SPIRITS NEWS
SHOWCASE
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
84 DRINKSBIZ JULY / AUGUST 2025
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