DB July August 2025

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Your own boutique spirits business just became a whole lot easier

Blackwell Trading Post is a new craft spirits franchise opportunity

Are you passionate about premium craft spirits and dreaming of a lifestyle business that blends your love for quality with a vibrant, customer-focused environment?

Blackwell Trading Post is an exciting new franchise opportunity in high-quality craft spirits retail. Join us in creating an exceptional shopping experience for customers who appreciate the very best in New Zealand craft spirits.

Images on this page are renders for how the new Blackwell Trading Post boutiques, stores and emporiums have been imagined to reflect a timeless retail design with a focus on warm, engaging service.

Blackwell Trading Post has been designed to capture the brand profile of Greytown’s popular Blackwell and Sons lifestyle store combined with the rapid growth of Greytown Distilling Company’s premium awardwinning gins. They come together to form a beautiful, curated offer encompassing the very best of New Zealand’s craft spirits, and in larger format stores, cocktail glassware, specialised spirits books and branded merchandise. Customers can sip a complimentary serve of gin before selection and the product range includes options designed specifically for gifting. It is a whole new experience in craft spirit retailing.

Expressions of interest for a BTP franchise are now open nationwide. You may have an apparel store, a deli, café or a high-end homewares or gift store. Now imagine if you could supplement that by offering your guests a gin tasting while they browse? On the other hand you may start a new greenfield operation in a unique part of New Zealand.

We’ve road-tested this concept by setting up the very first gin

Blackwell Trading Posts will be the official retailers of Greytown Distilling Company gins nationwide.

retail offer inside Blackwell and Sons emporium in Greytown. On a footprint of less than four square metres, we generated a significant number of sales in our first year. We even exceeded our own ambitious expectations. Having that facility inside Blackwell and Sons created a new reason to pop in for a tasting and a purchase, exposing the guest to the rest of the store.

If you’re ready to explore the world of high-quality craft spirits retailing, we invite you to join our franchise family. Discover the perfect blend of passion, lifestyle, and business success with our unique franchise offer.

Liquor Off-Licence required. BTP stores will be licensed under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

Blackwell Trading Posts will feature premium award-winning gins in beautiful gift

MIKE PERO

Mike Pero brings serious franchise experience. He franchised Mike Pero Mortgages in 1995, grew it to over 40 locations, and won Franchise of the Year awards. He later launched the global Flight Experience simulator franchise and built a nationwide real estate brand with 60 offices in six years. Now, with over 100 franchise sales under his belt, he’s confident Blackwell Trading Post can become another iconic Kiwi brand.

A winning attitude

AWARDS SEASON has been in full swing and we’ve seen some stunning results for New Zealand brands on the world stage in recent months.

Major international awards programmes like the International Wine and Spirits Competition, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, the International Wine Challenge, and the World Drinks Awards, among others, all saw Kiwi wines and

spirits right up there with (and beating) some of the best internationally. (We have more coverage on this in our Spirits News and Wine News sections.)

While New Zealand wines have been firmly established globally for some time, it wasn’t that long ago that to see a New Zealand spirit win gold in a global competition was a rare occurrence. Now, the medals come thick and fast,

It wasn’t that long ago that to see a New Zealand spirit win gold in a global competition was a rare

occurrence.

Got something to share?

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

My picks

2023 Leefield Station Stockman Syrah

A Marlborough Syrah? Why yes, sign me up for the plummy, spicy flavours in this wine from the working farm/vineyard of Leefield Station in the Waihopai Valley. (Pg 37)

Duncan’s Blueberry Pie

What could be better in winter than a beer that transports you to Nana’s kitchen table with a slice of blueberry pie? Come for the can, stay for the pastry sour inside. (Pg 52)

Last Light Cask Strength Solera Aged Rum

This more recent addition to the New Zealand rum scene is all about red apple, cinnamon and maple syrup. Winner of Gold at ‘The Rumbles’ NZ Rum Awards 2024, and Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2024. (Pg 75)

and we’re talking about local distilleries winning international category titles as well.

Awards are wonderful recognition for those behind a product but they also shine a spotlight on a brand and can help to secure media coverage and propel it onto new shelves here and overseas.

This latest tranche of results comes as we head into our own local awards season with the NZ Beer Awards, NZ Spirits Awards, the National Wine Awards of Aotearoa and the New Zealand International Wine Show all taking place over the coming weeks and months.

Good luck!

Enjoy the issue, Victoria.

Drinksbiz

Paradise distilled

Rum Co. of Fiji brings the flavours of the islands to life...

FROM A distillery established in 1980, Rum Co. of Fiji® produces award-winning spirits with a distinctly Fijian character.

The Rum Co. of Fiji® portfolio includes the popular Ratu and Bati brands and the ultra-premium limited release Lautoka 16YO, which has just returned to the New Zealand market for its second year.

Rum Co. of Fiji ® – a range for all occasions

The extensive range of rums from Rum Co. of Fiji® are crafted using sugar cane grown in rich volcanic soil and hand-harvested in the distillery’s home of Lautoka on the west coast of the Fijian island, Viti Levu. They are matured in specifically selected ex-bourbon oak barrels in the island’s tropical climate.

The Rum Co. of Fiji® distillery team has mastered rum’s unique versatility to create a portfolio of exceptional Fijian rums that allow people to explore a spectrum of taste and flavour.

Rum Co. of Fiji® Ratu is a range of premium aged rums (5, 8 and 10 years) for premium mixing or sipping neat. Meaning ‘chief’ in Fijian, these extra-aged premium rums rest in charred ex-bourbon American oak barrels for between five and ten years.

The Ratu 5YO Spiced Rum was awarded Gold at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition, while Ratu 5YO Dark Rum won Gold at the 2024 NZ Rum Awards.

Rum Co. of Fiji® Bati is a diverse and highly versatile range of two-year-old rums in White, Dark and Spiced expressions as well as Coconut, Banana and Coffee Liqueurs. Bati means ‘warrior’ in Fijian, and this youthful and high energy range is perfect for mixing in simple and refreshing serves that capture Fiji’s tropical essence.

Limited edition Lautoka 16YO Lautoka 16YO is the higher age statement expression that offers an adventure into the world of highly complex, small batch Fijian rum.

This ultra-premium very limited release from Rum Co. of Fiji® is a small batch dark rum specially crafted and aged for a minimum of 16 years in ex-bourbon American oak barrels.

Then 50% of the remaining rum is aged for a further six months in 30-year-old Muscat casks before being blended together.

Lautoka 16YO is soft and well balanced with complex aromas of leathery smoked oak, dried fruits, and honey. It is mouthfilling and delivers a rich, spicy, and heavy dried fruit and smoked oak character right onto the middle of the palate.

The

extensive range of rums from Rum Co. of Fiji are crafted

using sugar cane grown in rich volcanic soil and handharvested in the distillery’s home of Lautoka on the west coast of the Fijian island, Viti Levu.

Introducing Rum Co. of Fiji® Fiji Dry™ Building on the success of its Fijian spirits, Coca Cola has created a new Rum Co. of Fiji® premium alcoholic ready to drink beverage with New Zealand’s favourite mixer, Schweppes.

Rum Co. of Fiji® Fiji Dry™ is designed to capture the tropical vibe of the Fiji islands and pairs the distillery’s golden rum with world-renowned Schweppes mixers, expertly blended in New Zealand, specifically for New Zealand consumers.

Available in two variants: Golden Rum & Schweppes Dry Ginger Ale, and Golden Rum & Schweppes Lemon, Lime & Bitters, Rum Co. of Fiji® Fiji Dry™ delivers a crisp, refreshing taste inspired by the laid-back, easy-going spirit of the South Pacific.

& Schweppes

Ultra-premium small batch rum.  Very limited release – order now. Distributed by Coca Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP).

Lautoka 16YO
700ml bottle RRP $99.99
Rum Co. of Fiji
Golden Rum & Schweppes Dry Ginger Ale
10x330ml (4.8% ABV) can packs
Golden Rum
Lemon, Lime & Bitters
10x330ml (4.8% ABV) can packs

Brandhouse buys Ecology & Co.

DRINKS COMPANY

Brandhouse has bought New Zealand alcohol-free spirit brand Ecology & Co, with plans for new products and global expansion.

The Christchurch-based drinks innovator and brand developer has taken over the reins from Ecology & Co.’s founders, Diana and Will Miller.

Brandhouse owner and CEO, Jason Dellaca, says that adding Ecology & Co to the Brandhouse portfolio marks an exciting milestone for the business, and within the fastgrowing non-alcoholic drinks market. “As a long-standing New Zealand business, Brandhouse is a passionate team of outstanding talent from idea creation to distilling and we know a good idea and product when we see one.

“Ecology & Co is a fantastic New Zealand brand that is

ready to meet the world and we are excited to take it into its next stage of innovation and growth.”

The Brandhouse portfolio includes internationally award-winning Last Minute Gin and McArthur Ridge wine, among others.

Brandhouse says that upgraded production facilities will allow it to produce Ecology & Co.’s signature non-alcoholic spirits more efficiently, meaning its premium London Dry and Asian Spice products will go to market at a lower price point of NZ$49.99 (saving $20 per bottle on the original RRP) and the ready-to-drink cans at $29.99 for an 8-pack (saving 25%).

The company says it also has plans to expand the range and evolve the brand for global markets, including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

Lion releases latest Sustainability Report

LION HAS released its 2024 Sustainability Performance Update and reports “strong progress” made by its teams across New Zealand, which it says highlights the power of industry collaboration.

Lion Group Sustainability Director, Justin Merrell, said: “As we go ever deeper into our sustainability journey, we recognise there are limits to what we can achieve alone and opportunities to influence the behaviour of others will be key to drive even greater impact.”

Lion New Zealand reported a number of highlights in its 2024 report:

• Installed one of New Zealand’s largest rooftop solar arrays at The Pride brewery, generating 14.4% of its annual electricity needs.

• Continued strong environmental performance – achieving 73.3% recycled content in its containers (a 10% increase on last year), remaining 99.2% recyclable, while further improving water efficiency.

• Relaunched a mobile-first website for its Alcohol&Me programme, which has helped to educate 763,000+ New Zealanders on making smarter drinking choices since its inception.

• Expanded Healthy Hospo through a major partnership with Hospitality New Zealand, reaching over 3,000 hospitality professionals with health and well-being support through workshops and community events.

• Helped to protect native fauna through Emerson’s support of the Hoiho (Yellow-eyed penguin), which won ‘Bird of the Year 2024’.

• Lion NZ team members spent 3,447 hours volunteering for community causes.

See the full report at lionco.com/force-for-good/ sustainability-performance-report-2024

Pōkeno Whisky appoints Dhall & Nash as on-trade distributor

THE PŌKENO Whisky Company has appointed liquor distributor Dhall & Nash Fine Wines to help build its presence across the domestic on-trade market.

Dhall & Nash will distribute Pōkeno’s full range of award-winning single malt whiskies. This includes the signature range of Origin, Discovery, and Revelation; the Exploration Series, which includes the world’s first single malt whisky to be finished in Totara casks; and its growing portfolio of special limited editions.

Pōkeno founder and owner Matt Johns says the on-trade distribution partnership will complement Pōkeno’s growing off-premise

business, driven by its exclusive relationship with Liquorland.

Pōkeno’s whiskies are in over 25 markets worldwide and while it continues to expand globally, Johns says the move to appoint Dhall & Nash underlines a commitment to sharing their journey of discovery with whisky lovers in Aotearoa.

“As two family-owned businesses, we share very similar values around building and maintaining strong relationships, and their expert team is highly motivated to continue growing the market for our fantastic range of creative single malts.”

Solar panel array atop Lion’s brewery

Try our new Last Minute Original G&T, with notes of Asian spice and citrus complementing its traditional backbone of juniper and coriander seed, perfectly designed to add some last-minute zing to your night! The fun doesn't end there, with our Last Minute Pink Gin Lemonade, ripe fruit; with the addition of fresh raspberry, blackcurrant and lime, merging seamlessly into a dry juniper finish.

Tickety-Boo Liquor to distribute Lyre’s

TICKETY-BOO LIQUOR is now distributing Lyre’s non-alcoholic range across New Zealand.

The change took effect on June 1. Lyre’s says that Tickety-Boo Liquor’s extensive distribution network and deep expertise in the New Zealand market makes it the perfect partner to introduce its range of non-alcoholic spirits to an even wider audience.

The Australian-founded and privately owned company says it believes that the collaboration with Tickety-Boo will accelerate the brand’s growth and bring the world’s most-awarded non-alcoholic range to more Kiwis seeking premium non-alcoholic options.

Lyre’s says its full range of non-alcoholic spirits, ready-to-drink cocktails and non-alcoholic sparkling will remain available for purchase through all existing and leading wholesalers across New Zealand with no interruption to supply or distribution.

Key roles for new global wine company

Vinarchy announced

THE SALE of Pernod Ricard’s international wine portfolio to the owner of Accolade Wines was completed in May with the unveiling of new global wine company Vinarchy and the announcement of key roles.

Vinarchy combines the assets of wholly-owned Accolade Wines with the Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses formerly owned by Pernod Ricard, which were acquired by Australian Wine Holdco Limited (“AWL”) in April 2025.

At the time, Pernod Ricard said the sale would allow it to focus more on its portfolio of premium spirits and champagne brands.

Kiri Hyde has been announced as General Manager New Zealand for Vinarchy and will lead the company’s direct route-tomarket wine operations. She most recently served as Commercial Director at Pernod Ricard New Zealand and has previously held senior marketing roles with Kimberly-Clark and the Kraft Heinz Company.

Danny Celoni has been appointed as Global Chief Executive Officer and will start in August. He brings more than 25 years of FMCG and global branded beverage experience, having spent 18 years at Diageo across various executive roles throughout the Asia Pacific, and previously serving as CEO of PepsiCo Australia and New Zealand. He was most recently CEO of Carlton and United Breweries (CUB), part of the Asahi Group.

From mid to late 2025, Vinarchy will take over distribution in New Zealand for the former Pernod Ricard Winemakers portfolio.

There is no change for customers of the former Accolade Wines portfolio, now part of Vinarchy, with brands such as Hardys, Mud House, Grant Burge and Jam Shed continuing to be distributed by Accolade Wines’ long-standing partner, Hancocks.

BOUTIQUE DISTILLERY Thomson Whisky has joined the portfolio of UK premium spirits distributor Speciality Brands.

The award-winning New Zealand brand will be part of Speciality Brands’ world whisky portfolio, which includes the likes of Nikka, Michter’s, Kavalan and Starward. Speciality Brands began exclusively distributing four Thomson Whisky expressions in the UK from midMay: Mānuka Smoke Single Malt Whisky, South Island Peat Single Malt Whisky, Two Tone Whisky, and Full Noise Limited Edition Whisky.

Chris Seale, Managing Director of Speciality Brands, says: “The breadth of our world whisky portfolio is one of the most unique in the UK, and we are thrilled

to be adding a whisky from New Zealand. Thomson has gained a great reputation over the last decade for the quality of its liquid and significant focus on sustainability and locality. We are extremely passionate about high-quality spirits with compelling stories, and we can’t wait to get stuck in and spread the word about Thomson in the UK.”

Rachael Thomson, Co-founder, Thomson Whisky Distillery, says that partnering with Speciality Brands to grow their business in the UK is a momentous moment. “From the minute we started conversations, it was clear that Chris, Nathan and the team fully understood our strategic business goals and our approach to distilling unique New Zealand whisky. They are the market leader for a reason and we’re lucky to be backed by such a force.”

Kiri Hyde
Danny Celoni

KEY FIGURES and leading businesses from across New Zealand’s hospitality and accommodation sectors have been recognised at the 2025 Lion Hospitality New Zealand Awards for Excellence.

Held across two nights in Wellington during HNZ25, Hospitality New Zealand’s annual conference, the awards are divided into the People’s Awards for Excellence and the Business Awards for Excellence.

The winners of the Business Awards for Excellence were announced at a sold-out black-tie event held at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Peekaboo Backyard Eatery in Kaitāia was the night’s standout winner, taking home the Supreme Award as well as Best Café and the Sustainability Champion Award.

Hospitality New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Armitage said the awards recognise businesses that have demonstrated passion, innovation, and leadership in a challenging environment.

He added that recognising venues like Peekaboo Eatery highlight a growing trend in the industry towards more sustainable and customer-centric business practices.

Daniel Fasnacht, Peekaboo Eatery owner, said the recognition was especially meaningful because it reflects the experience they aim to create for their customers. “It’s about making sure everything we do contributes in a positive way to our isolated Kaitāia community, and creates a healthier environment. Knowing our efforts are appreciated motivates us to keep doing more for the people who support us,” he said. “Kaitaia has had a hard time for the last few years, so to be recognised at a national level is such an honour.”

Zeffer and Cassels

team up for distribution Winners in 2025 Lion Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence

This year’s winners in the People’s Awards for Excellence are:

Accommodation Industry Leader of the Year

– Rajeev Sharma, Sarin Hotels

Hospitality Industry Leader of the Year

– Emma Faith, Toastie Lords

Chef of the Year – Cam Davies, The Fat Duck

Michael Friend Supplier of the Year – Jill Polson, Lion

Future Leader of the Year – Taylor Hamilton, Toastie Lords

This year’s winners in the Business Awards for Excellence are:

Best Destination Venue – Schnappa Rock Restaurant

Best Local – The Keg Room

Best Gaming Venue – The Tote

Best Entertainment Venue – Wynyard Pavilion

Best Bar – The Freeport with Cleaver & Co

Best Café – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

Best Restaurant – Sherwood Queenstown

Best Hotel – QT Auckland

Best Motel – Whangaparaoa Lodge

Best Accommodation Provider (non hotel/motel)

– Craggy Range

Sustainability Champion Award – Peekaboo

Backyard Eatery

Supreme Winner – Peekaboo Backyard Eatery

People’s Choice Award – Richmond Club

Hall of Fame Inductee – Reg Hennessy

CHRISTCHURCH-BASED BREWER

Cassels has become the exclusive distributor of the premium cider and RTD portfolio from Hawke’s Bay’s Zeffer, alongside its own award-winning craft beer range.

From 1 July, sales and distribution for both Zeffer and Cassels products will be managed by the Cassels sales

and logistics team, creating a single, streamlined point of contact for customers.

The companies say that the new distribution partnership will enhance reach, unlock operational efficiencies, and enable a more responsive customer experience across grocery, on-premise, and traditional liquor channels.

Daniel Fasnacht of Peekaboo Eatery accepts the Supreme Winner Award at the Lion Awards 2025.

DB hails sustainability progress

DB HAS released its 10th sustainability report and is highlighting some key achievements in the 2024 results.

• It has reduced its carbon emissions in production by 55% on its 2018 baseline, which DB says puts it well on the way to achieving its target of net carbon zero emissions in production by 2030. (The reduction achieved so far is the equivalent of taking approximately 1,180 cars off the road.)

• Through innovative tech and smarter ways of brewing it has reduced its water use by a total of 82,500,000 litres over the past 10 years. (This is

the equivalent of 33 Olympic-sized swimming pools.)

• Since 2014, DB has reduced its fossilfuel consumption for steam and hot water in its breweries by the equivalent of 700 households’ total energy consumption.

DB Managing Director Matt Wilson says the company is proud of its work to date and is continuing to make even more progress. “In 2024, we began a major energy efficiency project to develop a new

Diary Dates

JULY

Monday 21 – Wednesday 23 July

Negociants Fine Wine Tour 2025

A showcase of award-winning New Zealand and Australian wines from Negociants’ portfolio will be held at three events in Auckland (Monday 21st at The Hilton, Auckland), Wellington (Tuesday 22nd at Te Wharewaka O Poneke) and Christchurch (Wednesday 23rd at The Christchurch Town Hall). The 2025 Negociants Fine Wine Tour is also a chance to meet some of the personalities behind the wines. Trade only sessions will run from 1.30pm-4.30pm and public sessions will be held from 6pm-8pm. Registration and tickets details are on the website. negociants.com/nz/events

Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 July

The Food Show – Auckland

New Zealand’s biggest consumer food and drink event returns to the Auckland Showgrounds over three days. Exhibitor details available on the website. foodshow.co.nz/exhibiting-info

AUGUST

Saturday 2 August

2025 NZ Beer Awards – Christchurch

A gala awards evening to announce winners at the 2025 NZ Beer Awards – the most prestigious awards in New Zealand’s brewing industry. To be held at Majestic on Durham in Christchurch. brewersguild.org.nz

Friday 15 August

2025 NZ Spirits Awards – Auckland

A gala dinner presented by Spirits New Zealand and Distilled Spirits Aotearoa to celebrate medal winners and award trophies for the 2025 NZ Spirits Awards. Tickets can be purchased via the website. spiritsawardsnz.nz/tickets

Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 August

Tauranga Food Show

A consumer show of food and beverage brands from the Bay of Plenty and beyond. To be held at Mercury Baypark Arena. Exhibitor details available on the website. taurangafoodshow.nz

control methodology for the refrigeration plant at our Waitemat ā Brewery. This work will be completed in 2025 and sets us up to make further significant capital investment to upgrade the brewery’s refrigeration plant and implement heat-recovery technology. We anticipate these upgrades and new technology will deliver further carbon savings and energy efficiency gains in coming years.”

See the full report at db.co.nz/ brewing-a-better-aotearoa

Friday 22 – Saturday 23 August

Beervana – Wellington

New Zealand’s biggest beer festival returns to Wellington’s Sky Stadium for two days of beers and brewing. beervana.co.nz

Friday 29 August – Sunday 31 August

The Food Show – Wellington

The Food Show comes to the capital for three days of food, drink and masterclasses. Exhibitor details available on the website. foodshow.co.nz

OCTOBER

Friday 17 October

NZ International Wine Show 2025 Awards Night – Auckland

The Trophy Awards event for the 2025 NZ International Wine Show will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Auckland. nziws.co.nz

Sunday 26 October

Gisborne Wine & Food Festival 2025

A day of fine wines set at two popular Gisborne wineries, Matawhero and TW Wines. gisbornewineandfoodfestival.co.nz

Build a business with Blackwell Trading Post

WHEN MIKE Pero sold his real estate interests in 2019 and retired, he didn’t expect to return to business so quickly. But the man who pioneered mortgage brokering in New Zealand with Mike Pero Mortgages in 1990 – and then franchised it nationwide – says he couldn’t resist the potential of a new craft spirits retail franchise. “Blackwell Trading Post – it was an opportunity too good to miss,” says Pero.

Boutique beginnings

The Blackwell Trading Post concept developed out of Greytown Distilling Company (GDC) – a boutique distillery launched in the tiny South Wairarapa village of Greytown in late 2022.  Its small tasting room inside the popular Blackwell & Sons cycle store in Greytown has proved a huge drawcard for locals and visitors alike, and the distillery’s gins have received global attention, winning Golds at the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition in London and 2024 Paris Gin Awards. The gins are now stocked in a few selected bars and restaurants.

For GDC co-founders Adam Blackwell, Gavin Hodder, and Peter Warren, it quickly became clear they could do more with such a successful brand and the idea to franchise the retail offering was born.

Mike Pero joins the team

Mike Pero was initially invited to advise the Greytown Gin Distillery board, but asked to become a stakeholder after seeing the business model the trio had developed. “I’ve seen a lot of business ideas,” says the former The Apprentice Aotearoa CEO. “Greytown Distilling Company has created an award-winning gin, the world’s best marketing and a brilliant franchise model.”

Pero and fellow shareholders formed the Blackwell Trading Post brand in January 2025 with a plan to roll out franchises nationwide. While the Trading Posts will stock Greytown Gin, they’ll carry the Blackwell name. “Adam Blackwell created a now famous retail store in Greytown where the gin is currently sold and our new Trading Posts will continue the unique store branding elements from the original,” explains Pero.

The new franchise concept caters to the global boom in gin across younger and older consumers. “Customers can try before they buy, with complimentary tastings at every store,” says Mike Pero. The goal: more than 60 locations across New Zealand. The stores also intend to carry premium vodka, whiskey and other craft spirits.

Spirits retail made easy

The Blackwell Trading Post concept is modelled on the flagship gin store in Greytown. Despite being just eight square metres and located in a town of fewer than 3,000 people, the store performs exceptionally well. “It’s not on a main highway, but people go out of their way to buy Greytown Gin,” says Pero. “We offer ten unique gins, and online enquiries are growing fast, including huge numbers of requests from Australia.”

He and his fellow shareholders are confident the new franchise concept will have significant appeal.

“They’re what I refer to as ‘Fullservice Franchises,” explains Pero. “As the franchisor we’ll do all the backroom work and the stuff that business owners

and salespeople often can’t be bothered with. That will include stock control, ordering, accounting and various other specialist roles.”

Franchise options include a compact nine square metre kiosk (ideal for shared retail space like cafes, lifestyle stores, etc.) and a full-scale 50sqm+ store offering merchandise and accessories.

The franchise business also offers an appealing lifestyle. “It’s a cruisy setup – open at 10am, with seven hours of engaging with tourists and locals,” Pero notes. Perfect for those who may want to back off from full-time but still want the corporate-style income.

Pero sees the ideal franchisee as a mature, communicative couple capable of obtaining their licence under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, supported by two part-time casuals. Total turn-key costs, including fees, fit-out, stock and plant, are as little as $170,000. “The ROI is significant,” adds Pero.

You’ll see Blackwell Trading Posts opening across the nation from August.

Expressions of interest are welcome – find out more at blackwelltradingpost.com

Mike Pero is part of the Blackwell Trading Post franchise team.

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

New Zealand Winegrowers

Dr Ed Massey, GM Sustainability for NZ Winegrowers, reflects on 30 years of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand…

THIS YEAR marks the 30th anniversary of the New Zealand wine industry’s Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) sustainability certification programme. Today, 98% of New Zealand’s vineyard area and over 90% of New Zealand wine produced by volume is SWNZ certified.

The New Zealand wine industry celebrated this milestone with the release of the Sustainability Report 2025, which takes the pulse of the industry’s progress with sustainability. It provides a compelling snapshot, highlighting empirical data collected from SWNZ certified members, demonstrating the positive actions taken by industry members that will leave our industry, our world, and our wine, better for it.

“Key retailers are establishing sustainability requirements for access to their shelves.”

The Report follows on from the New Zealand Wine Industry Roadmap to Net Zero 2050, which outlines crucial milestones and identifies key emission-reduction opportunities applicable across vineyards and wineries that will help us address climate change: the biggest long-term challenge to our industry.

Taking action to improve sustainability outcomes has never been more important. Recent data from IWSR shows that not only is New Zealand wine more strongly associated with sustainability in a range of our key markets (including the United States, UK and Australia) than other new world wine producing countries, but that in these markets sustainability is becoming an increasingly important driver for purchasing decisions, particularly amongst younger consumers.

Key markets are also moving to adopt climate-related reporting and put trade measures in place, with over 80% of NZ exports by value going to countries with mandatory climate-related disclosures proposed or in force.

Key retailers are establishing sustainability requirements for access to their shelves, too. For example, the British Retail Consortium’s climate action roadmap seeks to ensure that by 2040 every UK consumer can know that their purchases are not contributing to climate change. Acting on sustainability has become a passport to trade.

The New Zealand wine industry is working to ensure that we retain and enhance our global reputation for sustainability. It has never been more important to take positive action. If you would like to know more, please get in touch. nzwine.com

The Fruit Wine & Cider Makers Association

As more New Zealand consumers discover cider, FWCMA Chair Jody Scott says the category is ripe for growth...

NEW ZEALAND’S cider industry is entering an exciting era of transformation, fuelled by changing consumer habits and greater appeal for premium craft drinks.

Cider consumption in New Zealand is growing, particularly among younger, health-conscious consumers who are turning to naturally fermented, gluten-free, and lower-alcohol alternatives to beer and wine. Millennials and Gen Z are driving this demand, calling for products that have sustainability credentials, transparent provenance, and less processing.

At the global level, the cider market is a USD$109.8 billion industry, projected to grow at a compound annual rate of 4.3% up to 2035. New Zealand’s cider industry is small in volume, estimated at 12.3 million litres in 2025, but it is eighth in the world by per capita consumption. This is a measure of strong local demand and an established customer base.

Premiumisation is leading the growth. Like craft beer and boutique wine, premium cider is being embraced by consumers who are looking for authenticity, taste, and sophistication. Premium-plus beer and cider volume in New Zealand increased 2% in the first half of 2024, ahead of premium spirits and wine.

This is complemented by the overall trend towards moderate drinking. Per capita alcohol consumption in New Zealand has decreased more than 30% since 1986, and cider, especially low sugar, low alcohol alternatives, stands well placed to take advantage of this increased demand for healthier alternatives.

With a foundation built on quality, authenticity, and evolving tastes, New Zealand cider is not only matching international trends; it’s forging a unique identity and high-end future.

fwcma.org.nz

“Premium cider is being embraced by consumers who are looking for authenticity, taste, and sophistication.”

Distilled Spirits Aotearoa

The battle for excise relief is an ongoing one, says Chair of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa, Sarah Bonoma...

EVERY MAY, the alcohol industry holds its breath in anticipation of the Government’s annual excise increase announcement. This year, the adjustment is a 2.5% increase in line with CPI. After increases of 4.1–6.9% across 2022–2024, it is encouraging to see a more moderate rise. However, even this will be difficult for many New Zealand distilleries to absorb.

“In Australia, a spirits excise remission has been in place since 2017.”

For some time now, Distilled Spirits Aotearoa has been actively engaging with Ministers and officials to advocate for excise relief for local producers. We believe targeted support for New Zealand-owned distilleries would help stimulate regional economies, preserve skilled jobs, and strengthen the local spirits sector.

We are concerned that without meaningful support the pressures on small and mid-sized distilleries may become unsustainable. This comes at a time when the hospitality sector – a key partner and outlet for our products – is also under severe strain. The ripple effects of continued closures and financial pressure are being felt throughout the value chain.

We don’t have to look far for a model of what could be achieved. In Australia, a spirits excise remission has been in place since 2017, starting with a 60% refund up to AUD $30,000 per year. In 2021, this was expanded to AUD $350,000 excise remission per year, with a further increase to AUD $400,000 due from 1 July 2026. In FY23 the Australian spirits industry contributed economic activity worth AUD $4.7 billion in total value-add and supported 51,000 FTE roles across spirit manufacturers, wholesaling, retailing and hospitality.

Excise relief in Australia has facilitated brands growing into overseas markets with a 69% increase in the value of spirits exports between 2012 and 2023. It is clear that similar government support could unlock the potential of our industry.

Despite the lack of such support in New Zealand, our members remain committed to producing world-class spirits and to the long-term future of the industry. We will continue to advocate for a fair and sustainable operating environment and to work collaboratively with other beverage sectors, government agencies, and hospitality partners.

Our industry has shown resilience before, and we will again. But timely, considered support could make all the difference. distilledspiritsaotearoa.org.nz

Brewers Guild NZ

As the NZ Beer Awards approach, Brewers Guild Executive Director Melanie Kees asks why the industry is still battling for recognition and support...

AS YOU read this, breweries across New Zealand and Australia are meticulously packing their submissions for the New Zealand Beer Awards, ready for delivery to Christchurch ahead of judging later this month.

Behind the scenes, more than 60 dedicated volunteers – industry professionals, beer enthusiasts, and supporters – will help to deliver a world-class competition with a panel of expert judges from across New Zealand and Australia.

In early August, the results will be revealed at the muchanticipated Gala dinner. This night isn’t just about medals and trophies – it’s about honouring the craftsmanship, creativity, and camaraderie that define the brewing industry in New Zealand. It’s a testament to the resilience and innovation of breweries that continue to push boundaries and elevate the quality of beer in our region.

The NZ Beer Awards encapsulate everything that makes the brewing industry in New Zealand so special. It is more than just businesses producing beer – it has deep and substantial links to primary industries, manufacturing, hospitality, and tourism. And yet, as an industry, we continue to battle for the recognition we deserve.

The recent announcement of greater investment into the tourism sector comes with so many barriers that beer tourism in New Zealand will struggle to tap into any of the available funds. Yet, beer tourism is thriving globally, bringing visitors into cities and regions to experience craft breweries, beer trails, alongside other activities like cycling, hiking, and more adventurous activities too.

While we continue to champion, celebrate, and support the industry, we can only dream of the recognition it deserves at a government level. Let’s hope those in power read this, nod their heads, and think, “Hmmm… beer tourism, an ‘untapped opportunity’. Let’s give it a go and try something different.”

Imagine if wine tourism wasn’t supported 20+ years ago – how different the New Zealand tourism and export landscape would look today.

If you want to be part of a group dedicated to the good of the industry, visit our website or nzaletrail.com . Additionally, you can follow us on social media for more updates and events.

brewersguild.org.nz

“Imagine if wine tourism wasn’t supported 20+ years ago – how different the New Zealand tourism and export landscape would look today.”

Brewers Association NZ

Beer holds steady amid change with sunnier days to come, says Executive Director of the Brewers Association, Dylan Firth...

THE LATEST figures from Statistics New Zealand show that total alcohol available for consumption continues to trend downward – but beer is showing signs of resilience. While overall per capita alcohol availability fell again in the year to March 2025, beer remains the dominant category in volume, recording a modest 5% increase to 296 million litres, compared with sharper drops in wine and spirits.

This reflects a shift in how New Zealanders are drinking. Beer remains the country’s most popular alcohol category by volume, and while total consumption is down from a decade ago, people are choosing quality and innovation over quantity – gravitating towards lower alcohol options, low carb products, local brews, and premium offerings.

“Looking ahead, we may see the overall decline in beer consumption flatten this summer.”

We’re also seeing continued growth in the low and no-alcohol beer space, now making up around 3% of all beer sales. Consumers are clearly looking for more balanced options –and brewers are stepping up with new innovations to meet that demand.

Looking ahead, we may see the overall decline in beer consumption flatten this summer. A slowly improving economy, better consumer confidence, and (fingers crossed) a warm summer should help lift hospitality and tourism spending. That presents a real opportunity for the brewing sector – especially for local and regional brewers who can tap into domestic travellers and rising international visitor numbers.

Whether it’s a crisp lager on the beach or a hoppy pale ale after a long hike, beer continues to play a role in how people unwind and experience New Zealand. We see strong potential for breweries that focus on authentic, local experiences – paired with fresh, sessionable beer – to thrive in the year ahead. brewers.org.nz

Spirits New Zealand

International discussions are set to impact our local beverage alcohol industry – it’s time to take notice says Spirits NZ CEO Robert Brewer...

IN SEPTEMBER, the UN will hold what it calls a ‘High Level Meeting’ to consider what actions it should support to reduce the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCD). This is an admirable and ongoing task the UN has set itself and every UN member country will take part in the final debate.

The potential impact of UN resolutions on such matters is deep and far-reaching for the beverage alcohol industry, and many of us here in New Zealand – and globally – have been actively putting industry positions to governments to balance what can only be described as an anti-business rhetoric, mostly from the World Health Organisation (WHO).

This might not be headline-grabbing, but the outcome of the September meeting will direct WHO and UN recommended actions for governments on NCDs for the next 10 to 20 years.

Broadly speaking, the arguments we’re pushing back on fall into two camps: those specific to beer, wine and spirits; and those focused on business per se. In the latter area, the WHO ideal is to restrict businesses’ right to have any input into any discussion on health policy of any kind.

Their argument, under the umbrella catchphrase “Commercial Determinants of Health”, goes something like this: if you’re manufacturing or selling a product identified as impacting NCDs then you are commercially compromised and should not be consulted.

In terms of our sector, three matters arise. The first two are about measurements. WHO would like to measure “success” in the alcohol space by only examining changes to overall consumption, which we believe is fraught as it allows for population-based control measures (increasing taxes and other price interventions) to come into play more directly. We want the current measure – harmful consumption – to remain the metric as well as two other wellestablished measures, being alcohol mortality and morbidity.

The last area we’re debating is the WHO’s view that there is “no safe level” of drinking. This is a prominent headline in a lot of public health treatises and one we are actively trying to balance. New Zealand may be far away, but matters happening in New York now and then in September will impact us. If you have the ear of your local MP or Minister, let them know about it.

spiritsnz.org.nz

“The potential impact of UN resolutions on such matters is deep and far-reaching for the beverage alcohol industry.”

National wine leader competitions underway

The hunt is on to find the next Young Vit of the Year...

Young Vit National Finalists coming through

THE YOUNG Viticulturist of the Year regional competitions have been taking place around the country throughout May and June with the first three spots in the national finals secured:

• Marlborough – Anna Kelland from Constellation Brands

• Hawke’s Bay – Nick Putt from Craggy Range, Gimblett Gravels

• Wairarapa – James Sutcliffe from Craggy Range, Te Muna Road.

This is the first time in the 20 years of The Young Viticulturist of the Year competition that there have been two people from the same company in the finals, adding another layer of excitement to the event.

They will all compete against the winners from the South Island Regional and Central Otago competitions.

The National Final will take place on 27 August at Greystone in Waipara and the 2025 Young Viticulturist of the Year will be announced at the NZ Wine Celebration Dinner in Christchurch on 28 August.

Young Winemakers enjoy field trip in Hawke’s Bay

THE 2024 Young Winemaker national finalists – Nick Lamain, Georgia Mehlhopt, Katie Cameron and Callum Scarborough – recently enjoyed a field trip to Hawke’s Bay hosted by Fruitfed Supplies.

This gave them the opportunity to reunite in circumstances less stressful than a national final, as well as learn more about the region and different winemaking techniques used in this Great Wine Capital of the World.

The trip included visits to Radburnd Cellars, Constellation Brands’ Selaks site, Sacred Hill, Craggy Range, and Delegat, as well as a quick trip up the iconic Te Mata Peak for sweeping views and to understand more about the topography of the region.

The 2025 Young Winemaker regional competitions are starting mid-July with the National Final taking place at Lincoln University on 26 August.

Find out more at nzwine.com/en/initiativesevents

From left: Nick Lamain, Georgia Mehlhopt, Nicky Grandorge of NZ Winegrowers, Katie Cameron, Callum Scarborough, and Mark Cairns of Fruitfed Supplies.
Anna Kelland
Nick Putt
James Sutcliffe

Cheers to 30 years of Super Liquor!

As Super Liquor marks three decades of serving Kiwis, the team reflects on how far the business has come...

IN 1995, the world was a different place. The All Blacks were preparing for the Rugby World Cup, the Warriors joined the NRL, DVDs were invented, and the internet was just starting to shape the way we connect.

In a small corner of New Zealand, a bold idea was taking shape – an idea to create a franchised liquor retail chain that would bring local expertise, service, and great value to communities across the country.

The concept of launching a franchised liquor chain in New Zealand was both ambitious and exciting. The industry looked very different 30 years ago. But what we did have was a strong belief in building

something local and lasting, and in doing things the right way – from the very first bottle sold.

As Super Liquor celebrates 30 years in business, we can reflect with pride on a journey defined by resilience, innovation, and partnership.

Proudly ‘Number One’ in 2025

Today, we’re proud to stand as the Number One Liquor Retail Banner in New Zealand that has served millions of people over three decades.

Our success is a shared one. Every customer, franchisee, staff member, supplier, delivery driver, and support office team member has played a part in building this brand. For that, we’re truly grateful.

Over the years, we’ve seen big shifts in the retail landscape. Consumer expectations have evolved, the way people shop has changed, and the competitive environment has intensified. But through it all, we’ve stayed true to our values.

Evolving to meet demand

We’ve adapted when it counted, embraced innovation where it made a difference, and invested in our franchisees to be part of our communities.

Expanding our footprint across the country, launching new systems and processes, and including analytical tools, POS upgrades and industry-leading marketing and support with regulatory compliance has made it easier for customers to shop with us and trust us. Our focus has always been on moving forward without losing sight of where we came from.

There have been challenges, of course. Like any long-standing business, we’ve weathered economic ups and downs, legislative changes, and more recently, the turbulence of global supply chain disruptions. But through it all, the strength of our franchisee-focused operating model – and the passion of our store owners

and suppliers – has been our greatest advantage.

Looking ahead

As we raise a glass to the past, we’re also looking to the future of Super Liquor. With bold plans for continued growth, and a clear focus on delivering exceptional

customer experiences, the next chapter is already being written.

To everyone who’s been part of the journey – thank you. Here’s to 30 years of doing it right, and to many more to come.

Cheers to that!

The Super Liquor team

Original logo
Current logo
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NEW Store shelving
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Glass – elevated to new heights

Saverglass celebrates global customer success in packaging excellence...

SAVERGLASS IS proud to share exciting news with our partners and peers across New Zealand: two of our international customers, Tequila Ocho and Mezcal Creyente Azul, have taken top honours in the 2025 Clear Choice Awards – a leading awards programme for innovation in glass packaging.

The awards, judged by an independent panel of global packaging and design professionals, celebrate creativity, shelf appeal and sustainability in glass packaging. This year’s success marks the third consecutive time that Saverglass customers have triumphed in the highly competitive Spirits category – reinforcing Saverglass’ reputation as a trusted partner for premium and ultra-premium spirits brands worldwide.

Originally created to highlight the impact of North American glass manufacturing, the Clear Choice Awards have grown into an internationally respected programme, recognising packaging excellence across food,

beverage, beauty, and pharmaceutical categories. With a strong focus on aesthetics, innovation and storytelling, the awards reflect the values that Saverglass champions throughout every customer project.

While these wins took place on the global stage, they resonate strongly here in New Zealand. New Zealand’s premium distillers and brand owners are increasingly seeking out high-end, sustainable glass packaging that tells a story.

Saverglass offers a full suite of designforward, sustainable glass solutions that meet the high expectations of both local and export markets.

Whether you’re launching a small-batch gin, a craft non-alcoholic beverage or a luxury spirit, Saverglass delivers packaging that turns heads and builds brands.

Discover how your next product can shine with Saverglass. Visit saverglass.com to learn more.

New Zealand’s premium distillers and brand owners are increasingly seeking out high-end, sustainable glass packaging that tells a story.

A SHINING STYLE FOR SUMMER SPIRITS

Perfectly balanced, the slightly curved contours of the TSAR bottle allude to the papakha, the famous headwear worn in the former Russian Empire. The TSAR’s compact design proudly features a refined, functional and harmonious style. With a timeless inverted conical design container and short neck, it is also available as a 50 cl bottle. A pure, compelling and ideal shape for customization, it is an attractive choice for all kinds of spirits.

IWSR forecasts USD$34bn beverage alcohol growth in key markets by 2034

ACCORDING TO forecasts from IWSR, the global leader in beverage alcohol data and insights, the global beverage alcohol market is expected to grow by USD$16bn over the next five years. IWSR has also released its first-ever 10-year forecast, predicting USD$34 billion in value growth over the next ten years across key markets.

The predicted decade of steady growth aligns with IWSR’s confirmed 2024 industry data, which shows a mixed year amidst a challenging political and economic landscape. Global beverage alcohol volume was down 1% but value was up 1%.

In global trends, no-alcohol beverages continued to display strong growth in

2024. No-alcohol beer volume was up 9%, and IWSR now forecasts that it will surpass ale to become the second largest overall beer category by volume worldwide this year.

RTDs continued their global growth in 2024, up 2% in volume and nearly 5% in value. While hard seltzers continue to decline, cocktails and long drinks are surging in most major markets, and hard tea experienced 31% annual volume growth in the US.

Overall beer volume declined in 2024, but the category is benefitting from premiumisation trends in several key markets. Premium beer volumes grew by 1% in China, while Super Premium beer

Thailand’s first premium whisky goes global

THAILAND’S FIRST premium single malt whisky, Prakaan, is launching globally following the success of its launch into domestic and Asian markets last year, says parent company International Beverage.

It says the launch aims to put Thai whisky and craftsmanship on the global spirits map and will have an initial focus on the UK, France and Germany in 2025, and the USA and other markets thereafter.

It will debut with a range of three single malts: Prakaan Select Cask, Prakaan Double Cask and Prakaan Peated Malt – all made at Prakaan Distillery in the province of Kamphaeng Phet, within Thailand’s northerly Western Forest Complex, part of a UNESCO World heritage site.

in the US grew by 2%. Stout growth was also extremely strong, most notably in in the UK, where volume grew by 15%. In the US, stout volume grew by 5%.

Global spirits volume was down 2% in 2024, but significant growth was recorded in several key markets and categories. Scotch whisky consumption in India grew by 6% in volume and 7% in value, and India is now forecast to become the biggest Scotch market in the world by 2027. Tequila enjoyed substantial growth outside of its home market Mexico in 2024, growing by 2% in volume and 4% in value across all other markets.

theiwsr.com

Norwegian wine list voted World’s Best

THE BEST wine lists in the world have been announced at the Star Wine List of the Year International Final 2025 in Vienna. The awards covered 18 regions with the competition’s biggest winner named as Norway’s Park Hotel Vossevangen, which secured three global Gold Stars for Best By the Glass List, Best Long List and the highest honour of Grand Prix.  Mountain resort Park Hotel Vossevangen boasts a longstanding commitment to fine wine and its list, exceeding 7,000 labels, has garnered international acclaim.

There were also Gold Stars for New York’s Chambers and Coqodaq, Dovetale (London), Inddee (Bangkok), Grimal (Copenhagen), Vinland (Oslo) and Chi-Fu (Osaka).

“Reading these great collections cloistered away in cellars across the globe is a timely reminder of wine’s ability to cross cultures and languages,” says judge Stephen Wong MW. “Importantly, these top-tier lists are far from homogenous. In fact, masterful strokes of individuality and expression are on abundant display, and the winners celebrate both the diversity and collective creativity of our community … It was a humbling experience to vote on these masterful lists and it gives me hope for the future of our craft.”

See the full list of winners at starwinelist.com

The pawfect pour

A NEW ZEALAND -made range of pet wines using locally-grown catnip is eyeing international markets less than a year after launching.

Kiwi startup, Muttley’s Estate, is believed to be the world’s first manufacturer to have created a shelfstable pet wine that can be stored for up to 12 months. The company says that the breakthrough has made largescale production and export more viable.

Catnip (or Nepeta cataria) was introduced to New Zealand as a garden herb in 1870 and has been seen to positively impact mood in around two-thirds of cats while helping to soothe anxiety in dogs.

Global demand for catnip is rising, driven by pet product manufacturers and natural health industries.

John Roberts, Muttley’s Estate director, says catnip is a resilient crop that has adapted to grow well in New Zealand since it was first introduced. “One of the key advantages of catnip is that even a small crop yields enough to produce a batch of pet wine, allowing us to create a high-value product without requiring extensive land investment.

“With the growing international interest in catnip

and the ‘humanification’ of pet diets, it was a natural extension to explore the development of a premium beverage for pet owners to celebrate with their pets.”

The Muttley’s Estate range offers multiple “varietals” each featuring a different concentration of catnip. Roberts says that lighter whites such as the Champawgne appeals more to cats, while the deeper blends such as the Purrno Noir and Pawt are popular with dogs.

Muttley’s Estate sells through veterinary clinics and pet retailers across the country and is now looking to the US market, where pet owners are increasingly seeking premium, novelty products. “We believe the reputation of New Zealand’s wine sector in North America will help us establish an entry into this market and we now actively looking for US distributors,” says Roberts.

muttleysestate.com

New Free AF Mango Margarita

FREE AF is releasing a new non-alcoholic Mango Margarita this July. Described as “unapologetically punchy”, the addition to the alcohol-free range has juicy notes of ripe mango, with bold and zesty lime.

Free AF Mango Margarita also includes the brand’s signature ingredient Afterglow, designed to create the warmth of drinking alcohol, without the alcohol.

Free AF Mango Margarita is available in a 250ml can 4-pack for retail.

Pernod Ricard

Emma & Tom’s now in NZ

AUSTRALIAN JUICE range Emma & Tom’s is now available in New Zealand. The drinks are made from all-natural ingredients with no added sugar.

The Certified B Corp business was founded in Melbourne in 2004 by childhood friends Emma and Tom and was built upon the fundamental principle of ‘look after yourself’. It has grown from its initial three flavours to an extensive selection of juices and wellness drinks.

Products include: Glow Apple & Mango; Quencher Raspberry; Quencher Lemon; Immunity Kick Starter; and Recovery Green Power, among others.

Emma & Tom’s 350ml bottles are RRP $5.

For wholesale inquiries visit emmaandtoms.co.nz

Last Minute launches RTD

AWARD-WINNING LAST Minute Gin from KJ & Co Distillery in Christchurch is now available as a canned RTD in two flavour variants. Last Minute Original G&T has notes of Asian spice and citrus complementing its traditional backbone of juniper and coriander seed.

Last Minute Pink Gin Lemonade has the addition of fresh raspberry, blackcurrant and lime, merging into a dry juniper finish.

Last Minute RTD (6% ABV) 330ml can 6-pack RRP $24.99

Brandhouse

New twist in the Woodstock range

A NEW addition to the Woodstock range is now available with Woodstock Bourbon & Lime Cola, expanding the flavour spectrum in the dark RTD category. The new limited release Lime Cola offers a zesty, refreshing flavour and follows the success of Woodstock Bourbon & Vanilla, which is now a permanent addition to the Woodstock range.

Woodstock Bourbon & Lime Cola (7% ABV) 250ml can 12-pack RRP $31.99

Asahi Beverages

Cooler, bigger, and better at Super Liquor Elmwood

IN A move sure to excite discerning drinkers and on-the-go shoppers alike, Super Liquor Elmwood in Christchurch has expanded and redesigned its chiller to meet the demand for cold beverages.

Seeing the growing trend, franchise owners Tim and Carolyn have invested in a large, modern overhaul of their refrigeration section. The upgraded chiller now features a spacious new layout and polished concrete look flooring.

There is also new lighting to highlight product selections, and a large entrance door to the chiller area that makes browsing feel more like an experience than a quick pit stop. For those after something a bit celebratory, the new space also features a dedicated Champagne zone.

This thoughtful redesign isn’t just about aesthetics – it’s about lifestyle. Super Liquor Elmwood has responded to more customers opting for chilled wines and craft beers. Their newly opened expansion makes it easier than ever for visitors to the store to grab exactly what they need, exactly when they need it.

Cheers to that!

Find out more about becoming a Super Liquor franchisee – visit superliquor.co.nz/contactus/ franchise-enquiry

Super Liquor Elmwood has responded to more customers opting for chilled wines and craft beers.

Introducing The Liquor Locker

FROM LOCAL craft spirit favourites to international brewery classics, new distribution business The Liquor Locker offers an exciting range of carefully curated brands across beer, wine and spirits.

“The Liquor Locker was born out of my passion for supporting great products and the people behind them,” says founder and owner Ben Abele, who has spent the past 15 years working across hospitality internationally and more recently in liquor distribution in New Zealand.

“I view every brand we bring on board as a partnership. Together, we work to ensure we’re doing the best for their brand, providing the support and representation they deserve.”

Spotlighting great brands

The Liquor Locker portfolio includes New Zealand craft spirits brands Kākāpō Gin and Southward Distilling, alongside international brands like Copper Still Bourbon, Brunswick Aces Gin, Stella Bella wines from the Margaret River region in Western Australia and a range of Belgian beers, among others. At least four

more brands are due to be added in the coming months.

“I’ve spent a lot of time connecting with brands and businesses both locally and internationally,” says Abele. “Our focus is not only on the quality of the products we represent but also on the people behind them.

“We’re carefully building a portfolio of brands that complement one another, ensuring they grow and succeed together. A huge thanks to Conrad and the team at Kākāpō Gin for being among the first to put their faith in us and our vision.

“We’re also excited to welcome Southward Distilling (and owner Frankie) to the portfolio. These brands represent the direction we’re heading, and we’re proud to partner with them as we continue to grow.”

Building momentum

Ben Abele is in the process of a building a nationwide sales team to work with the on-trade and off-trade sectors throughout New Zealand.

“Having worked in the New Zealand liquor scene for quite some time, I’m

excited about the opportunity to collaborate with venues, stores, and great people across the country,” he says.

“Feel free to reach out – we’d love to have a chat!”

Visit online at theliquorlocker.co.nz

Contact Ben Abele on Ben@thespiritsnetwork.co.nz or 027 625 6220.

Ben Abele of The Liquor Locker.

Kane Stanford Kane has worked for 13+ years in liquor marketing in New Zealand at Independent Liquor, Bacardi and now Besos Margarita, where he is GM. He is also Head Strategy Judge at the 2 Degrees Auckland Chamber Business Awards.

Find your position

In his first Drinksbiz liquor marketing column, Kane Stanford considers the crucial strategic pillar of ‘positioning’...

THE NEW Zealand liquor market is hypercompetitive and the stakes for nailing your branding strategy and marketing execution have never been higher. Brands need to stand out. Whether you’re a retailer, distributor, or brand owner, understanding what your brand means to people is crucial.

The importance of positioning

There are a thousand definitions of what a brand actually is. My favourite is: “what people say about you when you’re not in the room”. The idea behind this is that it’s not actually your brand, it belongs to the public and is a collection of every available touchpoint, experience and memory.

Positioning is the art of distilling all of that into one word, one phrase, one concept. People are busy, overwhelmed by brand choices and the brain loves a good shortcut. All those elements need to consolidate as a simple concept in people’s minds.

Volvo is all about safety

Lego is all about imagination

Red Bull is all about adrenaline

Playing on provenance

In liquor, provenance can play a central role in positioning. Where you come from is super important, whether you’re pushing hyper-local credentials and ingredients in craft beer, your region and micro-climate for wine, or the centuriesold origin story of the barrels in which your spirits are now resting.

By highlighting a country of origin you bring a certain vibe to your brand: tradition, heritage, centuries of expertise, original recipe/methods. When you add

the brand name and the right imagery and you’re consistent with that… then you stand for something. You have a position in people’s minds.

In the New Zealand liquor market today, we’re seeing the rise and rise of Japanese brands. It’s been noticeable in all areas and in nearly all categories (except wine, really): Kirin Hyoketsu, Roku Gin, Japanese whiskies, Asahi buying Independent Liquor, Suntory launching in 2026, and even the growth of cultural features like Japanese Listening Lounges with Ante Social and Kemuri Hifi in Auckland.

Find your position, then make sure all your touchpoints align with it.

The road to ‘Ichiban’ (‘Number One’) Lion’s Kirin Hyoketsu has been a fascinating runaway success. Lion has leaned heavily into the “#1 RTD in Japan” angle. But Japan has no centuries-old connection to lemons, they’re not vodka experts, and no one’s great-greatgrandfather was making RTDs in between samurai trainings.

But Japan means something outside of liquor. Thanks to its famed codes of honour, respect and humility, and track record of precision, technology and innovation, Japan as a brand means something. It has its own vibe, its own position.

Suntory does exactly the same thing with Boss Coffee “Japan’s #1 Coffee in a

Can”. Both these brands are in a world of intense competition.

There were over 200 brands of RTDs sold in New Zealand in the last 12 months. On day one, Kirin Hyoketsu was the 201st. But instead of trying to compete directly with other RTD brands, Lion instead focused on being the biggest Japanese RTD. That’s interesting. That gives punters something to think about. The Kirin Hyoketsu brand manager can talk about the product, the brand, AND JAPAN. Then their job is to grow the category, which they own. Much more interesting.

From a consumer point of view, if something is Japanese, it’s safe to say it’s reliably good. We drive their cars, we watch their smart TVs, we eat their delicious food… it’s more than likely they know how to make a good RTD.

Keeping the brand name Hyoketsu in the New Zealand market was a huge risk. The most common conversation I hear about the brand is people mispronouncing it, or saying they don’t know what it’s really called. The upside is that it leans heavily into the position of being Japanese. And that’s totally worked. At last check, with only 3 SKUs in market, Kirin Hyoketsu is the #2 RTD brand in New Zealand and stealing share off all the big brands.

Find your position

So, whether you’re a liquor brand, a distributor, or a retailer, there are huge benefits in focusing on your brand position. What can you be famous for? What can you be #1 in? Then focus relentlessly on that. Find your position, then make sure all your touchpoints align with it.

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

Pints, permits, and the planet

Pervinder Davies looks at how sustainability is shaping alcohol licensing…

WHEN MOST people think about alcohol licences in New Zealand, they probably consider things like bar opening hours, noise complaints, or how close a bottle store is to a school. But there’s a growing connection between alcohol licensing and something you might not expect: environmental sustainability.

From rooftop bars in Wellington to vineyard festivals in Central Otago, the hospitality and alcohol industries are starting to feel the ripple effects of sustainability expectations.

What the law says (and doesn’t say)

The main law governing alcohol licensing – the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (SSAA) – doesn’t mention sustainability. Its focus is on reducing alcohol-related harm and ensuring communities have a say in how and where alcohol is sold.

However, when applying for a new licence, applicants are required to provide Planning Verification confirming their business complies with the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), which does prioritise environmental impact. Many businesses need resource consent or must demonstrate existing use rights before they can obtain a liquor licence, and that’s where environmental compliance becomes relevant.

For example, if you’re building a brewery or converting a warehouse into a wine bar, you’re likely to deal with both the RMA and the SSAA – so sustainability becomes part of the process, whether you realise it or not.

Real world examples

This isn’t just theory, it’s already happening on the ground. Wellington’s Zero Waste Events Policy now requires

large-scale events (which need a temporary alcohol licence) to have detailed waste management plans. Event organisers must show how much waste will be produced, how it will be minimised, and how actual volumes will be reported. If your beer tent can’t manage its rubbish, your licence may be at risk.

In Queenstown, new hospitality developments are expected to align with the district’s Sustainable Growth Framework. That could mean everything from efficient heating systems to reducing vehicle traffic. If your venue isn’t part of

Councils, and increasingly communities, are linking alcohol-related activities with environmental outcomes.

the region’s clean, green future, it may struggle to get approval.

These aren’t isolated cases, they point to a national trend where councils, and increasingly communities, are linking alcohol-related activities with environmental outcomes.

What smart businesses are doing Forward-thinking operators are getting ahead of the curve by embedding sustainability into their licensing strategy. That includes:

• Using recyclable or compostable packaging

• Installing low-energy appliances and lighting

• Implementing smart waste and recycling systems

• Partnering with local producers to reduce transport emissions

• Designing spaces that limit noise and light pollution

Some breweries and wineries are already leading the way in low-waste operations and sustainable production. Sawmill Brewery in Matakana, north of Auckland, has won the Brewing Sustainability awards at the NZ Beer Awards for the past five years thanks to its proactive approach to everything from waste water treatment to composting hop residue and recycling soft plastics to reduce waste to landfill.

These aren’t just nice-to-haves –they can help build trust with councils, neighbours, and even reporting agencies.

Where things might be heading

With the RMA being replaced by the Planning Act and the Natural Environment Act, environmental concerns are only going to become more integrated into how land and business use is managed, including for alcohol outlets. While we may not see “green licensing” laws tomorrow, the trend is clear.

For now, environmental compliance may be a side door into the licensing conversation, but that door is swinging open wider every year.

If you’re in the business of selling alcohol, now’s the time to look beyond the bar. Sustainability isn’t just good PR –it’s increasingly part of how your business will be judged by councils, communities, and the courts of public opinion.

gBig o

Big, bold and the perfect pour for winter. Joelle Thomson rounds up some of the best big red wines on the market...

RRP $20 – $29.99

2022 Earthworks Barossa Shiraz

RRP $22

Negociants

This bold, juicy South Australian Shiraz is underpinned by attractive spicy aromas of nutmeg, cardamon and cinnamon, supported by firm tannins. This is a lively, drink-menow red wine from the Barossa Valley with approachable complexity and depth.

2023 El Payador Malbec

RRP $22.99

Stone Pony

Malbec is one of the great red wines of the world and Argentina is the epicentre of the best value-for-money expressions. This is a plush, velvety smooth and dark-fruited Malbec with seductive aromas of spice and soft black plums.

2022 Esk Valley Artisanal Malbec

Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

RRP $24.99

Indevin

Esk Valley’s Artisanal range highlights innovative varietals and blends, such as this complex, full-bodied, deeply flavoursome red. Malbec leads the way with its spicy, velvet smooth mouthfeel, supported by the structure of Cabernet and Merlot’s plump, fleshy flavours.

2022 Yalumba Samuel’s Collection

Barossa Shiraz Cabernet

RRP $24.99

Negociants

Juicy, rich, sweet plum flavours of Shiraz are supported by the power and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon’s impressive firm tannins, which kick in on this wine’s mid-palate. As is typical of Yalumba, this wine offers outstanding value for money. It’s hard to beat this depth of flavour, richness and drinkability at this price.

2021 Faustino VII Rioja

RRP $25.99

Hancocks

Rioja is Spain’s most famous red wine and is usually a blend of mainly Tempranillo with Garnacha playing a supporting role to add flesh and softness. This wine delivers complex dark fruit, clean spicy flavours and a long finish. Great value for money.

2023 Faustino VII Garnacha

RRP $25.99

Hancocks

Garnacha is also known as Grenache (in France) and Cannonau (in Sardinia) and it’s one of the great underrated red grapes on Earth. Big, juicy red wines are the stock in trade of this grape variety, but in the hands of Spanish winemakers it often takes on a darker, smoother, softer style, which is richer and spicier in taste. Utterly delicious and overdelivers.

2022 Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Barossa Shiraz Cabernet offers outstanding value for money.

2022 Mills Reef Reserve Merlot

RRP $26.99

Wine Portfolio

Mills Reef is a brand from the Bay of Plenty with a new focus on quality and value for money that is hard to beat, as this excellent Merlot shows. It has a full body, smooth red berry flavours and a richness that puts Merlot in a new high quality light.

2024 Redmetal Vineyards

Cabernet Franc

RRP $27

Red + White Cellar

This characterful wine has all the hallmarks of soft, smooth and structured dark fruit flavours that spell out Cabernet Franc’s seductive appeal. The grapes were grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle in Hawke’s Bay, an area where Merlot typically rules the vineyard roost. This is an outstanding red from a very good vintage. It drinks well now and will gain more depth over the medium term.

2024 Mission Reserve Gimblett

Gravels Cabernet Merlot

RRP $29

Mission Estate

The impressive structure that Cabernet Sauvignon brings to wines like this fragrant, dark fruit-scented red make it an incredibly impressive grape. This wine is made for drinking now and will benefit from cellaring for five to six years or more, gaining complex black olive and herb flavours in that time.

2024 Mission Reserve Gimblett

Gravels Syrah

RRP $29

Mission Estate

This outstanding Syrah offers excellent value for money with its smooth medium body, fresh plum flavours and notes of spice on the finish. Smooth tannins add textural depth and length, making this a rewarding spicy red.

2024 Matahiwi Estate Syrah

RRP $29.99

Matahiwi Estate

Dark fruit and spice come together in this seductive Syrah from the very good quality 2024 vintage. This is a complex, perfumed and well-structured Syrah, sitting in a framework of delicious layered aromas of plums, ripe stone fruit and subtle notes of cedar and sandalwood.

2021 Saint Clair James Sinclair

Malbec

RRP $30

Negociants

This is a big, bold and beautifully balanced Malbec from the Gimblett Gravels, where the warm stony soils ripen dark fruit flavours, allowing depth of dry smooth tannin structure to evolve in wines like this. French oak ageing adds to the velvety mouthfeel of this wine, which comes from a very good vintage and will continue to evolve for at least five to six years.

RRP $30 – $39.99

2022 Stonecroft Gimblett Gravels

Serine Syrah

RRP $33

Fistonich Family Vineyards

Stony free-draining soils and vine age of 15 to 40 years tell the back story of this wine’s depth of flavour and smooth, full body, along with its ripe, dark, spicy Syrah notes. Extended oak ageing for 17 months in French oak (20% new) brings a smooth, rounded mouthfeel and textural qualities to its red and dark plum taste.

Dark fruit and spice come together in the 2024 Matahiwi Estate Syrah.

2022 Topé Cabernet Sauvignon

RRP $34.99

Stone Pony

Dark chocolate, black olive and fresh herb aromas are captured in this layered, flavoursome Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a medium body, juicy acidity and a long finish. It is made from vines that are, on average, 23 years old and grown on an eastern range 497550 metres above sea level in South Australia’s Clare Valley.

2022 Taylors Jaraman

Cabernet Sauvignon

RRP $35

Taylor Brown

The qualities of Clare Valley and Coonawarra each bring intense concentration of flavour to this Cabernet Sauvignon, which is made from a blend of grapes grown in both regions. An incredibly impressive wine, it tastes of the essence of blackcurrant and blackberries, with the perfume of Coonawarra: hints of subtle mint and chocolatey richness. This is a keeper that also drinks beautifully now.

2021 Terrace Edge Syrah

RRP $36

Wine2Trade

A savoury expression of cool climate Syrah from North Canterbury, where this grape does extremely well, especially in years such as 2021 thanks to the long dry autumn leading into harvest. This spicy, plummy and edgy wine has firm smooth tannins and was made with grapes grown along the banks of the Waipara River.

2022 Taylors Reserve Parcel Cabernet Sauvignon

RRP $37

Taylor Brown

A big, beautiful, impressive Cabernet Sauvignon made with powerful French oak, which adds to the structure and brings waves of aromatic cedar, oaky nuances and a framework of longevity. This wine is impressive now but will shine even more in time, gaining complexity and dark fruit flavours over the next eight to nine years and beyond.

2021 Pegasus Bay Cabernet Franc

RRP $38

EuroVintage

Cabernet Franc is a rarity in New Zealand, let alone in the cooler climates of the South Island, but here’s a ripe, smooth, complex expression of this very on trend French grape variety. It was fermented with wild yeasts and aged in French oak for 18 months, during which time its mouth-filling flavours gained more depth and richness. This wine was released late last year and is youthful in style, suggesting it will age superbly for at least a decade.

2023 Leefield Station Stockman Syrah

RRP $39.99

Marisco

Is Syrah one of Marlborough’s undiscovered vinous treasures? This beautiful deep purple wine has aromas of ripe plums and spice, a full body, savoury expression of flavour and a long finish. A great balance of firm tannins and fresh acidity drive the flavours in each memorable mouthful.

Trinity Hill’s ‘The Gimblett’ rises in stature every vintage as a top pick from Hawke’s Bay.

RRP $40 – $69.99

2022 Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels

‘The Gimblett’ RRP $40

Hancocks

‘The Gimblett’ rises in stature every vintage as a top pick from Hawke’s Bay. This year is one of my absolute faves and the blend is the reason why: it’s 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Tempranillo, both of which add depth of perfumed dark fruit and a soft, smooth, plump, rounded mouthfeel. It spent 24 months in French oak, 32% new.

2021 Saint Clair Pioneer Block 30

Table Top Cabernet Franc

RRP $42

Negociants

As the name suggests, the table top is the ideal place for a bottle of this seductively soft Cabernet Franc with its blackcurrant aromas and structured tannins. (Although its name actually comes from the table top motorcross jump adjacent to the vineyard on Mere Road in Hawke’s Bay.) This is a smooth, deeply coloured red wine for enjoying now and will age well for another three to four years.

2016 Spy Valley S Block Syrah

RRP $45

Red + White Cellar

The 2016 vintage was an excellent one for complex reds from the South Island and this seductively spicy Syrah from Marlborough shows why. This wine is deep ruby in colour with a powerfully spicy core and rich Omega plum, dark cherry and cedar flavour notes. It’s impressive now at nine years old and has more time to evolve and gain further complexity.

2021 Redmetal Vineyards Basket Press

Syrah

RRP $48

Red + White Cellar

Grant Edmonds is a dab hand at making full-bodied reds from the Bridge Pa Triangle area in Hawke’s Bay and this Syrah gains from both a great vintage and great winemaking. Gentle basket pressing adds to the complexity, bringing excellent concentration and depth to each sip. It drinks well now and is a keeper for the long haul – 10+ years.

2023 Huntress Syrah

RRP $52

Huntress

The Huntress is winemaker Jannine Rickards and this is her first Syrah, which she made with grapes grown on an established organically managed vineyard in the Bridge Pa Triangle in Hawke’s Bay. All grapes were handpicked to make this savoury, spicy Syrah, which was fermented with wild yeasts and an impressive 30% of whole bunches, bringing structure and depth to the dark spicy aromas and chocolatey notes.

2021 Askerne Dr John

RRP $59.90

Askerne

This is one of the best Hawke’s Bay reds I have had in the past decade and is a complex blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Powerful in structure with bright fresh acidity and smooth tannins; all in harmony and very youthful now. Decant and serve, or cellar and watch more deliciousness evolve.

2020 Pegasus Bay Maestro

Merlot Malbec

RRP $67

EuroVintage

Maestro is one of the top tier wines in Pegasus Bay’s reserve range and made in warmer, riper years, as with all of the winery’s reserve range. The blend in 2020 is 45% Merlot, 40% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, which combine to bring dark ripe fruit flavours, smoky aromas, spice and decadent depth of fruit to the palate. This is an outstanding full-bodied, complex blend now and will reveal more depth and layers in years to come.

RRP $100 and above

2021 Church Road 1 Merlot

RRP $120

Vinarchy

This New Zealand Merlot wowed the wine world earlier this year, winning the International Trophy for Merlot at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London. Deep ruby in colour with smooth mouthfeel and a full body, this wine is a flavoursome expression of Merlot, showing its ability to stand alone, beautifully framed by robust firm tannins and complex notes. It drinks well when decanted and begs for a space in a cool wine cellar for a good decade.

2021 Soho JC Reserve Waiheke Blend

RRP $150

Soho

This is one of Waiheke Island’s new wave powerhouse red wines – JC by Soho. It represents the pinnacle of great modern reds made in New Zealand today and is led by complex dark berried fruit flavours in a powerful, plush style. Merlot plays the lead role with 58% of the wine, bringing softness and weight to the dark fruit density of Petit Verdot, fleshy Malbec, spicy fruited Cabernet Franc (7%) and a smidgeon of Syrah (1%). It will age favourably for a decade and beyond.

2021 Church Road 1

Merlot wowed the wine world this year, winning the International Merlot Trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC).

2022 Craggy Range Le Sol

RRP $180

Vintners

This is a deep, dark and juicy Syrah that spent 17 months in French and Austrian oak (45% new), gaining rounded softness and a long, smooth texture. It needs time to evolve and unfold into all its spicy, dark fruit-scented glory but will also reward now when decanted and given time.

2022 Church Road Tom Syrah

RRP $220

Vinarchy

Bold, dark and incredibly youthful, the 2022 Tom Syrah begs for time in the cellar and then in your best decanter. Its spicy hallmarks shows Syrah’s character, which is supported by the dark fruit of 6% Malbec in the blend. It spent 17 months in French oak (31% new), adding the structure and framework to age for a decade or longer.

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Negociants NZ toasts 40 years

General Manager of Negociants NZ, Dean McHenry, reflects on 40 years of the business and what keeps the company at the forefront of fine wine in New Zealand…

How did the story start for Negociants New Zealand?

To understand our beginnings, it’s important to consider the broader legacy of the business we represent. Negociants New Zealand (NNZ) is wholly owned by Hill-Smith Family Estates (HSFE) – a multi-generational, family-owned wine company and the oldest of its kind in this part of the world.

HSFE’s flagship brand, Yalumba Wines of the Barossa, recently celebrated an extraordinary 175 years. That milestone is a testament to the family’s vision, resilience, and forward-thinking philosophy. HSFE is a truly vertically integrated business – from operating one of Australia’s largest vine nurseries and their own cooperage, to winemaking, bottling/packaging, marketing, and ultimately distribution.

The decision to build a distribution arm emerged from recognising the increasing significance of premium wines – both imported and domestic – in Australasia. With long-standing relationships already in place with many of the world’s finest producers, representing these partners in our region was a natural progression. Shared values of trust, authenticity, and integrity underpin our approach and remain at the core of our business today.

NNZ was established in 1985, shortly after the Australian distribution operation commenced. While some brands are shared across both markets, many are unique to each, reflecting regional preferences. Aside from a selection of company-owned brands, we are empowered to choose and represent wines that resonate with our market –and we take that responsibility seriously.

What have been some of the key moments over the past 40 years?

One of our proudest achievements is the enduring relationships we’ve built with our supply partners and customers. For many of our brands to have remained with us for decades speaks volumes about our ability to foster trust, deliver results, and maintain operational excellence.

Over the past four decades, like many other industries, we’ve weathered significant market shifts – from economic volatility and global pandemics to supply chain disruptions and evolving consumer preferences. One of the biggest fundamental changes came a few years after starting the business with the introduction of wine sales into supermarkets in New Zealand, reshaping the retail landscape entirely. NNZ has played an important role in modernising

the New Zealand fine wine scene, not only by improving access to top local wines but by introducing benchmark international producers to the market.

Thanks to our family ownership, we’re able to remain agile and responsive to change. We offer our customers a broad and carefully curated portfolio that meets a wide range of needs – and we’re proud to convene the annual Fine Wine Tour, a cornerstone of the New Zealand wine calendar.

What sets the Negociants portfolio apart?

Each brand is in our portfolio for a reason, and we value them all deeply. We are incredibly proud to represent nine of the top 50 wine brands globally, as recognised by Drinks International, one of the world’s leading industry journals. This includes the brand ranked number one, along with several others that have appeared on the list multiple times.

When curating our portfolio, we apply a considered approach rather than seeking broad expansion. New partners need to add interest and depth. They need an appropriate ‘lane’ to operate in rather than detracting or cannibalising from our current partners.

We are proud to represent many of the wine world’s most respected and globally recognised producers – brands with exceptional provenance, reputation and integrity. While these wineries are rich in heritage and tradition, they are anything but conventional.

Many are at the forefront of innovation, embracing cutting edge techniques and technology in their continual pursuit of excellence, ensuring they remain the quality benchmarks of their regions.

How is Negociants building for the future?

Our vision is to continue surprising and delighting our customers with a premium, relevant portfolio. We believe in the power of insight – using data, strategic marketing, and real-world case studies to add tangible value.

We are also embracing the best of modern technology. Our trade portal, for example, is setting the benchmark for seamless customer interaction in New Zealand. It’s an intuitive, all-in-one solution for accessing invoices, statements, order history, product and pricing details – and of course, placing orders.

This integrated omnichannel approach allows customers to self-serve via the portal, or continue to engage with our Area Managers and customer service team. It creates a responsive and efficient ecosystem that adds genuine value to the business relationship.

How does Negociants meet consumer trends and trade needs in the NZ market today?

At Negociants New Zealand, we proudly operate at the intersection of tradition and innovation – always evolving to meet the needs of consumers and the trade.

Our greatest asset is our people. Every member of our sales team is WSET-qualified, providing not only deep wine knowledge but the ability to deliver informed, relevant, and confident recommendations. This expertise also supports authentic storytelling around the wines we represent.

We regularly host educational sessions, tastings, and workshops for our trade customers and their teams. These experiences build confidence,

“We are proud to represent many of the wine world’s most respected and globally recognised producers.”

boost sales performance, and enrich the consumer journey.

Our supplier relationships are just as critical. We maintain open, ongoing communication with our local and international partners, allowing us to stay ahead of trends, manage global supply challenges, and introduce meaningful innovation into the category.

In an environment where consumers are more discerning than ever, and the trade seeks more than just supply – we bring leadership, knowledge, and passion to every interaction. It’s what makes Negociants New Zealand a trusted partner today and into the future.

negociants.com/nz

Dean McHenry
The Negociants team

Top Picks

Joelle Thomson rounds up her pick of the new releases hitting the market…

2023 Folding Hill Bendigo Chardonnay

RRP $38

Folding Hill

This is a focused and pure cool climate Chardonnay from a wine region that can legitimately claim to be on the edge: Central Otago. Home to the Bendigo winegrowing region, this is a place where warm, dry days, cool, crisp nights and a dry growing season contribute citrusy drive and character to this excellent Chardonnay. Ripe stone fruit aromas and creamy notes bring depth and deliciousness to complex flavours of oatmeal and a hint of cedar.

Bay Chardonnay

RRP $45

Tony Bish

‘Golden Egg’ refers to the egg-shaped fermenter in which this flavoursome Chardonnay is made. The 2024 Tony Bish Golden Egg has a richness of white peach, a note of caramel and aromas of cedar, subtle oak and a smoky hint that all bring layers of beauty to this complex wine. The ‘egg’ keeps yeast lees in suspension throughout the winemaking process, adding to the wine's shape, body and textural mouthfeel, which is balanced by bright bold acidity. The 2024 vintage was superlative and this wine drinks beautifully now but has at least four to five years of evolution up its sleeve. Bravo.

2019 Valenciso Laderas de Cabama Rioja

RRP $39

Mineral

This outstanding Tempranillo represents Spain’s most popular grape at its absolute best: bright, bold, full-bodied and fresh. This wine hails from a vineyard situated between 480 to 610 metres above sea level, which is home to 35-year-old Tempranillo vines. These provide deep flavoured, concentrated grapes that are beautifully managed with fermentation in concrete vats and ageing in low-toast French and Russian oak for 12 months. The wine was bottled unfined, which accounts for its smooth, impressive tannins and notes of dark plum, hint of ripe tomato, spiced stewed fruit and a rounded note on the lingering finish.

2019 Valenciso Laderas de Cabama Rioja is an outstanding Tempranillo that represents Spain’s most popular grape at its absolute best.

2023 Martinborough Vineyard Home

Block Chardonnay

RRP $39.99

Foley Wines

With flinty, complex and savoury aromas, this is a great Chardonnay from the first creamy sip to its stone fruit core of ripe peach and nectarine notes. It drinks well now and can age further for the medium term; approximately five to six years to drink at its peak.

RRP $85

Kemp Wine Merchants

This is the newest addition to the annual range of Valli Pinot Noirs and comes from a high altitude vineyard in Pisa, which the Valli winemaking team started farming in 2021. They bottled their first Pisa Pinot in 2022, making this the second vintage. It’s a smoky, fruit-forward and robust style with a mediumplus body and impressive structured framework of bright acidity and firm smooth tannins.

2023 Valli Pisa Pinot Noir
2024 Tony Bish Golden Egg Hawke's

The many faces of Pinot Noir

Joelle Thomson takes a voyage of discovery through Central Otago Pinot Noir…

VINTAGE WAS about three-quarters over by the time I landed in Central Otago in mid-April this year to host a tasting on a sun-drenched vineyard in Pisa.

The tasting was for Mora Wines’ Annual Harvest Celebration lunch and the event was called ‘The Many Faces of Pinot Noir’; a fitting name for a tasting of wines from this most southern wine region.

Approximately 80% of Central Otago’s producing vineyard land is devoted to Pinot Noir, but not all of those grapes make red wine. The majority do, but a substantial proportion also go towards making Rosé and high-quality sparkling wines, across a wide range of styles.

A relatively small proportion make soft, fruity reds that are part of the growing global trend of chillable red wines, such as Mora’s Laeto Pinot Noir – a delicious, smooth Pinot Noir with a softness that sets it apart from the crowd.

So, how was vintage 2025 in Central Otago?

Felton Road winemaker Blair Walter describes it as “a very decent vintage with yields that were pleasingly similar to 2024 and 2023”, only marginally lighter due to a frost during flowering in early November last year. Fortunately, this was offset by superb weather that followed, ensuring a good fruit set. This means there’s a decent volume of grapes but it’s the quality that blew me away.

Over five days in Central, I spent nearly two of them in the vineyard at Felton Road, picking Pinot Noir grapes that were in near-perfect health.

Time was also spent tasting through fascinating Pinot Noir ferments at Quartz Reef where Rudi Bauer, winemaker, founder and co-owner, was characteristically circumspect about vintage 2025.

“It’s early days, but so far I’m happy because the impact of cooler nighttime temperatures (on average) and very warm days means our grapes have firm acidity, which is good for the longevity of our wines.”

Time was also spent tasting through fascinating Pinot Noir ferments at Quartz Reef.

More importantly, for lovers of outstanding méthode traditionelle, he will make a vintage Blanc de Blancs bubbly from 2025.

Rudi and the Quartz Reef team have collectively forged a name for the most consistently high quality méthode traditionelle from Central Otago, and one that’s among the top three in New Zealand today, in my view. Quartz Reef has done so well with its bubbly that its production has grown from 40% of the winery’s overall production to about 50%.

The visit in April was also a chance to visit the Dicey brothers’ winery for the first time and to visit Carrick Winery’s new cellar door. Talk about a room with a spectacular view over Bannockburn Inlet.

The trip revealed so many good wines and several spectacular ones. Watch this space.

Stand-out Central Otago wines

Both these wines are certified organic and biodynamic with BioGro NZ and Demeter.

2023 Felton Road MacMuir

Vineyard Pinot Noir

RRP $128 Mineral

Powerful and elegant Pinot Noir from the MacMuir Vineyard on Felton Road. This was once part of the Calvert Vineyard but is now a site in its own right and planted in a range of Pinot Noir clones, including 828 and 943, along with preferred clones from parent vines at Felton Road. Deep ruby in colour with a smooth full body and notes of spice, this layered Pinot Noir has a long life ahead.

2019 Quartz Reef Blanc de Blancs RRP $85

Vintners

The jewel in the Quartz Reef sparkling wine crown is made entirely from Chardonnay and is a crisp, citrusy wine with a full body, biscuity aromas and creamy baked apple tart notes. This is youthful now and will evolve into an even greater expression of Central Otago méthode traditionelle.

Entries open for 2025 NZ International Wine Show

THE NEW Zealand International Wine Show is back for 2025 and is now accepting entries until late August.

Since its inception in 2005, the New Zealand International Wine Show has been the largest wine judging competition in the country.

Chief Judge, Bob Campbell MW is ranked as the most experienced wine judge in New Zealand and returns for this year’s event, joined by assistant chief judges Larry McKenna and John Hancock and 20 senior judges.

Last year, 24 Trophies were awarded for the Best in Class wines, Champion Winemaker and Wine Company of the Show.

The team of senior judges assessed more than 1,550 entries and awarded 271 Gold and Double Gold medals.

Entries close 29 August with samples due by 10 September. Entrants will be notified of results on 22 September with Trophy winners announced at a gala awards event in Auckland on Friday 17 October.

Entry details at nziws.co.nz

NZ Chardonnay crowned Wine of the Year in U.K.

ISABEL ESTATE’S Wild Barrique Chardonnay 2022 has been crowned Wine of the Year at the London Wine Competition. Now in its eighth year, the competition has become a highly regarded global event in which each wine is judged on three key criteria: quality, value, and packaging, which is designed to mirror real-world buying behaviour.

The judging panels comprise Masters of Wine, Master Sommeliers, trade buyers and industry experts who blind-tasted, assessed and scored hundreds of wines from more than 50 countries.

It is the first time Isabel Estate has entered the awards and Chief Winemaker Jeremy McKenzie says the team is blown away by the result. “It’s a particularly exciting time as we are in the throes of harvest and busy banking the 2025 Wild Barrique Chardonnay, which we believe has the bones to be another top wine in the future.

“Since its first vintage in 2016, this wine has performed incredibly well – loved by consumers, scoring highly and earning critical acclaim,” says McKenzie. “That said, 2022 was a truly exceptional Chardonnay at the Estate and has collected some notable gongs over the years. It’s one of those wines that continues to capture attention with its complexity, concentration and length, and it’s incredibly age-worthy, making it a perfect addition to the cellar.”

EuroVintage

Isabel Estate Chief Winemaker Jeremy McKenzie

Triple International Trophy wins for NZ wines at IWC

NEW ZEALAND wines have shone at The International Wine Challenge, winning three of the nine International Trophies.

Organisers of the IWC say the 2025 medal and trophy results are sending “shockwaves” through the industry as ‘new world’ wines rise to challenge the long-standing dominance of the ‘old world’.

This year’s International Trophy winners have turned expectations upside down with New Zealand claiming the crown for Merlot and Syrah (as well as Sauvignon Blanc), South Africa taking top honours for Cabernet Sauvignon and Australia winning the world’s best Chardonnay.

Medals were awarded to 36 winemaking countries following the blind tasting by an international panel of nearly 250 experts last month.

New Zealand proved its growing dominance on the international winemaking scene, coming in at sixth place, winning 32 Gold medals (nine more than last year) as well as 121 Silvers, and 98 Bronzes.

New Zealand also won three out of the nine International Trophies:

• International Merlot Trophy - Church Road 1 Merlot 2021

• International Syrah Trophy - Glenora Estate Syrah 2024

• International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy - Villa Maria Reserve Coastal Awatere Sauvignon Blanc 2024.

Full results at internationalwinechallenge.com

Lawson’s Dry Hillsleaders in sustainable wine production

IF CARING for the environment matters to you and your customers, you can choose Lawson’s Dry Hills wines with absolute confidence. Sustainability has been at the heart of everything they do for nearly two decades.

In 2007, they joined Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand, a pioneering environmental certification programme for wine. They also adopted the internationally recognised ISO14001 Environmental Management Standard in 2019, which guides every part of their operations and drives continuous improvement.

The wine producer then took the next step by measuring, reducing and offsetting all their emissions, becoming a Toitū certified net carbonzero organisation in 2021 (ISO14064). This covers everything from electricity and fuel to freight and business travel.

Most recently, Lawson's Dry Hills became a proud member of the B Corp™ community - joining a global movement of businesses balancing purpose and profit. They are one of just 85 certified B Corps in New Zealand.

Lawson’s Dry Hills - sustainably grown, expertly crafted, responsibly made.

lawsonsdryhills.co.nz

To stock our wines email sales@lawsonsdryhills.co.nz

New wine filtration tech a game-changer

A NEW PRECISION WINE technology is changing how winemakers address quality challenges and recover value from fault-affected and heavily phenolic wines. Amaea is a New Zealand developer of custom-engineered molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), offering molecular filtration technology for precision wine remediation and palate fining.

The company’s selective, sustainable filtration solution, launched in late 2023, is being used to remediate and enhance wine quality and is already being used by New Zealand wine brands like Marisco and Giesen, as well as Jackson Family Wines in the U.S, among others.

The proprietary MIP beads, imprinted with billions of binding sites, selectively target and capture unwanted molecules – such as pyrazines, ethyl phenols, and phenolic compounds responsible for sensory profiles – and remove them while preserving the wine’s essential varietal character, colour, and flavour.

“Winemakers face real challenges when unwanted characteristics or impacts appear in their wines, that traditional methods cannot resolve,” says Amaea CEO Aiden Tapping. “Our molecular filtration solution gives them control to target and remove the compounds responsible for undesirable sensory profiles without stripping away desirable characters. This recovers value, saves wine from being downgraded or discarded, and ultimately protects brand integrity.”

Giesen (NZ) used amaea PFx in place of gelatin (a fining agent), to address bitterness in their 0% Merlot, while Marisco Vineyards (NZ) remediated a stink bug-affected wine back to its intended programme. “Having the ability to run wine through MIPs, knowing it won’t physically change apart from removing the target molecules, is a massive plus,” says Marisco winemaker Alun Kilby.

Over the past year, amaea RMx technology for remediating ‘off’ aromas and wines impacted by frost, pyrazines, brettanomyces, MOG and other challenges, and amaea PFx technology for palate fining, have supported over 50 unique producers in treating more than 1.5 million litres of wine, helping them recover an estimated NZD$6.2 million in wine value in the past 12 months.

amaea.com

Appellation Marlborough Wine launches

interactive map

MARLBOROUGH’S WINE subregions have been brought to life in a new interactive map developed by Appellation Marlborough Wine.

The tool is designed to better explain the region’s diversity and the factors that influence wine style across its subregions. Created in partnership with MapHQ, the map builds on the original Wine Map of Marlborough and enhances it through interactive layers showing topography, climate, soils, and more. It also includes photography and commentary from local winemakers and viticulturists.

Appellation Marlborough Wine CEO, Michael Wentworth, says the map is a practical tool for trade, media, and educators – anyone wanting to understand the Marlborough region in greater depth and communicate what makes AMW-certified wines distinctive.

Find the new interactive map at appellationmarlboroughwine.co.nz/#MAP

Tread Softly releases NZ wines

AUSTRALIAN SUSTAINABLE wine brand, Tread Softly, has added two New Zealand varietals to its range here. The Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and East Coast Pinot Gris are the first wines from Tread Softly to be made in New Zealand and are 9.9% ABV.

“We’re excited to share a selection of our wines from celebrated regions in New Zealand,” says Ross Marshall, Managing Director, Fourth Wave Wine. “The Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and East Coast Pinot Gris both showcase the quality of New Zealand fruit made in alignment with our overarching winemaking philosophy of crafting fresh, moderate-alcohol wines, whilst also seeking to ensure our environmental footprint is minimised.

“By harvesting pristine fruit at optimal ripeness earlier in the season, Tread Softly creates wines that are beautifully balanced, and uniquely expressive at naturally lighter alcohol levels.”

Tread Softly also recently celebrated the planting of its 2.5 millionth native tree as part of its long-running reforestation partnership with Carbon Neutral.

Since launching the initiative in 2019, the brand has committed to planting one tree for every case of wine sold – helping to regenerate more than 1,200 hectares of native bushland in Western Australia’s Yarra Yarra Biodiversity Corridor, one of the world’s global biodiversity hotspots.

Tread Softly Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and East Coast Pinot Gris are RRP $19.99

Stone Pony Wines

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

Behemoth Fun Sized IPA

2.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99 – out mid-late July (24 loose pack out now)

Behemoth

Behemoth’s new Fun Sized IPA is your little mate for all occasions. Little can, little alcohol, this 2.5% treat brings the IPA flavour but you can go all day with it. Great as a sessionable option or ‘one-after-work’. Fun Sized is clean, crisp and tasty. Recommended.

Garage Project Zinger

4% ABV, 330ml 6-pack $21

Garage Project

This is Garage Project’s take on a brewed alcoholic ginger beer. Brewed naturally with real ginger, Zinger has a refreshingly clean, crisp flavour with just the right amount of ginger ‘zing’.

Monteith’s Driftin’ IPA

5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $17.99 and 12-pack RRP $28.99

DB

Monteith’s Driftin’ IPA blends American Chinook and Citra hops as well as Kiwi Nectaron hops. The American hops deliver zesty grapefruit and lime notes while Nectaron brings a tropical splash. The smooth malts balance the brew with a lingering bitterness to deliver an IPA with a crisp, clean finish.

Garage Project Iron Pig

5.2% ABV, 330ml RRP $5

Garage Project

Iron Pig is a New Zealand stout brewed using Canterbury malt and specially roasted barley, balanced with a shot of Green Bullet hops. The result is a full-flavoured stout with underlying notes of chocolate, coffee and toasted nuts. An instant classic.

Boundary Road Breweries Tropical

Hazy IPA

5.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $17.99

Asahi NZ

This full-bodied Hazy IPA pours golden and hazy with a bold tropical hop aroma. It delivers juicy fruit flavours, a creamy mouthfeel, and a smooth, slightly bitter finish. Flavourful yet easy drinking. Enjoy tropical vibes without the airfare!

Kaiserdom Lager

5.5% ABV, 1L RRP $10.99

Q Liquid

Kaiserdom is a brewery in Bamberg, Germany that was founded in 1718. Its classic lager is an amber drop that arrives in a big 1L can. With slightly fruity aromas, it has flavours of hazelnut layered with intense hoppiness and tied together with a caramel sweetness.

Behemoth’s new Fun Sized IPA is your little mate for all occasions. Little can, little alcohol, this 2.5% treat brings the IPA flavour but you can go all day with it.

Sawmill Blueprint Bright IPA – Alpha

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Sawmill

This Bright IPA hits with clarity and energy. A refreshing, light malt backbone with a citrus-driven base amplified with bold notes of apricot, pineapple, orange oil and light pine. Clean bitterness and a dry finish keep it crisp and refreshing. A hops combo of Riwaka, Motueka, Wai-iti, Nectaron, and NZH-106.

Sawmill Blueprint Bright IPA – Bravo

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Sawmill

A combo of Nelson Sauvin, Motueka, Citra, Mosaic, Wai-iti, and Riwaka hops go into this sibling blend to Alpha (above). Bravo has sharp hop expression and balance. A clean malt base supports a layered profile of lime, white grape, and ripe nectarine. Bright, drinkable, and dialled in for freshness and clarity, this IPA hits high aromatics with a crisp finish and lasting appeal.

Sawmill Grapefruit Hazy Pale Ale

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Sawmill

In the running for the prettiest can of the season, Sawmill’s Grapefruit Hazy Pale Ale arrives in a big pink work of art. The hazy drop is loaded with grapefruit for a juicy bitterness that puckers the cheeks and provides extra refreshment. Serve with salty snacks for contrast.

8-Wired Coconut Hop Salad

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 - out 7 July

8-Wired

This coconut hazy IPA smashes together refreshing citrus, juicy fruits, and a tropical splash. Forget all about winter and crack open this island holiday in a can.

Duncan’s Blueberry Pie

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $12 – available 24 July

Duncan’s

Hot damn! Blueberry pie is reimagined as a liquid dessert in this release from Duncan’s. This pastry sour contains a generous amount of juicy blueberries spiced with cinnamon and layered over a rich, buttery base of biscuit and toffee malt. We reckon Nana would approve.

Sawmill Aotearoa Series #61 | Brave Brewing Co IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Sawmill

Sawmill’s long-running Aotearoa Series is about celebrating the best of New Zealand and for #61 the Matakana brewers have teamed up with Hastings’ Brave Brewing Co. to celebrate what they do best: bold, brilliant IPAs. With a pine-laden nose, the NZH-106, Nelson Sauvin and Kohatu hops bring tropical fruit hop flavours, rounded off with a clean, crisp finish.

Behemoth Hop Diggity Dog Citra

Hopped Hazy IPA

6.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

Behemoth

Brewed for the annual hot dog eating contest at Wellington’s Rogue and Vagabond, Hop Diggity Dog Citra brings the party. The can is bright and gleeful with Behemoth’s Churly mascot dressed as a hot dog (of course). The fun continues in the glass with a pale, golden, slightly hazy IPA, laced with Citra and Citra Cryo hops.

Cassels Red IPA is a vibrant, copper-coloured drop with a rich, tan head. In the glass, the citrus hop aromas lead to bold, bitter citrus flavours.

Garage Project Hazy in the Head

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $11

Garage Project

Hazy in the Head is a hazy IPA loaded with a double hit of Krush, Riwaka, Mosaic and Motueka hops. The heady hop brew creates a swirling foggy haze of juicy mango, guava, and lime, all topped with a subtle note of sativa. Lose yourself in one of these.

Garage Project Nelson – Nuff Said

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10

Garage Project

Garage Project’s Nuff Said is a bright golden Cali-style IPA. Cali IPA is known for hoppy, dry, and citrus-forward characters and Garage Project have hopped their brew with the finest, hand-selected, harvest-fresh Nelson Sauvin to load it up with intense passionfruit, gooseberry and tropical juice aromatics.

Cassels Red IPA

6.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Cassels

Cassels Red IPA is a vibrant, copper-coloured drop with a rich, tan head. The nose has prominent pine needles and in the glass the citrus hop aromas lead to bold, bitter citrus flavours. Toffee-sweet caramel and a creamy mouthfeel makes for a beautiful balance.

McLeod’s Tsunami Warning NZ IPA

6.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

McLeod’s

McLeod’s entry into this year’s Smith’s NZ IPA Challenge is a take on a classic IPA, double dry-hopped for waves of extra flavour. There are notes of luscious stone fruit, bound with a gutsy 6.6% ABV sweetness for a full-mouth hop experience.

Duncan’s Research Kemicle

6.7% ABV, 440ml RRP $11

Duncan’s

Step into the lab of lupulin with Research Kemicle from Duncan’s. They’ve teamed up with their favourite New Zealand hop farm Eggers Hops to create this NZIPA brewed with Riwaka and dry hopped with proprietary Eggers Special for a tropical citrus overload.

Garage Project Stramash

6.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $12.50

Garage Project

‘Stramash’ is a Scottish term that loosely translate as ‘disturbance’ or ‘racket’. A Scottish style Wee Heavy, this is a drop loaded with Harroway’s jumbo porridge oats, golden naked crystal oats, ale malt, roast barley and “just a wee touch o’ hop” to balance it all out.

Garage Project Carillon - Oud Bruin

6.9% ABV, 375ml RRP $20 and 750ml RRP $28

Garage Project

Oud Bruin, the traditional brown ale of Flemish Belgium, has been painstakingly recreated and lovingly tended by Dave Bell, Garage Project’s Wild Workshop Head Brewer. Oud Bruin is aged in wood with a blend of yeasts and Lactobacillus to create a beer bursting with dark sour cherry and dried fruit flavours, topped off with coffee and chocolate notes. Dark and complex, a little bit like Dave.

Duncan’s Karkinos WCIPA

7% ABV, 440ml RRP $11 – available 24 July

Duncan’s

Karkinos was the celestial crab who fought valiantly against Hercules and was fated for the stars. This West Coast IPA bears his name – it’s a citrusy, pine-laden and tropical tribute to boldness in the face of giants.

McLeod’s Cyclone Swell Unfiltered IPA

7% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

McLeod’s

After the cyclone the sea is all churned up – visibility is low and strong currents lurk in the depths. McLeod’s Cyclone Swell is related to its Tropical Cyclone Double IPA, but has a murky unfiltered haze that disguises its deceptive strength. There’s a strong hop bitterness off-set by the sweetness of the high alcohol content.

Parrotdog Limited Release #29

Red IPA

7% ABV, 440ml RRP $12

Parrotdog

Pouring a deep hazy yellow in the glass, this limited release from Parrotdog has aromas of mango, peach, passionfruit, and orange that lead into a juicy tropical palate with notes of stone fruit and low bitterness.

Garage Project Mountain Call

7.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $13

Garage Project

Mountain Call is a foeder-aged sour beer, fermented with Garage Project’s unique house culture, then infused with the finest Lapsang Souchong tea. Lapsang is a smoke-dried tea so the beer is a complex journey of sourness, delicate smoke, pine resin and dried logan fruit.

McLeod’s The Roar Red Rye IPA

7.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

McLeod’s

A roaring stag greets you on the can and the drop inside roars too. McLeod’s Red Rye IPA is a big, grunty beer, layered with citrus hop flavours and rounded out with a spicy rye malt. While the flavours are big, it’s so smooth the 7.5% is barely noticeable. Stalk this one with caution.

Garage Project Old Gods

7.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.50

Garage Project

An ode to all things Norse, Garage Project’s Old Gods is a black rye IPA brewed with malted and crystal rye, fermented with Norwegian Voss Kveik yeast, and hopped with Simcoe, Cascade, Citra and Chinook hops. Black as a moonless night, there is a bold bitterness with rye spice and a clean hop hit of citrus and pine resin. Best taken from a drinking horn. Skål!

Garage Project Single Fruit - Apricot

7.9% ABV, 375ml RRP $15 and 750ml RRP $28

Garage Project

This is an apricot-infused Blended Sour from the alchemists at Garage Project. A blend of barrel-aged spontaneous beer, infused with sun-ripened Clutha Gold apricots from the Webb family’s 100-year-old orchard outside Cromwell, the finished product is a radiant gold, with a ripe apricot aroma and a juicy, tart, stone fruit palate.

Garage Project’s Pink Milk is a fruit-filled, full cream trip in every sip.

Garage Project Pink Milk Strawberry

Oat Cream IPA

8% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.50

Garage Project

Garage Project’s Pink Milk is a fruit-filled, full cream trip in every sip. Brewed with a double dose of creamy lactose sugar, strawberry puree, dragon fruit, and vanilla, it also contains a careful blend of HBC1019, Galaxy, Luminosa and Sabro hops. This is a smooth, juicy sweet IPA balanced with strawberry, bubblegum, coconut and tropical fruit hop flavours. A beguiling curio.

Garage Project Raise the Horns

Hardcore Doppelbock

8% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.50

Garage Project

A beer for heavy metal fans at last! Raise the Horns is Garage Project’s hardcore Doppelbock. With increased malt, a cold ferment and extended ice conditioning, they’ve created a doom metal dark lager, rammed with smooth dark fruit and chocolate intensity and finishing with the big 8% alcohol warmth. Start the headbanging.

Parrotdog Limited Release #28

8% ABV, 440ml RRP $12

Parrotdog

This limited release Hazy DIPA from Parrotdog is brewed with Krush, Strata and Citra hops, creating aromas of mango, peach, passionfruit, and orange that lead to prominent tropical and stone fruit flavours. Juicy on the palate with a super soft mouthfeel and low bitterness.

Behemoth That Hop Juice

8.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Behemoth

This is a Hazy Double IPA with all the hops. The golden hazy drop looks approachable enough, but one sip delivers enough hops for a lifetime. Citra, Mosaic, Motueka and Hart 4337 combine for quadruple hop trouble, all wrapped up in the sweetness of  a massive 8.5% ABV IPA. One for the true hop heads out there.

Duncan’s Chocolate Peanut

Butter Slab

10% ABV, 440ml RRP $15

Duncan’s

An Imperial Pastry Stout winter treat that captures the iconic and tasty combination of roasted peanuts and chocolate in bar-like form. Brewed with peanut flour, cacao husk, cacao powder, and an impressive array of specialty malts. Brace for a rich and utterly indulgent experience.

8-Wired Whisky Barrel Aged iStout

10.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $11.99 - out 18 August

8-Wired

8-Wired’s iStout has always been big and bold – and now it’s barrel-aged. The iconic imperial stout has been rested in whisky barrels, layering in smooth, dried fruit depth and a warm kick. Expect rich waves of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and oak, lifted by a punchy bitterness and bold hop character.

Garage Project Two Plus Two Equals

Five Triple Hazy IPA

10.5% ABV, 440ml RRP$13.50

Garage Project

A collaboration between Garage Project and Los Angeles brewery Green Cheek, this is a mash-up of hop and grape aromatics, blending Southern Cross, Idaho 7, Mosaic and Nelson Sauvin hops with a huge hit of Phantasm Sauv Blanc powder. The result is an IPA as strong as a glass of wine that swirls with flavours of gooseberry, pineapple, tropical jasmine, and juicy fruit. Definitely a collab that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Garage Project Beast With Two Backs

13% ABV, 375ml RRP $20

Garage Project

Who needs dessert when you could have a blended bourbon and whiskey barrel aged imperial dessert stout, infused with a lavish addition of Peoples Tadesse Meskela blend coffee and dried Vietnamese bananas? Beast with Two Backs delivers a rich, complex blend of vanilla, roasted malts, sweet banana and chocolate caramel coffee notes. Not for the faint-hearted.

CIDER

Peckham’s Chocolate and Boysenberry

5% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.49

Peckham’s

This limited edition release uses one of Peckham’s rich apple ciders as a base, along with freshly pressed local boysenberries, and an infusion of chocolate. Luscious and velvety with pops of vibrant berry and a lingering cocoa finish.

Elemental Wild Ginger

6.2% ABV, 500ml RRP $11

Elemental

Wild Ginger is a sparkling perry made from fresh pears, fresh ginger, native kawakawa, and a touch of honey. Zesty ginger spice lifts the nose, while kawakawa brings a peppery edge. The palate is crisp and lively, with warming heat, and a soft honey finish. Dry, yet balanced. Serve with sticky glazed chicken, pork bao, or aged Cheddar.

Elemental’s Wild Ginger is a sparkling perry made from fresh pears, fresh ginger, native kawakawa, and a touch of honey.

Tropical vibes without the airfare.

MALTS: ALE, CAR APILS, WHE AT

HOP S: MOTUEK A, CITR A, NELSON SAUVIN

The rise and rise of non-alc

Is your non-alcoholic offering slim or non-existent?
Michael Donaldson says you could be missing a trick…

NEW DATA released earlier this year predicts non-alcoholic beer will soon become the second-biggest beer category behind lager, globally.

To put that in perspective, lager accounts for 92% of beer consumed around the world and everything else we love – IPAs, sours, wheat beers, stouts… –they’re fighting for second place.

According to leading global drinks data and analytics provider IWSR, non-alcoholic beer is set to reach around 2% of the global market, making it the secondbiggest category.

The drivers for this are a global shift to lighter consumption and increased periods of “temporary abstinence”.

“Drinkers are now more habitual in their control of alcohol intake,” says Susie Goldspink, Senior Insights Manager –RTDs and No/Low Alcohol at IWSR. “This trend spans all age groups, regions and demographics, highlighting moderation as a mainstream cultural phenomenon, rather than a trend…”

I confess that non-alcoholic beer was barely on my radar until Bach Brewing became the first New Zealand craft brewery to step into the (then) unknown by launching their All Day non-alcoholic IPA.

I was an immediate convert. And now our house regularly has a six-pack or two of non-alcoholic beer in the fridge.

And I watched with interest as fledgling non-alcoholic brand State of Play found a strong foothold in supermarkets across the country. Founder Grant Caunter is very open about sharing his own data and that of the wider industry.

He points out that non-alcoholic beer continues to grow, off a low-base, to be around 2.4% of all beer sold in New Zealand. The growth is particularly strong in supermarkets, but less so in traditional liquor stores.

What’s more, people are prepared to pay for great-tasting non-alcoholic options. Non-alcs in supermarkets grew 10.5% in volume and 15.5% in sales value.

What’s more, people are prepared to pay for great-tasting non-alcoholic options.

And yet… it can be damn hard to find a decent non-alcoholic craft beer in bars and restaurants. Here, I’m talking about the likes of State of Play, which has just released a non-alc Chocolate Stout, the Bach All-Day range, Garage Project’s Tiny range, Parrotdog Watchdog, and Peckham’s Zero Apple Cider (amazing).

These beverages regularly take out gold medals at awards events, and a number of non-alcoholic beers appeared in the GABS Hottest 100 countdown earlier this year. That event is a pure popularity contest, so if non-alcoholic beers are getting votes, it shows how much our beer culture is changing.

The quality of non-alcoholic New Zealand craft beer is up there with the best in the world. At the recent Australian International Beer Awards, entries from Bach, Garage Project, State of Play and Altitude Brewing took out multiple medals between them, beating beers from the likes of Scotland’s BrewDog and American giant Samuel Adams.

Another thing about non-alc craft –the cans look great, which decreases the sense of FOMO for anyone not drinking alcohol. Having a great-looking can at the table, or in your hand, adds to the sense that you’re partaking in a social event, not hanging off to the side with a boring soft drink.

In short: non-alcoholic beer is excellent, tasty, popular, and here to stay. Let’s embrace it.

South Korean breweries confirmed for Beervana

SOUTH KOREAN breweries are joining the line-up at Beervana 2025, along with more than 60 brewers from across New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

Beervana has a long tradition of welcoming international breweries and Festival Director Ryan McArthur says the global lineup connects Aotearoa to the international beer community, offers something new for brewers and punters alike, and reinforces New Zealand’s standing in the world of craft beer.

“Beervana is all about the experiences you can’t get anywhere else – whether it’s your local brewery putting on something wild for the weekend, or trying a Korean craft beer that’s never been poured on New Zealand soil before,” says McArthur. “Some of the best friendships and collaborations in beer have started at Beervana, and every international brewery that comes wants to return the following year.”

South Korea’s craft beer scene has undergone significant growth, expanding

from 54 breweries in 2014 to 182 in 2023.

The South Korean Embassy has partnered with Beervana to help bring the breweries to Wellington, with 7Brau and Seoul Brewery two of the confirmed attendees.

Last year, a group of German brewers made a big impression, collaborating with local brewers and even securing export deals to bring their beer into New Zealand.

“Beervana isn’t just a festival – it’s a launchpad,” says McArthur. “Welcoming international brewers opens the door for exports, collabs, and moments you just can’t recreate.”

Beervana will be held at Wellington’s Sky Stadium from 22 to 23 August. beervana.co.nz

Momentum grows in billion-dollar premium cider export plan

CIDER APPLES New Zealand is seeking interest from growers and cider makers in three new cider apple varieties as part of the development of a new billion-dollar premium cider export industry.

Last July, the organisation launched a comprehensive Roadmap Report outlining a path to achieving its goal within 15 years.

The Report was made possible through funding from MPI, AGMARDT, Prevar, Plant and Food Research, Fruit Wine and Cider Makers Association, and Cider Apples New Zealand.

Since then, Cider Apples New Zealand has identified five new cider apples varieties though screening apples from Prevar, Plant and Food Research and other breeding programmes. It is seeking interest from growers and cider makers in the first three of these varieties, which are being bulked up with the intention of being released for commercialisation from this winter.

A major expansion of the Cider Apples New Zealand Accelerated Cider Apple Breeding Programme from 4,000 trees to 12,000 trees is underway and will be completed by September 2026. This will ensure an ongoing pipeline

of new, unique cider apples to provide New Zealand cidermakers with a sustainable point of difference in the global market.

China is a key focus and this year a series of pre-commercial cider trials will be run at The Cider Factorie, Elemental Cider and Peckham’s Cider. These small scale pre-commercial ciders made from a range of new apples will be evaluated in-market to build up a detailed understanding of Chinese consumer preferences for different elements of a premium priced cider. This information will feed back into cider apple selection criteria for the Cider Apples New Zealand breeding programme. This will ensure that the consumer drives the output of the cider apple breeding programme.

Auckland-based Morningcider has also just completed a $500,000 capital raise to help fund development of premium cider export sales.

ciderapplesnz.com

Ryan McArthur - Beervana Festival Director

Summit goes big

SPEIGHT’S HAS launched its popular Summit Ultra in 500ml single cans. The lager has 75% less carbs than the average carb content of leading New Zealand beer brands.

Speight’s Summit Ultra (4.2% ABV) 500ml RRP $4.99

Lion

Waikato Draught celebrates 100 years

LION IS releasing limited-edition Waikato Draught centenary 12-packs and will hold local events and promotions in the coming months as the iconic Waikato brew marks 100 years.

Waikato Draught was first brewed in 1925 and went on to become a household name.

The brand’s story began with pioneering brewer and Welshwoman, Mary Jane Innes, who took ownership of Waikato Brewery in 1900 (thought to be the first New Zealand brewery fully owned by a woman) and ran it with her son.

Subsequently, Waikato Breweries, and therefore Waikato Draught, came into Lion’s ownership in 1961.

Waikato Draught’s ties to Waikato Rugby Union since its earliest days helped to cement local loyalty. In 1996, it became the inaugural sponsor of the Chiefs in the very first Super Rugby competition, a partnership that continues today.

Zeffer and Cassels join forces for distribution

CHRISTCHURCH-BASED BREWER Cassels has become the exclusive distributor of Zeffer’s Hawke’s Bay-born beverage range as part of a new partnership between two of New Zealand’s leading independent drinks brands.

In a move that brings together Zeffer’s premium cider and RTD portfolio with Cassels’ award-winning craft beer range, the partnership is designed to offer a more diverse, compelling selection across the beer, cider, and RTD categories.

“We’re really excited about this step forward,” says Zeffer CEO Colin Barriff. “It gives us the opportunity to work with a like-minded partner who shares our values, while also giving us greater control over how we reach customers. Together, we’ll be able to deliver more – in terms of service, innovation and product range.”

Effective from July 1, sales and distribution for both Zeffer and Cassels products is now managed by the Cassels sales and logistics team, creating a single, streamlined point of contact for customers. The companies say that their new partnership enhances reach, unlocks operational effi ciencies, and enables a more responsive customer experience – whether in grocery, on premise, or traditional liquor channels.

For Cassels CEO Marshall Moir, the alignment is both practical and purposeful: “This is a smart investment in the future. It simplifies how our customers engage with both brands and strengthens our overall customer offer in range and service. Zeffer’s approach to quality, innovation and sustainability makes them a great fit for us.”

Browse the ranges at cassels.nz and zeffer.co.nz

For wholesale inquiries contact sales@casselsbrewery.co.nz

This year also marks the 80th birthday of Waikato Draught mascot, ‘Willie the Waiter’, who was originally hand sketched in 1945.

To celebrate 100 years, Lion has released limited-edition Waikato Draught centenary 12-packs and says the first production run almost completely sold out in just a few weeks.

A series of local promotions and events will also continue across the Waikato region over the next few months.

Zeffer CEO Colin Barriff (left) and Cassels CEO Marshall Moir (right)

DB supports Tasman District conservation

DB IS helping to fund riparian and wetland restoration within the Motueka and Moutere catchments in the Tasman District as part of a major conservation project.

The project is run by The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand (TNC NZ) and the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance (KMTT) at the top of the South Island.

Meaning “Collective Action for Our Nature”, the KMTT is a collaboration between 17 partners from local iwi, councils and Government. It aims to restore and enhance nature across 3.4 million hectares of land and sea.

Working in collaboration with TNC NZ, which is leading a Restoring Lowlands and Connecting Ecosystems project through KMTT, DB has committed $130,000 towards the work, which is in regions important to DB as many of its apple and hop growers are based there.

The DB funding will help improve outcomes for stream riparian and wetland management for growers in Motueka and

Moutere by utilising mapping and modelling tools to help landowners identify areas on their land where restoration could improve the health of waterbodies.

Funding will also provide co-investment for planting a minimum of five hectares alongside critical source waterways to improve ecosystem health and will support landowners and catchment groups with essential information, administration, advice, and monitoring programmes to ensure sustainable ongoing management of these areas.

DB says the project supports its

sustainability strategy to Brew a Better Aotearoa and is a first step into backing ‘nature-based’ solutions.

Matt Wilson, Managing Director at DB Breweries, says: “The top of the South Island is important for our business, as both the home of our cidery, the home of NZ hops and an important growing region for key ingredients used to make our beers and ciders. Sustainability is core to our business purpose, and this partnership demonstrates our commitment to having a positive impact on people and the planet.”

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

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

*Contains not more than 0.5% Alc/Vol

and SugarSpice

Aged, spiced, white or dark – rums from around the world and close to home offer a wide range of flavour profiles…

RRP $35 - $59.99

Malibu Original

21% ABV, 700ml RRP $37.99, 1L RRP $49.99

Pernod Ricard

Malibu Original combines white rum with coconut extract for a tropical flavour.

Mixer Club White Rum

by Black Collar Distillery

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $39.99

Black Collar

Distilled from molasses at Black Collar Distillery in the Bay of Islands, this is a smooth white rum with subtle hints of light citrus from sugarcane. A Gold medal winner at ‘The Rumbles’ NZ Rum Awards 2024.

Havana Club Cuban Spiced Rum

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $45.99

Pernod Ricard

The Spiced expression from Havana Club balances sweet vanilla and aromatic spice with hints of juicy ripe guava, toasted coconut and fresh pineapple.

Havana Club Añejo 3 Años

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $47.99, 1L RRP $60.99

Pernod Ricard

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

Havana Club Especial

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $47.99

Pernod Ricard

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.

Flor de Caña 4 YO (Extra Seco)

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99

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.

Lost Barrel Caribbean Rum is rich on the palate with flavours of caramelised fruit, banana, vanilla and a lingering five spice finish.

Lost Barrel Caribbean Rum

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $49.99

Brandhouse

A Caribbean rum that is rich on the palate with flavours of caramelised fruit, banana, vanilla and a lingering five spice finish.

Bati Banana Rum Liqueur 2YO

25% ABV, 750ml RRP $51.99 CCEP

A 2YO Fijian white rum with a depth of creamy smooth banana making it ideal for tropical cocktails.

Bati Coconut Rum Liqueur 2YO

25% ABV, 750ml RRP $51.99 CCEP

A 2YO Fijian white rum with rich coconut flavour. Perfect for adding a tropical note to cocktails.

Bati Coffee Rum Liqueur 2YO

25% ABV, 750ml RRP $51.99 CCEP

Aromas of freshly ground coffee beans lead this 2YO Fijian white rum, which has a soft and smooth mocha finish.

Black Heart Dark Rum

37.5% ABV 1L RRP $51.99 Asahi NZ

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.

Captain Morgan Dark

40% ABV, 1L RRP $52.99

Lion

An intense, rich expression of Captain Morgan with flavours of toffee, rich caramel, sweet dark brown sugar and ripe banana.

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.

Cruzan Aged Dark

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $52.99

Suntory

A blend of rums aged two to four years in charred oak casks. A rich aroma with prominent oak. Smooth, medium-bodied and well-rounded with a buttery mouthfeel and wood tones followed by a sweet honey finish.

Bati Spiced Rum 2YO

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $53.99

CCEP

Aged in large oak vats, this is a subtle, wellrounded Fijian rum that is lightly spiced, with warm vanilla overtones.

Big Kiwi Spiced Rum

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $53.99

The National Distillery Company

Big Kiwi Rum is described as “a clean, sippable spirit that is made by Kiwis for Kiwis... and their mates.”

Bati Spiced Rum is aged two years in large oak vats. A subtle, well-rounded Fijian rum that is lightly spiced, with warm vanilla overtones.

Bati White Rum

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $54.99

CCEP

This two-year-old white Fijian rum has a fresh citrus aroma with a soft vanilla oak taste.

Ron Santísima Trinidad 3YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99

Tickety-Boo

Designed for use in cocktails, the three-yearold expression from Ron Santísima 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.

Two Peanut Butter Rum

35% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.95 Brandhouse

A unique combination that blends the rich, smooth taste of Tahitian rum with the creamy, nutty notes of peanut butter.

Appleton Estate Signature Blend

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.99 and 1L RRP $74.99

Campari

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.

Bati Dark Rum 2YO

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $57.99

CCEP

This Fijian rum combines 80% column still spirit aged in oak vats with 20% pot still aged in ex-bourbon American oak barrels. It has intense dried fruit aromas finishing with molasses and charred oak flavour.

Beenleigh White Rum

37.5% ABV, 750ml RRP $57.99

EuroVintage

A bright white Australian rum. Soft and rounded on the palate, it has molasses and hazelnut character, with a hint of oak and vanilla.

Coruba Gold

37.2% ABV, 1L RRP $57.99

Campari

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 $57.99

Campari

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

Stolen Dark

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $57.99

Suntory

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.

Stolen Gold

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.99

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.

Stolen White

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.99

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 continue on the palate; a sweet, delicate mouth feel.

Bacardi

Carta Oro Gold was used in the original Cuba Libre, made to celebrate the end of the Cuban War of Independence.

Bacardi Carta Oro Gold

40% ABV, 1L RRP $58.99

Lion

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 its golden hue and mellow flavours of vanilla, buttery caramel, toasted almond and sweet banana, balanced by orange zest and a light oaky finish.

Bacardi Spiced

40% ABV, 1L RRP $58.99

Lion

This rum is 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.

Angostura 3YO Reserva

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Federal

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 Blanca Superior

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $58.99

Lion

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.

Bacardi Añejo 4YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Lion

A blend of rums aged for a minimum of four years, this expression has aromas of vanilla and cinnamon that lead to a palate of dark honey clove. Toffee and oak on the finish.

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.

Bayou Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

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.

Beenleigh Australian Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

EuroVintage

This Australian rum is copper pot distilled and aged in ex-brandy vats and American oak ex-bourbon barrels. Aromas of soft vanilla and subtle spice lead to a palate of vanilla, rich spice and a hint of citrus.

Black Collar Golden Rum

38.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Black Collar

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.

Black Collar Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Black Collar

Dancing Sands Salted Caramel Rum Liqueur is a new release that uses real caramel made at the distillery, a touch of sea salt, and premium New Zealand rum.

This rum from Black Collar in the Bay of Islands 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.

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.

Dancing Sands Coconut Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Dancing Sands

This new release is Dancing Sands’ take on a tropical classic. Real coconut and pure vanilla are infused into premium New Zealand rum to create a spirit that is bright, clean, and not too sweet.

Dancing Sands Salted Caramel

Rum Liqueur

30% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Dancing Sands

Another new release from Golden Bay distillery Dancing Sands, this is a lusciously rich and silky liqueur. It uses real caramel made at the distillery, a touch of sea salt, and premium New Zealand rum for a perfect balance of sweet and salty. Ideal for dessert cocktails, pouring over ice cream, or serving neat.

Husk Coconut Cane Spirit Drink

32% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99

Proof & Company

This tropical offering is made from 100% single estate cane juice rum, infused with natural coconut and a hint of vanilla. Husk Coconut is full-flavoured with a lot of depth and a tropical, rich and velvety coconut flavour. Husk Coconut is very versatile, easy to mix with pineapple juice or soda.

Doorly’s White Rum 3YO

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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.

RRP $60 - $79.99

Havana Club Añejo 7 Años

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $63.99

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.

Black Tears Roble Superior

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Tickety-Boo

A golden aged rum, with aromas of light and subtle wood with sweetness. Smooth and mouth-filling with notes of young wood; slightly sweet without being cloying.

Black Tears Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Tickety-Boo

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.

El Dorado Cask Aged 3 Years

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Tickety-Boo

This three-year-old full-flavoured cask-aged 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.

Sailor Jerry rum is distilled in the Virgin Islands and has a Caribbean influence with flavours of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and rich vanilla.

Flor de Caña Gran Reserva 7YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Hancocks

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.

Neptune Caribbean Spiced Rum

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

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.

Plantation 3 Stars White Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Proof & Company

This rum has delicate scents of brown sugar, honey and coffee bean, developing into baking spices. Light-bodied on the palate with flavours of dark chocolate and egg cream.

Plantation Original Dark Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Proof & Company

A richly exotic dark rum with black peppercorn, clove, cinnamon, baked cherry, and molasses on the nose. Fruity on the palate with white raisins and dried pineapple and a minerally character moving to a dry, spicy finish.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Federal

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. Pairs especially well with ginger.

LWF Distilling Spiced White Rum

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65

LWF

Described as a ‘new world’ spiced rum, this Taranaki-made rum starts with a strong citrus nose moving through warm spices, and finishing with a sweet, earthy mānuka honey note while adding no sugar.

LWF Distilling White Rum

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $65

LWF

This was the first rum from LWF Distillery in Oakura, Taranaki. A clean, white rum created using molasses from Bundaberg in Queensland, a specialty yeast, and five-times filtered New Zealand rainwater. A fresh rum, with clean flavour and just enough ‘rum funk’ to be mixed into classic cocktails.

Stolen Smoked

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $66.99

Suntory

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 leads to a long smoky finish.

Bacardi Reserva Ocho 8 Años

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99

Lion

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.

Beenleigh Double Cask 5YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99

EuroVintage

This Australian rum is aged two years in ex-brandy vats and three years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. It has soft aromas of molasses, fruit toast and dried coconut. In the mouth there are rich Demerara and traditional fudge notes with a hint of floral. Apricot and dessert pastry notes emerge too.

El Dorado Cask Aged 5 Years

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $67.99

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.

1642 Golden Rum

42% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99 (also 50ml RRP $9.50 and 200ml RRP $27.50)

The National Distillery Company Aged in first-fill, ex bourbon barrels, this is a soft golden rum with notes of pineapple, stone fruits, toasted oak and a slight saltiness attributed to the Napier distillery’s port side location. Winner of Gold and Best in Class (1-4 Years) at ‘The Rumbles’ NZ Rum Awards 2024.

Angostura 5YO

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Federal

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 spice-driven mixed drinks.

Appleton Estate Rare Blend 8YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Campari

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 lead 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.

Black Magic Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

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.

Cruzan Black Strap

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $69.99

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.

Diplomático Mantuano

40% ABV 700ml RRP $69.99

Hancocks

A blended dark golden rum from Venezuela. Balanced, rich and complex with notes of dried fruit and oak. Vanilla and delicate spice lead to a slightly dry finish.

Diplomático Planas

47% ABV 700ml RRP $69.99

Hancocks

An elegant aged white rum with a fresh, smooth and complex taste. Charcoal-filtered for its clear colour.

Dead Man’s Fingers Coconut

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Premium Liquor Co.

Dead Man’s Fingers Coconut Rum is made using a blend of Caribbean rums as well as spices and the tropical flavour of coconut.

Dead Man’s Fingers Passionfruit

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Premium Liquor Co.

This rum has sweet, tropical passionfruit aromas with hints of mango.

Dead Man’s Fingers Spiced

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Premium Liquor Co.

This was 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 rum-raisin ice cream.

Husk Pure Cane

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Proof & Company

Husk’s most awarded spirit, the Australian distillery describes Husk Pure Cane as “the essence” of their rums. Distilled from 100% fresh cane juice, it is bold, grassy and fresh and designed to be mixed in classic cocktails such as mojitos, daiquiris, and caipirinhas or simple mixed drinks.

Husk Rare Blend

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Proof & Company

A modern Australian rum that combines single estate fresh cane juice with Tweed Valley cane honey. Aged in small barrels in the sub-tropical climate of Husk Farm Distillery. Notes of ripe fruit, honeysuckle, vanilla, Oriental spices and toasted oak.

Plunders Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Brandhouse

The team at KJ & Co. in Christchurch use a premium aged base rum imported from Panama to make Plunders, which is loaded with flavours of banana and tropical spice and rounded out with notes of vanilla and oak. Made for sipping, it has a light sweetness and complex flavours.

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.

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.

Spirited Union Queen Pineapple & Spice

38% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Hancocks

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.

Tanduay Gold Asian Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Mineral

A silky-smooth gold rum from Tanduay distillery in the Philippines. Made using their own heritage sugar cane, the rum is aged up to seven years in ex-bourbon barrels. On the palate there is mature honey with hints of toasted oak, almond and vanilla.

Tanduay Silver Asian Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Mineral

With a light straw appearance, this Silver expression from Tanduay is aged up to five years in ex-bourbon barrels. It has flavours of green ripe fruits with hints of burnt sugar, mandarin and vanilla.

Tanduay Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Mineral

Made from heirloom sugar canes, Tanduay’s Gold rum is infused with flavours of exotic spices and tropical fruits. A smooth, elegant, spiced rum.

LWF Distilling Spiced Mandarin Rum

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $70

LWF

A sweet mandarin-forward rum that marries spiced cinnamon heat with LWF’s signature ‘rum funk’ molasses character. A strong, complex rum to serve on the rocks, or with ginger ale or cola.

LWF Distilling Triple Molasses Rum

40% ABV, 500ml RRP $70

LWF

The team at LWF dialled up the molasses in this expression for a rum with a deep, fruity flavour. Smooth on the palate with a subtle burnt note on the finish.

Beenleigh Traditional Rum Liqueur

20% ABV, 750ml RRP $71.99

EuroVintage

A rum liqueur with aromas of plum and apricot alongside caramel and toffee dessert notes. Pronounced, silky rum notes with a long finish.

Port O Ahuriri Botanical Rum

42% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99

The National Distillery Company

This offering from The National Distillery Company in Hawke’s Bay is described as an ode to the botanicals discovered by the early whalers and fishermen who travelled through the historic Port of Ahuriri in Napier from the 1830s. With no oak ageing, the Botanical Rum draws its layered flavours from its sugarcane base, which is vapour-distilled through cacao, roasted coffee beans, lime peel, and tonka bean. It has notes of vanilla, stone fruit, chocolate and sweet lime. A sweet and rounded mouthfeel.

Angostura

7YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

Federal

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.

El Dorado Cask Aged 8 Years

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

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.

Husk Spiced Bam Bam

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

Proof & Company

A rich and spicy rum that has been barrel aged for a minimum of two years in ex-wine barrels before being naturally infused with whole native and traditional Australian spices – including roasted wattle seed, native ginger, dried orange, vanilla, cinnamon and golden berries, and finished with a pinch of sea salt.

McJaggery White Rum

43% ABV, 750ml RRP $74.99

The NZ Rum Co.

Made from natural sugarcane jaggery (as opposed to molasses), this is a clean and balanced rum with light tropical fruit and green citrus notes.

Ratu Dark Rum 5YO

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $74.99 CCEP

Savoury, smoked oak aromas lead to the rich sweetness of caramel, vanilla and tea leaves with a mouth-watering liquorice finish in this Fijian rum.

Ratu Signature Blend Rum Liqueur 8YO

35% ABV, 750ml RRP $74.99

CCEP

This Fijian rum has 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 Spiced Rum 5YO

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $74.99 CCEP

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

Skipper Dark Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

Tickety-Boo

This rum has been produced and aged in Guyana since 1930 and still boasts the original label on its bottle. Buttery smooth in the mouth with flavours of crème caramel, toffee and custard with pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Notes of cinnamon and ginger on the lengthy finish.

Russell Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75

Blush

A rum inspired by the historical seafaring township of Russell in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands. It infuses Caribbean rum with flavours of caramel and spice, with a vanilla backbone. Highlights of local citrus, nutmeg and clove.

Russell Rum Black Strap

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $75

Blush

Made with premium blackstrap molasses and infused with spices, this complex rum has rich aromas of vanilla, dark chocolate, and warming spices with a hint of citrus.

Mount Gay Rum Eclipse

37.5% ABV, 1L RRP $75.99

Hancocks

Mount Gay describes this 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. Also available in a 700ml limited edition packaging Mount Gay Rum Eclipse Sailing release (RRP $56.99).

Bumbu Original

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $76.99

Pernod Ricard

This rum from Barbados is aged up to 15 years in American bourbon barrels. It has rich and complex aromas of Madagascan vanilla, soft caramel, and oak. Notes of cinnamon, roasted nuts, banana and allspice on the palate and a light, smooth finish.

Duppy Share ‘Duppy White’ Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

Mineral

A 100% Jamaican white rum with aromas of bright banana, mango and green thyme. There is smooth caramel sweetness on the palate, with tropical fruits leading to pimento spice and a lively pot still rum finish.

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99, 1L RRP $104.99

Campari

The Kraken Roast Coffee Rum is a rich, complex blend of spiced Kraken Rum with Arabica bean coffee.

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.

The Kraken Roast Coffee Rum

% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

Campari

A rich, complex blend of spiced Kraken Rum with Arabica bean coffee.

McJaggery Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

The NZ Rum Co.

Tahitian Queen Pineapple

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.95

Brandhouse

A rum made in Tahiti from locally grown sugarcane and presented in a strikingly designed bottle. A bright, refined rum with distinct pineapple flavour. Ageing in French oak reveals lingering notes of vanilla and spice.

A blend of coffee, cacao, cinnamon and allspice meet vanilla and caramel in this spiced rum expression from the NZ Rum Co.

Port O Ahuriri Golden Rum

42% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 (also 200ml RRP $27.50)

The National Distillery Company

A balanced blend of molasses and sugarcane, Port O Ahuriri Golden Rum is aged in ex-Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels and has notes of vanilla, stone fruits, toasted oak and a slight saltiness.

Torpedo Bay Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

The NZ Rum Co.

Described as: “a salute to the defence of New Zealand”, Torpedo Bay is a spiced rum with coffee, chocolate, hazelnut, vanilla and caramel.

RRP $80 - $99.99

Plantation Barbados 5 Year

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $81.99

Proof & Company

This five-year-old Barbados rum is aged in bourbon barrels for three to four years, then sent to Cognac Ferrand in France for finishing in cognac casks, which draws out notes of wood and nutmeg. It has aromas of leather and caramel with hints of cinnamon, dried coconut and vanilla. Initially sweet on the palate, with molasses and hints of leather, alongside orange rind, salted butter and allspice. The finish is sweet with fiery spice at the very end.

Plantation Black Cask

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $81.99

Proof & Company

This limited edition release combines rums from Barbados and Venezuela, distilled in pot still and column. After a first ageing in ex-bourbon barrels in their country of origin, under a tropical climate, these two rums crossed the Atlantic to the southwest of France for a second maturation in French oak barrels, slightly toasted. A rich rum, intense and fresh, with delicate pastry notes and citrus.

Plantation Stiggins’ Fancy Pineapple Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $81.99

Proof & Company

This rum was named for Reverend Stiggins, the character in Charles Dickens’ The Pickwick Papers, whose favourite drink was “pineapple rum.” The rinds of Queen Victoria pineapples are infused in Plantation 3 Stars White Rum and distilled, and then the pineapple fruit is infused in Plantation Original Dark rum. The distillate and fruit infusion are then blended and cask aged. The rum has aromas of honeydew melon and a hint of Jamaican ginger cake with pineapple notes. Flavours of spiced molasses, and shortbread accompany a juicy, slightly earthy element from the pineapple with notes of vanilla, lemon, mango and spearmint on the finish.

Plantation Xaymaca Special Dry

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $81.99

Proof & Company

This 100% pot still Jamaican rum was created to revive the quintessential rums of the 19th century and the tradition known as “rum funk”, with intense aromas and flavours of black banana and flambéed pineapple. Xaymaca Special Dry has a complex, slightly smoky and meaty aroma, with fruity, herbal and sour notes building. It’s dry on the palate, with a floral and fruity profile of rose water, pear, white grape and apricot, with coconut milk, allspices, bread and nuts.

Duppy Share Spiced Rum

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $82.99

Mineral

A blend of 2-year-old rums from Jamaica and Barbados. This aromatic aged golden rum is naturally spiced with ginger, vanilla, cola, grapefruit, pineapple, clove, nutmeg, basil and orange. Balanced and complex.

Best Behaviour Native Botanical Spiced Rum is

fresh and bold with an array of New Zealand botanicals, including kawakawa fruit, harakeke and karamū berry.

Best Behaviour Spiced Rum

42% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Best Behaviour

Best Behaviour is a new distillery brand created by husband and wife duo Jake and Megs Payne. Working initially with Napier’s National Distillery Company on their rums, the couple plan to open their own distillery in Mount Maunganui later this year. Best Behaviour Spiced Rum was their first release in late 2024 and is a blend of organic molasses and sugarcane, vapour-infused to bring forward flavours of vanilla, cinnamon, burnt brown sugar and toffee with a whisper of smoke. Aged in first-fill ex bourbon barrels. Smooth, bold and characterful.

Best Behaviour Mānuka Smoked Rum

42% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Best Behaviour

A barrel-aged rum infused with New Zealand native mānuka honey and mānuka wood smoke. Initial flavours of smooth, golden honey are followed by warm vanilla and toasted spice, with a slow-building smoky character. Ideal for sipping or to add a smoky twist to cocktails.

Best Behaviour Native Botanical Spiced Rum

42% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Best Behaviour

A fresh, bold rum with an array of New Zealand botanicals at its heart, including kawakawa fruit, harakeke and karamū berry, with a selection of spices.

Ron Santísima Trinidad 7YO

40.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Tickety-Boo

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

1919 Cane Single Cask

46% ABV, 750ml RRP $85

1919 Distilling

Aged exclusively in a first-fill ex-bourbon barrel, 1919 Distilling’s Cane Overproof takes on new depths and flavours in this single cask release. The banoffee notes created during fermentation are captured, while showcasing the vanillas and caramels from ageing on oak.

Lunatic & Lover Fundamental Unaged Organic Rum

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $85

Lunatic & Lover

Fundamental is made from only molasses, water and yeast, distilled in a copper pot still and completely unaged. It was 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. Winner of Gold and Best in Class (White Rum) at ‘The Rumbles’ NZ Rum Awards 2024

Gosling’s Black Seal

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $87.99

Federal

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.

Helmsman Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $87.99

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 the Trophy for Best Overall Rum (Spiced/Botanical) at the NZ Spirits Awards 2024.

Appleton Estate Rare Blend 12YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $88.99

Campari

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.

Duppy Share Aged Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $88.99

Mineral

This blended rum contains a 3-year old 100% pot still rum from the Worthy Park Distillery in Jamaica combined with a 5-year old 100% column still rum from the Foursquare Distillery in Barbados. A versatile and balanced blend –ideal for rum cocktails.

Broken Heart Spirits Spiced Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Broken Heart

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.

Bumbu XO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Pernod Ricard

The XO expression from Bumbu is aged up to 18 years in American bourbon barrels and then finished for at least six months in Spanish sherry casks. It has aromas of toffee, toasted oak, and vanilla, leading to a palate of orange zest, peppery spice, and a hint of coffee.

Flor de Caña 12 YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Hancocks

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.

Millenhall Rum

45% ABV, 750ml RRP $89.99

Armada Spirits

This small batch barrel-aged rum from Pāpāmoa distillery Armada Spirits 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.

Plunders XO

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Brandhouse

This special release rum is distilled and aged in the Caribbean. Matured in ex-bourbon barrels, it is then blended by hand by Plunders’ master blender in Christchurch.

Lunatic & Lover Organic Overproof

Rum - Exponential

60% ABV, 700ml RRP $90

Lunatic & Lover

Made with a nod to the tradition of the highoctane, overproof rums often found in the Caribbean, ‘Exponential’ is an exploration of what it is possible to create in an unaged rum using quality raw ingredients, some unusual yeasts and a dash of unconventional creativity. Big tropical fruit aromas lead the way with honey, floral elements and an indefinable wild note that adds complexity. Big tropical fruit flavour and the Auckland distillery’s signature rich, solid body and chocolatey molasses in a solid finish. Certified organic.

No.8 Pineapple Elixir

36% ABV, 700ml RRP $90

No.8 Distillery

Distiller Julien Delavoie of Dunedin distillery No.8 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.

Mount Gay Black Barrel

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $92.99

Hancocks

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

Angostura 1919

40% ABV, 70ml RRP $94.99

Federal

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 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.

Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva

40% ABV 700ml RRP $94.99

Hancocks

A refined and elegant rum with aromas of orange peel, toffee and liquorice. Smooth on the palate, complex and well balanced with oak and vanilla notes for a long-lasting finish.

El Dorado Special Reserve 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99

Tickety-Boo

This is the youngest expression in El Dorado’s Luxury Cask Aged Range, which are rums designed to be savoured. 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.

Smith & Cross Navy Strength

Jamaica Rum

57% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99

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.

Cane Overproof by 1919 Distilling

63% ABV, 750ml RRP $95

1919 Distilling

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 mouth-coating spirit with deep, rich flavours. This aromatic white rum has a fruity aroma with hints of molasses. Provides depth and punch in cocktails or serve neat. Winner of the Trophy for Best Overall Rum (White) at the NZ Spirits Awards 2024.

Husk Signature ACR Rum

41.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $96.99

Proof & Company

Husk Signature is Husk’s first rum to carry the mark of Australian Cultivated Rum (ACR). Cultivated 100% at Husk Farm Distillery in the Tweed Caldera near the coast of northern New South Wales, it is a farm to bottle rum made from 100% single estate cane juice. It has notes of spicy oak, dried fruits and soft pineapple leading to an earthy finish with hints of blonde tobacco.

Dancing Sands Aged Rum 7YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99

Dancing Sands

This aged rum came about after Sarah and Ben Bonoma first launched their distillery in Golden Bay in 2016. While they quickly became known for their gins, those early days also saw them experiment with rum fermentation, yeasts and distilling techniques. Once they had a recipe they were happy with they filled barrels for ageing, and these have been sitting in the distillery ever since. This 7YO New Zealand rum is made from molasses and aged in oak casks. It has a smooth, bold profile with layers of rich caramel, vanilla and toasted oak.

Charles Merser & Co Double Barrel

43.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Hancocks

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.

Last Light Solera Aged Rum

45.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Last Light

West Auckland distillery Last Light launched in late 2023 with three rums. This Solera Aged Rum has a bright nose of apple, pear drop with honey, and hot toddy spices bound with maple syrup sweetness. Soft on the palate with lashings of sweet candied sugar followed by soft liquorice, cinnamon, nutmeg and oak. Winner of the Trophy for Best Overall Rum and Trophy for Best Emerging Product at the NZ Spirits Awards 2024.

Lautoka 16YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

CCEP

Named for the Fijian town in which it is made, Lautoka is a 16-year-old ultra-premium small batch dark rum. It is a limited release from the Rum Co. of Fiji. Aged in ex-bourbon barrels, it is soft and well-balanced with complex aromas of leathery smoked oak, dried fruits and honey. Lautoka delivers a rich, spicy and heavy dried fruit and smoked oak character right onto the middle of the palate.

Matusalem Gran Reserva 15

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Proof & Company

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.

Neptune Barbados Gold Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

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.

Black Tot Caribbean Rum

46.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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.

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.

Named for the Fijian town in which it is made, Lautoka is a 16-year-old ultra-premium small batch dark rum.

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 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 $100 - $149.99

Lunatic & Lover Silver Botanical Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $100

Lunatic & Lover

This rum uses carefully selected organic molasses 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.

Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum

63% ABV, 700ml RRP $100.99

Campari

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

Planteray Sealander Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $103.99

Proof & Company

Sealander unites the traditions of three great rum-producing islands: Barbados, Mauritius and Fiji, each bringing its own unique style. Aromas of Christmas spice complement notes of quince jelly, gooseberry and gingerbread, with hints of smoky molasses. On the palate, clover honey and nutmeg meet liquorice, cinnamon and vanilla fudge, with a lingering sweetness on the finish.

Duppy Share XO Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99

Mineral

A blend of 5-, 8- and 12-year-old 100% column still rums from Barbados. Rich aromas of velvet caramel and tamarind are balanced with light tones of toasted coconut and violet. Flavours of butter fudge, caramel and condensed milk marry with accents of apricot, vanilla and nutmeg.

Bayou Mardis Gras XO Single Batch has a complex palate of orange marmalade and dark stone fruit with blackcurrant and honey.

Plantation OFTD Overproof Rum

69% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99

Proof & Company

An intensely flavourful rum, ideal for cocktail making. Notes of coffee, orange, plum and truffles on the nose. In the mouth there are bursts of caramel, chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, oak, nutmeg, and smoke. Lingering finish with dark chocolate and clove.

Deadhead 6 Year Old Rum

40% ABV, 750ml RRP $109

Hi I.Q.

Liquor

A single blended 6-year-old rum made from estate-grown sugar cane juice and molasses and aged in American oak and Chiapas oak. Assertive aromatics and complex flavors make it a great choice for use in classic Tiki cocktails.

Bayou Mardis Gras XO Single Batch

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

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.

Matusalem Gran Reserva 23

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Proof & Company

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.

Ron Santísima Trinidad 15YO

40.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

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.

Deadhead Dark Chocolate Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $112

Hi I.Q. Liquor

A single blended 5-year-old rum infused with organic cacao. It has the essence of coffee and butterscotch on the nose, along with the echo of dark chocolate. Decadent dark chocolate on the palate layered with a back note of Bing cherry and cream soda.

Plantation XO 20th Anniversary Barbados

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $115.99

Proof & Company

The 20th Anniversary bottling of XO rum from Barbados is aged in bourbon barrels before being shipped to France for a secondary maturation in Ferrand Cognac casks. It has hints of spicy oak on the nose, with guava, coconut and dried banana. On the palate it is spiced and creamy, with sweet vanilla notes and caramel. Finishes with notes of caramel and toasted oak.

Brugal 1888

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

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. Well-rounded and smooth on the palate with toffee, vanilla, peach, cocoa and cloves. Long-lasting finish with a hint of honey.

Mount Gay XO New Edition

37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Hancocks

A triple cask blend with an ageing scope wider than the current rum to allow for a wider palette of aromas and flavours. Round and complex with notes of salted caramel, baked fig, clove and dark chocolate.

Plunders Extra

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Brandhouse

Plunders Extra is a rich, smooth Caribbean rum aged in ex-bourbon barrels and blended by hand. Designed to sip on the rocks.

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.

Last Light Cask Strength Solera

Aged Rum

55.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $120

Last Light

Straight from the solera, this cask strength New Zealand rum has an autumnal fruit-led nose, with notes of red apple, cinnamon and maple syrup. Candied sweetness on the palate deepens into caramelised brown sugar. Oak emerges clear and dry with a light touch of vanilla that fades to a spicy dry finish. Winner of Gold at ‘The Rumbles’ NZ Rum Awards 2024, and Double Gold at the NZ Spirits Awards 2024.

Lunatic & Lover Barrel Rested

Botanical Rum

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $125

Lunatic & Lover

Lunatic & Lover Silver rum is aged for a minimum of two years in oak to create 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.

El Dorado Special Reserve 15YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Tickety-Boo

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.

Deadhead 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $130

Hi I.Q. Liquor

This premium Mexican limited-edition rum was made to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of the first Deadhead rum. It features a whiskey-style nose of stonefruit and maple syrup. On the palate there is brown sugar, cigar-leaf and sassafras with toasted pecan and oatmeal driving textural complexity. Oak and leather on the finish.

Last Light Cask Strength 100% Pot Still

56% ABV, 700ml RRP $130

Last Light

This rum opens with aromas of carrot cake, maple syrup, and orange spice bound with walnut and pecan, leading to notes of wood and leather. On the palate the rum is thick and viscous with sweet brown sugar, oak and lingering wisps of ginger, raisin and Christmas spices.

Appleton Estate 15YO Black River Casks

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $134.99

Campari

This release from Appleton Estate is aged for a minimum of 15 years and is a rare blend of pot and column-still rums. It has delicate spice and a rich and full-bodied finish with a fruity, subtle oak ending.

Angostura 1824

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $139.99

Federal

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.

Doorly’s 14YO

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This 14-year-old rum was produced at the award-winning Foursquare 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.

RRP $150 and above

Angostura 1787

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $159.99

Federal

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.

El Dorado Special Reserve 21YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $209.99

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 $239.99

Campari

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 $279.99

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 $1,599.99

Tickety-Boo

Created to mark the turn of the millennium, El Dorado 25 Year Old Grand Special Reserve has been aged in the constant ambient warmth and tropical conditions of Demerara. It is rich, smooth and mellow with a silky smooth mouthfeel and subtle notes of caramel and heavy fruit cake.

A toast to tiny

ginadingding.com

A tiny martini? A snack-sized daiquiri?
Sarah Miller explores the big trend of tiny cocktails…

TINY COCKTAILS are big news in the UK at the moment, but I still remember my first, back in 2017. Felix Cohen – the owner of my favourite (and now long since departed) local – had repurposed an ageing Jägermeister machine (designed to serve shots at -18°C) to make martinis on tap. And, to ensure they didn’t get a chance to warm up, Felix served his martinis in half-sized vintage glasses.

I should probably claim that I was drawn to the ‘MarTiny’ because I had two young children and had to be mindful of early morning wake-ups. But the truth is, the small serve looked super cute, cost just £5 a pop, and was the perfect size for me as I wasn’t much of a martini lover back then! I was soon converted though.

Felix may have been the first to add these diminutive drinks to his menu, but their origins trace back to the tradition of the “bartender’s handshake”: a shot offered by one bar professional to another as an unspoken token of acknowledgement. In a not dissimilar gesture of hospitality, many of the world’s best bars – such as Mayfair’s The Connaught – also welcome guests with small complimentary off-menu cocktails or liquid amuse-bouches to set the tone for the evening ahead.

Now, tiny cocktails are firmly on the menu in bars across the UK (and beyond) as they tap into the mindful drinking and cost of living trends of 2025, as well as our own human instincts to go gaga over anything small and cute (which triggers the release of our feel-good hormones dopamine and oxytocin).

Of course the tiny ‘tini isn’t taking off just because it’s cute and Instagrammable.

There’s a real opportunity here for bar owners to maximise their guest experience by offering a bigger selection of smaller serves, or even tiny flights.

With the cost of living continuing to creep up, and smaller serves (usually) equating to smaller prices, consumers are embracing tiny cocktails as affordable and accessible moments of luxury.

Indeed, you might assume a drink at the fourth best bar in the world would come with a hefty price tag, but you can savour a superb One Sip Martini (garnished with a moreish blue cheese olive) at London’s Tayēr + Elementary for just £4. Be warned though, you may find you want more than one. In fact, that cocktail has developed such cult status that it even has its own merch line (but that will definitely cost you considerably more than the drink!).

As people increasingly prioritise healthy living and mindful drinking, mini drinks – which contain about half the alcohol and calories of a full-sized serve – are

fast becoming the fashionable way to drink less too. And if you want the full experience without any of the booze, CLASS New Bar of the Year finalist Archive & Myth also offers a non-alc version of their “minor” (or half-size) espresso martini-like Ammazzacaffe.

But for those less concerned about moderation, mini drinks are also a great way to try a new cocktail without committing to a full-size serve, or simply to explore more of a menu. I know I want to try all of Manchester’s Blinker Bar’s smaller serves, which include a mini margarita, ‘snaquiri’ and tiny negroni.

There’s a real opportunity here for bar owners to maximise their guest experience by offering a bigger selection of smaller serves, or even tiny flights. When it comes to cocktails, less really could mean more!

Bluff Distillery – a sense of place in every bottle

BLUFF DISTILLERY, at just over a year old, is not just making waves around the world – cleaning up with their London Dry Gin at The Gin Guide in London, San Francisco Spirit Awards and closer to home at the Australian Gin and New Zealand Spirit Awards – they’re charting a new path for New Zealand spirits, unlocking a true sense of place in every bottle they ship.

The tūrangawaewae of Bluff Tūrangawaewae, as they call it in Bluff, is a concept that many of the greatest distilleries in the world have harnessed to create a product that is limited, rare and high value, as it can only be produced in that exact place, by those few people.

Those behind Bluff Distillery have a powerful and deep grasp on their history, with innovative and sustainable use of site and resources to create a brand and product that will change the way the world looks at New Zealand’s spirits forever.

Undeniably, for the first time, New Zealand has a spirit product with a true sense of place in every sip, drink and bottle.

A uniquely Bluff London Dry Gin Bluff London Dry Gin, made to a contemporary recipe with classic botanicals, doesn’t taste like any other London Dry Gin, it tastes of Bluff.

This innovative and considered approach to building a distillery, a still that embraces the harsh salty environment, crafting a spirit and building a brand that can only and proudly be one-of-one.

The team at Bluff want to inspire a new generation of distilleries to embrace their tūrangawaewae, create a product that shares a unique sense of place, and build a deeper connection to Aotearoa through spirits.

Now, in partnership with Bidfood nationwide, you can range Bluff, featuring the iconic bottle on your back bar, sharing the story of Bluff, the climate, the people, and the history in every pour served.

To stock Bluff Distillery gin contact Bidfood.

Visit bidfood.co.nz or phone 0800 243 3663.

Voted BEST IN AUSTRALASIA.

Ardbeg Smokiverse lands in NZ

A NEW limited-edition release from iconic Islay distillery Ardbeg has launched in New Zealand.

Ardbeg Smokiverse was born from years of experimentation with the mashing process. By reducing the amount of water used in the packed mash tun, the distillery team created an unconventional high-gravity mash that intensified the whisky’s flavour compounds.

Dr. Bill Lumsden MBE, Ardbeg’s Director of Whisky Creation, says:

Kiwi gins named

World’s Best

RESULTS OF the World Drinks Awards were announced in June and two New Zealand gins won ‘World’s Best’ titles at the London event.

Arrowtown distillery Rifters won World’s Best Navy Gin for its Rifters Royal, while Coromandel Distilling’s Awildian Coromandel Mānuka Gin won World’s Best Matured Gin for the second time (the gin previously won the same title in 2022). Both gins also won Gold medals and Best in Country titles.

Rifters co-founder Stuart Clark says the win feels surreal. “To win World’s Best Gin is an incredible moment – especially knowing how tough the

“Smokiverse takes our single malt’s classic peaty character to a new flavour frontier. Upon first sip, you can expect a vibrant burst of fruity, ester notes, rather like smoked bubblegum, along with aromas of barley. Then peaty notes collide with juicy, tropical fruits, before sinking into a rich depth of muscovado sugar.”

Smokiverse is available in limited quantities.

competition is out there. We’ve always believed in the product, but this level of recognition is a real milestone for the whole team.”

Paul Schneider, distiller of Awildian Gins and Coromandel Distilling Company co-founder, was in London to collect the award and says they’re incredibly proud of the achievement. “Being awarded ‘World’s Best’ for a second time is an incredible honour. Our Coromandel Mānuka Gin, steeped in local provenance,

World Gin Awards

Classic Gin

Best in New Zealand, Gold –

Awildian Coromandel Dry Gin

Contemporary Style Gin

Best in New Zealand, Gold –

Eliza’s Claim Gold Gin

Gold – Third Island Gin

Flavoured Gin

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Roots Rosso Pinot Noir

London Dry Gin

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Island Gin

Gold – Rifters Original Dry

Matured Gin

World’s Best, Best in New Zealand, Gold – Awildian Coromandel Mānuka Gin

Navy Gin

World’s Best, Best in New Zealand, Gold – Rifters Royal

Signature Botanical Gin

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Curiosity Gin Curious Dry Sloe Gin

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Curiosity Gin Pinot Barrel Sloe

World Liqueur Awards

Whisky Liqueur

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Thunderdonk Spiced Maple

World Vodka Awards

Pure Neutral Vodka

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Little Biddy Wild Rain Vodka

Varietal Vodka

Best in New Zealand, Gold – Imagination Triple Distilled Vodka

World Whiskies Awards

New Make Young Spirit

Best in New Zealand, Gold – Moonlight Creek Mānuka Smoked

showcases a unique flavour profile that we pioneered. To have this quintessentially Kiwi spirit triumph over 42 country winners in the Matured Category, including renowned distilleries like Scotland’s The Botanist and Sweden’s Hernö Gin, is ... to me ... mind blowing.”

A number of New Zealand spirits celebrated accolades in the 2025 World Drinks Awards (see below).

worlddrinksawards.com

Single Cask Single Malt

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Thomson Quercus Alba Single Cask

Gold – The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask

Gold – Waiheke Whisky Cantankerous

Single Cask Single Malt (12YO and Under)

Best in New Zealand, Gold – The Cardrona Otago Pinot Cask

Gold – Waiheke Whisky Cantankerous

Single Malt

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Scapegrace Vanguard

Gold – The New Zealand

Whisky Collection Dunedin DoubleCask

Small Batch Single Malt (12YO and Under)

Best in New Zealand, Gold –Waiheke Whisky Peat + Port

A new home for No.8 Distillery

DUNEDIN’S NO.8 Distillery has a new home with a distillery and tasting room for its range of award-winning spirits, including gin, vodka, rum, limoncello, elderflower liqueur, and absinthe.

The craft spirits business has opened in a heritage building at 90 Bond Street in Dunedin. No.8 has had

several different premises since it was founded during the April 2020 lockdown by fourth-generation French distiller Julien Delavoie and hospitality veteran Michael Wilson.

The new space features a working still, retail shop, bottle refills and a Mixologist Bar open from 4:30pm to

9pm. Visitors can enjoy guided tastings, cocktail workshops, and live distilling. Delavoie also leads “A Foraging Journey” – interactive workshops where guests learn about native botanicals, extraction and distillation.

no8distillery.com

ThunderDonk rides high in global awards

SCAPEGRACE DISTILLING’S new flavoured whisky

ThunderDonk has earned global recognition just weeks after launching, with top honours at the 2025 World Drinks Awards.

ThunderDonk Spiced Maple was awarded Gold and named Country Winner as the top liqueur from New Zealand in the prestigious global competition, which celebrates excellence across the drinks industry.

ThunderDonk Salted Caramel was also recognised, earning a silver medal.

ThunderDonk was 18 months in development and combines aged single malt whisky from Scapegrace’s distillery in Central Otago with flavour-forward innovation to deliver a balance of sweet, savoury, and spice.

“We launched ThunderDonk with a bold vision, to create the besttasting flavoured whisky in

the world, and we’re beyond thrilled to see it recognised on the global stage,” said Scapegrace Co-Founder

Daniel McLaughlin. “These awards are a testament to the incredible team behind the product as well as the dedication that went into developing this bold

and boundary-pushing flavoured whisky.”

He says that ThunderDonk’s success comes as flavoured whisky is booming globally.

“ThunderDonk is here to shake things up. It has a name that captures its spirit and it’s designed to be shared and enjoyed, whether

neat, in a cocktail, or as a chilled shot.”

ThunderDonk is available nationally in New Zealand and will launch in Australia, the UK and other selected markets later this year. RRP $59.99.

ThunderDonk is distributed by Hancocks

Julien Delavoie of No.8 Distillery

Bluff Distillery sweeps The Gin Guide Awards

BLUFF DISTILLERY has won big at The Gin Guide Awards in London – sweeping a range of categories and being named ‘Product of the Year 2025’.

The Gin Guide Awards are the world’s largest independent gin awards, attracting hundreds of entries from more than 30 countries.

Bluff Distillery’s London Dry Gin was named Best Gin from New Zealand and Best Gin from Australasia in the blind tasting process by a judging panel of gin distillers, spirits buyers, mixologists and other industry experts.

It was a winner in the Contemporary Gin (over 42% ABV) category, the Design & Branding Category, and the Martini Cocktail category.

The New Zealand gin also won the title ‘Product of the Year 2025’, which is awarded to: “the gin most successfully combining award-winning design and branding with an exceptional spirit inside the bottle. This is the gin which has achieved the highest combined score from its blind tasting category together with the Design & Branding category.”

Whanganui’s Papaiti Gin Distillery was a winner in the Contemporary Gin (up to 42% ABV) category for its Papaiti Orchard Gin.

Full results at theginguide.com

SHOWCASE

Gold for NZ spirits at IWSC

NEW ZEALAND whisky, gin, RTD, vodka, and liqueur have achieved top results in the hotly contested International Wine and Spirits Competition.

Besos Margarita Habanero from Agave Spirits led the charge with a Gold Outstanding (98 points) for its pre-mixed margarita offering, putting it amongst the top 3% of entries worldwide.

Six other Kiwi spirits received Gold (95-97 points) in the London event, which is known for its rigorous judging and high assessment thresholds.

Overall, 33 New Zealand products received medals across Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Outstanding.

Organisers say that this year’s entries showcased global excellence, with standout spirits in categories including whisk(e)y, gin, brandy, agave, vodka, liqueurs, aperitifs and digestifs. Just 3% of overall entries achieved Gold Outstanding (98-100 points), while 12% were awarded Gold.

Full results at iwsc.net

New Zealand top-scoring winners at IWSC:

• Besos Margarita Habanero (98 points)

• Cardrona Distillery The Reid Single Malt Vodka (95 points)

• Jumping Goat Liquor Bartender Edition Coffee Liqueur (96 points)

• Jumping Goat Liquor Cold Brewed Coffee Liqueur (95 points)

• McKenzie Brothers Heart of Rugby Single Cask Single Malt Whisky (95 points)

• Scapegrace Distilling Anthem Single Malt Whisky (95 points)

• Strange Nature Distilling Premium Gin (95 points)

Clarity Gin’s golden touch

TAURANGA CRAFT distiller Clarity Distilling Company has continued its run of international accolades – winning Gold (98/100) and ‘Spirit of the Year - New Zealand’ for the second year running at the London Spirits Competition.

This year’s wins were for its Clarity Navy Gin, and followed Gold and the New Zealand title in the 2024 competition for its Clarity 2023 Gin.

The London Spirits Competition is one of the most respected global spirit competitions, with entries from more than 30 countries and gin accounting for 28% of all submissions.

Dedication to distillation

Since launching in early 2023, Clarity has secured a string of international gold medals for its gins, including Double Gold in San Francisco, Best London Dry at the NZ Spirits Awards, and top honours in Australia.

Co-founders and longtime friends George White and Stephanie Downer, who began distilling commercially just two years ago, are

still coming to terms with how far they’ve come.

“We launched Clarity in early 2023 with nothing but two gins, a tiny shared workspace, and a vision to do things differently,” says George.

“We’ve faced challenges from every direction – from recession pressures to Trump’s tariffs complicating export plans – but we’ve stayed focused on creating highquality, honest spirits.”

The duo’s process sets them apart in a crowded market, individually distilling 100% natural botanicals like berries, bark, roots and herbs, before careful blending.

“Each ingredient needs different treatment and this method gives us total control and consistent flavour,” says Stephanie. They also use a 96.2% ABV ethanol base made from grass-fed New Zealand whey, one of the

purest and most sustainable spirit bases in the world.

Eyes on the future

The Clarity range now includes vodka too, and the business has grown into larger premises with a nationwide footprint in bars, restaurants, and bottle stores.

With international interest growing and their reputation as a high-quality, honest craft brand firmly established, Clarity Distilling is eyeing expansion while keeping true to their grassroots ethos.

“Our dream is to see our brand on every back bar, every restaurant menu, and in every home,” says Stephanie.

“We know the only way to achieve that is by producing an exceptional-quality spirit – versatile enough for any cocktail, priced so that every liquor store can proudly stock it, and offering a premium experience at an affordable price.”

For wholesale inquiries visit claritydc.co.nz

Clarity Distilling co-founders Stephanie Downer and George White

Rum Month with Appleton Estate

APPLETON ESTATE, Jamaica’s legendary rum distillery, is reaffirming its commitment to the on-trade channel with a series of vibrant Rum Month activations across the New Zealand market this July.

These initiatives are designed to celebrate the brand’s rich heritage while driving engagement and visibility in bars and hospitality venues.

Throughout the month, Appleton Estate is partnering with some of the industry’s leading hospitality outlets to showcase the unique flavour profiles of its premium aged rums, including the 8 Year Old Reserve and 12 Year Old Rare Casks.

Appleton

Estate is partnering with some of the industry’s leading hospitality outlets to showcase the unique flavour profiles of its premium aged rums

A cornerstone of the campaign is the collaboration with top mixologists to craft signature cocktails that not only highlight the versatility of Appleton Estate’s expressions but also align with each venue’s individual vision – bringing their creative interpretations to life.

These limited-time offerings will be featured on bespoke menus and in online advertorials, supported by branded POS materials and social media promotion to drive foot traffic and consumer interest.

Blake Stonham, Head of On-Trade for Campari New Zealand, says: “We believe this is a great opportunity not only to showcase Appleton Estate as a brand but also to support the on-trade channel. Working with the selected outlets, it’s fantastic to see their creativity come to the forefront and how they put their unique spin on each cocktail – something I’m confident consumers will truly enjoy.”

Appleton Estate is owned and distributed by Campari New Zealand.

0800 844 778

nz-customerservice@campari.com

Big wins for Kiwi spirits at 2025 SFWSC

NEW ZEALAND spirits have scored big at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The event is regarded as one of the most prestigious competitions in the world, attracting thousands of entries from globally renowned distilleries and rising small-batch producers.

This year, Cardrona Distillery’s flagship single malt whisky The Falcon was awarded a coveted Double Gold medal, along with Roots Marlborough Dry Gin from Elemental Distillers. Double Golds are only awarded to those spirits that have received unanimous Gold ratings from all judges in the blind tastings.

Full results at thetastingalliance.com

Gold medals also went to the following New Zealand spirits:

• Bluff Distillery London Dry Gin (Bluff Distillery)

• Roots Norwester Navy Strength Gin (Elemental Distillers)

• Little Biddy Classic Gin (Reefton Distilling Co.)

• Little Biddy Amber Gin (Reefton Distilling Co.)

• The Reid Single Malt Vodka (Cardrona Distillery)

Golds for Kiwi gins at London Spirits Comp

THREE NEW Zealand gins won Gold at the 2025 London Spirits Competition.

Tauranga-based Clarity Distilling Company scored 98 out of 100 points for its Clarity Navy Gin and was also awarded Spirit of the Year - New Zealand.

Christchurch’s KJ & Co Distillery’s Last Minute Gin and Last Minute Pink Gin both scored 95 out of 100 to take home Gold as well.

This year’s London Spirits Competition attracted entries from more than 30 countries, with gin making up 28% of those. Judging was done by panels of around 70 industry experts, including Master Distillers, Master Blenders, mixologists, and elite buyers.

This year was the second consecutive Best in Show by Country win for Clarity at the London Spirits Competition, having picked up Gold and the New Zealand title for its Clarity 2023 Gin in the 2024 competition.

It also won Silver in the 2025 competition for its Clarity Dry Gin (93 points) and Clarity 2023 Gin (91 points).

Full results at londonspiritscompetition.com

Rifters Royal named World’s Best Navy Gin

ARROWTOWN DISTILLERY Rifters has stepped into the global spotlight, winning the title of World’s Best Navy Gin at the prestigious World Drinks Awards in London.

Central Otago builders Stuart Clark and Hamish Bourke came up with the idea for Rifters in 2020, while building in Stu’s backyard shed.

That shed is now home to Arrowtown Distillery – one of Aotearoa’s most exciting distilling success stories. The tight-knit, family-run operation produces awardwinning small-batch spirits.

Joining the original duo is Kate Clark (Stu’s wife) and Philip Riley, Rifters' General Manager. Together, the team has taken a passion project and turned it into a globally-recognised brand.

The navy gin named World’s Best Rifters Royal is a bold 57.7% navystrength drop with notes of grapefruit, sweet liquorice root, pink peppercorn and a smooth bay leaf finish. It also won a Gold Medal and was named Best in New Zealand at the World Drinks Awards.

“To win World’s Best Gin is an incredible moment,” says Stu Clark,

“especially knowing how tough the competition is out there. We’ve always believed in the product, but this level of recognition is a real milestone for the whole team.”

Rifters Original Dry Gin struck Gold too, while multiple other Rifters entries won several more medals at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London in June.

Spirits from the Earth

Sustainability plays a big part in Rifters’ philosophy. The team is proudly singleuse plastic free, uses water-based inks on packaging and bottles are crafted from recycled glass – all to help preserve the stunning environment they call home.

“Every bottle we make is infused with what we love about this place,” adds Rifters General Manager Philip Riley. “The mountains, the botanicals, the wildness. That connection to the land is at the heart of everything we do.”

To order Rifters email hello@ arrowtowndistillery.com or call 021 0299 5056. riftersgin.com

1919 Distilling 021 0242 2067

1919distilling.com

8-Wired 022 106 1709 8wired.co.nz

Armada Spirits info@armadaspirits.co.nz armadaspirits.co.nz

Asahi Beverages NZ 09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

Askerne 06 877 2089 askernewines.co.nz

Behemoth Brewing 09 948 0425 behemothbrewing.co.nz

Best Behaviour bestbehaviour.co.nz

Black Collar Distillery 09 407 4429 blackcollardistillery.com

Blackwell Trading Post blackwelltradingpost.com

Bluff Distillery 020 4185 3556 bluffdistillery.com

Blush Gin 021 612 165‬ blushginstore.co.nz

Brandhouse 0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz

Broken Heart Spirits 03 442 0819 brokenheartspirits.com

Campari NZ 0800 844 778 camparigroup.com

Cassels sales@casselsbrewery.co.nz casselsbrewery.co.nz

Clarity Distilling Co. 021 0405 235 claritydc.co.nz

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners NZ 0800 262 226 cocacolaep.com

Dancing Sands info@dancingsands.com dancingsands.com

Distributors

DB Breweries 0800 746 432 db.co.nz

Dhall & Nash 0800 369 463 dnfinewine.com

Duncan’s Brewing Co. accounts@duncansbrewing.c.nz duncansbrewing.co.nz

Elemental Cider 027 248 7786 elementalcider.co.nz

Emerson’s 03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

EuroVintage 0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

Federal 0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz

Fistonich Family Vineyards sales@fistonichfamilyvineyards.com cuvarwinery.com

Folding Hill 021 182 2986 foldinghill.co.nz

Foley Wines 03 572 8200 sales@foleywines.co.nz

Fountain Drinks 0800 119 219 fountaindrinks.co.nz

Garage Project 027 535 0917 garageproject.co.nz

Hancocks 0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

Hi I.Q. Liquor Merchants 09 634 4202 hiiqliquor.co.nz

Huntress huntress@huntress.co.nz huntresswines.co.nz

Indevin info@indevin.com indevin.com

Kemp Wine Merchants 09 529 0935 greatlittlevineyards.com

Last Light lastlight.nz

Lawson’s Dry Hills sales@lawsonsdryhills.co.nz lawsonsdryhills.co.nz

Lion 0800 107 272 lionco.com

The Liquor Locker 027 625 6220 thespiritsnetwork.co.nz

Lunatic & Lover 09 281 0572 lunaticandlover.com

LWF Distilling lwfdistilling.com

Marisco 09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

Matahiwi Estate 06 370 1000 matahiwi.co.nz

McLeod’s Brewery 021 382 342 mcleodsbrewery.co.nz

Mineral orders@mineralwine.co.nz mineral.co.nz

Mission Estate 06 845 9350 missionestate.co.nz

Moët Hennessy 0800 226 650 moethennessy.com

The National Distillery Company 06 833 7317 nationaldistillery.nz

Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

No8 Distillery no8distillery@gmail.com no8distillery.com

The NZ Rum Co. 021 0811 2721 thenzrumco.nz

Parrotdog 04 384 8077 parrotdog.co.nz

Peckham’s Cider lois@peckhams.co.nz peckhams.co.nz

Pernod Ricard 0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com

Premium Liquor Co. 09 975 7432 premiumliquor.co.nz

Proof & Company ordersnz@proofandcompany.com proofandcompany.com

Q Liquid 09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

Red + White Cellar 09 376 0760 redwhitecellar.co.nz

Sawmill Brewery 09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz

Soho 09 360 5443 sohowineco.com

Stone Pony Wines orders@stoneponywines.co.nz stoneponywines.co.nz

Suntory 0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

Taylor Brown 09 447 3801 taylorbrown.co.nz

Tickety-Boo Liquor 09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz

Tony Bish Wines admin@tonybishwines.co.nz tonybishwines.co.nz

Vinarchy vinarchy.com

Vintners 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

Whisky Galore 03 377 6824 trade.whiskygalore.co.nz

Wine2Trade 021 1800 253 sue@wine2trade.co.nz

Wine Portfolio 07 552 0795 wineportfolio.co.nz

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