Nesbitt et al, was published in OENO One on July 8. It is available online at: https://oeno-one.eu/article/view/5398 1

PHOTO BY CLAES BECH-POULSEN

Climate change tipped to boost UK wine production

Geranium Head Chef and co-owner Rasmus Kofoed

World’s 50 Best restaurants revealed THE WORLD’S 50 Best Restaurants were announced in July, honouring gastronomic excellence from 24 territories across five continents. Copenhagen’s Geranium was named the World’s Best Restaurant 2022 and The Best Restaurant in Europe 2022, taking over the No.1 position from Noma, which has been elevated to the Best of the Best hall of fame. Geranium is led by chef/owner Rasmus Kofoed, whose meticulous cooking and vision, including his recent decision to go meatless, have won accolades and fans worldwide.

Top 10 – World’s 50 Best Restaurants

1. Geranium – Copenhagen, Denmark 2. Central – Lima, Peru 3. Disfrutar – Barcelona, Spain 4. Diverxo – Madrid, Spain 5. Pujol – Mexico City, Mexico 6. Asador Etxebarri – Atxondo, Spain 7. A Casa do Porco – São Paulo, Brazil 8. Lido 84 – Gardone Riviera, Italy 9. Quintonil – Mexico City, Mexico 10. Le Calandre – Rubano, Italy Find full results at worlds50best.com

Major sustainability win for Martini MARTINI HAS announced it has reached a sustainability milestone, with 100% of the wineries for the entire Martini portfolio now certified sustainable, according to the standard set by Equalitas, the most comprehensive sustainability standard in Italian wine making.

Martini’s parent company, family-owned Bacardi, says that with the sugarcane for Bacardi rum and the 10 botanicals for Bombay Sapphire gin already 100% sustainably sourced, this news is another major step towards Bacardi achieving its 2025 goal of sourcing 100% of its key ingredients from sustainably certified suppliers.

Stefano Stefanucci, Director of Equalitas, said: “The scale of what Martini has achieved is a first in the Italian wine industry. Equalitas certification is a rigorous process that doesn’t happen overnight so for Martini to achieve it across 100% of its wineries is extraordinary.”

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 21

FEATURE – GLOBAL ALCOHOL REBOUND

Brighter times ahead With the global beverage alcohol market rebounding in 2021 and showing value growth outpacing volume, there’s a forecast for brighter times across many drinks categories…

GLOBAL BEVERAGE alcohol value grew by +12% in 2021 to reach US$1.17 trillion, making up for COVID-driven value losses of -4% in 2020, according to extensive new data from London-based IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, the leading authority of data and analysis on the global beverage alcohol market.

IWSR also reported that total alcohol volume grew by +3% in 2021, after losses of -6% the year prior.

Examining the industry from across 160 countries throughout the world, IWSR forecasts compound annual volume growth of just above +1% for total beverage alcohol over the next five years, as COVID restrictions continue to ease.

“Our latest data shows encouraging signs for the continued recovery of beverage alcohol,” says Mark Meek, CEO at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. “The market rebounded far more quickly than expected and, in value terms, 2021 is now above 2019. Premiumisation continues unabated; beverage alcohol ecommerce 22 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

also continues to grow, although at a more moderate rate; and the trend towards moderation continues, with no/ low-alcohol products seeing ongoing growth from a relatively low base.

“Despite the industry’s current and future challenges – ongoing supply-chain disruptions, inflation, war in Ukraine, travel retail’s slow return to pre-2019 levels, and China’s zero-COVID policy – beverage alcohol is in a strong position.”

IWSR says that the global beverage alcohol market is expected to surpass 2019 volumes within the next two years.

While beer, cider and international spirits

IWSR says that the global beverage alcohol market is expected to surpass 2019 volumes within the next two years.

have not yet reached 2019 volumes, they have all met or surpassed 2019 levels in value terms. Wine has also surpassed 2019 value levels, though overall global category volumes are expected to continue on a downward trajectory.

Key findings from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis: Asia-Pacific strong for beer growth

Beer rebounded strongly in several major markets once COVID restrictions ended, and is forecast to add significant value to total beverage alcohol over the next five years, especially in Asia-Pacific and Africa, which combined will add close to US$20 billion to the beer category by 2026. Ongoing volume growth will be seen in Brazil; the strong rebound in Mexico and Colombia that began last year

FEATURE – GLOBAL ALCOHOL REBOUND

will continue; and there will be some recovery in China.

Keeping spirits up

Total spirits volume grew +3% in 2021, and value increased by +15%.

This growth was driven primarily by consumers continuing to treat themselves to higher-end products, while also becoming more comfortable with making cocktails at home during pandemic lockdowns – a learned behaviour that consumers can quickly pivot to when inflation hits. IWSR forecasts that spirits volume will grow by +5% and value by +15% (2021–26).

Total whisky, which commands about a quarter of all global spirits volume (excluding national spirits such as baijiu, soju, and shochu), is expected to post volume growth of +23% and value growth of +29% over the next five years.

Growth will continue in whisky’s largest global markets – India and the US. IWSR says that in the US, by the end of this year, whisky will be bigger than vodka by volume – for the first time in almost two decades.

Global volume growth will also continue in almost all other spirits sub-categories over the next five years, including gin (+24%), Cognac (+23%) and rum (+13).

Global still wine volumes were down -2% last year, but value was up by +5%, as the ‘less but better’ trend continues to underlie the trajectory of the category.

Agave-based spirits one to watch

Last year saw higher than expected growth in agave-based spirits, which is forecast to deliver significant global value increases 2021–26, at +67%. In the US – the world’s most valuable market for agave-based spirits – the category will

become larger by dollar value than US whiskey by the end of this year. In the UK, the category’s most valuable market in Europe, agave-based spirits are forecast to grow by more than +88% in value 2021– 26, albeit from a relatively low base.

Value grows in the wine category

Global still wine volumes were down -2% last year, but value was up by +5%, as the ‘less but better’ trend continues to underlie the trajectory of the still wine category. Noteworthy gains in wine were seen in the sparkling category as consumers returned to celebratory occasions in full force with the lifting of COVID restrictions. Champagne posted volume growth of +24% last year, and other sparkling wines were up +7.5%.

Over the next five years, the global wine category is forecast to continue on its trajectory of long-term volume decline (-1%, 2021–26), but will see value gains of +5%.

Premiumisation set to continue

Premiumisation continues unabated for spirits and wines in the premiumand-above price tier. Premium-plus spirits (priced US$22.50+) are forecast to grow by more than +50% in value in the Americas 2021–26; over +40% in Africa and the Middle East; over +20% in Europe, and just under +20% in Asia-Pacific.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 23

FEATURE – GLOBAL ALCOHOL REBOUND

In fact, the single largest driver of beverage alcohol value over the next five years will be the growth of premiumand-above national spirits in Asia-Pacific.

Globally, wine in the premium-and-above price band (US$10+) grew by +12% in value last year, and is forecast to increase in value by +16% 2021–26.

The future of RTDs post-pandemic

RTDs have been a stand-out category during the pandemic, increasing in volume by +14% in 2021 – on top of +26% growth in 2020. By volume, the category is now about a third of the size of the global spirits category, as well as the global wine category. Globally, RTD products are expected to grow by +44% in volume and +51% in value over the next five years.

Category growth will continue in the world’s largest RTD markets: the US and Japan. In Japan, the RTD category is expected to expand in volume by more than +30% over the next five years,

driven particularly by flavoured alcoholic beverages (FABs). In the US, propelled by the popularity of hard seltzers, the RTD category saw continued volume growth at +15% last year; RTD value growth (+22% last year) will begin to outpace volume growth in the US, as the category matures and higher priced spirit-based RTDs gain traction in the market. At a lower growth rate than in previous years, hard seltzer volumes in the US are expected to overtake those of still wine within the next two years.

Growth in no/low-alcohol

The no/low-alcohol category grew by over +10% last year, and will continue to grow over the next five years, albeit from a relatively low base. Notable growth last year came from the no-alcohol spirits segment in the UK: volume increased by over +80% in 2021, after tripling in size in 2020. Looking forward, no-alcohol beer will add the most volume to the global no/ low segment over the next five years.

The no/low-alcohol category grew by over +10% last year and will continue to grow over the next five years.

The consumer trends driving future consumption

Millennials led the global consumption bounce-back last year, being the generation least affected by the pandemic’s restrictions; these consumers (now aged 25–40) are more adventurous than older generations, and with their significant spending power and focus on ‘less but better,’ they tend to purchase more premium products.

Millennials, and in some cases Gen Zs, are amongst the highest spenders on wine in markets such as Australia, Sweden, the US, and the UK. It remains to been seen if this trend continues, with governments withdrawing COVID support packages and a probable increase in unemployment rates in many markets.

The underlying consumer trends that continue to provide tailwinds for the global beverage alcohol market include: ‘better for me’ consumer drivers, such as moderation, ingredient quality and functional benefits; ‘better for the world’ values, including sustainability and social equality; and online interaction, both via ecommerce and social media, as well as new ways to engage through NFTs and the metaverse. Global alcohol ecommerce continued to grow last year (+16% in value 2020–2021), although this was at a slower rate than in 2020 (+45% in value 2019–2020).

“Challenges remain, including whether bars and restaurants will continue to attract consumers who have grown comfortable with ecommerce and at-home consumption; whether consumers will accept price increases on their preferred brands; and whether inflation and supply-chain issues will lead to consumers down-trading and gravitating towards local rather than imported products,” says Meek. “We’re living in an age of uncertainty, and these are uncharted waters for the industry. However, as we have seen in previous crises, this is a very resilient industry sector.”

ALEVISION.CO // UNSPLASH

Find out more at IWSR Drinks Market Analysis – the iwsr.com

24 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Note: All value growth figures in this article are given at variable currency rates. At constant currency, the value growth rates show that global beverage alcohol value grew by +9% last year to reach about US$1.17 trillion, making up for COVID- impacted value losses of -2% in 2020.

WINNER OF THE MOST AWARDED DISTILLERY OF THE YEAR

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Enjoy Starward Responsibly.

NON-ALCOHOLIC NEWS

New 0.0% option from Peroni AMID GROWING demand from Kiwi consumers for low or no alcohol products, Asahi Beverages NZ has launched new premium Italian Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% into the New Zealand market.

It says the launch is part of wider global activity and supports a regional goal for 30% of Asahi Beverages’ New Zealand and Australian beer portfolio to be low, no, or mid-alcohol by 2025.

The new beer replaces Peroni’s former no-alcohol offering, Peroni Libera 0.0%.

Asahi Beverages NZ CEO Andrew Campbell says the market and Peroni’s brewing capability has evolved substantially since its first no-alcohol beer, Peroni Libera, was launched in 2019.

“Peroni has new technology that allows its brewers to remove alcohol from the final product without impacting on the taste profile of this premium beer. Excitingly, they have created a beverage that is much closer to the master brand than ever before across all aspects of the taste and sensory profile which is much more in line also with current consumer preferences.”

Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% is available in 6- and 12-bottle packs.

Asahi Beverages NZ

Coca-Cola in NZ rolls out Health Star Ratings COCA-COLA IN New Zealand (CocaCola Oceania and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand) is continuing to roll out the voluntary front-of-pack Health Star Rating System and is transitioning from the energy icon to stars on its packaging.

The company says that it is taking action to reduce sugar in its recipes, offering more ‘no’ and ‘low’ sugar options and smaller pack sizes, making it even easier and quicker for consumers to compare products and make informed choices.

Julie O’Toole, Director and Country Lead, Coca-Cola Oceania says that the company’s goal is to reduce sugar by 20% across its portfolio of drinks by 2025, and it is on track to achieve that.

New 0% Glen Dochus A NEW alcohol-free whisky-style alternative is available from distributor Q-Liquid, which has added Glen Dochus West Coast Blend to its portfolio. Made in Scotland, the blend uses spring water and botanical extracts to echo the taste and mouthfeel of a single malt whisky.

It has aromas of light caramel and complex smoke, is rich and fullbodied on the palate with elegant smoke giving way to sweet biscuit, and has a long-lasting finish with pepper and apricot notes.

Glen Dochus West Coast Blend 0% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99.

Q-Liquid 26 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Sweet new flavour from Good Buzz BAY OF Plenty kombucha company Good Buzz has added a new flavour to its range that blends organic New Zealand boysenberries and apples with organic cane sugar, local artisan spring water and organic tea.

Boysenberry Apple kombucha balances sweet berries with apple tartness and is the first offering from former winemaker and new head brewer at Good Buzz, Luke Miller.

“Having grown up in The Mount, it’s wonderful to be part of a local business that champions New Zealand-grown produce and holds the values of making kombucha the traditional way, brewing it slowly and naturally over the duration of two weeks,” says Miller.

Good Buzz kombucha is BioGro certified.

Good Buzz Boysenberry Apple Kombucha is available in 328ml RRP $3.69 and 888ml RRP $7.99.

Good Buzz

Native Sparkling adds water NATIVE SPARKLING has introduced a triple charcoal-filtered sparkling water infused with real fruit to its range. The new Lemon & Yuzu Sparkling Water joins the Wellington-based brand’s line-up of hard sparkling offerings.

6-pack RRP $14 and 24-pack RRP $50.

Native Sparkling

WINE REPORT – SYRAH/SHIRAZ & MERLOT

Joelle Thomson has our annual guide to some of the latest big, bold reds starring Merlot and Syrah (Shiraz), with other powerful grapes in supporting roles…

28 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

WINE REPORT – SYRAH/SHIRAZ & MERLOT

RRP $20 - $29.99 2019 Knappstein Clare Valley Shiraz RRP $22.33 Dhall & Nash

Blueberries and dark chocolate epitomise the flavours found in great Shiraz and Syrahs from around the world. At this price, Knappstein’s Clare Valley Shiraz is nothing short of an incredible bargain.

Full-bodied, dry, savoury and full of dark, dried and baked fruit flavours in every sip.

Firm but smooth tannins add length and impressive structure. 17.5/20 2019 Peter Lehmann The Barossan Shiraz RRP $24.99 Giesen Group

This wine lives up to its South Australian name, with a big, full-bodied style, deep dark fruit opulence and notes of cedar and a hint of black peppery spice. The Barossa Valley is the world headquarters of Shiraz and its warm, dry climate encourages bold, dark-fleshed plum aromas and baked fruit notes in wines such as this. The powerful flavours here bring to mind a warm fire, an armchair and a sliver of dark chocolate to enjoy on a cool winter night.

18.5/20

2019 Esk Valley Artisanal Malbec Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon

2019 Redmetal Merlot Cabernet Franc

RRP $24.99 Villa Maria

RRP $25.99 Red + White Cellar

Esk Valley’s Artisanal wines over-deliver massively for their modest price. This blend is slightly unusual because Malbec makes up 43% of the wine and is fleshed out with 40% Merlot, while the blackberry intensity and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon fills the remaining 17%. Beautifully smooth, dark, spicy flavours lead into a velvety textured wine for drinking now and to age for years to come. 17.5/20

Here’s a wine with a long track record of delicious red plum notes with complexity from oak ageing and beautiful balance.

It’s dry with fruit-forward flavours and savoury complexity, firm but soft tannins and depth of flavour from the addition of powerful Cabernet Franc, which brings to mind ripe blackberries, and a long finish.

18.5/20

The Barossa Valley is the world headquarters of Shiraz and its warm, dry climate encourages bold, dark-fleshed plum aromas and baked fruit notes.

2018 Columbia Crest Grand Estates Syrah RRP $25.99 Dhall & Nash

This is North American Syrah, with dry, deep flavours of ripe blackcurrants and baked plums, intermingled with smoky aromas of charred cedar and earth. It is a complex wine at an affordable price and shows how versatile Syrah can be, finding great expression in a wide range of countries, climates and locations. 17.5/20 2019 Clearview Estate Kidnappers Syrah

2021 Bohemian The Author Merlot RRP $25 Dhall & Nash

Merlot is the big red of Hawke’s Bay, the region in which it rules the vineyard area’s red grapes, and this wine shows why. Smooth softness adds a plush mouthfeel to the aromas of red plums, dark chocolate flavour notes and savoury earthy, dark coffee taste. 17.5/20

RRP $26.99 Clearview Estate

Flavours of baked plums, ripe blueberries and liquorice add complexity to this spicy, full-bodied, dry Syrah made from grapes grown at Te Awanga, south of Napier.

This impressive Syrah is velvety, smooth and silky. 17.5/20

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WINE REPORT – SYRAH/SHIRAZ & MERLOT

2018 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône RRP $28.99 Negociants

Is this the most famous Côtes du Rhône in the world? It is undoubtedly a strong contender and also one of the best value red wines in the world. It has all the softness of Merlot, yet there is not a drop in this blend, which is made up of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. Aged for 18 months in large oak foudres in the northern Rhône at Ampuis, long skin maceration provides depth in this dry, full-bodied, soft red. This new vintage is another great wine. Simply outstanding value. 18.5/20 2020 Domaine de la Janasse Côtes du Rhône RRP $28.99 Caro’s

A complex, smooth and delicious red blend of 50% Grenache and 20% Syrah with the balance being Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. This wine is a reminder to all Merlot and Syrah fans that their favourite red grapes can also find their pinnacle in red blends such as this, which is made by the Sabon family, who are well known for their excellent Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds – but they are another story. 17.5/20

30 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

RRP $30 – RRP $39.99 2020 Charbonniere Côtes du Rhône RRP $30.99 Maison Vauron

A full-bodied French red with smooth, spicy flavours from the Syrah and red fruit approachability from the Grenache, which plays a supporting role in this decadent red wine from the southern Rhône Valley.

Domaine de la Charbonniere is owned by Eugene Maret, who also owns 19 hectares in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation and is a highly respected producer of bold, balanced, full-bodied wines such as this one. 18.5/20 2019 Craggy Range Syrah RRP $32.99 Vintners

Craggy Range chief winemaker Julian Grounds uses a heritage clone of Syrah to make this full-bodied, deeply coloured red with its spicy flavours and fresh fruit-forward style. Syrah is the second most-planted red grape in Hawke’s Bay after Merlot and a modest portion of whole bunches was added to the ferment to add balanced structure to the wine’s plummy, peppery flavour notes. Further complexity and smoothness come from ageing in French oak, 25% new, for 14 months. 17.5/20

Hawke’s Bay winemaker Rod McDonald is a fan of Syrah and it shows in the 2018 Te Awanga Estate One Off Dark Night Organic Syrah.

2018 Te Awanga Estate One Off Dark Night Organic Syrah RRP $33.99 Red+White Cellar

Hawke’s Bay winemaker Rod McDonald is a fan of Syrah and it shows in this smooth, velvety, organically certified wine.

Lifted floral aromas and a lovely punchy mouthful of fruit are followed by complex earthy notes and a silky finish. Fantastic value for money for such complexity and delicious ‘drink-me-now’ style. 18.5/20 2018 Elephant Hill Syrah RRP $33.99 Procure

An impressive wine with its fleshy flavours of red and black plums, derived from a lively balance of fruit from two vineyards: grapes grown at the winery’s home vineyard block at Te Awanga and also from the hotter inland Gimblett Gravels.

A smidgeon of 1% Viognier was added in a nod to classic French tradition, providing pronounced fruity aromas and silky texture. 17.5/20

WINE REPORT – SYRAH/SHIRAZ & MERLOT

2018 Pegasus Bay Merlot Cabernet RRP $34.99 EuroVintage

This superb full-bodied blend hails from the Waipara Valley in the heart of North Canterbury, a region considered a Pinot Noir stronghold, so a blend of later-ripening grapes may seem counterintuitive. However, thanks to long, dry, warm autumns, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and even Cabernet Sauvignon do ripen and produce beautiful juicy reds with complexity and savoury earthy notes.

Dark blackberry fruit flavours marry nicely with the smooth soft appeal of Merlot.

17.5/20 2016 Peter Lehmann Futures Shiraz RRP $34.99 Giesen Group

Futures Shiraz began life as a wine for friends and family to pay for now and receive later, but these days it is available to all. Made from a blend of grapes grown on different vineyards in Barossa Valley, it has flavours of spiced plum and mocha that add depth to the full-bodied style.

It offers stunning value for money and can age up to 10 years. 18.5/20

2020 Trinity Hill The Gimblett RRP $34.99 Lion

A superbly complex red from the excellent 2020 vintage, which delivers black olive and dried herb notes to support the appealing purple fruit aromas in this full-bodied, beautifully powerful wine.

It’s a blend of grapes that pays homage to right bank blends of Bordeaux, where Cabernet Franc often plays the leading role. This wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Franc with 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and these structured reds are supported by the ample flesh of 17% Merlot. 19/20 2019 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah RRP $35.99 Lion

Gorgeous Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels, inspired by the great French reds of the Northern Rhône Valley. Dark, earthy flavours intermingle with ripe black plum aromas and spice. An excellent wine with brilliant ageing potential and also a gorgeous drink right now. 18.5/20

2019 Te Awanga Estate Quarter Acre Syrah RRP $39.99 Red+White Cellar

A big Syrah with elegance and complex spice, black pepper and wild berry aromas all intermingled in a full-bodied wine with a history of great ageing, despite its relatively affordable price. Impressively, this wine is made entirely from handpicked grapes grown on hillside vineyards planted in a mix of different Syrah clones, which accentuates its complexity and elegance. 18.5/20 2019 Giesen Organic Syrah RRP $39.99 Giesen Group

The dark fruit flavours in this wine come from elevated hillside vineyards in Marlborough’s Southern Valleys, where great sun exposure accentuates the depth of ripe, bold Syrah. Red and black plums with dried cranberry notes and black pepper all play a tasty role in this lively wine. 17.5/20

2019 Smith & Sheth Cru Syrah RRP $37.99 Aotearoa Fine Wine Estates

One of the best Syrahs from Hawke’s Bay, full of ripe berry fruit flavours, red liquorice, floral notes and complexity, with earthy aromas and peppery spice coming through on the finish. Beautiful now and a keeper. 18.5/20

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 31

WINE REPORT – SYRAH/SHIRAZ & MERLOT

RRP $40 – $59.95

2020 Easthope Family Winegrowers Home Block Syrah

2019 De La Terre Syrah

RRP$45 Dhall & Nash

RRP $42.99 Dhall & Nash

A superb spicy Syrah from one of Hawke’s Bay’s most experienced winemakers, Tony Prichard, who founded De la Terre Winery and makes an adventurous range of outstanding wines. This dark red is full of ripe red berry aromas, fleshy blueberry notes and a hint of peppery spice. French oak ageing adds complexity and the wine is long on the finish, drinking well now with further cellaring potential. 18.5/20 2019 Clearview Estate Old Olive Block Merlot Cabernet Reserve RRP $44.99 Clearview Estate

Old olive trees are rare in New Zealand and this wine is named after one that is possibly the oldest in the country. It was planted by early winemaker Joseph Soler on the Vidal number 2 vineyard, which is now Clearview Estate. Smooth, soft Merlot flavours support the dark notes of blackberries and black olives in this impressive full-bodied wine. A gorgeous winter red for drinking now and can age for up to a decade. 18.5/20

32 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

2019 Giesen Clayvin Syrah RRP $55.99 Giesen Group

Winemaker Rod Easthope made this powerful wine using 100% whole bunch fermentation in large oak puncheons, 20% new, which adds depth and subtle aromas of cedar that are in lovely, lively balance in this wine. Aromas of roasted fresh espresso combine with red fruit and spicy pepper notes on the finish. Great drinking now and can age. 18.5/20

It’s a keeper and a winner. This rare Marlborough Syrah is made with grapes from a great vintage, grown on a small organic hillside vineyard. This wine is all about complex layers of spice, red floral notes and beautiful ripe blackberry and black pepper aromas. It was the winner of the Champion Trophy for Organic Wine at the 2022 International Wine Challenge in London, announced in July. 18.5/20

2019 Squawking Magpie The Nest Merlot Cabernet

2018 Man O’ War Dreadnought Syrah

RRP $45.99 Squawking Magpie

RRP $55.99 Red+White Cellar

If you’re looking for a keeper, here it is.

A smooth, dark and complex blend of 58% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 17% Cabernet Franc, all hand-picked and given indigenous yeast fermentation to accentuate each grape’s personality.

The two Cabernets add deep blackcurrant and blackberry flavours, which are softened and mellowed by the Merlot.

The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, 30% new, and it begs for some time in a cool dark cellar – or a large wine glass, decanted at least a couple of hours prior to serving. 18.5/20

An impressive big red with a big following, thanks to its dense and dark ripe black plummy flavours intermingled with spice. This complex Syrah comes from Waiheke Island’s biggest wine producer and is a blend of grapes grown on six different vineyards on the island: Asylum, Big North, Garden Cove, Mad Mans, Niko Face and North 3. Each of these small sites is planted on extremely steep hillsides, which maximise sunshine hours and sea breezes. Fermentation was in French oak, 32% new and 68% seasoned. The wine is named after the first in a line of early 20th century battleships called Dreadnought.

18.5/20

WINE REPORT – SYRAH/SHIRAZ & MERLOT

2019 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot is a rare treasure of a wine made entirely from Merlot grown in the Napa Valley, that heat pocket north of San Francisco.

2020 Domaine Jamet Côtes du Rhône

2019 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

RRP $59.99 Maison Vauron

RRP$83.93 Dhall & Nash

A rare and special Côtes du Rhône made entirely from Syrah, which delivers dark, meaty flavours and full-bodied dry notes in a complex red that has ageing potential for 10+ years. It drinks well now, especially with meaty dishes, but this wine will come into its own with more time in bottle. 19/20

A rare treasure of a wine made entirely from Merlot grown in the Napa Valley, that heat pocket north of San Francisco.

This smooth, full-bodied drop takes this popular red grape to new heights of greatness with its impressively complex flavours of raspberries and strawberries, which lead into a structured, smooth wine with beautiful drinkability now and great ageing potential. 19/20

RRP $60 and above

2019 Esk Valley Hillside Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc Syrah

2017 Elephant Hill Stone Syrah RRP $79.99 Procure

A great red from Elephant Hill Winery’s Gimblett Gravels grapes. Dry, full-bodied and full of dark fruit and loads of spicy flavours. This wine is called ‘Stone’ after the predominant soil types (stones) on the Gravels. It was made entirely from handpicked grapes and fermented with 10% whole bunches followed by 26 months in 30% new French oak. The result is an impressive red with at least a decade of ageing potential up its sleeve. And it’s gorgeous right now too. 18.5/20

RRP $89.99 Villa Maria

If you were choosing a wine to tick all the boxes for lovers of structured reds, this would have to be on the list. Spicy, dark-fruited Malbec adds weight to the softness of Merlot with dried blackberry notes from Cabernet Franc adding to the depth of Syrah’s ripe black plum aromas.

A beauty in the glass now and definitely a great wine to age. 18.5/20

2020 Millton Clos de Ste. Anne The Crucible Syrah RRP $89.99 Vintners

Small volumes of The Crucible Syrah are made from one of Gisborne’s few hillside vineyards. This vineyard site is called Clos de Ste. Anne and is planted in a diverse range of grapes, each with their own individual aspect towards the sun, providing interesting wines that express slightly varying climates. This Syrah is quite possibly the best of them all, with its silky elegance and subtle notes of spice, silky red fruit and a full body balanced by a smooth and elegant finish. 18.5/20 2020 Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah RRP $142.99 Vintners

This commanding Syrah from Craggy Range is the delicious product of impeccably balanced grapes from the outstanding warm, dry 2020 vintage.

Flavours of ripe Omega plums are supported by savoury complex notes of subtle cedar, fresh earth, black pepper and hints of sweet spice. Impressive structure comes from 56% whole bunch fermentation, possible in warm years, followed by 17 months ageing in French oak, 38% new. Decant now or cellar for a decade or longer to see its full potential.

18.5/20

For distributor details see the Distributors Index on page 80.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 33

SHOWCASE

McArthur Ridge is New Zealand’s most-awarded Pinot Noir for 2022 NEW ZEALAND’S most awarded Pinot Noir this year is a little-known wine from Alexandra, and its winemaker couldn’t be more delighted.

McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2020 scooped a gold medal and 96 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), shortly after claiming two trophies and a gold medal at the International Wine Challenge in London.

The wine had earlier been awarded Champion Pinot Noir at the New Zealand International Wine Show in February, with winemaker Matt Connell named Winemaker of the Show.

As if it wasn’t honour enough to win gold at the DWWA, McArthur Ridge also took home medals for two other reds: a Gold/ 95 Points plus a medal for Best Value for the Brassknocker Pinot Noir 2021 and a Silver/ 94 Points for McArthur Ridge Reserve ‘The McArthur’ Pinot Noir 2020.

Small beginnings in Alexandra

McArthur Ridge was established in 2002 with an initial planting of 15 hectares in the Alexandra basin – the southernmost Pinot Noir producing area on the planet. This grew to a total of 175 hectares by 2007, with the first vintage produced in 2006. The vineyards are sited on an elevated plateau, planted across a set of gentle northern slopes to capture maximum warmth.

Winemaker Matt

Connell, who has been at McArthur Ridge since 2020, says it is the unique site and the Alexandra location that play the largest roles in creating a wine with the depth Southern Tor displays. “Because of our position and our very cool climate, we ripen later – and that gives the grapes the opportunity to develop some really interesting flavours,” he says.

A special site for special wine

Connell says the method of “growing grapes right up to the edge” of what’s possible, balanced alongside the threat of frosts and weather events, keeps the work interesting. He’s passionate about the site, which delivers “natural complexity, exuberance, with earthy tones and herbal notes like thyme.”

He says he and Chief Viticulturist Murray Petrie are out on the vineyard checking on the vines all the time at harvest, with the intention of leaving the fruit hanging as long as possible before hand-picking.

“These vines are almost 20 years old,” he says, “so they’re not babies anymore. Pairing that with fairly new soil – rather than soil that has been farmed for hundreds of years – gives the wine a special clarity.”

The Decanter World Wine Awards judges agreed, noting that the McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2020 is “bursting with bright, pure red and black fruit aromas framed by spicy

Winemaker Matt Connell

vanilla. Succulent, expansive plum and raspberry character with lovely ripe and supportive tannins.”

Bright times ahead for McArthur Ridge

McArthur Ridge Sales and Marketing Director Mike Herrick says it’s been “an unbelievable run” for the winery this year, and that the DWWA wins are the icing on the cake. “Being judged among over 18,000 wines from 54 countries and coming out on top is both exceptional and hugely exciting,” he says.

McArthur Ridge Southern Tor Alexandra Pinot Noir 2020 RRP $39.99

The Alexandra Series is McArthur Ridge’s Premier Cru range. This super-premium Pinot has a bouquet of savoury red berry fruit, black cherry and vanilla. Notes of black forest berries, cloves and dark violets, finishing with soft stony notes. Dry on the palate with a core of fruit and savoury tannins to give it a great texture. Oak influence with baking spices, brown sugar and smokiness. mcarthurridge.com McArthur Ridges wines are distributed in New Zealand by Brandhouse. orders@brandhouse.co.nz 0508 468 688

34 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

A new Central Otago star is born!

Bright ruby/purple in the glass, the palate is full of black cherries, smoky oak and gamey characters.

Already a delicious Pinot Noir but there are years of cellaring ahead.

Another top effort from Champion Winemaker Matt Connell.

Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir New Zealand International Wine Show 2022 Trophy for Best Central Otago Pinot Noir International Wine Challenge 2022 Trophy for Champion NZ Red Wine International Wine Challenge 2022 GOLD / 96 Points International Wine Challenge 2022 GOLD / 96 Points Decanter World Wine Awards 2022 5 Stars Winestate Magazine Awards 2022

Try the rest of our range!

McArthur Ridge Brassknocker

McArthur Ridge Lilico

McArthur Ridge Falls Dam

WINE – NEW RELEASES

Top Picks A hand-picked bunch of the latest and greatest wines, as selected by Joelle Thomson

2020 Greywacke Wild Sauvignon

2017 Church Road Blanc de Blancs

RRP $38.99 Negociants

Here’s a wine that spins Sauvignon into a new light, with ‘wild’ referring to the winemaking process. It was fermented in French oak with wild yeasts, which are found on the grape skins and work in a slower, less consistent way than commercially purchased yeasts, adding complex flavours and savoury depth. The wine was aged in French oak for eight months, which makes it smooth and adds to the complexity. 18.5/20

The 2020 Wrekin Chenin Blanc from Astrolabe Wines is a superb Marlborough dry white that adds interest to every wine list and to the country’s wine diversity.

RRP $45 Pernod Ricard

Vintage bubbly made the same way as Champagne and all from Chardonnay grapes, hence the name ‘blanc de blancs’ – ‘white of whites’. Hand-picked grapes grown on the cool coast at Haumoana, south of Napier, were aged on lees in the bottle for four years following their second fermentation in the bottle. This is high quality bubbly with depth of creamy, smooth flavour and complex layers of taste. 17.5/20

2020 Wrekin Chenin Blanc RRP $27.99 Astrolabe Wines

A superb Marlborough dry white that adds interest to every wine list and to the country’s wine diversity. It is like drinking a cool glass of ripe lemonade without the bubbles and with a bone-dry taste. This wine was made with grapes grown on the sunny slopes of the Wrekin Vineyard in the Upper Brancott Valley; handharvested, whole cluster pressed and fermented in a combination of stainless steel and old barrels. Cultured and wild yeasts add depth of flavour, as does lees stirring, which builds texture in the mouth and balances the zesty nature of Chenin Blanc. 17.5/20

2019 Seresin Chiaroscuro RRP $28 Mineral

A quirky white blend of four grapes: 50% Riesling supported by the body of 30% Pinot Gris, the aromatics of 15% Gewürztraminer and the fleshy apricot notes of 5% Viognier. Dry as a bone and barrel fermented with oak maturation for eight months. This wine is luscious, zesty and citrusy with weight and a lingering finish. It is also certified organic and biodynamic. 18.5/20

2017 Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir RRP $41.99 Negociants

A powerful, full-bodied Pinot Noir made by Clive Jones from Nautilus in Marlborough. This is a blend of Pinot Noir clones (plant variations) 114, 115, 5, 667, 777 and Abel, which helps to add depth and layers of flavour. All the grapes were hand-harvested and destemmed without crushing to allow a portion of whole berries in the ferment, adding lift and perfumed depth to the wine. A mixture of new and older French oak barriques were used to age the wine. It’s five years old now and drinks well but has more time up its tasty sleeve. 18.5/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 80.

36 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

OPINION – WINE

Joelle Thomson

Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

Dark and mysterious Joelle Thomson gets to know the intriguing new Blaufränkisch from Hans Herzog…

THE LAUNCH of New Zealand’s first Blaufränkisch may not bring every wine lover to their knees, but many will be curious to know what on earth this $86 wine tastes like, especially as it’s made from a late-ripening grape grown in a region known for its cool climate wines.

Swiss-born, Marlborough-based winemaker Hans Herzog has long been growing a diverse range of heat-loving grapes in this historically cool climate wine region. Herzog’s menagerie of Marlborough wines includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano and Viognier, so if anyone in the South Island was going to make a Blaufränkisch, it would have to be Herzog.

Although, perhaps, the other likely contender could be the Austrian-born, Nelson-based, Hermann Seifried. Both Herzog and Seifried have delved into the world of quirky red wines made from grapes that are well-known only in certain parts of Europe.

Blaufränkisch is the second most planted grape in Austria, and while it may not be a household wine varietal in this country, this first one from Herzog is exceptionally good: deep ruby in colour, fullbodied, smooth and incredibly concentrated in flavour with black fruit aromas and impressive firm structure without being grippy.

When Herzog first began making wine from this darkskinned grape variety, he thought he was making Zweigelt (a red grape variety made from crossing 38 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

While it may not be a household wine varietal in this country, this first Blaufränkisch from Herzog is exceptionally good.

Blaufränkisch and St Laurent grapes) but years of observation suggested otherwise.

Certain grapes in his small, entirely hand-tended Marlborough vineyard seemed to behave differently from the Zweigelt he was making. Some rows of his “Zweigelt” began to bud earlier and ripen far later than other Zweigelt grapes that he grew, leading him to experiment with these particular vines by taking the healthiest specimens and grafting them onto other rootstock in order to see what would happen.

The result is in the bottle of the first Blaufränkisch ever made in New Zealand, launched by Hans

and his partner in wine and life, Therese, this year (pictured left).

Prior to producing the wine, the couple had the vines DNA-tested to confirm the identity of the grape variety. This was made official by the Plant Identification Lab and Foundation Plant Services at the University of California Davis campus, which confirmed the vines were Blaufränkisch, which is also known as Lemberger.

It’s unlikely that this quirky red wine will ever be a major player on the New Zealand wine scene, but its interesting story, high quality and delicious flavours all serve to remind us that variety is the spice of wine and of life.

How it was made

Hand-picked Blaufränkisch grapes were grown on shallow gravel and sandy soils at the Herzog vineyard in Marlborough.

The grapes were planted in 1996 and the first vintage of Herzog Blaufränkisch as a stand-alone varietal wine was made in 2019. Just two barrels were produced, which made 546 bottles.

Order at herzog.co.nz

WINE NEWS

Best-ever showing for NZ at Decanter World Wine Awards NEW ZEALAND SAW its best-ever performance for Best in Show wines at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2022, with four Kiwi entries receiving the accolade.

Organisers say that it was a recordbreaking year for total wines tasted at the 2022 event, with 18,244 wines judged from 54 countries. Across two weeks, almost 250 international wine experts, including 54 Masters of Wine and 16 Master Sommeliers, awarded 50 Best in Show, 163 Platinum, 678 Gold, 5,900 Silver and 8,074 Bronze medals.

Awarded to just 50 wines, the 2022 Best in Show winners represent only 0.27% of the total wines tasted, and of the competition’s top 50 wines, 40% came from New World countries – more than double that of the 2021 results.

“By the time a wine comes to be considered for Best in Show it’s already come through its panel as a Gold, and it’s come through the second judging week where we find our Platinums. It’s already Gold to Platinum so it’s a super wine,” said DWWA Co-Chair Andrew Jefford. “After that, we’re looking for a selection of wines that we really believe are outstanding examples of their style, as well as a well-balanced selection – something from pretty much everywhere, something in pretty much every style, something also for pretty much every budget. And we want to put a lovely

selection of those together so that we can offer that to consumers as us saying, this is really the best of the best in our show.”

The four New Zealand wines awarded Best in Show at the Decanter World Wine Awards were: • Craggy Range, Syrah, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke’s Bay 2020

• Church Road, Grand Reserve Chardonnay, Hawke’s Bay 2020 • Rimapere, Plot 101 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2021 • Valli, Pinot Noir, Bannockburn, Central Otago 2020

For full results visit decanter.com

Entries open for NZ International Wine Show 2022 THE 2022 New Zealand International Wine Show has been confirmed for October this year and entries are now open.

Now in its 18th year, the NZ International Wine Show has been the largest wine competition in the country since 40 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

its inception in 2005. It accepts wine entries from any country, with no price requirements and no volume limits.

Chief Judge Bob Campbell MW will once again lead a team of highly experienced judges, many of whom have participated

in Wine Show judging for more than 30 years.

There were 265 gold or double gold medals awarded to entries in the 2021 competition and organisers say that with high quality vintages over the past few years the judges will be

faced with another show full of spectacular wines.

The closing date for entries is 30 September and judging will take place in Auckland from 11-13 October.

Full entry details are online at nziws.co.nz/show-details

WINE NEWS

Kiwis shine brightly at IWC 2022 NEW ZEALAND wines made a strong showing in the major awards at the International Wine Challenge 2022, with full results released in July.

Champion Trophies

IWC Great Value Champion Sweet 2022: The Ned Noble Sauvignon Blanc 2021 IWC Sustainable Trophy 2022: T rinity Hill Wines Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2020 IWC Organic Trophy 2022: G iesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2019 Champion Wine Awards

IWC Champion White Wine 2022: Trinity Hill Wines Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2020

International Varietal Trophies

Regional Trophies

International Chardonnay Trophy: Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2020 - Trinity Hill Wines International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy: Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - Yealands Estate Wines

Hawkes Bay Chardonnay Trophy: Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2020 Trinity Hill Wines Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Trophy: Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2021 - Yealands Estate Wines Otago Pinot Noir Trophy: M cArthur Ridge Southern Tor 2020 - McArthur Ridge Wines Marlborough Syrah Trophy: G iesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah 2019 - Giesen Group

National Trophies

New Zealand White Trophy: G imblett Gravels Chardonnay 2020 - Trinity Hill Wines New Zealand Red Trophy: McArthur Ridge Southern Tor 2020 - McArthur Ridge Wines New Zealand Sweet Trophy: G iesen The Brothers Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc 2017 - Giesen Group

New Georgian wines at Q-Liquid TWO DISTINCTIVE new wines from eastern Georgia are now available through distributor Q-Liquid. The Saperavi Mtavruli (12.5% ABV) is a dry red made from the Saperavi grape variety, grown in the Kakheti region. Characterised by its dark ruby colour, it has intense aromas of red fruit and flavours of cherry and blackberry, balanced acidity and a long finish.

The Tsinandali (12% ABV) is a dry white wine made from handselected Rkatsiteli and Mtsvane grape varieties, also grown in Kakheti, in the protected micro-zone of the ‘Tsinandali’. The wine is a light straw colour and distinguished by its tropical fruit character.

RRP $23.99 Q-Liquid

See the full list of medal and trophy winners at internationalwinechallenge.com

Orlando Wines appoints new Chief Winemaker AUSTRALIAN WINEMAKER Orlando has announced Tim PelquestHunt as its new Chief Winemaker. The company says that he takes up the role with extensive experience working across some of the world’s best winemaking regions and already having worked under the Orlando name.

Tim PelquestHunt completed the Viticulture and Oenology graduate program at Lincoln University before working in diverse winemaking regions, including the Hunter Valley, Tasmania, New Zealand, and Rheinhessen (Germany) as well as specialising in sparkling winemaking in West Sussex and Napa Valley.

In 2013, Pelquest-Hunt returned to Australia as a winemaker with Orlando in the Barossa Valley.

Brett McKinnon, Chief Operations Officer for Pernod Ricard Winemakers said: “After nine years with the business, we are proud to see Tim stepping into the role of Orlando Chief Winemaker. He combines a wealth of global experience from wine regions all over the world with a passion and curiosity for winemaking.”

Pelquest-Hunt was selected as a scholar for the 2022 Len Evans Tutorial, dubbed by many as ‘the most exclusive wine school in the world’, has been dux of the Australian Wine Research Institute’s “Advanced Wine Assessment Course”, is a wine show judge, and sits on the Barossa Wine Show committee.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 41

WINE NEWS

Greystone gets net carbonzero certification NORTH CANTERBURY winery Greystone Wines has achieved Toit Envirocare net carbonzero certification.

Greystone marketing manager Nik Mavromatis says it is part of Greystone’s innovative and holistic approach to wine growing and making. “We’re the first winery in the country to be net carbonzero, 100% certified organic with BioGro and practising regenerative viticulture,” says Mavromatis. Greystone’s entire 50-hectare vineyard, located in the North Canterbury wine region, is certified organic with BioGro New Zealand.

To achieve Toitū certification, Greystone had to create an emission inventory across the entire company, including travel, how much diesel and petrol they use and measures to counter that. Greystone company cars are now hybrid, its new Fendt tractors are 50% more fuel-efficient and only carbonzero electricity is used in their strawbale winery. The glass bottles have also been switched to lighter-weight options across their production.

Greystone viticulturist Mike Saunders says they have also embraced regenerative viticulture, increasing diversity while aiming for a more balanced ecosystem. He says a cover cropping

Greystone Viticulturist Mike Saunders and Shannon Gormley, Toitū Envirocare, Technical Account Manager

programme is helping build organic soil matter and reducing the company’s environmental impact. “We’ve planted a mix of 16 species, including sunflowers, oats, lentils and beans in between the rows of vines. By retaining living cover crop roots we can sequester, transfer and store carbon between plant and soil,” says Saunders.

They have also integrated livestock into the vineyard: running sheep to reduce tractor use and improve nutrient cycling and have Pekin ducks living on-site to reduce grass grubs.

SHOWCASE

Peter Lehmann – a Barossa icon A FIFTH generation Barossan, Peter Lehmann established the Barossa winery that bears his name in 1979. It was a brave decision, made to support the local grape grower families who were facing great financial hardship during a difficult time in the region. Today, Peter Lehmann Wines is renowned as one of Australia’s most highly regarded wineries and the wines are a celebration of the Barossa community and the longstanding relationships with grape-growers across the region. With unrivalled access to the Barossa’s finest fruit, Peter Lehmann Wines offers a range of premium wines that express the unique and distinctive characteristics of the Barossa.

• Peter Lehmann holds the highest classification Halliday Red 5-Star Winery for its ongoing track record of quality and commitment to excellence.

• Three-time winner of Australian Producer of the Year and two International Winemaker of the Year titles (International Wine & Spirit Competition).

• Awarded 50 x 90+ scores from Wine Spectator.

• Over 115 x 90+ scores from James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion New look for Peter Lehmann Masters Collection

The Peter Lehmann Masters Collection is a celebration of significant people and moments during Peter Lehmann’s life, making these wines integral to the winery’s rich history and winemaking story. Since the first release of the Masters wines in the early 1990s, under the guidance of Peter Lehmann, these now iconic wines have been crafted to express the benefits of time and patience. The red wines are released with a minimum of three years bottle age and the whites with a minimum of five, to ensure optimal enjoyment upon release.

In order to further reinforce the brand’s premium credentials, Peter Lehmann has undertaken a brand refresh of this range – with “The Masters Collection” being more clearly called out and the prominent Peter Lehmann silhouette to ensure ease of recognition and consistency.

Peter Lehmann wines are distributed in New Zealand by Giesen Group.

42 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

brewing

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Som hing et The latest beers and ciders to fill the fridge this winter…

44 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Note: Beers and ciders are listed in order of % ABV. Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%

Big Drop Woodcutter Brown Ale

Garage Project Pineapple Crush

0.0% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $12.99, 12-pack RRP $22.99 Asahi NZ

0.5% ABV, 375ml RRP $4.99 Longbreeze Distributors

3.8% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.50 – out Sept 1 Garage Project

Its makers hail it as “the new campfire classic” – this new non-alcoholic brown ale from Australian brewers Big Drop uses the Magnum hop for aromas of bonfires and toffee apple, while malts create a rich and mouthfilling flavour.

A zesty pineapple sour with a spicy chilli kick. This super refreshing, clean, sparkling kettle sour is brewed with agave syrup, pineapple and fiery habaneros. Expect a big pineapple candy and citrus nose, juicy, fresh cut ripe pineapple flavour, habanero heat and plenty of acidity.

Peroni have replaced their Libera 0.0% offering with this newly formulated zero alcohol take on the classic Peroni Nastro Azzurro. The new beer uses new technology to extract the alcohol without impacting the flavour profile as much and the result is much closer to the taste profile of the original. Peroni said that in testing, 90% of tasters felt the flavour of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% matched that of the original 5.1% Peroni Nastro Azzurro with its crisp and dry taste and flowery hoppy notes.

Good George Virtual Reality NonAlcoholic Hazy IPA <0.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $20.99 Good George Brewing

With demand for low and zero-alcohol beers soaring, Hamilton brewers Good George have come to the party with a zero that has a decent amount of flavour and in the popular hazy style.

The characters of a classic IPA are there, albeit dialled back, and the haze gives that familiar rounding and softness to the drop. No headset needed for this Virtual Reality.

Vandestreek Fun House NEIPA 0.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.50 Longbreeze Distributors

A fruity and flavourful New England IPA from Dutch brewery Vandestreek – a newly landed addition to the nonalcoholic portfolio at Longbreeze.

Beer Kozel Dark 3.8% ABV, 500ml RRP $5.99 Q Liquid

Kozel is a Czech brewery that has been producing beers in Velké Popovice, southeast of Prague, since 1874. Famed for their lager, their dark beer is also renowned across Europe. Arriving in the big 500ml bottle with their symbol the ‘kozel’ (male goat) on the front, it pours dark and lively in the glass. The taste has that familiar Czech fruity hop characteristic, but it’s surrounded by darker malts. A good sessionable option at 3.8%.

Sawmill Low Carb Pale Ale 4.2% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $22.99 Sawmill Brewery

Sawmill are looking after your waistline while they take care of your tastebuds as well. Their new Low Carb Pale Ale is a flavourful drop brewed with a combination of malts to add body but not sweetness to the final beer, and hopped with an aromatic selection that gives passionfruit, gooseberry, and citrus overtones.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 45

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Who didn’t love a Spider? Now you can make a grown-up one with Boneface Brewing’s Spiders Pink Lemonade Ice Cream Sour.

Garage Project Kohaku

Emporium You Ess Aye Brown Ale

Good George Haymaker NZ IPA

4.8% ABV, 330ml RRP $5 – out Sept 1 Garage Project

5% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 – also in keg Emporium Brewing

5.2% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $23.99 Good George Brewing

Inspired by the unique roast character of Japanese Genmai (unpolished brown rice), Kohaku is a smooth amber lager, brewed with four malts and a portion of freshly roasted rice. Delicately hopped with Czech Saaz, this crisp, clean lager pours a rich amber with a touch of caramel malt sweetness on the palate, balanced with restrained bitterness and a light nutty note of roasted rice.

America may be the home of hop-driven pale ales, but it is also home to the American Brown Ale: a style pioneered by home brewers in the 1980s. Emporium’s You Ess Aye Brown Ale is a classic example of the style. Caramel and coffee notes predominate, giving malty richness backed by a good dose of hops. Goes down a treat with a salty pretzel.

As the name implies, this is a great beer after a day of hard work. Whether it’s actual hay-making or just mowing the lawns, a cold can of this IPA goes down a treat with a bit of a sweat worked up. It’s golden and crisp in the glass with a nice mix of hops and malts – thirst-quenching and moreish.

Sprig + Fern Best Bitter

Garage Project Chipper Hazy Pale Ale

4.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99 – also in keg Sprig + Fern Brewery

5% ABV, 330ml RRP $5, 6-pack RRP $22.99 Garage Project

Sprig + Fern have brought back their Best Bitter that was awarded ‘Best British Ale’ at the 2016 Brewer’s Guild of New Zealand Awards. A well-known Englishstyle beer, the Bitter earned its name as a hoppier and therefore more bitter counterpart to the typically mild pale ales of its time. Sprig and Fern’s Best Bitter is a delicate balance of hops and five malts that provide well-rounded toffee and biscuit characteristics. Amber in colour, it finishes with a bitter yet smooth, malty finish.

Created initially for this year’s Burger Wellington as part of VWOAP, this cheerful, upbeat little hazy is set to become part of GP’s core range from September. Brewed with plump, juicy New Zealand-grown barley and oats and a choice selection of hops, this is a smooth, easy-drinking beer, loaded with lush tropical fruit juice flavour and aroma.

46 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Boneface Brewing Spiders Pink Lemonade Ice Cream Sour 5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Boneface Brewing

Who didn't love a Spider? Now you can make a grown-up one with Boneface’s take on the beloved classic. They've taken a clear sour and added lemon juice, raspberries and lactose to the mix, with a drop or two of Tahitian vanilla. With a slight pink hue, solid notes of lemon juice and the faintest hint of vanilla ice cream, it sings out for a scoop or two of your favourite flavour.

Sawmill APA 5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Sawmill Brewery

Taking inspiration from the classic West Coast-style American Pale Ale, this beer balances generous hops with a robust and characterful malt base. A medley of US and Australian hops deliver flavours of mandarin, pine, and sweet tropical fruit with a pleasing hop bitterness. Pouring a light golden with a luscious foamy top, this is a beer that invites you in for a sip.

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Bach Brewing’s Bad to the Cone is a hop party from beginning to end with citrus, pine and a heavy bitterness.

Emerson’s Reverb NZ IPA

Emporium NZ IPA Togs Togs Togs

Bach Brewing El Dorado

6% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 – also in keg Emporium Brewing

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Bach Brewing

Kaikoura brewers Emporium have upped the ante with their Togs, Togs, Togs NZ IPA. Part of their Anomalous Range, it’s a hazy golden drop with a massive burst of hops right up front. Pine, resin, citrus – all the classic hop characteristics abound.

Would be a great beer to enjoy as the sun goes down after a hot day. Hops, hops, hops in your togs, togs, togs.

El Dorado was the legendary lost city of gold and this golden IPA lives up to the name. A golden drop in the glass, it has characteristics of tropical fruit and citrus with a good bitterness to finish. Would pair well with South American snacks like empanadas.

5.8% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $23.99 Lion

Sawmill Citra Hazy IPA

As a young man, Richard Emerson was a huge fan of the ‘Dunedin Sound’. Being deaf, he couldn’t hear the music, but he could feel it. This beer is a tribute to The Sound, made with New Zealand hops for dominant tropical and stonefruit aromas, a whiff of diesel, citrusy and grassy flavours with a crisp dry finish. The can artwork is by musician Robert Scott of The Clean and The Bats.

Like a single malt whisky that uses only one distillery, Sawmill’s Single Hopped Hazy IPA uses only one hop: the classic new-skool USA hop Citra. Malts and flaked oats create complexity and the juicy Citra hops give notes of mango, papaya, and citrus zest. A classic and delicious hop, dialled up to 11.

Behemoth Brewing Dancing in the Dark 6% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $24.99 Behemoth Brewing

Truly a beer born in the USA, Behemoth have created a classic American Stout to make Bruce proud, using an assortment of pale, Munich, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts with some classic American Centennial hops bringing hints of pine and grapefruit. I just wish we could reprint the whole song they created to promote this one: “I pour one in the evenin’ / And I ain’t got nothin’ bad to say…”

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Sawmill Brewery

Bach Brewing Bad to the Cone 6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Bach Brewing

This unfiltered hazy IPA is all hops all the time. Brewed with hop cone flowers from across the top of the South Island, it’s a hop party from beginning to end: citrus, pine and a heavy bitterness. Hop lovers will flock to this one.

Sprig + Fern Beer Out of Hell 6.66% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99, 888ml RRP $13.99 – also in keg Sprig + Fern Brewery

Brewed for the 15th annual West Coast IPA Challenge, Sprig + Fern’s Beer Out of Hell is packed with citrus, grapefruit, lime, tropical and stone fruit flavours thanks to big hitting all-American hops, Mosaic, Idaho 7, and Citra. At 6.66% it is beautifully balanced with bitter flavour and aroma.

8-Wired Surf Rider WCIPA 6.7% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 8-Wired Brewing

The team at 8-Wired say their creation for the annual West Coast IPA challenge was inspired by 60’s surf rock hailing from southern California with a nod to the Pulp Fiction soundtrack. Brewed with Columbus, Amarillo, Citra and Idaho 7 hops.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 47

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Deep Creek Crazy Hazy II

8-Wired Sunrise Express Hazy IPA

Deep Creek Leo

6.7% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.49 Hancocks

7.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 8-Wired Brewing

8% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Hancocks

Deep Creek have pushed the boat out with their Crazy Hazy II – a cherry-infused hazy IPA bursting with sweetness and fruit. The can is a swirl of deep reds and purples and pouring the ale reveals a turbulent, cloudy affair with hints of red menace. The taste however, is an exercise in restraint and balance. The sweetness of the big 6.7% IPA is tempered by the fruit sourness of the cherry. Delicious.

A Hazy IPA brewed with copious amounts of Pacific Sunrise backed by Nelson Sauvin, Nectaron and Motueka hops, creating a beer with rolling dank waves of tropical flavours.

Silverdale brewers Deep Creek have come up with a hazy IPA as bold and strong as a lion. They call it an “extroverted” IPA at 8% and very drinkable. Super cloudy in the glass, it’s a sweet, hoppy number with notes of mango and citrus that goes down very easily. The big pink 440ml can will be an eye-catching addition to fridges too.

Deep Creek Endless Summer 6.7% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Hancocks

Deep Creek’s Endless Summer is a hearty West Coast IPA with a 6.7% ABV. A collaboration with Fujifilm on a photographic-surf adventure series, this is an ale crying out for some rolling waves and the sun sinking over the horizon into the sea.

Epic The Othership WCIPA 7.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Epic

Epic’s entry into this year’s West Coast IPA Challenge packs in Columbus and Simcoe hops for a hop-laden journey on The Othership.

8-Wired Double Scoop Baklava 7.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 8-Wired Brewing

This Baklava edition of 8-Wired’s Double Scoop series features toasty hazelnut and almond as the main stars, layered on a silky smooth milk stout base. A dessert beer full of orange, honey and a mix of fragrant spices.

Sawmill Vintage Super Saison 8% ABV, 500ml RRP $11.99 Sawmill Brewery

Sawmill’s take on the traditional Belgian style is souped up to 8% but still has those aromas of citrus yeast and dry spice that mark out the farmhouse classic. Pouring bright and orange in the glass, the hops contribute a firm but gentle bitterness and there’s an abundance of lemony, herbal, hay, and earthy notes finished with the spice of aromatic coriander seed.

8-Wired Superconductor IIPA 8.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 8-Wired Brewing

Deep Creek’s Crazy Hazy II is a cherry-infused hazy IPA bursting with sweetness and fruit.

48 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

This double IPA is full of intense bitterness and fruity resinous hops, but is balanced perfectly by the smooth caramelly malt in the mix.

BEER & CIDER REPORT

8-Wired English Imperial Stout Brave Old World Series 9.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 8-Wired Brewing

Brewed with English malts and hops, and fermented using English ale yeast, 8-Wired’s English Imperial Stout has subtle fruity esters complementing the slightly sweet finish and warming alcohols. Roasted barley and crystal malts provide chocolate and raisiny flavours.

Traditionally bottle conditioned, this beer can be cellared or served fresh.

8-Wired Hell of the North Barrel Aged Oud Bruin is a complex brown sour beer inspired by the Oud Bruin styles of West Flanders and aged for five years.

CIDER Morningcider GC Ginger & Carrot Cider 4.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $6.99 Hancocks

The ideal cider for winter, this juicy new release from cidery Morningcider pours a beautiful orange colour. It’s made from a dry cider base and filled with carroty sweetness and a spicy ginger kick.

Peckham’s Perry Brut

Boneface Brewing The Wolf Bites Back - Triple Cold IPA

Sunshine Brewing Imperial Brown Ale

9.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99 Boneface Brewing

10% ABV, 440ml RRP $12.99 – out mid-September Vintners

A riff on a big, old-skool IPA, this uses lager yeast and an extended cool maturation to deliver a solid pine and citrus nose. Mango, grapefruit and white grapes grip the palate and a proper bracing bitterness helps to balance the intensity.

Nuts, caramel and vanilla dominate the nose of this beer like a warm ice cream sundae. The palate is reminiscent of maple syrup-covered waffles, working in tandem with the oak tannins to help dry out the perceived sweetness. Dessert in a glass.

Sunshine Brewing Belgian Quad

8-Wired Hell of the North Barrel Aged Oud Bruin

10% ABV, 440ml RRP $12.99 – out 19 August Vintners

11% ABV, 500ml RRP $17.99 8-Wired Brewing

A nod to one of the OG dark beers.

Sunshine has used Belgian and New Zealand malts combined with the classic “candi sugar” for their version of this moreish phenolic dark ale. Citrus, pepper and clove-like spice on the nose lead to layers of caramel and toffee and a dry finish.

A complex brown sour beer inspired by the Oud Bruin styles of West Flanders, Belgium. Aged in a single large oak foudre (vat) for five years, it has a chocolatey-malt base mixed with sherry, leather, tobacco and a hint of smoke. There’s a distinct tartness, and ‘brett’ characters of classic wild funk.

7% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 Peckham’s Cider

Perry and Taylor’s Gold pears come together with wild yeasts in this beauty of a pear cider from Upper Moutere brewers Peckham’s. Where many pear ciders veer into sweetness, the Perry Brut is dry and silky smooth. It goes down dangerously easy. A wedge of blue cheese would complement this wonderful cider perfectly.

Peckham’s Kingston Sour 8% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99, 750ml RRP $17.99 Peckham’s Cider

Here’s a proper dry cider from the experts at Peckham’s. Pure Kingston Black cider apples combine with wild yeasts for a sourness reminiscent of a Spanish Sidra Natural – a sparkling cider produced in the champagne method with a second fermentation in the bottle. Unfiltered, Peckham’s Kingston Sour hits the back of your mouth and sucks in your cheeks with its sourness, and leaves you wanting more. Needs a cheeseboard, under a cork tree, preferably with some hot Spanish weather. Recommended.

For distributor details see the Distributors Index on page 80.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 49

OPINION – BEER

Michael Donaldson

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

Two ends of the spectrum From big, beasty high ABV beers to ‘better for you’ brews, Michael Donaldson finds both are on the rise…

50 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Volume of beer available for consumption (lites), by strength, year ended December 2006-2021 300M

200M

100M

Litres

BALD STATISTICS never tell a full story, but the pattern of beer consumption over the past 16 years as laid out recently

by Statistics New Zealand does give us an outline as to how we approach beer these days.

Earlier this year, in releasing the data on “alcohol available for consumption” to the end of 2021, Stats NZ made these points: • The volume of low-alcohol beer (below 2.5% ABV) rose for the first time in five years.

• The volume of beer with more than 5% alcohol rose for the eighth year in a row to reach 47 million litres, over five times the volume of 2010.

It’s also worth noting that the total litres of beer consumed in 2021 – 292 million litres (or roughly 687 million pints*) – stayed basically the same as the previous year, which was up slightly on 2019. And in that mix of numbers, beer with an ABV of 2.5%-4.35% fell 16%, which broadly represents “mainstream” beer that you’d normally buy in pubs up and down the country – pubs that were empty, or restricted, for much of 2021.

So yes, there was a bit of shuffling around of consumption patterns but largely, consumers moved in two directions: to lower alcohol and to higher alcohol, leaving a hole in the middle that represents how we used to drink. You could call this a “pandemic curve”, but that’s not the full story. The full story is that these patterns have been in place for years, accelerating in the past seven or eight years, roughly corresponding with the craft beer boom.

There are plenty of factors at play, but those NZ Draught styles that dominated

0 2006

2007

Up to 2.5%

2008

2009

2010

2.5–4.35%

2011

2012

2013

4.35–5.0%

I think we’re shifting our consumption to better quality at one end, and better-foryou at the other end. our pubs for decades are going out of favour for more premium products, such as craft offerings from the likes of Emerson’s, Panhead and Tuatara, which are now available in pubs that used to serve largely Lion Red or DB Draught (to generalise).

And our desire for a bit more alcohol in our beer is a trend that doesn’t seem like slowing down. As craft takes a larger share of the market, those 5-6% pale ales, bigger hazy IPAs and imperial stouts will start making up a bigger chunk of that over-5% beer consumed. Effectively, I think we’re shifting our consumption to better quality at one end and better-for-you at the other end.

Creative packaging like Urbanaut’s big beer, small can series, where they package double digit ABV beer in 250ml cans, speaks to our desire for higher ABV “experiences” but without the headache.

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

More than 5.0%

Or take Liberty Brewing’s cult Prohibition Porter (12% ABV) which comes in a 330ml bottle, or three standard drinks. A few years ago that would have been a 500ml offering or 4.7 standard drinks.

Higher alcohol does a number of things that enhance the drinking experience. It improves mouthfeel, creating a slick, rich texture; it helps carry flavour; it creates a gentle, warming heat; it can be perceived as bringing a sweet taste (but that depends on your personal set of tastebuds); and technically, yeast doesn’t work quite so well with higher ABV beers, leaving some residual sugar, which is a good offset to bitterness and why big, hoppy beers can taste so balanced.

Some of my favourite examples of higher ABV, but beautifully balanced beers, include Urbanaut’s Copacabana Brut IPA (7.1%), Epic Hop Zombie (8.5%), Renaissance Stonecutter Scotch Ale (7%), McLeod’s Belgian Tripel (8.6%), 8 Wired iStout (10%) and practically any hazy IPA from Garage Project. * A “pint” in a pub is typically 425ml, the discussion on a “real pint” can wait for another day.

Brewed with our favourite Gladfield malts, and a blend of NZ and USA hops, JOMO is an easy drinking 2.2% alc.vol. and packed with hazy IPA flavour.

www.bachbrewing.co.nz

TRADE TO enquiries@bachbrewing.co.nz

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Winners at NZ Beer Awards 2022 THE 2022 New Zealand Beer Awards were announced in July, with Christchurch brewery Three Boys taking the crown as Champion Exhibitor and Garage Project winning the top award for Champion Beer.

Organisers say that this year’s event drew 828 entries across 119 style classes, with 811 beers judged in the competition.

The success rate at gaining a medal in the 2022 competition was 62% which is a 10% increase from 2021.

The 2022 competition also saw the addition of a No & Reduced Alcohol Class, which proved popular with 29 entries in its first year. The most popular category was Juicy/Hazy with 136 entries.

Champion Award Winners

Champion New Zealand Exhibitor 2021: Three Boys Brewery (Chch) Champion New Zealand Beer: G arage Project – Chance, Luck And Magic Champion New Zealand Manufacturer: Steam Brewing Co. (Akld) Champion Large New Zealand Brewery: Garage Project Champion Medium New Zealand Brewery: Behemoth Brewing Company Ltd. Champion Small New Zealand Brewery: Three Sisters Brewery Champion Micro New Zealand Brewery: Kainui Brew Co. (Kerikeri) Industry Award Winners

Beer Tourism Award: Wellington Culinary Events Trust – Beervana Packaging Award: D ouble Vision Brewery (Wgtn)

The Garage Project team

52 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Garage Project's Pete Gillespie with the winning beer

Brewing Sustainability Award: S awmill Brewing Co Beer Media Award: W ritedit Ltd (Michael Donaldson) Trophy Winners

International Lager: T hree Boys Lager – Three Boys Brewery European Ale: C hance, Luck & Magic – Garage Project New Zealand Styles: S lope Shredder – Baylands Brewery Amber / Dark Ale: S now Dance – Altitude Brewing Amber / Dark Lager: S awmill The Doctor – Sawmill Brewery International Pale Ale: Paradise Pale Ale – Mcleod’s Brewery British Ale: E merson’s Old 95 – The Emerson Brewing Company

Three Boys Brewery team

India Pale Ale: C !Tra – Liberty Brewing Company Juicy / Hazy: H aze Of Glory – Good George Brewing Speciality & Experimental: feijoa & rye – Brood Fermentation Stout & Porter: S tarlight Highway – Altitude Brewing No & Reduced Alcohol: Low Hanging Fruit - Blood Orange And Passionfruit Edition – Behemoth Brewing Company Ltd Wheat & Other Grain: H efe Metal – Badass Beverages Barrel & Wood Aged: F rom The Woods 2020 Saison – Lumberjack Brewing Fruit & Flavoured: R ose Saison – Kainui Brew Co. Full results at brewersguild.org.nz

S U P E R I O R I TA L I A N TA S T E NO W WITH

ALC

C O N TA C T Y O U R A S A H I B E V E R A G E S N Z R E P R E S E N TAT I V E F O R D E TA I L S , O R F O R N E W C U S T O M E R E N Q U I R I E S , C A L L 0 8 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 1 .

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Better Beer Zero Carb on its way DB BREWERIES is to distribute popular Australian beer Better Beer Zero Carb Lager in New Zealand following an agreement between DB Breweries, craft drinks company Mighty Craft and Better Beer.

The Better Beer brand was born on Sydney’s South Coast as a collaboration with Matt Ford and Jack Steele from The Inspired Unemployed, a popular satirical Instagram account run by two ex-tradies that boasts over one million followers.

Better Beer Zero Carb is described as “a refreshing lager with only 87 calories per can”.

Fraser Shrimpton, Marketing Director at DB Breweries, says: “Kiwis are increasingly making better decisions about alcohol based on their lifestyle, with demand soaring for products with

lower carbohydrates and lower alcohol.

The Better Beer brand aligns really well with these trends and has taken a fresh approach in Australia to really disrupt the category there, so we look forward to introducing the brand to Kiwi consumers

as an exciting new addition to our portfolio.”

Better Beer Zero Carb is expected to launch in New Zealand in October this year. It will initially be manufactured in Australia and sold into New Zealand.

SHOWCASE

“More impressive stuff from latter-day Sprig + Fern” SPRIG + FERN Brewing Co.’s leadership in craft beer continues.

Master Brewer and owner Tracy Banner’s commitment to evolving with the industry, combined with her four decades in beer, has proven a successful recipe.

A 2021 brand refresh, stand-out product artwork, a consistently awarded core beer range and a bold Limited Release schedule is driving the Nelson-based brewery’s nationwide success.

Trade discounts available

Discounts are available* for orders of four or more kegs, or for retailers ordering 10 cases of product or more (*during promo periods).

To order contact Sprig + Fern on sales@sprigandfern.co.nz sprigandfern.co.nz

54 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Sprig + Fern 24/7 Low Alc Hazy Pale Ale This 0.8% Hazy Pale Ale contains all the good stuff that goes into a craft beer but almost none of the alcohol. Smashable, a creamy mouthfeel with a pleasant hop aromatic from Motueka and Nectaron hops Available in 50L keg

Sprig + Fern Grown Up Lemonade A 4% ABV vodka-based lemonade seltzer made with real lemon juice, which gives a fresh citrus bite. This one’s for grown-ups only!

Available year round in 25L and 50L keg.

Sprig + Fern Mango & Lime Cider Our team has packed the sweetness of magdalena mango and the subtle balance of lime juice into this fresh, juicy and delicious fruit cider, which clocks in at 4.5% ABV. Available year round in 30L keg.

Sprig + Fern Beer Out of Hell WCIPA Our brewers have packed citrus, grapefruit, lime, tropical fruit and stonefruit into this WCIPA using big hitting all-American hops Mosaic, Idaho 7, and Citra. At 6.66% it is perfectly balanced with bitter, flavour and aroma.

RRP $8.99 also in 888ml and keg.

Sprig + Fern Best Bitter The multi-award winning Best Bitter is back for a limited time.

It has just the right amount of hops to accent bitterness and the combination of five malts gives the ideal balance of sweetness, providing well rounded toffee and biscuit characteristics.

RRP $7.99 Also in keg.

Sprig + Fern Yeah The Girls Hazy Brewed with the 2022 speciality Pink Boots hop blend, raise a glass to the gals in craft beer! With hops Idaho Gem™, HBC 630, Talus™, Triumph and Loral®, YTG (5.5% ABV) is ripe with citrus, tropical, sweet and bubblegum aromatics with a lush berry profile.

RRP $7.99

BEER & CIDER NEWS

New look for Good George HAMILTON BREWERY Good George is rolling out a new look across its range. The new design features handy tasting note details on the front. The full range with new branding will be in market by mid-September.

Good George Brewing

New format for No Access SUNSHINE BREWING is releasing its popular No Access East Coast Hazy IPA in a new 330ml 6-pack. The Gisborne brewery says that the initial 440ml single can release saw huge demand from consumers and having won back-to-back Gold medals at the Australian International Beer Awards in 2021 and 2022, they are launching the brew in the new format from August.

Sunshine Brewing No Access (6% ABV) 330ml 6-pack RRP $28.99 Vintners

GrEAT SOUNDING BEEr. Available from 8th August

MALTY

HOPPY

LIGHT

DArK

sweet

bitter

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Top deck

Rum’s popularity is growing, and with it the range now available in New Zealand – from imported classics to newer brands and our own local offerings…

56 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Stolen Dark

Stolen White

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $42.99 Beam Suntory

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $42.99 Beam Suntory

Barrel aged for a minimum of two years and then carbon filtered to remove any trace of colour or impurities. Aromas of cocoa and fruit, which continue on the palate, and a sweet delicate mouth feel.

Havana Club Especial

A lighter, smoother version of the traditionally heavy, naval-style dark rums.

Stolen Dark is aged for a minimum of two years in ex-whiskey charred oak barrels. Demerara caramel provides its deep colour, along with lightly toasted sweet caramel aromas on the nose and honeyed texture.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $41.99 Pernod Ricard

Stolen Gold

A smooth rum with a rich, strong flavour.

Black Heart also played a part in New Zealand’s naval history as the official rum in the days when sailors enjoyed a free daily rum ration.

RRP $40 - $49.99 Havana Club Añejo 3 Años 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $41.99, 1L RRP $54.99 Pernod Ricard

Aged for three years, this rum has an intense nose of banana and smoked oak, with flavours of smoke, vanilla and chocolate.

A golden rum that is rich, round and creamy with notes of vanilla, caramel and a hint of wood thanks to a second finish (double ageing) in young white oak barrels before the final blend.

Havana Club Cuban Spiced Rum 35% ABV, 700ml RRP $42.99 Pernod Ricard

A new release in New Zealand from Havana Club, the Spiced expression is inspired by Cuba. It balances sweet vanilla and aromatic spice with hints of juicy ripe guava, toasted coconut and fresh pineapple.

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $42.99 Beam Suntory

A smooth, full-bodied and versatile gold rum. Aged for a minimum of two years in ex-whiskey charred oak barrels. Aromas of butterscotch and cinnamon spice; smooth and buttery on the palate with notes of toffee apple.

Flor de Caña 4YO is a sustainably produced rum, made at a 5th generation family estate in Nicaragua.

Black Heart Dark Rum 37.5% ABV 1L RRP $44.99 Asahi NZ

Flor de Caña 4 YO (Extra Seco) 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $44.99 Hancocks

A sugar-free premium rum that is sustainably produced (Carbon Neutral & Fair Trade certified) at a 5th generation family estate in Nicaragua. A light-bodied rum with aromas of sweet almonds and vanilla leading to a palate of white chocolate and orange essence with a long, dry finish.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 57

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Bacardi Carta Blanca

Angostura 3YO Reserva

Angostura 5YO

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99 Lion

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Federal Merchants

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 Federal Merchants

This classic Cuban white rum is a mainstay behind bars the world over. Aromas of tropical fruit with distinctive vanilla and almond notes alongside banana and apricot. Ideal for a classic mojito.

Aged in barrel for three years, this white rum is charcoal filtered to remove any colour from the ageing process. The rum is dry, with a rich vanilla flavour and smooth finish.

Bacardi Carta Oro

Stolen Smoked

Five years in oak barrels gives this rum a rich golden colour, with flavours of chocolate, spice, vanilla and toasted oak leading to a warm and mellow finish.

Serve as a sipping rum or use in spicedriven mixed drinks.

40% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99 Lion

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99 Beam Suntory

This golden rum was used in the original Cuba Libre, made to celebrate the end of the Cuban War of Independence. Ageing in toasted oak barrels gives a golden hue and mellow flavours of vanilla, buttery caramel, toasted almond and sweet banana, balanced by orange zest and a light oaky finish.

Stolen Smoked uses roasted Colombian coffee beans, Madagascan vanilla, Moroccan fenugreek and a smoking process using American hardwood to infuse the aged Caribbean rum with layers of vanilla, warm caramel and dark chocolate that lead to a long smoky finish.

Bacardi Spiced 40% ABV, 1L RRP $46.99 Lion

A more recent release from Bacardi, with the rum aged in charred American oak barrels then charcoal filtered and blended with spices. It has a hint of barrel smoke, subtle dried fruit and intense creamy butterscotch on the palate with a slightly peppery finish.

RRP $50 - $64.99 Appleton Estate Signature Blend 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $51.99 and 1L RRP $61.99 Lion

Fifteen select aged rums (aged for an average of four years) are combined to create the Signature Blend from Jamaican rum producer Appleton Estate. This rum has aromas of rich fruit and sweet caramel, with flavours of subtle orange peel, dried apricot, fresh peach, and a hint of molasses and woody notes.

Fifteen select aged rums (aged for an average of four years) are combined to create Appleton Estate Signature Blend rum.

58 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold 35% ABV, 1L RRP $52.99 Lion

Spice and natural flavours are blended with Caribbean rum before ageing in charred white oak barrels. A smooth rum with notes of rich vanilla, brown sugar, warming spices and a hint of oak.

Coruba Gold 37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $52.99 Lion

This 100% Jamaican blend is a versatile entry-level rum, whose golden colour derives from ageing in small oak barrels.

Smooth on the palate with hints of brown sugar, nutmeg and vanilla.

Coruba Original 37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $52.99 Lion

A mellow, full flavoured rum. Aromas and flavours of molasses, cocoa and caramel, and a hint of spice.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Ron Santisima Trinidad 3YO

Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced

Bacardi Reserva Ocho 8 Años

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 Tickety-Boo

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Halewood Artisanal Spirits

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $58.99 Lion

Designed for use in cocktails, the threeyear-old expression from Ron Santisima Trinidad has aromas of sugarcane and oak with a hint of almonds. In the mouth there is slight sweetness with defined notes of sugarcane, wood, almonds, vanilla, grapes and dried plums.

This is the first rum created under the Dead Man’s Fingers brand at the Rum & Crab Shack in St. Ives, Cornwall. It is a blend of Caribbean rum and spices, inspired by Cornish favourites such as Christmas cake, nutty dried fruit and rumraisin ice cream.

Dead Man’s Fingers Hemp

Flor de Caña 7 YO (Gran Reserva)

A selection of barrel-aged reserve rums aged for a minimum of eight years are blended to make this more premium offering from Bacardi. It has aromas of vanilla, toffee, honey and caramel with toasted oak. The flavour is smooth and rich with notes of prune, apricot, nutmeg and vanilla, and a soft wood finish.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Halewood Artisanal Spirits

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Hancocks

Hemp is infused with Dead Man’s Fingers classic Spiced Rum to create a spirit with distinct grassy herbal back-notes supported by a hint of cola, roasted waves of freshly percolated coffee, hops and a dash of pine. Winner of the Trophy for Best Overall Rum (Spiced/Botanical) at the NZ Spirits Awards 2022. (See the brand listing on page 65 for the story behind the name.)

A full-bodied rum with aromas of toasted coconut vanilla and figs. On the palate there is honey and dark chocolate, leading to a long, smooth finish.

Bayou Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $56.99 Tickety-Boo

A spiced rum inspired by the Creole baking traditions for which its hometown of Louisiana is famous. Bayou Rum is rested for up to 30 days with a special blend of Creole baking spices, creating aromas of cinnamon and sweet banana and a palate full of maple, banana, allspice, clove, vanilla and pepper.

Lingering finish.

Angostura 7YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Federal Merchants

A blend of select rums aged for a minimum of seven years at House of Angostura’s Trinidad distillery. Aromas of vanilla, molasses, coffee, spice and oak lead to flavours of chocolate, honey, toffee, caramel, coffee and roasted nuts.

Appleton Estate Reserve 8YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Lion

This flagship rum of Appleton Estate was crafted by Master Blender Joy Spence to commemorate the distillery’s 250th anniversary. Aromas of spicy fruit and oak open up to hints of honey, vanilla, spice, and Appleton Estate’s signature orange peel note. A smooth finish balanced with a hint of molasses and warm oak

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 59

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Bayou Reserve Dark Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Tickety-Boo

This rum from Louisiana is matured in bourbon barrels for up to three years using the Solera ageing method. It has aromas of creamy vanilla with hints of apple and cinnamon. The palate opens with a dry oak-like character, followed by pronounced cinnamon and maple. A dry rum with lingering notes of dark fruit and wood.

Black Magic Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Hancocks

A blend of light and dark rums made in the Caribbean. Aromas of caramel, spice, cinnamon and vanilla lead to flavours of rich fruit cake and a long finish of vanilla and brown sugar.

Brugal Añejo 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Hancocks

Brugal Añejo offers a clean, dry rum that’s ideal for traditional rum serves, without an overly sweet finish. It has light aromas of wood with hints of chocolate. Buttery in the mouth with a slight hint of caramel and wood tannin. The finish is long and dry.

60 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Bayou Reserve Dark Rum from Louisiana is matured in bourbon barrels for up to three years using the Solera ageing method.

Cruzan Black Strap Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Beam Suntory

Robust liquorice and molasses flavours makes this rum ideal for mixing into tropical cocktails: it pairs well with lemon, lime, ginger and pineapple. Its deep black hue is also great for adding colour to drinks.

El Dorado Cask Aged 3 Years 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Tickety-Boo

This three-year-old full-flavoured caskaged rum has aromas of citrus and vanilla, enhanced by notes of chocolate and raisins. A smooth, rounded palate with coconut; fruity with a dry, rounded finish.

Havana Club Añejo 7 Años 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Pernod Ricard

A combination of barrels that have been aged and blended, with the minimum age of any barrel being seven years. A rich rum with aromas of cocoa, vanilla, cedar, sweet tobacco and lush tropical fruits. Flavours of sugarcane, chestnut and caramelised tropical fruit sit above a backbone of oak and rich brown spice.

Langs Jamaican Rum Banana 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 EuroVintage

Aromas of warm banana bread, brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla lead to a palate full of fresh sweet banana over classic rum flavours. A fruity finish.

Langs Jamaican Rum Mango & Ginger 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 EuroVintage

The scent of fresh and fruity mango coulis mixes with warming hints of fresh ginger.

Intense tropical fruits in the mouth, alongside lime and crystallised ginger. The ginger heat builds in a long, spiced finish.

Langs Jamaican Rum Pineapple 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 EuroVintage

A classic pineapple and rum combo with earthy sweetness and notes of coconut, vanilla, molasses, rum and subtle spice.

On the palate there’s fresh pineapple, rich caramel, cinnamon, oak and a touch of lime. The finish lingers with fruits and spiced oak.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Ratu Signature Blend 8YO 35% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Aromas of zesty orange, dark chocolate and coffee, with a velvet mouth feel of coconut and spiced oak followed by a lingering fresh citrus flavour.

Ratu Dark Rum 5YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Savoury, smoked oak aromas give way to the rich sweetness of caramel, vanilla and tea leaves with a mouthwatering liquorice finish.

Ratu Spiced Rum 5YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Coca-Cola Europacific Partners

Complex charred oak and citrus aroma with a rich vanilla and candied orange flavour, combined with the warmth of cinnamon and star anise.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Federal Merchants

Sailor Jerry rum is distilled in the Virgin Islands and has a Caribbean influence with flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and rich vanilla. It has a long, dry finish with a hint of toasted toffee. Goes especially well with ginger.

Sailor Jerry Savage Apple 35% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Federal Merchants

This new addition to the Sailor Jerry brand blends real apple with the original Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. A rum with a juicy apple twist over notes of vanilla and cinnamon.

Sailor Jerry Savage Apple is a new addition to the range that blends real apple with the original Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum.

Black Tears Spiced Rum

Black Collar Golden Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $61.99 Tickety-Boo

38.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Beverage Brothers

This dry spiced rum from Cuba uses coffee, cacoa and aji dulce – a sweet chilli pepper synonymous with Cuba’s cuisine.

The complex palate is of gentle cocoa with a punch of coffee on the finish, along with the lingering, peppery spice. Elegant and well-balanced.

A small batch rum made in Black Collar’s copper still in its Bay of Island distillery.

The aroma is almost creamy with subtle butterscotch and vanilla. It’s light and smooth on the palate with more butterscotch and slight vanilla sweetness balanced by oak. The lingering, creamy finish is of vanilla and oak.

Bayou Single Barrel Gold Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $62.99 Tickety-Boo

A limited-edition rum matured in rye barrels for two and a half years, creating aromas of smoked oak with bursts of pepper and tropical fruit. Complex flavours of spice, oak, honey, pineapple and creamy banana.

El Dorado Cask Aged 5 Years 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $62.99 Tickety-Boo

A deep golden-hued rum with aromas of dried tropical fruit, caramel, butterscotch and molasses. Flavours of vibrant spice, fruit, caramel and toasted coconut, fading to vanilla.

Diplomático Mantuano 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A blended rum from Venezuela that is aged for up to eight years in white oak casks, previously used for ageing bourbons and malt-whisky. A dark golden colour, this rum has aromas of dried fruits (plums), oak and a delicate spiciness.

Notes of dried fruit, wood and vanilla on the palate with a slightly dry finish.

Diplomático Planas 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

An intense white rum made from a blend of pot still, column and batch kettle rums aged for up to six years. Fresh tropical aromas of coconut and ground coffee with a palate that is slightly fruity with creamy flavours. Serve neat, or in more delicate cocktails.

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SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Doorly’s White Rum 3YO

LWF Distilling White Rum

Gosling’s Black Seal

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 LWF Distilling

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Federal Merchants

Although this white rum is matured in casks for three years, the colour is removed through a filtration system leaving a full-bodied and flavoursome spirit. Fresh and fruity with hints of coconut and a clean finish.

A blend of aged rums made in small batches, Bermuda-made Gosling’s has a distinctive dark colour. Rich, smooth and full-bodied with subtle butterscotch, vanilla and caramel.

RRP $65 - $89.99

This was the first release from LWF Distillery in Taranaki after it launched in 2019. The white rum uses molasses from Bundaberg in Queensland with a specialty yeast and five-times filtered New Zealand rainwater. It has a fruity nose, smooth mouthfeel, and ends with a sweet caramel ‘rum funk’.

LWF Distilling Feijoa Rum

Black Collar Spiced Rum

Mount Gay describes this new release as a “heritage blend” and the embodiment of the Mount Gay style. Eclipse is crisp and aromatic with distinctive aromas of vanilla and banana and underlying caramel, summer fruit and spice. On the palate there is an oaky character with slight burnt notes.

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 LWF Distilling

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Beverage Brothers

This seasonal release from Taranaki distillery LWF uses distinctive feijoa to create a green-hued rum with a fruity aroma, intense feijoa sweetness and a tart tang.

LWF Distilling Rhubarb Rum

This New Zealand rum is made with 100% natural spices and designed to be served neat. It has aromas of cinnamon, cloves and a hint of almost raisiny sweetness. It’s smooth and rounded in the mouth with a subtle spicy kick of clove and charred oak and sweet vanilla to balance.

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 LWF Distilling

El Dorado Cask Aged 8 Years

Infused with up to six different varieties of rhubarb, this rum has a pretty pink hue and a fruity nose. The finish is of delicate, tart rhubarb.

LWF Distilling Spiced White Rum 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65 LWF Distilling

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Tickety-Boo

Aromas of subtle tobacco mix with caramel toffee alongside dried stone fruit and flambéed banana. The mouth-feel is smooth, soft and faintly sweet, with traces of oak and butterscotch.

This rum starts with an intense citrus nose that leads to spice and a sweet, earthy manuka honey note.

McJaggery Triple Berry Rum from NZ Rum Co. uses strawberries, blackberries and raspberries in the blend.

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Mount Gay Rum Eclipse 37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99 Hancocks

Neptune Rum Caribbean Spiced 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 The Premium Liquor Co.

This full-bodied spiced rum is blended from five-, three- and two-year-old rums, selected from four Caribbean islands and then infused with passionfruit, Persian lime, vanilla and cinnamon.

NZ Rum Co. McJaggery Triple Berry 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 NZ Rum Co.

The original McJaggery White Rum has been distilled with strawberries, blackberries and raspberries to create this botanical summer fruit rum.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Spirited Union Pink Grapefruit & Rose combines fresh pink grapefruit, blood orange and blossoms.

NZ Rum Co. McJaggery White Rum 43% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99 NZ Rum Co.

One of the newer arrivals on the local distilling scene, NZ Rum Co makes its rum from Jaggery sugar (as opposed to molasses). The result is a clean, balanced white rum with light tropical notes.

Spirited Union Organic Coconut 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Hancocks

Sustainably distilled organic Belizean rum is united with toasted coconut flakes, organic coconut water, raw Peruvian cacao and Madagascan vanilla for a complex rum with fresh notes of coconut.

Plunders Rum

Spirited Union Queen Pineapple & Spice

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Brandhouse

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Hancocks

This new release rum is loaded with the flavour of bananas and tropical spice, and rounded out with notes of vanilla and oak.

Made for sipping, it has a light sweetness and complex flavours.

This release from Amsterdam’s Spirited Union distillery uses queen pineapple, cassia wood and cinnamon.

It has complex fruity notes and tropical freshness, with the natural sweetness of the pineapple balanced by the heat of the spices.

Spirited Union Pink Grapefruit & Rose 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Hancocks

This intriguing rum expression combines citrus and blossom – with fresh pink grapefruit, blood orange, vapour distilled rose petals and elderflower blossom all in the mix.

Sagatiba Cristalina 38% ABV, 700ml $71.99 Thirsty Camel

Sagatiba Cristalina is a Brazilian cachaça made using multi-distillation to separate any impurities and create a pure and crystalline liquid. Clean and delicate with a sweet/spice character.

Matusalem Añejo 38% ABV, 700ml RRP $73.99 Thirsty Camel

A blend of aged rums, Matusalem Añejo offers vanilla, dried fruits, and honey notes overlaid by the aroma of caramelised molasses.

Matusalem Platino 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $73.99 Thirsty Camel

A triple-distilled double-filtered white rum with a clean taste and subtle flavour.

Notes of vanilla and brown sugar on the nose, smooth and creamy on the palate with fruity flavours, a hint of vanilla and a dry finish.

Spytail Cognac Barrel 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $73.99 Thirsty Camel

The recipe for Spytail is based on a 19th century French tradition of ageing Caribbean rum in barrels with fresh ginger and spices. The Cognac Barrel expression is further aged in cognac casks for added complexity.

Spytail Ginger Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $73.99 Thirsty Camel

This rum has intense, rich ginger on the nose, against a background of vanilla and spice. Smooth on the palate with continued vanilla, rich fruit cake spices and earthy ginger.

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SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Black Collar Spiced Pineapple Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Beverage Brothers

The Black Collar team in Northland slowly roasted ripe, juicy pineapples over a bed of red-hot coconut charcoal then infused them into Black Collar Rum and rested it in oak barrels to further develop its full-bodied flavour. The label is made from wood and really stands out on the shelf – Black Collar says that each label has a slightly different woodgrain to reflect the handcrafted nature of their products.

Matusalem Solera 7YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $76.99 Thirsty Camel

A smooth golden rum that is soft on the palate with pronounced caramel, banana, vanilla and maple syrup and a lush finish.

Grenada Bay White Rum 47% ABV, 700ml RRP $78.99 Grenada Bay

This delicate white rum from Wellington craft distillery Grenada Bay is triple distilled with cardamom and pear, adding an earthy sweetness to the palate.

Angostura 1919

Millenhall Rum

40% ABV, 70ml RRP $79.99 Federal Merchants

45% ABV, 750ml RRP $79.99 Armada Spirits

A specially blended multi-award-winning rum named for an important date in the development of the rum industry in Trinidad & Tobago, as well as the wider Caribbean. After a fire in 1932, which destroyed the Government Rum Bond, the master blender of Fernandes Distillers bought the charred casks, only to discover they had been filled in the year 1919. The prized rum was blended and called “1919 Aged Rum.” A soft rum with complex toasty flavours from extended ageing in charred barrels.

A new release from Pāpāmoa distillery Armada Spirits, this small batch barrelaged rum is made with sugarcane and molasses. It’s copper column distilled and has spent a minimum of three years in an ex-New Zealand red wine barrel in the distillery near the Pāpāmoa coastline.

The resulting rum has developed rich flavours of caramel and honey, with an oak character from the barrel ageing and a whisky-like finish.

Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Lion

A blend of rare golden rums that have all been aged for a minimum of 12 years.

This deep bronze rum has flavours of oak, fruit, cocoa, molasses, orange peel, rich vanilla and subtle coffee with a bittersweet finish.

Bayside ‘Three Moons’ Rum 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Tickety-Boo

This new arrival on the New Zealand distilling scene uses a kumara fermentation starter in its creation and is aged in ex-Pinot Noir barrels for three months. It has notes of golden kiwifruit, honey, pear and citrus.

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The Kraken Black Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99, 1L RRP $109 Thirsty Camel

This inky black rum produced in Trinidad and Tobago is infused with herbs and spices. Aromas of nutmeg, vanilla and cinnamon lead to flavours of vanilla, dark chocolate, clove, rich fruit cake and toffee.

Rich and spicy.

Pusser’s Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $80.99 Thirsty Camel

This Royal Navy-style rum uses the same blend that it supplied to British warships up until the Royal Navy discontinued its daily ration in 1970. Pusser’s Rum uses five West Indian rums (three from Guyana, two from Trinidad) aged for at least three years. It has aromas of demerara sugar, molasses, dried fruits and spices, with flavours of deep vanilla and honey.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Rum brands Angostura

Bayside Rum Co.

Brugal

Diplomático

House of Angostura has been producing rums for 130 years and is the major producer in Trinidad today. It is best known for its production of Angostura Bitters, which were invented by the company’s founder in 1824.

A new addition to the New Zealand distilling scene, founder Egor Petrov launched his Auckland distillery in early 2020 with ‘Three Moons’ rum.

Don Andres Brugal Montaner founded Brugal in the Dominican Republic in 1888.

Five generations later, the rum is still crafted by the Brugal Family, with only family members able to hold the title of a ‘Maestro Ronero’ (Master of Rum).

The distillery that produces all of Diplomático’s rum was established in Venezuela in 1959. Today, it is 100% Venezuelan and privately owned under the name Destilerías Unidas S. A. (DUSA). The company is one of the largest rum producers in Venezuela. Diplomático is distributed in over 70 countries and holds the “Ron de Venezuela” DOC (Protected Denomination of Origin).

Appleton Estate

Appleton Estate is in Jamaica’s Nassau Valley, where all its rums are produced. It is the oldest sugar estate and distillery in Jamaica in continuous production, with the first known documentation of rum made on the Estate dating back to 1749. Appleton Estate’s Master Blender is Joy Spence, who became the world’s first female Master Blender when she was appointed in 1997, after 16 years with the company.

Black Collar

New Zealand distillery Black Collar was established in Northland in 2017. It also makes vodka and gin.

Black Heart

This was the New Zealand Navy’s official rum when sailors used to receive a free daily rum ration – a practice that lasted into the 1950s.

Black Magic

A spiced blend of light and dark rums produced by New Orleans company Sazerac.

Black Tears

One of New Zealand’s newer distilleries, Armada Spirits is based at P p maoa Beach in the Bay of Plenty. Its debut vodka launched in 2020, followed by a gin and the Millenhall Rum.

This Cuban rum launched in 2019 and is owned by The Island Rum Company. Black Tears takes its name from the Cuban song, ‘Lagrimas Negras’ that tells the story of a young woman who sobbed into a vat of rum, filling it with her sorrow. It was the first Cuban spiced rum brand.

Bacardi

Black Tot

Armada Spirits

One of the world’s best known rum brands, Bacardi traces its origins to the 1830s when Spanish wine merchant Facundo Bacardi Masso moved to Cuba. His experiments with refining rum using a proprietary strain of yeast, charcoal filtering and ageing in white oak barrels gave Bacardi its distinctive flavour and created the world’s first clear rum. The bat logo was inspired by the bats that lived in the rafters of the first distillery that Masso established with his brother. Bacardi is owned by Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held, family-owned spirits company in the world.

Bayou Rum

Bayou Rum was established in 2013 in Louisiana and uses fresh locally grown sugarcane at its craft distillery. Its signature recipe uses 100% single estate molasses produced by the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the United States.

Every batch is distilled by hand using copper pot stills and aged in 200L bourbon and sherry casks.

A UK rum brand that launched in 2010 with Black Tot Last Consignment: a blend of rum made up of the very last remaining stocks of British Royal Navy rum discovered in naval warehouses in Dartmouth and Deptford. Black Tot takes its name from ‘Black Tot Day’ (31 July 1970) when the last rum ration was issued aboard ships of the British Royal Navy, ending a 300-year-old tradition. More rums followed in 2019, with Black Tot blending rums from Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica.

Broken Heart

This New Zealand brand launched several years ago with a gin by Master Distiller Joerg Henkenhaf, following the death of the close friend and fellow Master Distiller with whom he had first created it.

Both from Germany, the pair wanted to create a gin that reflected their new homeland.

The Broken Heart range also includes gins and vodka.

Cane

The debut overproof rum from New Zealand distillery 1919.

Captain Morgan

This rum brand launched in 1944 and is named for Captain Henry Morgan, a 17th century Welsh privateer who became Sir Henry Morgan in 1673 and was named Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica in 1680. He lived on his sugar cane plantation in Jamaica until his death in 1688.

Charles Merser & Co

This London rum brand launched in 2019 and is owned by the Hayman family, owners of Hayman’s Gin. It sources aged Caribbean rums that it blends and bottles at its rum blending house in central London – said to be the first in the capital in more than a century. Rum blending houses were once a fixture of 18th and 19th century London.

Coruba

Coruba rums are distilled in Kingston, Jamaica. The Coruba brand is owned by Campari Group.

Cruzan

Cruzan Rum is located in Saint Croix, in the US Virgin Islands.

The distillery was founded by the Nelthropp Family and has been in operation for more than 200 years. Cruzan takes its name from the word ‘Crucians’, which refers to the people of St Croix.

Dead Man’s Fingers

A UK rum brand created in 2015 by the founders of popular seafood eatery the Rum & Crab Shack in Cornwall.

It takes its name from the long, finger-like gills inside a crab, which are referred to as ‘dead man’s fingers’ because folklore has it that if you eat them, you’ll die. (This is untrue, they just taste unpleasant, so are removed.)

Don Papa

A rum brand owned by Philippines company Bleeding Heart Rum Co. It is made on Negros Occidental in the Philippines and is named in tribute to Papa Isio, an historic figure from Negros who helped drive the Spanish from the island in the 1890s. The rum uses locally grown and milled sugar cane.

Doorly’s

A rum brand produced at the multi-award-winning Foursquare distillery on the Caribbean island of Barbados.

El Dorado

The El Dorado brand launched in 1992 and its rums are distilled in South America’s Guyana by Demerara Distillers, which operates the last remaining distillery in the country on the banks of the Demerara River. Many sugar estates and distilleries merged during the early 20th century culminating in the amalgamation of all the various stills and equipment in 1998 by Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL).

Flor de Caña

A sustainably-produced premium rum brand from a family estate in Nicaragua that dates back to 1890. Flor de Caña is carbon neutral and Fair Trade certified, distilled with 100% renewable energy and naturally aged without sugar.

Gosling’s

Gosling’s is synonymous with its home of Bermuda, where it is regarded as the national drink.

It takes its name from wine and spirits merchant James Gosling, who first opened a shop in the town of St George’s in 1806.

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SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Grenada Bay

Matusalem

R.L Seale

Spytail

This Wellington craft distillery was the first in the capital and was founded by two friends from Titahi Bay, who combined their distillery location in Wellington’s northern suburb of Grenada with their Titahi Bay origins to come up with the Grenada Bay name. Grenada Bay offers three bottled rums as well as private casks.

The Matusalem brand was founded in 1872 in Santiago de Cuba by brothers Benjamin and Eduardo Camp and their partner Evaristo Alvarez.

They believed ageing was the key to making rum with the finest flavour and the name ‘Matusalem’ derives from the old Spanish proverb, “This is older than Matusalem” referring to the patriarch of the Old Testament who was said to have lived for 969 years. The Barn Swallow logo was adopted after flocks of swallows nested in the barrel ageing warehouses.

Famed rum distiller R.L. Seale has been a family-owned business since launching in Barbados in the 1920s. It is currently run by Sir David Seale and his son Richard.

A French rum brand that is named after a legendary submarine. The world’s first mechanical submarines were invented in France and tested on the Charente River, which flows near the Spytail distillery.

These were the submarines that Jules Verne used as the inspiration for his famous novel 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The rounded bottles with porthole embossing are a reference to French deepsea explorers of the late 19th century.

Mount Gay

Russell Rum

Havana Club

Havana Club was first created in Cuba in 1934. In 1993, Pernod Ricard S.A. and Corporación Cuba Ron S.A. launched a joint venture to produce and market Havana Club globally.

Helmsman

A New Zealand brand rum that launched with its spiced rum (using Caribbean golden rum) and has since added a white rum to its range.

Honest

A New Zealand spirits brand created by two friends, who distil their spirits in Auckland.

Honest is carbon neutral and certified plastic-free.

The Kraken

A black spiced rum produced in Trinidad and Tobago.

It takes its name from the gigantic legendary sea monster, known as a Kraken.

Langs Rum

A Glasgow-based brand that uses Jamaican rums for its range of flavoured rums. A blend of molasses-rich pot and column distilled rums, blended and infused with natural fruit flavours.

Lunatic & Lover

This Auckland craft distillery was founded by husband and wife team Matt Bridge and Angie Bradley, who launched their first rums in 2020. Bridge uses vapour distillation in his process, describing Lunatic & Lover as “botanical rum”.

LWF Distilling

A Taranaki farm-based distillery in Oakura. ‘LWF’ stands for ‘Life Worth Funding’, inspired by distiller Janet Charteris’ former life in the corporate world and a desire to return to grassroots and give back to the community.

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Mount Gay Rum has been made in Barbados for 300 years and is the world’s oldest commercial rum distillery. It was named for Sir John Gay Alleyne, the first manager of the company.

Neptune

Multi-award-winning Neptune Rum is made in Barbados. It is named for Neptune, god of the oceans, and the brand is committed to raising awareness of the oceans and funding environmental action projects around the world.

No.8 Distillery

A Dunedin distillery helmed by distiller Julien Delavoie.

As well as the award-winning Pineapple Rum Elixir, the portfolio also includes gins, absinthe, limoncello, ouzo and liqueurs.

NZ Rum Co.

An Auckland-based smallbatch rum distillery founded in 2020. Founder Rob O’Connell decided to make a dream into a reality after years of skippering superyachts around the world.

Plunder’s Rum

Plunders Rum is a new release from Christchurch company Brandhouse, created using rum sourced from the Caribbean and blended in New Zealand.

Pusser’s

This Royal Navy-style rum made in Guyana is produced in exact accordance with the Admiralty’s specifications for rum (last used when the Royal Navy discontinued its daily ration in 1970). The blend is the same as it was on British warships.

Ratu

A rum brand produced by the Rum Co. of Fiji, which has been operating since the 1980s in Lautoka, Fiji.

Ron Santisima Trinidad

A Cuban rum brand made at a distillery that was founded in 1944. It is named for Santísima Trinidad, the town in which it is made.

This rum brand is part of Blush Gin, an Auckland craft distillery founded in 2017.

Blush also makes a range of gins.

Sagatiba

A cachaça (Brazilian rum) brand that launched around 12 years go and translates as “infinite possibilities”.

Sailor Jerry

The distinctive hula girl on this rum’s label is the creation of Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins, the man dubbed “the father of the old-school tattoo”. A former US Navy sailor, Collins set up shop in Honolulu in the 1940s, where his intricate Asian-influenced American tattoos became highly sought after. The rum came about after his protégé, Ed Hardy, co-founded Sailor Jerry Ltd in 1999 to keep Collins’ legacy and artwork alive. Sailor Jerry rum is distilled in the Virgin Islands.

Smith & Cross

This Jamaica rum contains only Wedderburn and Plummer pot still distillates, which are famous for their notes of exotic fruit and spice. The mark of Smith & Cross traces its lineage to one of England’s oldest producers of sugar and spirit dating back to 1788.

Spirited Union

An independent distillery in Amsterdam that specialises in botanical rum and has a particular focus on sustainability. It sources single origin rums that it combines with fresh botanicals to create its range.

Stolen Rum

The Stolen Rum brand was founded by two New Zealanders in 2010 and now has teams in Auckland, Sydney, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Stolen sources and bottles its rum around the world, including in the Caribbean.

Waiheke Imperial

Based on Waiheke Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Imperial produces premium bottled water from an aquifer deep below the island. It also uses this water in combination with organic ingredients to create its rum, gin and bee tonic.

Wray & Nephew

This historic rum brand is the best-selling high proof rum in the world. Its origins trace back to 1825, when John Wray opened a bar in the Jamaican seaport of Kingston and began producing his own rum. His nephew, Charles James Ward, joined the business 35 years later and Wray & Nephew Ltd was born.

Zaya

A premium rum brand that uses rums sourced from the Caribbean. The name ‘Zaya’ is said to mean “triumphant woman”.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Cane Overproof by 1919 Distilling is a full-strength, aromatic white rum with deep, rich flavours.

Matusalem Clásico 10YO

Honest Six Spiced Botanical Rum

Cane Overproof by 1919 Distilling

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $81.99 Thirsty Camel

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Mineral

63% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 1919 Distilling

Sweet and bitter characters meld in this rum with notes of coffee, toffee, caramel, vanilla and coconut tied together with the aroma of fresh molasses.

This local newcomer has an initial burst of citrus and a delicate hint of vanilla, combined with aromatic notes of ginger and cloves. Intense orange peel is followed by a subtle hint of scorched sugarcane, with spicy warmth of cinnamon and ginger and lingering nutmeg. The finish is warm and comforting with undertones of cloves and elegant spice.

This full-strength New Zealand-made rum is made using combinations of boiled brown sugar from Mauritius and grade A molasses from Australia. It is slow fermented for 4-12 days and then copper pot distilled to create a mouthcoating spirit with deep, rich flavours.

This aromatic white rum has a fruity aroma with hints of molasses. It provides depth and punch in cocktails or can be served neat.

Ron Santísima Trinidad 7YO 40.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $82.99 Tickety-Boo

This expression from Cuba’s Ron Santísima Trinidad has hint of sweet raisins on the nose, while in the mouth there is oak, vanilla and sweet almonds.

Helmsman Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks

This New Zealand-brand rum is made from a blend of Caribbean golden rum and spices. Initial aromas of fruitcake are followed by banana, vanilla and a hint of warm spice. A full-bodied rum with flavours of rich fruit, cinnamon and toffee.

Winner of ‘Best New Zealand Rum’ at the NZ Spirits Awards 2020.

Helmsman White Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks

The white rum from Kiwi producer Helmsman is usually aged for over a year in stainless steel tanks and plain oak casks, which creates its light blonde colour and sweet flavour.

Mount Gay Black Barrel 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks

Double ageing in deeply charred bourbon oak barrels creates an undertone of classic bourbon spices balanced with oaky vanilla and sweet caramel.

Smith & Cross Navy Strength Jamaica Rum 57% ABV, 750ml RRP $84.99 Hancocks

A traditional navy strength rum with notes of caramelised banana, tropical fruit, baking spices and some earthy characteristics. A distinctly flavourful and aromatic rum style.

LWF Distilling Limited Edition Rested Rum 40% ABV, 500ml RRP $85 LWF Distilling

LWF Distilling White Rum is rested in select barrels to add depth and a beautiful golden colour. This aged rum has layers of butterscotch, vanilla, caramel and LWF Distilling’s own rum funk, and finishes with a smoky, creamy mouthfeel.

Russell Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $85 Blush Distillers

The team at New Zealand’s Blush Distillers use oak-aged Caribbean rum in their spiced rum, which includes nutmeg, clove, and local citrus.

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SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Broken Heart Spirits Spiced Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Giesen Group

A spiced rum from New Zealand spirits brand Broken Heart. Smooth and well balanced, it is aged three years in barrel and uses natural spices of galangal, vanilla, orange peel, cloves and cinnamon, with distinct caramel, candied walnuts and cinnamon on the palate. Winner of Double Gold and the Trophy for Best New Zealand Rum (Spiced/Botanical) at the NZ Spirits Awards 2022.

Don Papa 7YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Glengarry Spirits

This small batch rum has a light fruit aroma and is smooth and delicate on the palate with a long, rich finish. Flavours of vanilla, honey and candied fruits.

El Dorado 12YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Tickety-Boo

The youngest expression in El Dorado’s Luxury Cask Aged Range, which are rums designed to be savoured. The 12YO has aromas of lush tropical fruit and spice with hints of honey and dark sugar. The palate is round, mellow and full-bodied with rich flavours of fruit and spice and a dry finish.

Broken Heart Spirits Spiced Rum won Double Gold and the Trophy for Best New Zealand Rum (Spiced/Botanical) at the NZ Spirits Awards 2022.

Flor de Caña 12 YO

Black Tot Caribbean Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Hancocks

46.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

An ultra-premium rum from Nicaraguan distillery Flor de Caña. Aromas of red fruits, honey and toasted nuts leading to a palate of wood, vanilla and baked apples, with a smooth and well-balanced finish.

Crafted from a marriage of fruity Barbadian, full-bodied Guyanese and vibrant Jamaican rums, the Black Tot gets its name from the ration of rum issued daily to sailors of the Royal Navy. A rich and complex rum with flavours of golden syrup, tropical fruits and a leathery hint.

A note of coffee and chocolatey mocha on the palate, with butter toffee and oaky spice. A roasted banana character on the finish, ending this rich, fruity and slightly funky rum.

Lunatic & Lover Fundamental Unaged Organic Rum 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Hancocks

Fundamental is rum in its purest form – made only with molasses, water and yeast, distilled in a copper pot still and completely unaged. It is the first rum in New Zealand to be certified organic.

Fundamental has aromas of red fruits, cream and peaches; it is silky on the palate with notes of chocolate and a soft liquorice finish.

Neptune Barbados Gold Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 The Premium Liquor Co.

A light-bodied rum with aromas of maple syrup, apricot, and allspice with touches of oak and vanilla. The palate has bitter orange peel, chocolate, vanilla and Caribbean spicy herbs that fade into a hint of peppercorn and coconut husk. The finish is dry with slight woody tannins and citrus oil.

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Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A sipping rum that is aged in small oak casks for up to 12 years. It has aromas of maple syrup, orange peel, brown sugar and liquorice, with flavours of sweet toffee fudge. Serve neat, on the rocks, or use in a premium Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Doorly’s 12YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This 12-year-old rum was produced at the multi-award-winning Foursquare distillery on the Caribbean island of Barbados. It is rich and sweet with notes of butterscotch and tropical fruit and has a full-bodied mouthfeel with flavours of toffee apple, toasted spices and orange.

Doorly’s XO Rum 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Doorly’s rum has been made on the island of Barbados since 1908 and this new XO expression is a blend of some of its oldest rums given a secondary maturation in ex-Oloroso sherry casks. Notes of caramel, brown/Demerara sugar and banana and toffee apple are joined by a hint of sultana and spice from these casks.

R.L. Seale 10YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This Bajan rum is juicy with hints of roasted apple and caramel along with fig and raisin flavours and layers of tropical fruit.

RRP $90 - $149.99

Charles Merser & Co Double Barrel

No.8 Pineapple Elixir

43.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Hancocks

36% ABV, 700ml RRP $90 No.8 Distillery

Distiller Julien Delavoie first started making this style of rum, aged with fruit and spices, as a 16-year-old in France.

Cask aged for a year, this light and luscious rum has an aroma of sticky sweet pineapple with a hint of earth and then verges into raisin, fruit cake and baking spice. The pineapple persists on the palate with a burst of freshness and a rounded mouthfeel. The finish is delicately sweet.

Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum 63% ABV, 700ml RRP $92.99 Thirsty Camel

An aromatic and intense rum at 63% ABV with top notes of citrus, pear and pineapple, married with bottom notes of honey and molasses.

Grenada Bay Golden Rum 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $93.99 Grenada Bay

This rum from Wellington distillery Grenada Bay is aged in oak barrels and is smooth on the palate with hints of smoky sweetness. The distinctive bottle is sealed with organic beeswax.

A golden rum with aromas of vanilla, tropical fruit and a toasty oak character.

The palate is mouth-coating, warming and generous with soft notes of vanilla, more tropical fruit and some vinous notes created through the cask maturation process. Toasty oak returns on the finish alongside sweet vanilla and hints of pastry cream.

Matusalem Gran Reserva 15 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $97.99 Thirsty Camel

A Solera rum with an intense, rich nose of wood, toasted nuts and butterscotch.

It has a smooth texture with flavours of cocoa, pronounced oak and a cognac-like finish.

Don Papa 10YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Glengarry Spirits

This is a dark, intense rum thanks to the Filipino rum making tradition of not refilling casks after evaporation. It has rich aromas and a palate of dried fruit, cacao and a hint of oak.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 69

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Bayou Mardis Gras XO Single Batch 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 Tickety-Boo

This Louisiana rum is matured in bourbon barrels for up to six years using the Solera ageing method and then partially finished in sherry barrels. Aromas of dried dark fruit and cedar wood lead to a complex palate of orange marmalade and dark stone fruit with blackcurrant and honey. A long, dry finish with black pepper, sherry and hints of smoke.

Ron Santísima Trinidad 15YO 40.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 Tickety-Boo

An intense woody aroma with caramelised, toasty character and prunes and raisins, alongside a slightly sweet fragrance. Complex flavours of wood, almond and walnut leading to a long finish.

Mount Gay XO New Edition 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $105 Hancocks

A triple cask bend with an ageing scope wider than the current rum to allow for a wider range of aromas and flavours.

Round and complex with notes of salted caramel, baked fig, clove and dark chocolate. Winner of Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2022.

70 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Zaya Gran Reserva 16

El Dorado Special Reserve 15YO

40% ABV 750ml RRP $107.99 Thirsty Camel

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

A blend of rums aged up to 16 years – this has aromas of baked fruit and spiced vanilla and a palate that’s smooth with caramel, spice and toasted oak. The finish lingers with a hint of smoke.

A cognac-like rum with a complex nose of dark coffee, candied orange, almonds, dark chocolate, pepper and rich vanilla.

It’s silky and rounded on the palate, with flavours of grilled tropical fruit and smooth, oaky spice.

Angostura 1824 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Federal Merchants

A blend of rums aged in charred American oak bourbon barrels for a minimum of 12 years then hand-picked by House of Angostura’s Master Blender from selected casks. These rums are then hand-blended and re-casked before being hand-drawn, filtered and bottled. The 1824 has rich aromas of vanilla, honey and warming spice followed by a long complex finish.

Brugal 1888 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $114.99 Hancocks

A double-aged rum that rests first in ex-bourbon American oak casks, followed by a second maturation in ex-sherry Spanish oak casks. On the nose there are red and dried fruits, a spicy woodiness and hints of cinnamon. It’s well-rounded and smooth on the palate with toffee, vanilla, peach, cocoa and cloves. Longlasting finish with a hint of honey.

Flor de Caña 18 YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $120 Hancocks

As with all rums from Nicaraguan distillery Flor de Caña, this sugar-free ultra-premium rum is sustainably produced (carbon neutral and Fair Trade certified) and naturally aged without artificial ingredients, distilled with 100% renewable energy and Kosher certified.

It has aromas of nuts and caramel with intense vanilla and spices on the palate and a long, smooth finish.

Gosling’s 151 Overproof 75.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $120 Federal Merchants

This overproof version of Gosling’s original Black Seal rum is described as “muscular, but refined.” Clocking in at 75.5% ABV (The ‘151’ refers to the US proof strength), it’s designed to enhance mixed drinks as opposed to serving neat; or its makers also suggest using it for flambéeing desserts.

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Lunatic & Lover Silver Botanical Rum

Diplomatico Distillery Collection No.3 Pot Still

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $129 Hancocks

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This was the first rum released by Auckland distillery Lunatic & Lover and uses molasses from the nearby Chelsea Factory as well as locally grown fruit and herbs, alongside more exotic spices. It’s described as a ‘botanical rum’ thanks to the use of vapour distillation. Aromas of bright citrus and clean herbal top notes from bay leaf and mairehau lead to a complex palate of baking spice, subtle heat and green pepper (courtesy of the horopito) that mellows into a warm earthiness and rich molasses finish where the quality of the base rum shines through.

Ageing for eight years in new American oak, ex-bourbon and ex-single malts barrels has developed aromas of red and tropical fruits with underlying notes of toffee and vanilla. Balanced and wellstructured on the palate, where wood flavours combine with coffee and dark chocolate notes. Ends with a deep and lingering finish.

Angostura 1787 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Federal Merchants

A super-premium rum made from a blend of rums aged for a minimum of 15 years. It has aromas of banana, dried fruit and oak with top notes of apples. The medium-bodied palate has hints of dried prunes, sweet rounded oak and subtle toffee, leading to a long, crisp finish.

Doorly’s 14YO 48% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This 14-year-old rum was produced at the award-winning Foursquare rum distillery on Barbados. The rum is a blend of pot and column still rums that have been aged predominantly in bourbon casks, as well as some Madeira casks, which help impart flavours of dark chocolate, red berries, tropical fruit and sweet spices.

Doorly’s 14YO was produced at the award-winning Foursquare rum distillery on Barbados.

Diplomatico Single Vintage 2007 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

The new limited edition 2005 Single Vintage release from Diplomatico has just arrived in New Zealand. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and single malt whisky casks before finishing in ex Spanish sherry casks, it has a complex and rich character with flavours of chocolate orange, dark fruits, creamy vanilla and toasted Christmas cake.

RRP $150 and above Grenada Bay Cherry 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $154.99 Grenada Bay

The team at Wellington’s Grenada Bay distillery blend their premium rum with Central Otago cherries and mature it in ex-Pinot Noir French oak barrels. During ageing, they roll and rest the barrels to replicate the movement of a sea voyage, creating a velvety, luscious rum bursting with ripe cherry flavour.

Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested Botanical Rum 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $155 Hancocks

The Lunatic & Lover Silver rum is aged six months in oak for this Barrel Rested expression. The oak melds a sweet and woody vanilla aroma with the rum’s orange top notes. The herbal element of the Silver remains, but is more subdued and integrated with the spice notes from the heavy barrel char. Deep, rich coffee and chocolate work with the tannins from the wood to dominate the finish.

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 71

SPIRITS REPORT – RUM

Waiheke Imperial Rum 2019

Mount Gay Rum 1703 Old Cask Master Selection

38% ABV, 1L RRP $155 Waiheke Imperial

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $199 Hancocks

This limited-edition rum (only 500 litres were produced) is smooth and spiced with vanilla, cinnamon and ginger.

Floral aromas develop into long notes of cinnamon, ginger biscuit, walnut and manuka honey.

Matusalem Gran Reserva 23 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $159.99 Thirsty Camel

This premium offering from Matusalem has subtle aromas of dried fruit, fresh honey and a floral hint over a sweet toffee base with notes of mango and exotic wood. The palate is creamy with liquorice, roasted almond, hazelnut and dried fruit.

A sherry-like finish.

Gosling’s Old Family Reserve 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99 Federal Merchants

The ultimate ‘after dinner’ rum. This expression is crafted from the same Bermuda blend as Black Seal, then aged for 16-19 years in charred oak barrels.

It has a complex nose with leather, chocolate and a hint of pepper, and a smooth and elegant taste with traces of smoke, vanilla and cigar box. Each black bottle is hand-filled, hand-labelled and numbered, then stopped with a cork and covered in sealing wax – the same way the Gosling family first bottled their Bermuda rums in the early 1900s.

The 1703 Master Select is a blend of copper column and copper pot rums from Mount Gay’s oldest reserves – ranging from 10 to 30-year-old rums – created and hand-picked by Master Blender Allen Smith. Due to the scarcity of Mount Gay’s most mature casks, the company releases just one batch annually. This rum has aromas of oak and caramel, balanced, rounded flavours of caramel, spice and toast, with a delicate finish.

El Dorado Special Reserve 21YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99 Tickety-Boo

Described as being for “true rum connoisseurs”, this 21-year-old rum has a nose of lush tropical fruit and spice with hints of honey and dark sugar. A round, mellow, full-bodied palate with rich flavours of fruit and spice.

Appleton Estate Rare Blend 21YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $219.99 Lion

A blend of select aged rums, all matured for at least 21 years. An intense aroma with spice, woody notes and delicate citrus. Notes of orange peel, deep vanilla, rich nutmeg, warm coffee, and cocoa notes. The finish is long and dry, with a brown sugar sweetness.

Flor de Caña 25 YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $220 Hancocks

A full-bodied rum with aromas of vanilla, wood and dark cocoa. There are fruity notes of almond and nuts on the palate, with a full and long finish that lingers.

El Dorado Grand Special Reserve 25YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $1149.99 Tickety-Boo

Created to mark the turn of the millennium, El Dorado 25-Year-Old Grand Special Reserve is a rich, smooth and mellow rum with silky smooth mouthfeel and subtle notes of caramel and heavy fruit cake.

For distributor details see the Distributors Index on page 80.

72 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

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

OPINION – SPIRITS

Dominic Roskrow

UK-based world spirits expert Editor - Stills Crazy newwizards.co.uk

Hidden treasures Dominic Roskrow gets off the beaten track in Guadalupe and has a spirit[ual] reawakening…

ONE OF the major benefits of our online world today is the way in which it allows small producers to compete with the biggest companies, without having to have vast advertising budgets.

Over the years, and as familiarity with new communication methods has grown, a brave new world of blogs, forums and specialty interest groups has developed.

What is happening online is to the world of communication what punk rock was to the world of music: the establishment is being ignored, while anyone who wants to can try their hand at spotting new trends or writing about obscure and marginal topics.

There are caveats, of course. Fake news is as prevalent in the world of spirits as it is in politics. And there is any number of people who will repeat what a public relations person blurts out without bothering to check its accuracy or worthiness. And far too many people will regurgitate any amount of marketing rubbish in a bid to keep on a company’s list for free samples, luxury trips, and fine dining in five-star hotels. All of which make the life of the serious spirits writer tougher than it should be.

Why give samples to someone who is going to be brutally honest about your product? On one occasion I was told I wouldn’t be getting a sample because the spirit was aimed at a different consumer – one who is more entry level. Think about that for a minute.

But back to the internet. While it has certainly helped to make us more aware of small distilleries in far-off places, many remain obscure and undiscovered by a wider audience.

74 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Guadalupe

No matter how deeply you delve into the world of spirits, there will always be something new and special to discover.

Take rhum agricole. This is a less sweet, more ‘spirity’ rum made in the French colonies in the West Indies. It is made with sugar cane juice, rather than molasses.

I was fortunate to travel to Guadalupe for a week recently, as one of 120 judges from Spirits Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, a gathering of the world’s top retailers, writers, distillers, educators and influencers, covering everything from ubiquitous spirits to Chinese baijiu, Peruvian pisco and Brazilian cachaça.

The trip included visits to a few rhum agricole distilleries, which were mainly very old and artisanal with passionate and proud distillers who had in-depth knowledge of myriad types of sugar cane.

Tasting their spirits with the background of the golden sunlight and the deep blue

sea was a revelation; sipping the rhum with barbecue food made it impossible not to fall in love with it.

The Guadalupe trip produced another surprise. One of my judging flights was tequila. I hate tequila. At least I thought I did, but all six of my samples were a total delight. So how did that happen? Because, said the chairman of our judging panel, the tequilas we were tasting were almost certainly not available in many parts of the world, and as where I live has no history of tequila consumption, the best examples of the spirit were simply not available to me.

What all of this means is that diversity and choice are at a premium, and no matter how deeply you delve into the world of spirits, there will always be something new and special to discover.

You lucky, lucky people.

SPIRITS NEWS

Highball set to roll again NEW ZEALAND’S biggest cocktail and spirits festival – Highball presented

by Liquorland – returns to Wellington this September. The festival kicks off with Wellington Cocktail Week (19-25 September), a city-wide celebration of cocktails across the capital’s bars, with Highball to be held 24-25 September at the Dominion Building.

The Highball line-up includes a range of local and international spirits brands, internationally renowned speakers, and the finals of New Zealand’s Bartender of the Year, in which finalists will go through a series of challenges to test their knowledge, creativity and bartending skills, with the winner announced at the event.

“The competition is well supported by the industry and punters alike,” says Highball Festival Manager Riki Carter.

“With last year’s finals playing out in

front of a packed house, we can’t wait to see what our finalists will be serving up this year.”

The speaker series includes Jacob Briars, New Zealand’s first ‘vodka professor’ who is now based in the United States; Philip Greene, a cocktail historian who works at The Pentagon for a day job; and renowned local distillers and brand ambassadors.

Highball will also showcase Lyre’s, Seedlip and Monin, who specialise in non-alcohol spirits and syrups. For something a little different, brewers Emerson’s and Boneface Brewing Company will be showcasing beer cocktails.

For tickets and more info visit highball.co.nz

SHOWCASE

Gino D’Acampo joins Ginato Gin

Gino D’Acampo

GINATO ITALIAN Gin has announced it is partnering with Italian chef and TV personality, Gino D'Acampo. The Ginato gin range, described as the true essence of Italy, is now available in New Zealand, distributed by Hancocks. It is produced using Pinot Grigio grapes from Friuli in Italy’s north, juniper sourced from Tuscany, and citrus from southern Italy.

The bottle itself also has a quintessentially Italian design.

The Ginato range includes its original Classico Pinot Grigio Gin, which recently won gold at the IWSC awards, as well as Ginato Melograno (Pomegranate), Ginato Clementino (Clementine orange), and Ginato Pompelmo (Pink grapefruit).

Gino D’Acampo is a well-known Naples-born TV personality and chef, currently on screen in New Zealand in Gordon, Gino and Fred’s

Road Trip. As partner and Maestro del Gusto (Master of Flavour) for Ginato, he will create recipes for pairing with Ginato cocktails, and help to develop new Ginato Gin variants and releases. Ginato Italian Gin has recently launched in over 22 countries, including New Zealand.

Ginato Gins, 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Hancocks

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 75

SPIRITS NEWS

Jawbox Gin and liqueurs arrive AWARD-WINNING IRISH gin Jawbox is one of the latest additions to Hancocks’ spirits portfolio. Made in Northern Ireland, it has received numerous accolades, including Best Gin in the UK, and this year Best International Gin at the Decoded Spirits Awards in Australia.

Jawbox is distilled slowly in small batches in traditional copper pot stills on a 300 acre estate just outside Belfast. A unique combination of 11 select botanicals, including local Black Mountain heather, are used to create this juniper-forward gin.

Jawbox also produces two gin liqueurs: the Caribbean-inspired Pineapple and Ginger combines fiery ginger with the intense sharpness of sweet pineapple, while Rhubarb and Ginger pairs two classic flavours to create a tangy liqueur.

Jawbox Gin 43% ABV, 700ml, RRP $69.99 Jawbox Gin Liqueurs 20% ABV, 700ml, RRP $54.99 Hancocks

Starward Most Awarded Distillery at SFWSC 2022 AUSTRALIAN CRAFT distillery Starward Whisky has been named Most Awarded Distillery of the Year at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Starward also won 12 Double Gold and three Gold Medals for its whisky range.

This was the largest haul of perfectly scored Gold Medals by any distillery across the 2022 competition. Starward is distributed in New Zealand by Tickety-Boo.

The title of Most Awarded Distillery of the Year is only awarded to distilleries who have consistently produced the finest quality spirits and the Starward team says they are elated. “To become the first Australian whisky to be named the Most Awarded Distillery of the Year at the world’s most competitive spirits competition is a dream come true,” said Starward founder David Vitale.

Tickety-Boo

Craft Japanese spirits join Hancocks DISTRIBUTOR HANCOCKS has added Japan’s Ukiyo gin and vodka to its premium spirits portfolio. The gins are crafted in Kagoshima using locally grown grains that are distilled into a traditional Japanese Shōchū spirit which is then carefully redistilled with key botanicals of juniper, mandarin and spice and infused with either fragrant Sakura flower or zesty Yuzu.

Ukiyo Japanese Rice Vodka is crafted on the tropical island of Okinawa, in a distillery that specialises in making the local rice spirit, Awamori, which is indigenous to Okinawa. Longgrain indica rice is inoculated with Black Kōji, fermented and then distilled into a traditional Japanese Awamori spirit. This rice spirit is then redistilled into Ukiyo pure rice vodka, which has a delicately fragrant aroma and creamy mouthfeel.

Ukiyo Gin and Vodka are both 40% ABV, 700ml, RRP $89.99.

Hancocks

76 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

LAUNCHING NEW ZEALAND AUGUST 2022 FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT

0800 699 463

“The world’s best gins 2022”

“A well-balanced flavoured gin”

“A delightful summer cocktail”

“Best gins for the perfect gin and tonic”

SPIRITS NEWS

Trophies announced in NZ Spirits Awards 2022 THE RESULTS of the NZ Spirits Awards 2022 were announced in June, marking the fourth year of the awards, which are presented by Spirits New Zealand Inc. and Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (NZ) Inc. Organisers say that the 2022 event received 466 entries, up 27% on 2021.

Gin made up more than half with 235 entries – 185 of those produced locally.

NZ Spirits Awards 2022 Champion Trophy winners Whiskey – North American

Rum

Vodka – Varietal

Trophy for Best Overall in Category: Jack Daniel’s – Bottled in Bond (USA)

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: T he Alchemist Distilling – Golden Rum (Double Gold) (NZ)

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Gorilochka – Vodka Gorilochka Wheat (Ukraine) Trophy For Best New Zealand in Category: Broken Heart Spirits – Broken Heart Vodka (Double Gold)

Whisky – Traditional (Scottish/Irish)

Trophy for Best Overall in Category: Bruichladdich – Port Charlotte (Double Gold) (Scotland)

Rum – Spiced/Botanical

Trophy for Best Overall in Category: Waiheke Whisky – Bog Monster (NZ)

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Dead Man’s Fingers – Hemp (UK) Trophy For Best New Zealand in Category: Broken Heart Spirits – Broken Heart Spiced Rum (Double Gold)

Gin – London Dry

Other – Liqueurs

Whisky – World

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Taupo Distilling Co – 5 Mile Gin (NZ)

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Barlovska – Blackberry (NZ)

Gin – Contemporary/Navy Strength

Other – Botanical And Other Spirits

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Vicar’s Son – Navy Strength (NZ) Gin – Flavoured/Aged

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Kyoto Dry Gin – Ki No Tea (Double Gold) (Japan) Trophy For Best New Zealand in Category: 1919 Distilling – Pineapple Bits

Armada Spirits adds gin to range PAPAMOA BEACH distiller Armada Spirits has released a gin, which joins its rum and vodka. Armada Premium Dry Gin uses classic coriander, liquorice and angelica root for its take on a London Dry-style gin that is citrusforward, underpinned by a subtle spice character.

42% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99 Armada Spirits

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Carpano – Antica Formula Vermouth (Italy) Trophy For Best New Zealand In Category: No.8 Distillery – No.8 Ouzo Tequila/Agave Spirits

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Herradura – Herradura Plata (Double Gold) (Mexico)

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Herrick Creek Distillery – Smokin’ Right Rear Cinnamon Moonshine (NZ) Brandy

Trophy For Best Overall in Category: Rough Hands – Elsewhen Applejack (NZ) Innovation Award: S trange Nature – Strange Nature Gin Packaging Award: Quick Brown Fox – Quick Brown Fox Coffee Liqueur Emerging Product Award: R ough Hands Ltd – Sorghum Spirit Full results at spiritsawardsnz.nz/results

Spirited Union targets C02 DUTCH BOTANICAL rum company Spirited Union has announced three key new eco initiatives as it marks its fifth year.

The independent Amsterdam distiller has switched to a more environmentally-friendly bottle, which uses 40% recycled glass and reduces weight by 31%. It says this will save 2.8kg of CO2 emissions per bottle at the point of manufacture – lowering Spirited Union’s overall carbon footprint by 370 tonnes in 2022 and helping to reduce CO2 throughout the company’s entire supply chain, most noticeably in transport. The bottle’s shape is squatter and more rounded than previously, but remains an easy pour, and also features a neck-collar to explain the new initiatives.

The firm has also moved into the not-for-profit Bonsucro Programme, known as the ‘Better Sugar Cane Initiative’, which promotes sustainable production and an equitable deal for its farmers. Spirited Union has also boosted its use of renewable energy, eliminated plastic from its packaging (all bottle seals are bio-degradable) and any unnecessary single plastic in its HQ, and 92% of the firm’s waste is now recycled.

Hancocks

78 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Vodka – Flavoured/Aged

SPIRITS NEWS

First ‘agaveria’ opens in Queenstown QUEENSTOWN’S FIRST dedicated tequila and mezcal-inspired cocktail bar has opened. Little Mez is an ‘agaveria’ with over 80 tequilas and mezcals direct from Mexico and was created by the team at Future Hospitality Group. It is situated below its Mexican-inspired sister restaurant Margo’s off Queenstown Mall.

Little Mez features an exclusive range of liquors, with bottle prices ranging from $60 to $850, and bespoke bottles up to $3,000.

“Little Mez is Queenstown’s first dedicated agaveria introducing you to tequila or mezcal-based cocktails, top shelf agave-based spirits, organic wines, and Mexican beers,” says co-owner James Ace. “Some are the only ones in New Zealand, which means when it’s gone, it’s gone.”

A ‘Trust Little Mez’ option also enables bartenders to create a unique flavour profile to suit individual tastes.

SHOWCASE

Tickety-Boo teams up with YEN NEWLY RELEASED New Zealand gin YEN has teamed up with distributor Tickety-Boo just months after its launch onto the local market. It is the first New Zealand gin to join Tickety-Boo’s premium spirits portfolio.

YEN has been created by Luke Dawkins (co-owner of Christchurch bar gin gin) and creative director BlueMonte Hamel. Dawkins spent a year developing the recipe for YEN, which is distilled at The Spirits Workshop in Christchurch. He describes it as a classic London Dry gin with a New Zealand twist, using kawakawa amongst its range of botanicals.

Presented in a sleek, black-wrapped bottle, YEN is positioned as a luxury brand out to disrupt the traditional gin market and marked its launch by offering 100 first edition YEN Gin Genesis NFTs on Rarible. A QR code on the bottle reveals more about what YEN is working on in this exciting space.

The co-founders have also created an exclusive membership club around YEN, which offers members special benefits and access to unique experiences.

Blue-Monte Hamel and Luke Dawkins

Since launching in April, YEN has been showcased in Bali and New York, receiving great feedback on the gin and its NFT project. Future plans include the release of a premium pink expression of YEN, scheduled for October.

YEN 42% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99

yen.co.nz Tickety-Boo

DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022 79

DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY

Distributors 1919 Distilling

Clearview Estate

Good George Brewing

Pernod Ricard

021 024 22067 1919distilling.com

06 875 0150 clearviewestate.co.nz

07 846 9364 goodgeorge.co.nz

0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com

8-Wired

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners NZ

Grenada Bay

The Premium Liquor Co.

027 892 5723 grenadabay.nz

09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz

Hancocks

Procure Liquor

0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

021 393 652 Procureliquor.co.nz

022 106 1709 8wired.co.nz

Aotearoa NZ Fine Wine Estates

0800 692 337 cocacolaep.com

DB Breweries

06 650 5550 bureau@aonzfinewine.com

0800 746 432 db.co.nz

Armada Spirits

Dhall & Nash

info@armadaspirits.co.nz armadaspirits.co.nz

0800 369 463 dnfinewine.com

Asahi Beverages NZ

Emerson’s

09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

Astrolabe Wines

Emporium Brewing

03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz

03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz

Bach Brewing

Epic Beer

09 390 0149 bachbrewing.co.nz

0800 212 337 epicbeer.com

Maison Vauron

Beam Suntory

EuroVintage

0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

Behemoth Brewing

Federal Merchants

orders@mineralwine.co.nz mineral.co.nz

09 948 0425 behemothbrewing.co.nz

0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz

Native Sparkling

Beverage Brothers

Garage Project

03 390 1377 beveragebrothers.co.nz

027 535 0917 garageproject.co.nz

Blush Gin

Giesen Group

0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

Blushgin.co.nz

03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz

No.8 Distillery

Boneface Brewing 04 529 7042 boneface-brewing.com

Brandhouse 0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz

Caro’s 0800 422 767 caros.co.nz

80 DRINKSBIZ AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2022

Glengarry 0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz

Good Buzz 07 543 5126 goodbuzz.nz

Invivo Wines

Q-Liquid

0800 468 486 invivowines.com

09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

Lion

Red + White Cellar

0800 107 272 lionco.com

0800 946 379 redwhitecellar.co.nz

Long Breeze Distributors

Sawmill Brewery

027 205 2795 longbreezedistributors.co.nz

09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz

LWF Distilling

Sprig + Fern

lwfdistilling.com

03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz

09 529 0157 mvauron.co.nz

Mineral

027 581 9724 nativesparkling.nz

Negociants

Squawking Magpie 06 878 1800 squawkingmagpie.co.nz

Thirsty Camel info@thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz

Tickety-Boo Liquor 09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz

Villa Maria 0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz

no8distillery.com

Vintners

The NZ Rum Co.

0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

09 281 0090 thenzrumco.nz

Waiheke Imperial

Peckham’s Cider

09 372 3192 jesse@waihekeaquifers.com

03 543 2959 peckhams.co.nz

Whisky Galore 03 377 6824 whiskytrade.co.nz

LAST ORDERS – DUNCAN SHOULER

A special Syrah Giesen Group is celebrating a major win at the International Wine Challenge with the winery’s 2019 Clayvin Single Vineyard Syrah receiving the Champion Trophy for Champion Organic Wine.

Chief Winemaker Duncan Shouler talks organics, Syrah and the unexpected joys of making 0% wines…

Why is this IWC Trophy such an important one for Giesen?

Any wine show success is always exciting, and comes with a great feel-good factor.

But this one is particularly special, since the IWC is such a large international wine competition. To win an overall trophy at the IWC shows that we are producing some truly world-class wines. Winning trophies for two wines that are so different [Giesen also won the NZ Sweet Trophy for its 2017 Giesen The Brothers Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc] also demonstrates our scope in premium wine production.

What makes Giesen’s Clayvin vineyard so special?

There are so many things that come together to make the site so unique, but I’ll try and summarise! It’s a combination of the soil profile (dense clay), the aspect of the vineyard (gentle north-facing slope), the way the vineyard is planted (densely planted vines at 5,500 vines per hectare), organic practices, the vine age, the microclimate (warm days, cool nights through the growing season) and the diversity of clonal material. And lastly, and perhaps most important of all, is the X-factor, the things you can’t sum up in words. Every time you step onto that vineyard it just feels like a special place.

What does this IWC win do for New Zealand Syrah on a world stage?

It really further demonstrates just how good New Zealand Syrah can be. I’m a huge fan of cool-climate Syrah, and increasingly we see the best of New Zealand making big statements on the world stage. The future for the variety here is immense.

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How important is organic wine in Giesen’s portfolio and how do you see this category developing?

Giesen has a long history with organic wine production, and organic wines make up an important part of our portfolio, across several price points. Increasingly, we see consumers actively seeking organically certified wines. Organic wine growing also plays an important role in the sustainability of our industry.

“To win an overall trophy at the IWC shows that we are producing some truly world-class wines.”

What do you enjoy about working on organic wines?

It’s harder to manipulate organic wines, both in the winery and in the vineyard.

The quality of the fruit always dictates the quality of the finished wine, but this is especially the case with organic wine.

I love that. It means that organic wines always have such a great sense of place, and tend to be great expressions of vineyard site.

How have you found the challenge of expanding into 0% ABV wines?

It’s been a huge challenge, literally stepping into the unknown, but one that’s

been extremely rewarding. Expressing grape variety and region of origin in a wine, along with achieving balance is always a challenge. But especially so when you’ve removed the alcohol!

Our zero alcohol wines have been very well received, so it’s been a particularly rewarding experience because of that.

What excites you about this fastgrowing category?

It’s hard not to get excited about a wine category that is growing so fast. It’s been fantastic to see which consumers are supporting zero alcohol wines. At first we thought it might be mostly limited to people who don’t, can’t or choose not to consume alcohol. But we’ve found the category is largely being driven by regular wine drinkers who have made the decision to reduce their alcohol intake. The category is only going to grow, and as our experience in making these wines grows with it, the quality of zero alcohol wines will continue to improve.

Can you tell us about any current projects or new release wines you’re especially excited about?

We’ve recently released Giesen 0% Alcohol Riesling. It’s a personal favourite of mine in the zero alcohol range. Giesen has been famous for its Riesling for some time, and for me the 0% Riesling is a fantastic zero alcohol expression of the full alcohol counterpart.

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