Drinksbiz June July 2022

JUNE / JULY 2022 DRINKSBIZ.CO.NZ

JUNE / JULY 2022

lyre’s highland sour

STAY SPIRITED. MAKE IT A LYRE’S.

FROM THE EDITOR

Victoria Wells

Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

A whole new strategy WHEN I was arranging the interview for this issue's feature story, my US-based interviewee proved a tricky man to pin down, with constant business travel and then a major four-day conference in Chicago for the National Restaurant Association throwing a last-minute spanner in the works.

But all that juggling felt like such a welcome shift to normality and a hopeful sign of things to come in our corner of the world too.

When we did get to talk, Scott Elliott from CGA (the global on-premise data and research consultancy) had some great insights to share. The company has recently arrived in the New Zealand market and, as he pointed out, it has just

watched the rest of the world go through what we are only experiencing now, as our hospitality industry finally re-opens following lengthy COVID restrictions.

So, while the basics still apply, it seems this new world is going to require some shifts in thinking when it comes to on-premise.

In the feature story ‘The Path Forward’ (page 20), we look at what the global on-premise industry can show us, and outline some useful strategies for engaging consumers who are possibly less concerned about COVID now, but are looking to adjust to new ways of working, living and socialising, coupled with on-going economic challenges.

While the basics still apply, it seems this new world is going to require some shifts in thinking when it comes to on-premise.

There's plenty to celebrate this issue too: New Zealand beers, wines and spirits have had great success at awards locally and internationally, including the NZ Spirits Awards, the New World Beer & Cider Awards, the Australian International Beer Awards, the International Wine Challenge and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, to name just a few.

Much more than just a medal sticker on a bottle, these wins all bring media exposure, increased brand awareness and, hopefully, a lift in sales. They can also be a much-needed boost for the brewers, distillers and winemakers who lavish so much time and attention on their products.

So congratulations to all the winners out there – might I suggest everyone pops out for a drink to celebrate?

Enjoy the issue, Victoria

My picks 2020 Nga Waka Lease Block Pinot Noir A beautiful Martinboough Pinot Noir full of earthy, savoury notes. Just what the colder evenings call for. (Page 31) Bach Brewing All Day Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA Bach Brewing just won the Trophy at AIBA 2022 for this beer's sibling (All Day NonAlcoholic IPA) and placed in the Top 30 at the New World Beer & Cider Awards, and the Hazy version is a fantastic addition to their non-alc offering. (Page 47) Arran Sherry Cask This hefty cask strength blend is matured in sherry casks for eight years, creating rich fruit aromas and flavours alongide toffee and chocolate character. Forget dessert – just pour one of these. (Page 72)

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 3

CONTENTS

JUNE / JULY 2022

PUBLISHER

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

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

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

20

A DV E R T I S I N G

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

BEER & CIDER

REGULARS

Diary Dates

6

Cover story – Lyre’s

8

Industry News

10

International News

19

Feature: The path forward 20 Legal Notes

24

Non-Alcoholic News

26

WINE

drinksbiz.co.nz

46 Beer & Cider Report

46

Opinion: Michael Donaldson 52 Beer & Cider News

54

SPIRITS

Associate Member (NZ) Drinksbiz is published every second month by Trade Media Limited, 300 Richmond Road,

28

Grey Lynn, Auckland,

Wine Report: Pinot Noir

28

Top Picks

36

Opinion: Joelle Thomson

38

Wine News

40

New Zealand.

The contents of Drinksbiz

58 Spirits Report: Scotch

are copyright and may

58

Opinion: Dominic Roskrow 84 Spirits News

86

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

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

LAST ORDERS

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Last Orders: Andi Ross – Island Gin 94 4 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Parnell, Auckland.

WHAT’S ON

Diary Dates JUNE

Friday 3 June – Sunday 26 June

Winter F.A.W.C. The winter edition of Hawke’s Bay’s popular Food and Wine Classic is back for 2022. To be held across the four weekends in June with a range of unique food, beer and wine experiences on offer. fawc.co.nz Friday 10 June

NZ Spirits Awards – Auckland The Trophy presentation event for the New Zealand Spirits Awards 2022. To be held at The Hilton in Auckland. spiritsawardsnz.nz Saturday 25 June

GABS Craft Beer Festival – Auckland The Great Australasian Beer Spectapular returns to Auckland for 2022. The event includes 60 Festival beers and ciders created especially for GABS, plus the best from brewers from around New Zealand and Australia, along with masterclasses and live entertainment. gabsfestival.com/auckland21-home JULY

Friday 1 – Saturday 2 July

Winetopia – Wellington A consumer wine tasting event to be held at TSB Arena, Queens Wharf. winetopia.co.nz

Winter Spritz at Black Barn – F.A.W.C

Monday 25 – Wednesday 27 July

Thursday 28 to Sunday 31 July

Negociants Fine Wine Tour

The Food Show – Auckland

The annual national wine tastings by distributor Negociants return for 2022, with a wide selection of Australian and New Zealand wines from the Negociants portfolio.

• Auckland – Monday 25th July at The Royal NZ Yacht Squadron • Wellington – Tuesday 26th July at Te Wharewaka o Poneke • Christchurch – Wednesday 27th July at Christchurch Town Hall Trade sessions are 1pm-5pm and the public sessions are 6pm-8pm.

Information on trade registration and tickets is on the Negociants website. negociants.com/nz/events

The country’s biggest consumer food and beverage show returns to the Auckland Showgrounds.

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

Tuesday 26 to Wednesday 27 July

New Zealand’s biggest beer festival is back for 2022 at Sky Stadium. beervana.co.nz

NZ Hospitality Conference – Auckland Two days of presentations and workshops themed around “The Future of Hospitality” with keynote speakers including New York restaurateur Danny Meyer. To be held at The Grand Millennium Hotel. hospitality.org.nz/s/conference

Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 July

The Great NZ Food Show – Hamilton A consumer show dedicated to the latest in food and beverages, with masterclasses and more. For exhibitor details email info@coreevents.co.nz greatnzfoodshow.co.nz

Wednesday 27 July

NZ Hospitality Awards for Excellence – Auckland The gala dinner for the Awards for Excellence 2022, recognising exceptional businesses in the accommodation, food and beverage sectors. To be held at The Grand Millennium.

AUGUST

Monday 1 – Wednesday 31 August

Visa Wellington on a Plate More than 120 events and pop-ups form this year’s VWOAP in the capital, including Dine Wellington, Burger Wellington and Cocktail Wellington. wellingtononaplate.com Friday 19 – Saturday 20 August

Beervana – Wellington

Friday 19 to Sunday 21 August

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

Exhibitor info at hub.xpo.co.nz/events Friday 26 – Saturday 27 August

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

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

6 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Proudly imported & distributed by

Whisky Galore

p: 0800 944 759 trade@whiskygalore.co.nz

COVER STORY – LYRE’S HIGHLAND MALT

New Highland Malt from Lyre’s A non-alcoholic take on a Highland malt whisky is the latest innovation from award-winning Lyre’s…

LEADING AWARD-WINNING nonalcoholic drinks company Lyre’s has launched its new Highland Malt – an innovative non-alcoholic whisky-style beverage that takes inspiration from the best Scottish whisky.

It is the latest addition to the Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Spirits range – a collection of 17 alcohol-free classic spirits (including gin, rum, bourbon and vermouth) that are crafted to taste just like the originals, but without the alcohol.

8 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

“We understand the popularity and unique history of whisky, and wanted to deliver the same delicious taste, but with a difference.”

– David Murphy, Lyre’s Global Flavour Architect

COVER STORY – LYRE’S HIGHLAND MALT Lyre’s Highland Malt leads with an inviting light honey hue and soft, earthy bouquet, with notes of light grain cereal, stonefruit and almond to round out every sip. The subtle additions of sea spray and lightly charred oak further add to the complexity.

“Whether served neat or in mixers, whisky is a firm favourite for many around the world and understanding this, we’ve worked tirelessly to study the aromas and tastes whisky fans most enjoy, to deliver our Highland Malt,” says Murphy.

“People who enjoy the taste of a great whisky can experience our nonalcoholic version during occasions that would otherwise only feature its alcoholic counterpart – it extends the occasion to more people, more often.”

Lyre’s New Zealand Ambassador Andrew Down says that the new nonalcoholic Highland Malt has been crafted to capture the essence of a blended malt whisky. “I know we’re going to ruffle a few feathers with our latest release – a non-alcoholic whisky is sure to be the talk of the town among experienced palates.

But David’s devotion to getting the formula to its final form is clear from the very first taste.”

Lyre’s has been available in New Zealand since late 2019 and in mid2021 it extended its direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform into the New Zealand market while also creating a dedicated on- and off -premise team.

The full Lyre’s range also became available via its dedicated wholesale e-commerce store.

To discover Lyre’s full range of crafted premium non-alcoholic spirits and recipe inspiration, visit Lyres.co.nz, Lyre’s Facebook or Instagram.

Lyre’s soaring in New Zealand

Lyre’s Highland Malt

Launched in Australia in July 2019, Lyre’s has become the most decorated non-alcoholic spirit brand globally. It has received over 200 medals at prestigious events such as the London Spirits Competition, San Diego International Wine & Spirits Challenge, San Francisco World Spirits Competition and IWSC, among others.

0% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99

A lovely depth of flavour with a natural influence of seasoned oak, nutty grain, and warm spices.

The welcomed smoke contributes lift to the soft palate and balances the length, which is focused and rewarding.

For trade inquiries visit lyreswholesale.co.nz lyres.co.nz @lyresspiritco facebook.com/LyresSpiritCo

Paying homage to an icon

Lyre’s Highland Malt has been created

by Lyre’s Global Flavour Architect, David Murphy, who says that paying homage to the iconic Highland Malt Whisky in Lyre’s own unique way was both a challenge and a privilege. “Lyre’s spirits have their own distinction as a premium non-alcoholic beverage. We understand the popularity and unique history of whisky, and wanted to deliver the same delicious taste, but with a difference.”

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 9

INDUSTRY NEWS

Scapegrace building $25m distillery in Central Otago SCAPEGRACE DISTILLING Company has begun construction on a $25m distillery in Central Otago, which will include a bottling hall, barrel room and hospitality offering on a 36-hectare site overlooking Lake Dunstan.

The craft spirit producer says that the new distillery, believed to be New Zealand’s biggest-ever, will eventually produce the entirety of its current portfolio of super premium gin and vodka, alongside its soon-to-be released single malt whisky.

Scapegrace Managing Director Daniel Mclaughlin says the site aligns perfectly with the company’s future plans. “The 45th parallel (the halfway point between the equator and South Pole) runs directly through our distillery site, giving us extremes in hot and cold temperatures – an optimum environment for ageing whisky. Naturally, the pristine water quality is also ideal for distilling gin and vodka, pulling from glacial run-off from the Southern Alps. And with almost 60% of shareholders based in Otago, as well as our Chairman Peter Kean who was born and bred in the region, it always felt right.”

Mclaughlin says that Scapegrace acquired an award-winning single malt whisky distillery four years ago and has been putting down whisky since then, with plans to launch Scapegrace Single Malt Whisky soon. He says there is a huge opportunity around the growing demand for ‘New World’ whisky and Scapegrace is well placed to meet that. “Quality whisky requires an experienced master distiller, sufficient scale in its distillery assets and – given the time taken for the whisky to mature – significant cashflow and space for inventory. With Anthony Lawry, our experienced master distiller, already

Site of the new Scapegrace Distillery

Artist’s rendering

producing highly acclaimed whiskies, this development is the final piece of the puzzle for Scapegrace, allowing a 20-fold increase in production and ample space to store the whisky while it matures.”

Scapegrace was founded almost 10 years ago by Wanaka-based brothers-inlaw Daniel Mclaughlin and Mark Neal, along with Richard Bourke. The brand is now distributed to 35 countries and has picked up a slew of international awards, including title of World’s Best London Dry Gin at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition in London in 2018.

The new Scapegrace Distillery has been designed by Nat Cheshire, Ascinda Stark and Emily Doll of Cheshire Architects and will be delivered by Central Otago’s family-owned builders Breen Construction.

The development will be 100% independently owned by Scapegrace and funded through a mixture of debt and equity, with the capital raise for the next phase due to commence in the coming months.

Construction has already commenced on the first building, which contains the new Scapegrace head office, bottling hall, warehouse and the first barrel room, due to be open in August this year.

Each barrel room holds almost 2000 casks of whisky, with three more barrel rooms planned over the coming years.

The second building, which contains the new distillery, opens in October 2023.

The Distillery is planned to open to the public around November 2023 and will have a food and beverage experience and distillery tour offering.

Future focus for NZ Hospo Conference 2022 THE NEW Zealand Hospitality Conference will return in July with a focus on recalibrating the industry for the future and with New York restaurateur Danny Meyer among the keynote speakers.

Themed “The Future of Hospitality”, the conference 10 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

will be held on 26-27 July at the Grand Millennium Hotel in Auckland and will finish with the Hospitality Awards for Excellence.

It will include a presentation from the Tasmanian Hospitality Association on their 2030 industry recovery plan, and

feature keynote speakers from New York, Las Vegas, and New Zealand, including New York restaurateur and CEO of Union Square Hospitality Group Danny Meyer, and Las Vegas business magnate Shane Green, who advises global Fortune 500 leaders on customer

experience and organisational culture.

The conference will also examine the future of beverage, with local alcohol settings due to come up for renewal later this year. hospitality.org.nz

Full of body.

All-natural.

No alcohol.

Warner’s 0% Spirits are distilled with real ingredients born and bred in the British countryside, making every drop as refreshingly bold as the hard stuff. Now that’s worth flaunting.

If it grows, in it goes.

SI N C E 1 98 1 | N EW Z E A L A N D

Distributed in New Zealand by The Giesen Group.

Contact your representative for details.

Giesen Group 03 344 6270 or email enquiries@giesengroup.co.nz

INDUSTRY NEWS

Industry calls for beer tax relief ahead of excise hike

DB appoints new Sales Director DB BREWERIES has promoted Christiaan Crous to Sales Director, where he will sit in the DB Management Team and lead the sales function.

Previously holding the Head of Off-Premise role, DB says that Crous has been an integral part of the team for the past four years, driving the Off-Premise team to a number of Supplier of the Year awards from Countdown, The Bottle-O, Thirsty Liquor, and Big Barrel. Prior to joining DB, he held various sales roles across all the major channels working for businesses such as Cerebos Greggs, Pernod Ricard and Fonterra.

Christiaan Crous replaces Paul Millward, who leaves DB after almost 12 years with the company.

Frucor Suntory and PepsiCo launch 100% recycled bottles THE BREWERS Association, Brewers Guild of New Zealand and Hospitality New Zealand launched a campaign in May calling on the Government to deliver beer tax relief through a cut in keg beer tax ahead of the excise tax increase on 1 July.

The industry bodies are asking the Government to step in with sector-specific support that reduces keg tax by 50%. It comes as alcohol excise is set to increase to $1.3 billion for 2022, up from $1.22 billion in 2021. The groups say that beer alone faces an increase of $28.3 million.

“The beer excise increase could not come at a worse time for brewers and consumers, with the effects of COVID-19 still holding sway on the economy, the cost of living squarely in focus for New Zealanders and the hospitality sector far from being back to normal,” said Brewers Association of New Zealand Executive Director Dylan Firth and Brewers Guild Executive Director Melanie Kees in a joint statement.

“Under the projected increase the excise tax would now be $83.08 per keg, $0.55 per bottle and $0.71 per pint*. All before GST is added.”

Having first made the request in late 2021, the groups are renewing their call for the targeted support, which they say would provide a short, sharp cost-reduction on tap beer, supporting the hospitality sector and passing on to the consumer too.

Firth says the keg excise reduction would be consistent with other peer markets such as Australia, which has long-standing specific excise rates for keg beer, and the UK, which has for the last two years frozen excise tax completely and created a new specific keg rate. *5% ABV for a 330ml bottle, 425ml pint, 50L keg

cutthekegtax.co.nz 12 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

FRUCOR SUNTORY has launched a 600ml 100% recycled plastic (rPET) bottle across the PepsiCo brand portfolio in New Zealand, a major milestone for the New Zealand bottler and distributor as well as partner company, PepsiCo, in their sustainability roadmap.

Made from high-quality recycled PET, also known as type one plastic, the new format will be first introduced across Pepsi Max, 7UP and Mountain Dew 600ml bottles.

“The transition to rPET is a huge commitment and one that we are proud to help deliver to New Zealanders at a time where sustainability and closing the loop is more important than ever before.

The popularity of our PepsiCo range will help drive significant

change in the New Zealand market, including lowering greenhouse emissions by approximately 30% per bottle,” says Darren Fullerton, Chief Executive Officer of Frucor Suntory.

The company says that the introduction of Pepsi Max 100% recycled plastic bottles means the amount of virgin plastic on Frucor Suntory production lines will be reduced by 9%.

Pepsi Max will be the flagship of PepsiCo’s 600ml range to lead the charge, with a limited-edition label that calls out the bottle’s 100% recycled status. This feeds into Frucor Suntory’s pledge to achieve 100% of packaging to be recyclable, compostable, biodegradable or reusable by 2025.

New National Sales Manager for AONZ Fine Wine AOTEAROA NZ Fine Wine Estates – owner of fine wine brands Pyramid Valley, Smith & Sheth and Lowburn Ferry – has appointed Dan Shea as National Sales Manager.

Shea was previously with Mills Reef Winery for 17 years, where he held a variety of positions including Sales Manager, Brand Manager and, after the recent merger with The Wine Portfolio, Key Account Manager. In his new role, Shea will manage all domestic sales and distribution efforts for Aotearoa NZ Fine Wine Estates, supporting national distributor Negociants New Zealand, from his home base in Tauranga.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Central Otago wine chosen for digital marketplace project THE CENTRAL Otago wine industry has been selected to participate in the Digital Cluster Initiative pilot programme led by BNZ and Zeald.

Starting with the two-and-a-halfyear pilot, the Digital Cluster Initiative is partnering with three business groups to build them into digitally-advanced “clusters” to show what’s possible when state-of-the-art ecommerce and digital collaboration tools are put at the heart of Kiwi business communities.

Central Otago Winegrowers Association (COWA) says that the Digital Cluster Initiative will build a bespoke digital marketplace to sell Central Otago wines domestically and internationally.

It aims to provide a new sales channel that can integrate with wineries’ existing sales infrastructure, while helping to open up untapped markets and unlock the potential of digital technology.

“After a rocky couple of years due to COVID, the Digital Cluster Initiative brings some much-needed good news to our wine region,” says Central Otago Winegrowers General Manager, Jake Tipler. “The marketplace has excellent potential to boost direct-to-consumer sales nationally and internationally, which can help grow brand recognition and profit margins and ensure the long viability of our wineries.”

COWA says over 40 Central Otago wineries have expressed interest in the pilot already.

The next stage of the project will see Zeald working with Central Otago Winegrowers to produce a marketing and branding plan for the marketplace, while onboarding each of the wineries and loading up their products.

The Marketplace is scheduled to launch in September.

Jake Tipler, COWA General Manager

SHOWCASE

No/lo solutions from Giesen Group WITH GROWING numbers of Kiwis seeking no and low-alcohol drink options as part of ongoing lifestyle choices, Giesen Group has curated a portfolio of quality no- and low-alcohol beers, wines and spirits that help solve the question of what to offer customers who aren’t ‘drinking’.

Giesen Group Marketing Manager Angela Flynn says the company is serious in its commitment to the no/lo category, offering nine no-alcohol and two lighter-in-alcohol products in the New Zealand market. These are under its Giesen and Ara wine labels and its Kaiser Bros craft beer brand, as well as Warner’s 0% Botanic Garden Spirits, which Giesen imports from the UK. Momentum around ‘sober’ months

While there is growing consumer focus on ‘sober’ months, such as Dry July (NZ, AUS) and Dry January (US, UK), the experimentation with no/lo alcoholic options is moving increasingly into other occasions as well.

Angela Flynn says this time of year is key for connecting with those consumers looking for alternatives. “Sober months are obviously very important as far as the overall strategy and focus for our 0% range of products. It's a great opportunity to drive awareness of 0% products and trial, which in turn can increase sales for retailers and on-premise outlets and encourage repeat purchases later too.”

14 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Giesen Group’s No/Lo Portfolio Giesen 0%

A range of premium alcoholremoved wines.

Available in: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Rosé and Merlot.

Ara Zero

A zero alcohol Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, also certified vegan-friendly.

Available in: Sauvignon Blanc.

Kaiser Bros.

The Hazy One is a 0% craft beer in the popular Hazy IPA style.

Available in: 30L kegs.

Warner’s 0% Botanic Garden Spirits

Imported from the UK, these 0% spirits are all natural and made using farm-grown ingredients.

Available in: Juniper Double Dry, and Pink Berry.

Giesen Pure Light 6% ABV

Mid-strength wines at 6% ABV – 50% less alcohol and 75% less calories.

Available in: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris.

Giesen Group

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

INDUSTRY NEWS

NEW ZEALAND Winegrowers has released its 2022 Sustainability Report, providing a snapshot of the New Zealand wine industry’s sustainability journey.

The report highlights how sustainability differentiates the New Zealand wine industry on the world stage by measuring and communicating local industry’s commitment and progress across six key focus areas of sustainability: climate, water, waste, soil, plant protection, and people.

It showcases data collected from the 1840 vineyards and 310 wineries certified under the Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand (SWNZ) programme – an industry-wide certification programme led

by New Zealand Winegrowers. Launched in 1995, SWNZ is widely recognised as a world-leading sustainability programme and was one of the first to be established in the wine world.

“Over 96% of all vineyard area in New Zealand is now certified as sustainable through the SWNZ programme, with 10% of New Zealand wineries holding

NZ WINE

Sustainability snapshot of NZ wine industry

Fromm Vineyard

organic certification,” says Dr Edwin Massey, General Manager of Sustainability at New Zealand Winegrowers. “It’s an achievement we can be proud of, but the real work is ensuring we not only sustain but elevate our position with an enduring commitment to continuous improvement.”

NZW says that the industry goal of being carbon neutral by 2050 has the New Zealand wine industry firmly

committed to a low emissions pathway, and exciting developments in vineyards and in wineries are already well underway.

“It’s the positive individual actions of New Zealand wine businesses that add up to make a big impact across the wine industry, and that are helping to deliver lasting change,” says Dr Massey.

See the full report at nzwine.com/en/ sustainability/sustainability-report

SHOWCASE

Super Liquor 2.0 rolls out across NZ THE SUPER Liquor brand story and proposition is connected to the lives of everyday Kiwis and their communities, attracting their support for the brand and its local franchisees.

With Super Liquor’s strong marketing programme the company believes it is really important to have the shopping experience to match. That’s why Super Liquor has launched its ‘Super Liquor 2.0’ brand standards project, aimed at delivering both an aspirational consistent standard across its network of stores, together with a strong shopping experience.

The project is on track to be completed

by March 2023 and involves all in-store elements – from flooring and counters, to shelving, chillers and display areas. The new look is fresh and modern, underpinned by the three Super Liquor brand pillars: Super Deals, Super Range, and Super Easy.

Super Liquor Morrinsville (pictured) has recently completed the Super Liquor 2.0 project and Super Liquor Franchise Manager Sandy Watkins says the result has been outstanding. “It has been great

16 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Super Liquor Morrinsville

working with their management and staff who were engaged with the project from the start to ensure their store achieved the best outcome possible. Customers are really impressed with the new look and feel.”

Super Liquor has also invested resources into improving information and systems to drive franchisee performance and profitability. Some of these improvements

include POS enhancements and improved reporting and analytics that now allow franchisees to have access to dashboards and inventory management in order to improve buying decisions and working capital.

Find out more about becoming a Super Liquor franchise, get in touch at superliquor.co.nz/contactus/ franchise-enquiry

INDUSTRY NEWS

NZ represents at AIBA 2022 THERE WAS a record number of entries for this year’s Melbourne Royal Australian International Beer Awards (AIBA), with 2630 exhibits entered.

AIBA is the largest annual beer competition in the world, assessing both draught and packaged beer. Over 350 breweries submitted entries (245 from Australia), which were evaluated and scored by a panel of 65 judges from across Australia.

New Zealand brewery Deep Creek won Champion Medium International Brewery, while Trophies went to Bach Brewing for Best Non-Alcohol Beer for its ‘All Day Non-Alcoholic IPA’, and Hallertau for Best Design – Label/Surface Graphic for its reusable Hallertau bottle ‘The Keeper’.

AIBA Champion Trophies 2022 Champion Australian Beer – Beerland Blueberry Clouds, Beerland Brewing, Australia Champion International Beer – Viva La Beaver, Belching Beaver Brewery, USA Champion Large Australian Brewery – Hawkers Beer, Australia Champion Large International Brewery – Bayerische Staatsbrauerei Weihenstephan, Germany Champion Medium Australian Brewery – Stomping Ground Brewing Co, Victoria Champion Medium International Brewery – Deep Creek Brewing Company, Auckland, New Zealand Champion Small Australian Brewery – Moffat Beach Brewing Co, Queensland Champion Small International Brewery – Artmonster Brewery, Gyeonggi-Do, Korea Full results at melbourneroyal.com.au

New brewery and distillery planned for Mangawhai CONSTRUCTION IS underway on a new microbrewery and distillery in the surf town of Mangawhai, north of Auckland. Located on the Mangawhai Harbour, the site will boast a vineyard, distillery and brewery later this year, to be joined by a courtyard bistro in 2023.

Mangawhai local Adam Booth is leading the project and says it is “a magic spot”. “Our parcel of land has a free-draining sandy subsoil and harvests plenty of sun with a north-west facing aspect,” says Booth. “The spot is perfect for our vines, as well as hosting epic dusk dining experiences.”

Pacific Coast Beverages is the production arm of the business. Its packaged beer and spirits will launch late 2022, with construction of the hospitality wing to be completed in 2023.

Operations will be headed by brewing expert and beer judge Sam Williamson, who has 20 years’ experience working in various New Zealand breweries.

The company says that the vineyard was planted in 2021 and the first wine is due in 2024. pacificcoastbeverages.co.nz

Konvoy strengthens NZ team KEG POOLING specialist Konvoy has added emphasis to its growth plans in New Zealand with the appointment of Tom Madams to Head of New Zealand, based in Auckland.

The company says that Madams, who has been with Konvoy since 2020 and in the brewing industry for over 15 years, will lead the local team that Konvoy has built over the past two years.

Madams says that growing the sector in the local market is his main priority after

the difficulties of COVID for the industry.

“Konvoy’s focus has and will continue to be supporting our customers, and I’m excited to be overseeing that, with new kegs and assets that will strengthen our New Zealand fleet on the ground and in turn, help our industry to flourish.”

Konvoy recently completed a $30 million capital raise and announced plans to expand into international markets, including the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 17

INDUSTRY NEWS

Strong communities in the wine industry

RICHARD BRIGGS

2021 National Finalists and Judges at Young Viticulturist

Despite many COVID-related challenges along the way, key industry initiatives designed to nurture and encourage future talent have only become stronger over the past two years.

THE COMMUNITIES that have emerged from the Young Viticulturist and Young Winemaker competitions, along with Women in Wine NZ and the NZW mentoring programme, continue to grow and strengthen each year.

“Over the last couple of challenging years this has been more evident and more important than ever,” says Nicky Grandorge, Leadership & Communities Manager at New Zealand Winegrowers.

“Despite all the sudden lockdowns and last minute changes, people really stepped up to help, going out of their way to support each other in the wine industry. It gives me a really warm, fuzzy glow to think about

the lengths people went to, to make things happen so others could flourish.”

Both the 2021 Corteva Young Viticulturist of the Year and the Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker of the Year National Finals were postponed several times.

The Young Vit National Final, with its third date in January, was nearly cancelled when the country moved to Red, but the community secured a secret, isolated vineyard so it was safe for the competition to go ahead. This meant tents, tables, chairs, portaloos, water and food all needed to be brought in, in the space of 36 hours. Through the passion and hard work of sponsors and volunteers it happened. “The atmosphere was amazing with a great team spirit,” says Grandorge.

The Young Winemaker National Final, originally scheduled for November, then February, is yet to take place in June.

Again, the flexibility of everyone involved

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

18 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

is strong. Amisfield are still happy to host the competition at their winery and The Canyon at Tarras Vineyard saw no problem in switching from a hot summer’s evening celebration to one on a crisp, winter’s night.

The Women in Wine and NZW Mentoring programmes also went ahead with some of the mentors and mentees conducting their sessions virtually. Again, the passion and determination to help each other was highly evident.

The dates for the 2022 Young Vit and Young Winemaker competitions are all set for their usual winter and spring times.

“We are obviously all hoping for a smoother 2022,” says Grandorge, “but seeing the strength and passion emanating from these various communities within the wine industry was certainly incredibly uplifting.”

For more details see nzwine.com/en/ events

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

US craft brewers grow market share THE BREWERS ASSOCIATION (BA) has released annual production figures for the U.S. craft brewing industry in 2021, showing that small and independent brewers collectively produced 24.8 million barrels of beer and realised 8% growth1, increasing craft’s overall beer market share by volume to 13.1%, up from 12.2% the previous year.

The overall beer market grew 1% by volume in 2021. Retail dollar value was estimated at US$26.9 billion, representing 26.8% market share and 21% growth over 2020. The BA says that this growth is stronger than volume primarily due to the channel shift back to on-premise, which has a higher average retail value. Craft brewers also provided more than 172,643 direct jobs, a 25% increase from 2020.

“Craft brewer sales rebounded in 2021, lifted by the return of draught and at-the-brewery traffic,” said Bart Watson, chief economist, Brewers Association.

Chivas Brothers to boost Scotch production CHIVAS BROTHERS, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard, has announced an £88 million investment into Aberlour and Miltonduff, two of its strategic single malt distilleries. The investment will go into upgrading sustainable distillation technologies at the Speyside distilleries along with significant production capacity expansions to meet the growing global demand for Scotch.

Pernod Ricard says the distillery expansions will grow Chivas Brothers’ total production by 14 million litres of alcohol per annum and are a testament to the growing global demand for Scotch whisky, which has seen exports increase across all regions, with market gains in Latin America, Middle East, Africa and Asia. In its Half Year results in February, Chivas Brothers announced a net sales increase of +23%, confirming the company’s recovery to beyond pre-Covid levels.

Both sites are expected to be operating at full production capacity by mid-2025.

“However, the mixed performance across business models and geographies as well as production levels that still lag 2019 suggest that many breweries remain in recovery mode. Add in continuing supply chain and pricing challenges, and 2022 will be a critical year for many brewers.”

The number of operating craft breweries continued to climb in 2021, reaching an all-time high of 9,118, including 1,886 microbreweries, 3,307 brewpubs, 3,702 taproom breweries, and 223 regional craft breweries. The total

operating brewery count was 9,247, up from 9,025 in 2020.

The Brewers Association also released its annual list of the top 50 producing craft brewing companies and overall brewing companies in the U.S., based on beer sales volume. Of the top 50 overall brewing companies in 2021, 40 were small and independent craft brewing companies. brewersassociation.org Volume by craft brewers represents total taxable production.

1

Ukraine hospo launches global fundraising effort A GROUP of spirits industry professionals in Ukraine is asking for help from bars around the world as it seeks to fundraise for Ukrainian restaurants cooking for some of those affected by the Russian invasion.

The restaurants are cooking for 16,800 people from Kyiv and Kharkiv every day – from military forces to those in bomb shelters.

The organisation is called BudmoUA, which takes its name from the Ukrainian cheering tradition ‘Budmo’, which can be translated as ‘let us be’.

Its founders say the goal of BudmoUA is to get support from their hospitality industry colleagues around the world, and to spread Ukraine’s cheering tradition.

The group asks for bars to introduce a special cocktail dedicated to Ukraine and donate a part of its revenue, or mark one or more cocktails on the menu with a BudmoUA sticker to encourage customers and guests to cheer in Ukrainian.

Events to support BudmoUA are already being organised in bars around the world and are listed on the group’s Instagram at #BUDMOUA. BudmoUA says that every 10 Euro (NZD$16) provides food for one person per day.

Social links, printable collateral and Ukrainian-themed playlists are available on the BudmoUA website at budmoua.world DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 19

FEATURE – THE PATH FORWARD

The path forward As New Zealand’s on-premise channel rebuilds, there are some useful lessons to be learnt from the recent experience of operators around the world, as Victoria Wells explains…

THE ROAD for New Zealand’s hospitality industry over the past two years hasn’t so much been rocky, as littered with potholes and ‘road closed’ signs. But now, as COVID restrictions lift and the borders re-open, businesses are focused on building back up where they can and trying to return to some sort of normality.

It feels a little like the industry is emerging, blinking, into the light. The question now is: what’s out there?

“I think you guys are feeling some of the pain that most of our other countries have felt some months ago,” says Scott Elliott of global on-premise measurement, insight and research consultancy CGA. “We’ve learned a lot about what successful suppliers and operators have done as they emerge out of this,” he says.

“It’s a real opportunity for the whole community that supplies the on-trade.”

Knowledge in the numbers

CGA tracks on-premise brand and sales data and consumer behaviour around the world, and is regarded as the leading supplier of data and insights for drinks companies and hospitality operators.

20 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Based in Chicago, Scott Elliott is CGA’s Managing Director for the Americas & Asia Pacific division. CGA launched in New Zealand and Australia earlier this year, having started 30 years ago in the UK, and also operates across the US, Canada, France and Ireland. It recently expanded into Brazil and Columbia and launched in Mexico this year too, with plans for Asia later in 2022.

CGA’s analytical tools in New Zealand include its monthly consumer trends Pulse report and in-depth consumer research report OPUS. An outlet database and BeverageTrak tool (POS tracking to show category and brand sales performance against key competitors by week, day or time of day) will be in place shortly too.

Scott Elliott says the New Zealand industry can look to the current global experience for a guide forward. “There’s a ton of positivity from Kiwis and every other market. Consumers want to get back into the trade and we’ve got to make it easy for them to do that – and make that experience good.”

The New Zealand landscape

CGA’s initial findings in the New Zealand market reflect the country’s smaller population and smaller CBD areas, with fewer nightclubs and late-night bars and a trend towards more pub visits, as compared with the rest of the world.

Scott Elliott cites recent CGA research in 27 countries that showed 13% of people on average around the world visited nightclubs and late-night bars over a three-month period, but that dropped to just 7% in New Zealand. However, 31% of Kiwis had been to a pub over the same period, compared with 14% in the rest of the world. Kiwis also tend to drink fewer cocktails compared with the rest of world – just 20% of New Zealanders had cocktails in the last few months compared with 30% of the average population around the world.

The similarities though, transcend borders. “There’s real similarities of the channel in every market in the world,” says Elliott. “That need for social interaction, connection with friends and family, belonging over a sports team,

FEATURE – THE PATH FORWARD

for a treat, experimentation, reward.

All of those consumer needs are met consistently in different ways. In Japan, that social connection and belonging may be met through a karaoke bar, whereas in America it’ll be met through a sports bar.

But it’s the same human consumer need that is being served by the channel, although it’s being delivered with a local nuance.”

Premiumisation and polarisation

When it comes to current global trends, premiumisation still reigns supreme, says Elliott. And that’s across the board – in venues and presentation as well as products.

“If you look at the best performing outlets in terms of growth in America, they’re polished casual dining venues. It’s that trade-up from your normal, casual dining restaurants. And premium bars.”

He says that the same sort of consumer desires emerged after the seismic shock of the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, when the term ‘weekend millionaire’ was coined. “You see this big emergence of people whose life has been made less happy and they want to use a channel for treat, for reward, for just blowing out.

They may go out less, but when they do, they really treat themselves more than they would normally.”

On the other side of the coin is soaring global inflation and the current cost of living crisis. And that’s where polarisation comes in.

Elliott says that operators around the world are understandably keen to drive every cent out of every visit to recoup the losses made during the recent closures and restrictions – but to do that they need to cater to both ends of the consumer spend spectrum.

“What they need to appreciate is that there’s a good proportion of people who are not visiting because they are being hit by disposable income challenges. It’s not just about premiumisation, it’s also about driving smart offers and promotions for a significant proportion of people who are just being financially prudent. And we’re seeing that in every market.”

Cover the top and bottom end

Scott Elliott says that operators need to be smart with their assortment offering and consider polarisation. His advice is to have a premiumisation strategy, a lower end strategy, and just a bit of middle ground.

“People are trading out of the middle ground or trading down,” he says.

“That’s what I’m telling all my supplier clients as well. You’ve got to know where you are, because if you’re just lingering in the middle you are really exposed.”

And the difference between your premium and lower-end strategy doesn’t need to be a chasm. “It could just be that $3 trade up, right? It could be that extra dollar a glass for that slightly more premium wine that you can promote, or hit them through a digital menu.”

Elliott says while encouraging tradeups is always crucial, it’s also important

to realise that there’s a proportion of customers who simply will not visit if you don’t price and promote appropriately.

He recommends looking at periods of the trading day or the trading week where you can drive more footfall by marketing to people who are more cost-savvy.

Work on staff training

Elliott says that the worldwide shortage of experienced hospitality staff is creating even more issues around path to purchase with fewer chances to upsell or recommend products to consumers.

“Understanding the brand backstory, the skills to trade up and the knowledge is gone. Brand teams, advocates, and the suppliers have not caught up with that yet. And so that experience is not as good as it could be [for the consumer]”.

Maximise pre-bookings

CGA’s NZ On-Premise Consumer Pulse Report for April 2022 showed that 58% of on-premise visits by New Zealanders had

“Consumers want to get back into the trade and we’ve got to make it easy for them to do that – and make that experience good.” – Scott Elliott, CGA MD Americas & Asia Pacific

Make a strategy

Times have certainly changed and what worked in 2019 doesn’t necessarily translate to 2022. CGA’s global insights reveal some key areas to focus on when forming a strategy for the current environment.

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 21

FEATURE – THE PATH FORWARD been pre-booked, which Elliott says opens up opportunities for operators and drinks suppliers right from the get-go.

“One supplier’s done an amazing job with a massive chain in Europe. When you’re booking a table they say ‘Okay, do you want a chilled tray of shots waiting for you?’ Why couldn’t that be, ‘Hey, when you book your table for four would you like a round of Hendrick’s G&Ts ready for when you arrive? Or a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc waiting for you?’

“You can connect immediately. You’ve got a chance to premium serve them.

There are lots of those opportunities, providing they’ve got the kind of tech that allows them to engage that.”

The same research also showed that only 20% of those surveyed had fully planned when and where they would go out in the next month, meaning 80% of all on-premise visits over the next month could still be influenced in some way by suppliers and operators. CGA says that with 87% of consumers pre-booking within just a week of their visit1, local marketing, event promotion and tactics to drive footfall must be swiftly executed and precisely targeted.

Work with suppliers

Elliott also recommends that operators engage more with their suppliers around funding for promotions to drive more visits. He says avoiding discounts in a bid to keep spend up is missing a trick. “They should be leaning towards their suppliers to say ‘How can you help me put events on? Help me drive midweek events where we can discount and promote, help me put a band on. Help me do this!’”

are used to experiencing in city centre venues and redeploy their resources where needed.

“We’ve talked about this for a good year now in different markets. To push their resources out, instead of letting those resources go [and saying] ‘We don’t need our advocates. We don’t need our brand ambassadors in the centres anymore’. Reallocate them to the suburbs because you’ve got all these bars and restaurants who, frankly, have maybe

“It’s not just about premiumisation, it’s also about driving smart offers and promotions for a significant proportion of people who are just being financially prudent.”

Think big in the ’burbs

With many Kiwis still not back in their city centre offices full-time, there’s been an increase in visits to local bars and restaurants close to home. In April, 63% of those surveyed chose a venue within 10-20 minutes of home1.

Scott Elliott says there are major opportunities in suburban venues. “People still want that premium wine or that cocktail. They just wouldn’t have gone into their local pub and got it previously.”

He says that suppliers should look to reflect the type of experiences consumers 22 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

traditionally not been serving these kind of customers in these kind of occasions.

“For suppliers of premium brands, exploration categories and trade-up options such as cocktails, premium wine and champagne, this is particularly relevant to ensure they can capitalise on increased visitation and a growing level of confidence in returning to the channel.”

Have a considered no/lo offering

The lo/no alcohol category is big and continues to grow across markets, says Elliott. “Again, we’ve seen premiumisation

in that space. What we’re seeing is alcohol-free drinks working their way into the whole session really. We regularly see in our research that people have an alcoholic drink and then a non-alcoholic drink, then an alcoholic drink. Or a whiskey shot with a non-alcoholic beer.

People are mixing it around and the opportunity is really significant.”

The path forward

Despite the worldwide economic challenges and assuming no more regulatory setbacks, Scott Elliott believes there will be steady improvement and a rapid return to normality in the on-premise channel. “I think as soon as borders open we can get talent into the relevant countries. That’s critical for hospitality staff. Suppliers are getting more confident.

Talking to them, they’re getting more investment back into the channel.

“What I would anticipate is a continued focus on premiumisation, on experience, and the emerging categories that we see typically. So cocktails, tequilas, craft beer, RTDs, hard seltzers. We see those categories emerging in every market.

And I see them growing in New Zealand as well. Maybe not proportionally to the same degree, but there’s no doubt we’ll continue to see that grow.”

CGA ‘New Zealand On-Premise Consumer Pulse Report’ for April 2022 1

cgastrategy.com

Proudly Distributed by Federal Merchants & Co | P: 09 578 1823 | clientservices@federalmerchants.co.nz

LEGAL NOTES

Pervinder Kaur

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

Understanding objections Alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur explains who can object to an alcohol licence application and what you can do about it…

APPLYING FOR an alcohol licence can feel like a long road – and one of the bumps you might encounter along the way is an objection to your application.

Section 102 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 is described as the status provision in relation to objections.

This section concerns objections to applications for on-licences, off-licences, and club licences.

Who can object?

There is no general right of objection against alcohol licence applications.

To be heard on a specific application, an objector must show they have status to object; proving that they have a ‘greater interest’ in the application than the public generally. An objector can show status in the following ways: Geographic proximity

Objectors can show they have ‘status’ if they either reside or have business near the proposed premises (a radius of one two kilometres is considered generous and ‘a fair and realistic’ suggestion) and will be affected in some way by the granting of the licence application. The ‘geographical proximity’ test enshrined in case law is designed to capture the direct impact on persons who live or have business nearby.

Enhanced interest

Individuals or organisations could also establish status through an enhanced interest, no matter how close to the proposed premises they are. The Authority has recognised that there may be a narrow class of objectors who have standing by virtue of an enhanced interest, regardless of geographical 24 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

boundaries. These include a territorial authority and its mayor and/or councillors and some trade organisations.

Regardless of whether the interest is established on a basis of geographical proximity or otherwise, it must be established in order for an objection to be made.

However, it’s important to note here that a test of geographic proximity is not decisive in all cases. For example, as in Janhurst Holdings Limited [2013] NZARLA PH 826, despite an objector living within a kilometre of the premises, the Authority held that an arterial road served as an “effective barrier” between the premises and the home of the objector, who also

case they are limited to an objection only as to the applicant’s suitability.

An objection that does not state any grounds can be challenged on the basis that it is an invalid objection. Any grounds stated at a later date would be timebarred, as they would fall outside the statutory time period specified in s 102(2).

How to handle an objection

Just because your application has received public objection(s) does not necessarily mean that it will go to a public hearing.

There are other ways that you can deal with the objections, such as meeting with the objectors to understand their concerns and see if those concerns can be resolved by amending the licence application.

To be heard on a specific application, an objector must show they have status to object. had no line of sight to the premises and therefore, did not have an interest greater than any other member of the public. As the Authority in Gisborne Liquormart Ltd v Ka Pai Kaiti Trust [2018] NZARLA 316 has noted, the question of status was a matter of judgment, and the burden of establishing status was to be discharged by the person or body asserting it.

Grounds for objections

In terms of grounds for objections, objectors are restricted to the matters set out in s 102 unless subsection (4) applies (where the type of licence being applied for is already in force for those premises and the conditions are the same), in which

You can propose to make changes to the application, provided the objectors consider withdrawing their objection.

But be aware that the consultation with the objectors does not mean that your application would not proceed to a public hearing. The DLC can still hear the application at a public hearing even if all parties have reached an agreed outcome.

If you’re not confident in dealing with the objectors then you should seek expert advice, as in some cases there may not be any point in consulting if there are challenges to your suitability as a licensee and/or there are serious concerns about the risk of increased alcohol-related harm in the locality.

SHOWCASE

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SAVERGLASS puts design at the very heart of its organisation, and each year the company enriches its collection of original and innovative offerings.

The perfect package for wine

When it comes to differentiation and sophistication, SAVERGLASS produces wine bottles that play on innovative design while creating a totally new and imaginative language of shapes that break with the traditional codes of glass packaging.

Distinctive punt shapes, innovative finishes and geometric shoulders all shine in the SAVERGLASS range. Meeting the demand for premium packaging design in high-end and luxury wines, the SAVERGLASS collection is the largest offering in the wine market.

The Éclat range

The Éclat concept unveils new punts designed to showcase the radiance and brilliance of the SAVERGLASS extra white glass and to highlight the subtle, refined tonalities of white

and rosé wines. Based on the Bordelaise Éclat model – characterised by a height of 320mm in 750ml, a plump shoulder and a slight taper in the body with a long slim neck – the originality of Éclat is further enhanced by its six etched motifs, which concentrate light and add nuance to various wines.

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ECLAT COLLECTION

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The Bordelaise Eclat range offers 6 different punts (Moon Rising, Star Shining, Fusion, Galaxy, Falling Star and Constellation) designed to reveal sparkle and radiance of the Saverglass Extra White flint and to show off the subtle and refined colours of white and rosé wines. Eclat Constellation is also available in BVS 30H60 screw finish.

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

NON-ALCOHOLIC NEWS

CH’I joins Federal Merchants & Co. FEDERAL MERCHANTS & Co. is to distribute the CH’I range of herbal drinks from 1 July, 2022.

CH’I was founded in the late 1980s and recently rebranded as The CH’I Herbal Drinks Co. The beverages have herbal extracts as their base and are handcrafted from real herbs by the company in Riverhead, northwest of Auckland.

Federal Merchants & Co. Head of Sales Mark Mayers said: “There is so much in common between our businesses. We are both owned by ordinary New Zealanders, we are both ambitious for New Zealanders to have great options when they relax and take time out. In our experience there is nothing but upside for healthy, quality, zero alcohol adult beverages.”

CH’I Managing Director Ray Nicholls said they are looking forward to working with Federal Merchants & Co. “They will do a fantastic job of taking CH’I into a step change of availability across New Zealand. They are going to lead out with some very cool product innovations we’ll release soon.”

Federal Merchants

New Coca-Cola Zero Sugar debuts COCA-COLA ZERO Sugar has arrived in New Zealand and will replace Coca-Cola Zero and CocaCola No Sugar, simplifying the existing range.

Coca-Cola says that the global reformulation of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is the result of years of innovation and aims to create a taste as close as possible to CocaCola Classic.

The new release is supported by a new look packaging design across the entire Coca-Cola range that is being rolled out across all global markets in an evolution of the company’s ‘One Brand’ strategy launched in 2016.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar has already launched in Europe, Latin America, Asia, North America and Australia.

Tracey Evans, Head of Marketing, Coca-Cola New Zealand said: “We know there continues to be a growing appetite for no sugar options, with one in two Coca-Colas purchased in New Zealand containing zero sugar. We believe this new recipe will be popular with our current drinkers, as well as Coca-Cola Classic fans who are looking for a zero-sugar alternative.”

In 2019, Coca-Cola New Zealand made a commitment to reduce sugar throughout its portfolio by 20% by 2025.

CCEP 26 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Goju now in glass FUNCTIONAL JUICE brand Goju has launched a new sustainable glass bottle format.

Founded in 2017 by siblings Tom and Belle Hartles, Goju (‘juice on the go’) offers five flavours of vitamin- and mineral-packed wellness shots in 60ml doses and 500ml multi-dose bottles. It is stocked in a range of supermarkets and cafés around the country.

The company says that the switch from recycled plastic to bespoke glass bottles is timely.

“Glass felt like a natural choice for Goju,” says Belle Hartles, Goju Brand & Marketing Director. “It’s an infinitely recyclable resource without loss in quality or purity and more easily broken down by environmental conditions. Additionally, the new glass bottles better reflect the super clean, premium product it houses, whilst aligning with our future plans for a bottle collection and refillery service.”

Goju

New MYLK from Common Good Coffee COMMON GOOD Coffee has launched a new bean for drinkers of plant-based milk.

New MYLK blend has been designed to pair with any plant-based milk without curdling. Available in 250g, 500g and 1kg bags.

Common Good Coffee

NON-ALCOHOLIC on the rocks?

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Lyre’s award-winning range of non-alcoholic spirits are quietly changing the way the world drinks. How? By giving drinkers the freedom to drink their drink, their way.

Is your venue missing out on the growth from Lyre’s premium non-alcoholic options?

Why not test the waters and unlock the consumer opportunity with an alcohol-free on the rocks? Made possible with Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic Highland Malt.

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WINE REPORT – PINOT NOIR

The pick of Pinots Pinot Noir is the hero red wine of New Zealand, and Joelle Thomson highlights some excellent examples across all price points.

28 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

WINE REPORT – PINOT NOIR

RRP $20 – $29.99

2018 Mansion House Bay Pinot Noir

2020 Luna Estate Pinot Noir

RRP $25.99 Whitehaven Wines

RRP $23.99 EuroVintage

This ripe, red fruit-scented Pinot Noir comes from the excellent 2020 vintage: a warm, dry year in which grapes were in immaculate condition. That, coupled with strong winds in spring that reduced the number of grapes, has resulted in a wine with beautiful structure and earthy depth of flavour. It offers superlative value under $25. 17.5/20

This earthy four-year-old Pinot Noir is hitting its sweet spot in taste with its medium body and soft style, aligned with floral and cherry aromas and supported by spicy notes on the finish. Delicious drinking now. It is named for Mansion House Bay on Kawau Island, north of Auckland, the home of New Zealand’s first Governor General, Sir George Grey.

17.5/20

2020 The King’s Wrath Pinot Noir RRP $28.99 Marisco

Hand-harvested grapes grown on the hills of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys were given a portion of whole bunch fermentation to add aromatic lift to their dark black cherry and spice flavours. Aged in French oak, 50 per cent new, for 11 months, this wine’s impressive structure and succulent fruity characters suggest it could age for up to 10 years. 17.5/20

2020 Te Herā Pinot Noir RRP $23.99 SANZ Global

Dark, smooth and delicious with structure and depth, evoking flavours of ripe black cherries and subtle fresh spice.

This Pinot Noir overdelivers thanks to Martinborough winemaker John Douglas, who was one of the first three to establish a vineyard in the sweepingly beautiful Te Muna Valley, a slightly cooler area and now home to many top Pinots, just south east of Martinborough village. 17.5/20

2020 Martinborough Vineyards Te Tera Pinot Noir is an outstanding wine with aromas of black cherries, ripe plums, earthy savoury notes and gentle spicy complexity.

2019 Leefield Station Pinot Noir RRP $27.99 Marisco

Hand-picked grapes and a portion of whole clusters went into this deliciously smooth Marlborough Pinot Noir, with its wild berry and plum flavours. Notes of spice, cedar, smoky oak and cardamom add complexity to the rich, ripe fruit flavours in the glass. Lively and refreshing.

16.5/20

2020 Martinborough Vineyards Te Tera Pinot Noir RRP $28.99 Lion

This wine is a beautiful expression of a top winery’s second tier: every sip shows why Martinborough is the first region in New Zealand to show the huge potential for the country’s hero red grape. It’s an outstanding Pinot Noir with aromas of black cherries, ripe dark-fleshed plums, earthy savoury notes and gentle spicy complexity. 18.5/20

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 29

WINE REPORT – PINOT NOIR

2020 Mission Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

RRP $30 - $39.99

2017 Astrolabe Marlborough Pinot Noir

RRP $29 Mission Estate

2021 Huntress Kuratea Pinot Noir

RRP $35 Astrolabe

Cable Station Vineyard in the Awatere Valley, south of Blenheim, is home to the beautifully structured Pinot Noir grapes that went into this full-bodied wine. It’s a new addition to the Mission Estate range and has flavours of baking spice and notes of cedar, which will integrate over time, leading into a mellow, complex Pinot.

It drinks beautifully now and will age for five or six years. 17.5/20 2020 Clearview Martinborough Pinot Noir RRP $29.99 Clearview Estate

Clearview Estate has always put its best foot forward when it comes to diversity and here is another string to its wine bow: a Martinborough Pinot Noir made from grapes grown on Lake Ferry Road, south of the village. This wine includes 40% whole bunch fermentation and all grapes were fermented with wild yeasts, which enhances the red cherry flavours and aromas of summer berries. A light touch of oak adds structure and smoothness.

17.5/20

RRP $32.99 Huntress Wines

Wairarapa winemaker Jannine Rickards builds on her passion for savoury reds in this new wine. It’s all about dried cranberries, dried strawberries and fresh herbs, with smooth tannins making this wine a friendly style to enjoy lightly chilled. ‘Kuratea’ translates from Māori as ‘light red’, which captures the style of this wine beautifully. 17.5/20 2019 Whitehaven Pinot Noir RRP $34.99 Whitehaven Wines

I love this wine, with its gentle, fresh summer berry flavours that remind me of standing in the sun, eating freshly picked raspberries – only this tastes drier and far more satisfying, thanks to the light smoky aromas and refreshing zingy finish.

18.5/20

Wairarapa winemaker Jannine Rickards builds on her passion for savoury reds in the new 2021 Huntress Kuratea Pinot Noir.

30 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Deep, dark, earthy aromas lead into a plush, silky texture in this wine, which is a blend of grapes grown on vineyards in the Brancott, Waihopai and Awatere Valleys with a smidgeon from the coastal vineyard at Kēkerengū, south of Blenheim. Wild yeast fermentation and the inclusion of some whole bunches adds structure and fruit fragrance to this lovely wine. 18.5/20 2020 Big Sky Pinot Noir RRP $35.99 Big Sky Wines

Winemakers Katherine Jacobs and Jeremy Corban are situated at the end of Te Muna Valley, nine kilometres east of Martinborough village, and they make small volumes of exceptionally good quality Pinot Noir. Earthy aromas and bold dark fruit flavours characterise their beautifully balanced, medium-bodied, dry and refreshing Pinot Noirs. This is a great wine from a fab vintage in a vastly underrated wine region. 18.5/20 2019 Giesen Organic Marlborough Pinot Noir RRP $39.99 Giesen Group

Certified organic with BioGro New Zealand, this wine captures red fruit such as cherries and redcurrants beautifully, underpinned by cedary notes from 12 months ageing in French oak; 300 litre barrels, in this case. A lovely organic Pinot.

17.5/20

WINE REPORT – PINOT NOIR

RRP $40 - $49.99 2017 Nautilus Southern Valleys Pinot Noir RRP $41.99 Negociants

Hand-harvested grapes and two decades of winemaking experience from Clive Jones go into this beautifully ripe, silky smooth, velvet-textured Pinot Noir. It’s a must try for Pinot lovers and all who enjoy top tier red wines. It has depth, dark cherries, mocha, ripe plum aromas and a silky smooth finish. 19/20 2019 Chard Farm Finla Mor Pinot Noir RRP $41.99 Chard Farm

This is a silky Pinot Noir from Chard Farm vineyards in Lowburn and Parkburn, where the soils are a mixture of alluvial schist. All the grapes were hand-picked and fermented in small lots, which results in a flavoursome Pinot Noir with dark ripe cherry and black plum notes coupled with spicy intensity and a lingering, memorable finish. 18.5/20

2018 Mondillo Pinot Noir RRP $42.99 Mondillo

This lovely red-fruited expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir comes from Bendigo, one of the warmest, windiest and driest corners of the deep south. The wine was aged in French oak, 25% new, for 10 months, which adds smoothness to its youthful, spicy style. Mondillo Wines was founded by Dom and Ally Mondillo, who were the first to plant grapes in Bendigo. 18.5/20 2019 Black Quail Pinot Noir RRP $42.99 Black Quail Estate

Winemaker Jen Parr makes this beautifully balanced, light-footed expression of Central Otago Pinot Noir from handpicked grapes grown on the Black Quail vineyard in Bannockburn. The addition of 30% whole bunches in the ferment adds structure and weight, spicy flavour notes and depth. This wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered. 18.5/20 2021 Rockburn Pinot Noir RRP $43.99 Hancocks

Dark caramel and spice provide instant appeal in this powerful southern Pinot Noir. Its full-bodied dry flavours and dark black cherry character add a rich intensity, which marries beautifully with pronounced tannins, all of which suggest a long life ahead for this new release from Rockburn in Central Otago. 18.5/20

2017 Porters Estate Martinborough Pinot Noir RRP $44.99 Porters Pinot

A wine of beauty from lawyer-turnedwinemaker John Porter, who produces small volumes of Pinot Noir entirely from his own estate-grown grapes in Martinborough. This wine has a classic Martinborough hallmark of earthy depth and a highly structured backbone, both features of the arid, windy climate in this region, which brings out the best in Pinot Noir. Even at five years old this wine tastes fresh and its delicate red fruit aromas and bright acidity suggest it has further to go. 17.5/20 2020 Nga Waka Lease Block Pinot Noir RRP $44.99 Hancocks

One of Martinborough’s top Pinot Noirs from one of the region’s smallest vineyards. This wine is earthy, structured and savoury with dark cherry aromas and beautiful integration of oak; the wine was aged for 20 months in French oak, 33% new, which softens its taut structure. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered, so may have a little sediment when poured.

It is vegan-friendly and drinks well now, but has the potential to age for at least 10 years. 19/20

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 31

WINE REPORT – PINOT NOIR

2019 Saint Clair Omaka Reserve Pinot Noir

2019 Mount Edward Central Otago Pinot Noir

RRP $45.99 Negociants

RRP $47.99 Mineral

Omaka Reserve Pinot Noir is one of Marlborough’s hidden gems. It is a powerfully structured Pinot Noir with seductively fleshy flavours of dark fruit held in check by a judicious 11 months maturation in French oak, 25 per cent new and the remainder being older seasoned 225 litre oak barriques. It drinks well now and will evolve beautifully for another four to five years. 19/20

Lush, savoury and certified organic with BioGro New Zealand, Mount Edward Pinot Noir is a blend from grapes grown in the Gibbston Valley and further afield in Central Otago. Wild yeast fermentation accentuates the earthy, savoury flavour notes and there’s a hint of sweet spice.

This is consistently in my Top 10 Otago Pinot Noirs. 18.5/20

2019 Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Pinot Noir

RRP $48.99 Doctors Flat

RRP $46.99 Negociants

Pyramid Valley Pinot Noir is a powerful, dark and full-bodied dry expression of Pinot from Waikari in north Canterbury.

Pyramid Valley was founded by the late Mike Weersing, whose insights and dedication to organic winemaking gave impetus to the industry to pursue grapegrowing with integrity. This winery is having a new lease of life and this wine is one of the high quality results: a blend of grapes grown at the home vineyard in Waikari and from further afield in the region. It is a full-bodied, dry and savoury expression of Pinot Noir. 18.5/20

32 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

2018 Doctors Flat Pinot Noir A big, dark and juicy Pinot Noir from a small vineyard on a hillside in Bannockburn, Central Otago. The winemaker and grape grower is Steve Davies, whose vineyard is devoted entirely to Pinot Noir (although rumour has it he is planting some Chardonnay, so watch this space). Flavours here run the spectrum of red and black cherries to smoked mushrooms, with spicy hints on the lingering, smooth finish. All grapes were hand-picked with 22% whole bunch fermentation and all fermented with wild yeasts in small tanks. This is consistently one of Otago’s best. 18.5/20

Pyramid Valley Pinot Noir is a powerful, dark and full-bodied dry expression of Pinot from Waikari in north Canterbury.

2018 Dog Point Vineyard Pinot Noir RRP $48.99 Red + White Cellars

Spicy, smooth and complex, Dog Point Pinot Noir is a dry, medium-bodied, intensely red fruited red wine. It’s made with wild yeast fermentation in stainless steel and was aged for 18 months in French oak, 30% new. It is also certified organic with BioGro NZ. 18.5/20

RRP $50 and above 2018 Giesen Clayvin Pinot Noir RRP $56.99 Giesen Group

Clayvin is one of the great Pinot Noirs made in Marlborough and from the region’s first hillside vineyard, planted

by Mike Eaton in the 1990s. It is now owned by Giesen and certified organic with BioGro New Zealand. The wine’s flavours and structure are suggestive of red cherries, a full body, duck confit and a long life ahead. 18.5/20

WINE REPORT – PINOT NOIR

2019 Pegasus Bay Pinot Noir RRP $56.99 EuroVintage

Four shades of Pinot Noir

Pegasus Bay winemaker Mat Donaldson and his team made this exceptional Pinot Noir, which expresses both vineyard and climate of North Canterbury in a highly structured, relatively tannic Pinot. Its silky mid-palate and dark fruit flavours are captured in a wine with great backbone, counterbalanced by beautiful, refreshing acidity. This drinks well now and will evolve for at least a decade.

19/20

VALLI WINES was founded by Central Otago winemaker Grant Taylor in 1998 and has since become one of the most collectable Pinot Noir brands in New Zealand, with four distinctly different Pinots made every year from four key sub regions in Central Otago.

2019 Palliser Estate Pinot Noir RRP $57.99 Negociants

A great Pinot Noir from Martinborough.

All the grapes in this wine were handharvested and it is all about a full body, smooth soft mid-palate and spicy complex flavours on the finish. Savoury is the name of the game here and this is a wine that will reward cellaring or matching with gamey dishes. 18/20

2019 Valli Bannockburn Pinot Noir RRP $69.99 Valli

2019 Valli Gibbston Pinot Noir RRP $69.99 Valli

This wine is made with grapes grown on the Hall Vineyard, planted in 2000 in Bannockburn, at 350 metres above sea level. The wine is full-bodied with dark, ripe cherry flavours, packed with spicy complex aromas and has a dry, firm finish. Drinks well now and can age for at least another five years.

18.5/20

Valli Gibbston Pinot Noir is made with grapes grown on the Gibbston Highway, which were planted between 1999 and 2000 at between 343 and 351 metres above sea level.

This Pinot Noir has elegance to burn, with dried thyme aromas and a medium body balanced by firm acidity that adds tension and interest. Love this style and it ages beautifully. 19/20

2019 Valli Bendigo Pinot Noir

2019 Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir

RRP $69.99 Valli

RRP $69.99 Valli

Valli Bendigo Pinot Noir is made from grapes grown on the Chinaman’s Terrace Vineyard in Bendigo. This elevated vineyard was planted in 2005 between 314 metres and 374 metres above sea level with five different Pinot Noir clones. It’s a full-bodied, dry Pinot with enormous depth of flavour and a smooth mid-palate with notes of black cherries, cardamom and oaky nuances on the long finish.

18.5/20

Valli Waitaki Pinot Noir is made with grapes grown on Grant’s Road in the Waitaki Valley, a maritime-influenced climate planted between 2004 and 2005 at 200 metres above sea level on limestone-based soils. This is the lightest of the Valli Pinots in terms of colour and body, but it packs a powerful punch in flavour with bright, complex fruit notes of red cherries, cranberries and dried strawberries. It’s silky and every sip lingers. Stunning now and will age well. 18.5/20

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 33

WINE REPORT – PINOT NOIR

2019 Astrolabe Wrekin Pinot Noir

2019 Mount Edward Morrison Vineyard Pinot Noir

RRP $65 Astrolabe

Hand-picked grapes and wild yeast fermentation add intensity and savoury depth to this single vineyard wine from the great hillside Wrekin Vineyard.

Winemaker Simon Waghorn has captured depth and intensity in this savoury, spicy Pinot Noir, which will reward cellaring for at least five to six years. 18.5/20

RRP $74.99 Mineral

This is a special single vineyard wine made from the Morrison Vineyard in Central Otago. Winemaker Duncan Forsyth describes Morrison Vineyard Pinot Noir as “a total sleeper” – this is a taut wine that delivers concentration and power, which belies the initial impression. 19/20

2020 Felton Road Bannockburn Pinot Noir

2020 Felton Road Calvert Pinot Noir

RRP $66.99 Felton Road

RRP $81.99 Felton Road

Beautiful Central Otago Pinot Noir with red fruit and powerful structure from biodynamically farmed grapes. This is an intensely flavoursome expression of Pinot Noir for drinking now and well into the future; suitable for cellaring for 10+ years. 18.5/20

A silky, elegant, structured and commanding wine that drinks well now and can age for the medium- to long-term. Calvert is a biodynamically farmed vineyard in Central Otago, which is situated below the hills of the Bannockburn gold sluicings and makes wines of great fruit purity every year.

18.5/20

Kupe is the king of Pinot Noirs from Escarpment Vineyard and is made from a tiny portion of the home block at the winery on Te Muna Road in Martinborough.

2018 Escarpment Kupe Pinot Noir RRP $117.99 Vintners

Kupe is the king of Pinot Noirs from Escarpment Vineyard and is made from a tiny portion of the home block at the winery on Te Muna Road in Martinborough. It’s characterised by a silky mouthfeel and spicy complexity with enormous depth of red fruit flavours, fresh acidity and great length. This is a wine for the long haul; it drinks beautifully now and will be even better in five years or, better still, 10 years. 19/20 2019 Coal Pit The Leo RRP $140 Coal Pit Wine

Winemaker Anika Willner has made an impressive Pinot Noir in this top notch wine from Coal Pit, a small vineyard and winery in the Gibbston Valley, Central Otago. It’s named after Leo, one of the grandsons of winery owner Rosie Dunphy. This is a superlative new Pinot Noir from Central Otago and is a surprisingly approachable red for drinking now, but most definitely has a decade’s worth of ageing up its sleeve. A keeper.

19/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 92.

34 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

WINE – NEW RELEASES

Five fabulous winter wines Joelle Thomson picks the best of the new releases – from light whites to deep rewarding reds.

2021 Main Divide North Canterbury Chardonnay

2020 Soho Carter Waiheke Chardonnay

2019 Astrolabe Marlborough Chardonnay

RRP $21.99 EuroVintage

RRP $49 Soho Wines

RRP $28 Astrolabe

This full-bodied, flavoursome and rich Chardonnay is made by the Pegasus Bay winemaking team using 100% North Canterbury grapes; a cool climate in a hot part of the wine world. The warm days and cool nights in this region provide ripe fruit flavours balanced by a great tension of acidity, which adds depth of flavour to every succulent, citrusy and creamy smooth sip. It is one of the best Chardonnays in the country and offers superlative value for money. 17.5/20

Superbly smooth, textured Waiheke Island Chardonnay with flavours of caramelised lemon, butterscotch and coconut in a full-bodied, soft and complex wine. This is an excellent Chardonnay on its own as its flavours are rich but balanced, almost making it a meal in its own right. It’s also a great match with fresh fish, thanks to its pronounced and delicious citrus flavours.

The grapes come from the Carter family’s Jomara Vineyard at Onetangi on Waiheke.

18.5/20

This beautiful Marlborough Chardonnay gets a gold medal ranking from me. It has drive and zesty citrus flavours of lemon zest and lemon juice tempered by great succulence, ripe and rounded stonefruit notes and a creamy textural body.

18.5/20

2019 Mount Edward Riesling RRP $24.99 Mineral

Dry, delicious and certified organic for the first time, thanks to Riesling devotee Duncan Forsyth, winemaker and general manager of Mount Edward wines in Central Otago. Grapes came from Lowburn and Pisa, two great sub regions in Central. They were whole bunch pressed followed by fermentation in a mix of stainless steel barrels and stainless tanks with wild yeasts and without temperature control, then aged on lees for three months. Flavours run the gamut of lemons, limes, and grapefruit underpinned by refreshing acidity. 18.5/20

2020 Soho Carter Waiheke Chardonnay is superbly smooth, fullbodied, soft and complex.

2020 Gil Family Honoro Vera Organic Monastrell RRP $21.99 Great Little Vineyards

Mocha and dark chocolate flavours are at the heart of this deeply rich Monastrell from Spain. It is made from organically certified grapes grown on limestone soils and farmed without irrigation in a region with low rainfall, which accentuates depth of flavour and ripe, dark fruit appeal.

Organic and vegan certified. 17.5/20

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 92.

36 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

AVAILABLE NOW

OPINION – WINE

Joelle Thomson

Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

End of an era at Escarpment Winemaker Larry McKenna may have resigned from one of the country’s great Pinot Noir wineries, but he’s not walking away from wine just yet, says Joelle Thomson THE PRINCE of Pinot has retired, ending an era for both Martinborough and for New Zealand’s hero red grape variety, Pinot Noir.

Larry McKenna has spent the past 37 years forging a reputation as one of New Zealand’s greatest Pinot Noir winemakers. His first pivotal career move was to Martinborough Vineyards where he became winemaker and a 20% shareholder in 1995-1996, creating wines that were distinctly different to others in this fledgling region’s early wine days.

Whole bunch fermentation, wild yeast ferments and skin maceration were all techniques that he learnt in Burgundy, the traditional home of Pinot Noir, but which he refined over many controversial years of introducing them to the small world of Kiwi Pinot Noir in its early days. From the start, he made wines that were distinctly different, inspired by the ground-breaking Canterbury Pinot Noirs from Danny Schuster’s early days at St Helena. The pair have always resonated when it comes to wine and food, which makes sense when comparing and contrasting Pinot Noirs from these two regions in New Zealand.

They are the two most similar regions in terms of climate and the styles of wine produced in each place.

And yet, for all the generosity in taste, tannins and tautness in the Pinot Noirs that McKenna has made over the years in Martinborough, the local village was pretty barren when he first arrived.

Two takeaways and two pubs were all equally unappealing, but the region’s dry, drought-ridden climate, hot summers 38 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

and cold winters all reminded him of his home in South Australia. “Both are slightly different, but have the classic climatic features of great wine regions,” says McKenna.

It helped that the founders of Martinborough Vineyards, the Milne brothers, offered him a role as a shareholder as well as winemaker when they invited him to join them in their early days.

“They were Derek, a soil scientist with the DSIR, and his younger brother Duncan, who was a dynamic person and ran the business,” recalls McKenna. “Both were strongly influenced by St Helena and Danny Schuster in Canterbury and I would credit Derek as the one who recognised that the Martinborough district could be good for Pinot Noir.”

He says that they all wanted Pinot Noir to be their hero grape variety, so it was given “every priority and was highly successful from the start”.

McKenna resigned from Martinborough Vineyards in 1999 to found Escarpment Vineyard, nine kilometres east of Martinborough village.

Twenty years later he sold it to Torbreck

in South Australia, because his partners at Escarpment needed their funds back.

It can’t have been easy, but McKenna remained circumspect and stayed on as general manager to oversee the construction of a new winery.

Funnily enough, Larry McKenna had never planned to stay in New Zealand for more than a year when he first emigrated in 1980, in pursuit of his Kiwi partner and, at the time, his wife-to-be, Sue. “I was offered a job at Delegat’s by John Hancock (fellow winemaker and old school friend) so I thought I’d stay a year then drag her back home to Australia, but I’ve never looked back.”

Would New Zealand Pinot Noir have come so far in so short a time if he had gone back? I doubt very much that it would have. I recall a trip in 1994, my first year of wine writing, to a remote rural homestead in the Wairarapa for a taste-off of the region’s top three Pinot Noirs: Ata Rangi, Dry River and Martinborough Vineyards.

No prizes for guessing that the outlier and by far the most delicate expression of this tricky, thin-skinned grape variety was made by Larry McKenna at Martinborough Vineyards.

It could have been a vintage thing, or it could simply have been that he was on to something special. And, yes, all three Pinot Noirs broke new ground for what has become this country’s great red wine.

So while it is farewell to Larry McKenna at Escarpment, it should be noted that he is not retiring from wine.

Watch this space.

0% CHANCE OF MISSING OUT DURING JULY. 0%* alcohol. 100% flavour.

*Contains not more than 0.5% Alcohol/Volume.

WINE NEWS

NZ claims two top Trophies at IWC 2022 AFTER MISSING out for the past two years, New Zealand has reclaimed the International Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at the International Wine Challenge (IWC) 2022 and won the International Chardonnay Trophy for the very first time.

Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2021 scooped the top Sauvignon Blanc prize, while Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2020 from Hawke’s Bay producer Trinity Hill Wines took out the International Chardonnay Trophy in a category that has traditionally been dominated by French wines.

The IWC is regarded as the world’s most influential, impartial and rigorously judged wine competition. This year’s event drew thousands of entries from more than 50 countries, judged by an international panel of wine experts in a series of rigorous blind tastings held in London in April.

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc shone in this year’s Challenge, winning three of the five Gold Medals that went to wines made from this grape variety.

“In this year’s results, more than 20 countries were recognised for their Sauvignon Blanc wines and so competition for this trophy is becoming increasingly

Hans Herzog Estate introduces Blaufränkisch WINEMAKER HANS Herzog has released New Zealand’s first Blaufränkisch wine.

Blaufränkisch is an Austrian grape variety, also known as ‘Lemberger’ in Germany and the US. The 2019 Hans Herzog Estate Blaufränkisch is made from a deliberately tiny yield of 800g per vine for a natural concentration. In a statement announcing the wine’s release, the winery said it was the: “culmination of many years of dedicated and painstaking work in vineyard together with a never-ending passion and perseverance.”

The certified organic single vineyard wine is described as “Highly refined… elegant and ethereal with smooth, soft tannins and savoury acidity, beautifully balanced.

Untamed with long skin contact for intricacy and texture, natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts in French barriques, no fining, no filtration. Matured on its fine lees for 18 months in barrel and 18 months in bottle for a hand-crafted wine, very much in the mould of a fine red Burgundy with an impressive and persistent finish.”

Hans Herzog Estate

40 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

stiff. New Zealand winemakers will be particularly pleased with the results this year, having lost out to Austria last year and South Africa the year before,” said IWC Co-chair Tim Atkin MW. See the full list of medal and trophy winners at internationalwinechallenge.com

Two new additions to 19 Crimes range 19 CRIMES’ partnership with musician Snoop Dogg is expanding with the release of two new wines in the collaborative range: a Cali Red and Cali Rosé.

The Cali Red is a blend of Californian-grown fruit, predominantly Petit Syrah with other varietals such as Tannat, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s described as “full and dense” with dark toasted oak character.

The Cali Rosé is a limited release and described as “fruit-forward, with notes of fresh raspberry, strawberry and red cherry”.

19 Crimes Cali Red and Cali Rosé are available now.

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WINE NEWS

NZ International Wine Show set for October 2022 ORGANISERS OF New Zealand’s largest wine competition, the NZ International Wine Show, have confirmed that they will hold judging of the 2022 event in October.

The 2021 event was only completed in February this year due to several COVID-related delays, but after discussions with several judges, the support team and industry contacts, the decision has been made to hold another New Zealand International Wine Show in 2022.

Wine Show convenor Kingsley Wood says they’re excited by the decision. “We have been very pleasantly surprised with the response from our judging team as it will be two rounds of the NZ International Wine Show within nine months and many of our group are also involved with the only other major wine competition, the New World Wine Awards.”

He says just a few of the 25-strong judging team for NZIWS will be unavailable in October and so they are now approaching other experienced judges to take part.

The New Zealand International Wine Show 2022 judging dates will be 10-12 October in Auckland with a date for the Trophy Awards event yet to be confirmed. nziws.co.nz

Stoneleigh to donate $500k to biodiversity NEW ZEALAND wine brand Stoneleigh is donating $500,000 to biodiversity projects in a new campaign entitled ‘Nature, This One’s On Us’, which builds on biodiversity projects at Stoneleigh’s own vineyards.

With every purchase of Stoneleigh wine until 31 December 2022, consumers will scan a QR code and get a ‘Stoneleigh Coin’ which they can use to allocate a portion of the funds towards their pick of one of three charities: The Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust, Conservation Volunteers New Zealand or The Native Forest Restoration Trust. Each ‘Stoneleigh Coin’ is counted as a vote and the charities will receive a monetary donation based on the percentage of coins per charity in each market.

“We believe getting back to nature means giving back to nature,” explains Stoneleigh’s Chief Winemaker, Jamie Marfell. “Every act counts, whether we’re planting seeds or building an entire wetland ecosystem.

At the end of the day what’s good for nature, is good for us.” stoneleigh.com/naturethisonesonus

SHOWCASE

The rise of alcohol-free products AS A result of the pandemic, consumers are more aware of their health and wellbeing than ever before, resulting in the rise in popularity of no- and lowalcohol beverages.

The health and wellbeing trend seen globally, particularly amongst young adults, is influencing demand locally in New Zealand too. Consumer research shows nearly 40% of no/low consumers are “substitutors*” (replacing an alcoholic drink with a no- or low-alcohol alternative), with Gen Z and Millennials (46% and 41% respectively) more likely to substitute than Boomers (36%).

A shift to moderation and better

42 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

drinking decisions can also be attributed to the quality and range of no- and low-alcohol options available now, as innovation in production methods for de-alcoholising ensure there is no compromise on flavour for the discerning palate.

In New Zealand, the total Alcohol-Free segment is growing massively and is the fastest growing segment +59.9% MAT**.

New Zealand grocery retailer Foodstuffs North Island sold as much 0% wine in the first six months of 2021 as it did in all of 2020. Not surprising then that the New World Wine Awards now have a 0% Wine judging class as well.

Consumers can still enjoy the social aspect of a mid-week wine with friends thanks to the range of high quality zeroalcohol options available.

EuroVintage offers several options in this category: • McGuigan Zero – a zero-alcohol wine range offering Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Shiraz, Rosé.

• Veuve du Vernay Zero Alcohol Sparkling – the zero-alcohol choice for celebrations.

• Coopers Birell Ultra Light 0.5% beer Distributed by EuroVintage

*IWSR No-and-Low-Alcohol Strategic Study 2022 **IRI Market Data MAT 01.05.22 Grocery Retailer 1

92/100 Cameron Douglas MS

Distributed by Vintners NZ Ltd.

WINE NEWS

Invivo and SJP announce Sevenly range INVIVO HAS launched a new range of lower alcohol and lighter calorie wines in collaboration with long-time business partner Sarah Jessica Parker. The new Sevenly range features a Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, Red Blend and Sparkling all at 7% ABV and under 100 calories per glass.

Sevenly launched in Australia across 900 Coles Liquor Group stores in April, distributed in partnership with Australian Vintage (AVL), and will launch in New Zealand in September, as well as in the US, UK, Ireland and Europe later in 2022.

Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron worked on Sevenly with an experienced team of Australianbased no/low alcohol winemakers, using spinning cone technology to remove some of the alcohol at a low temperature, while extracting flavors and aromas naturally to produce wines that sit at 7% alcohol without the need for added sugar. Sevenly is also produced at a winery that sources 100% of its energy from solar and wind power.

SHOWCASE

Affordable quality from The Empire of Grenache BODEGAS BORSAO is in the area often described as Spain’s “Empire of Garnacha (Grenache)” – the Campo de Borja – which is directly below the more well-known wine regions of Rioja and Navarra.

Campo de Borja excels in Grenache and offers a wonderful and competitive alternative to the wines of the same grape from the Rhône Valley. Since its founding in the 1950s, Bodegas Borsao has carved out an enviable reputation of producing very good quality wines at very affordable prices, including some of the best Grenache in the world.

Wines from this highly regarded Spanish producer are now available in New Zealand through Vintners NZ. Born out of community

Borsao was formed in the 1950s during a time of economic hardship in Spain, when struggling winemakers in the region decided to come together to form a Cooperative. Working together, they grew Grenache for wines that are now

44 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Winemaker José Luis Checa at Bodegas Borsao

widely recognised as being both of high quality and readily affordable.

The importance of these origins in community has not been lost on those at Borsao today, who ensure they give back to the region by supporting care for the elderly, as well as helping those recovering from addiction through the Proyecto Hombre project.

A history of quality

It is no wonder that the people of Boarso produce a truly incredible Grenache.

The wines of Borsao descend from the

Cistercian monks, of the monastery of Veruela, where written accounts of winemaking using Grenache date back to 1203 AD. Esteemed wine writer Robert Parker has described Bodegas Borsao as his: “Favourite value winery not only in Spain, but in the world.” (Wine Advocate #226).

Bodegas Borsao wines are distributed in New Zealand by Vintners New Zealand 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

BEER & CIDER REPORT

From zero percenters for Dry July to hefty Porter-style brews to savour – fill the fridge ready for the colder months ahead…

46 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Note: Beers are listed in order of % ABV. Isbjørn Lite Free 0% 0% ABV, 330ml RRP $2.99 and 6-pack RRP $15 Q Liquid

For those wanting to avoid gluten and alcohol, Norwegian brewers Mack have the perfect beer: their Lite Free is glutenlight and alcohol-free. It’s a clear, mild pilsner with a grain nose and a hint of malt on the palate.

Isbjørn Lite Free Blodappelsin 0% 0% ABV, 330ml RRP $2.99 and 6-pack RRP $15 Q Liquid

This is the blood orange version of Mack’s gluten-light and alcohol-free beer. The flavour calls to mind orange pez lollies. A real Norwegian curio from the northernmost brewery in the world.

Loving the orange polar bear on the white can.

Utenos Radler Mango 0%

Bach Brewing All Day NonAlcoholic Hazy IPA <0.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99 Bach Brewing

Following the success of Bach Brewing’s first non-alcoholic beer (which just won Gold and the Trophy for Best Non-Alcoholic Beer at AIBA 2022), the Auckland brewery has now released it in a Hazy IPA style. It has all the aroma of a proper Hazy IPA – with mango, berry, stonefruit and grape – and all the heft and juicy mouthfeel of a ‘bigger’ beer too.

Utenos Radler Raspberry 2% ABV, 500ml RRP $2.99 Q Liquid

Sweet and bright pink, Utenos Radler Raspberry is a Shirley Temple with a very slight 2% kick. Lovers of raspberry and lemonade will enjoy this Lithuanian drop.

0% ABV, 500ml RRP $2.50 Q Liquid

Utenos Radler Lemon

From Lithuania, this zero percent mangoflavoured beer is a fascinating addition to the no-alc space. Utenos’ Mango Radler arrives in a massive orange half-litre can and looks like beer when you pour it, but has more of a juice flavour profile with plenty of fizz. It’s really delicious.

Recommended.

Utenos’ low and no-alcohol range comes back to classic Radler territory with this lemon version. A clear and crisp drop, the lemon is front and centre and gives the whole experience the vibe of a very drinkable bitter lemonade.

2% ABV, 500ml RRP $2.99 Q Liquid

Kiwi Lager 4% ABV, 330ml 15-pack RRP $19.99 DB

What is this? 1987? Kiwi Lager is back with the same old-school logo on the can and a good old-fashioned 4% lager inside.

DB admits they dusted off the old classic on a whim: “We think our great nation’s signature beer, Kiwi Lager, will be equally at home amongst the modern fashionmullets sported by the latest generation of nostalgia-core beer drinkers, as well as in the cherished man-cave-dwellings of those old enough to remember Kiwi Lager the first time around.”

Tiger Crystal Ultra Low Carb 4.2% ABV, 330ml 12-pack RRP $24.99 DB

Tiger has a low-carb offering here that really stacks up against the original. Still clear, crisp and highly drinkable, the Crystal Ultra is filtered at ultra-low temperatures ensuring smoothness. And at 70% less carbs than the original, it’s better for the waistline as well. A great addition to the growing low-carb category.

Emporium Total Eclipse 4.6% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 - also in keg Emporium Brewing

An easy drinking single-hopped pale ale with a beautiful orange luminosity. It’s brewed with Australian hop Eclipse, which brings mandarin and citrus peel character.

Emporium’s ale is sharp, crisp and clean with really bright citrus hop flavours and good balance. A sessionable pale ale for all seasons. Recommended.

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 47

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Mount Brewing Co. Golden Hour Hazy XPA 4.7% ABV, 330ml RRP $3.99, 6-pack $21.99 Mount Brewing Co.

A dry, tropical and juicy Xtra Pale Ale that placed in the Top 30 of this year’s New World Beer and Cider Awards. It’s full of Idaho-7, Sabro and Nectaron hops, with a massive boil-free, double dry-hop addition delivering exceptional drinkability with a satisfying and hoppy finish.

Badass’s Disko Inferno is a Schwarzbier in the classic German style and a very slick addition to the fridge with its big black can and golden disco ball.

Emporium Baggy Trousers

Monteith’s West Coastin’ Hazy IPA

5% ABV 440ml 4-pack RRP $29.99 Garage Project

5.5% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 - also in keg Emporium Brewing

5.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $15.99 DB

Garage Project's much-loved Irish style stout in a nitro can returns in a 4-pack for winter. Just give each can a couple of shakes, crack the lid and pour vigorously into a glass to form a creamy head atop a silky smooth, pitch black stout.

A golden, hazy APA with that familiar Emporium balance. Made with Citra and Motueka hops and Voss yeast, making for a very citrus-forward hazy with slight tropical notes and a touch of hop astringency at the end – all nicely bound with a soft haze.

Monteith’s foray into the hazy world begins on the West Coast with a tropical IPA full of flavour and drinkability. Mosaic, Galaxy and Wai-iti hops combine for juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes while the restrained haze takes the edge off and rounds out the flavour profile nicely.

A very relaxed beer that will bed in over winter and really come into its own as the months get warmer.

Garage Project Snug

Monteith’s Gold Dust Hazy Pale Ale 5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $15.99 DB

Gold Dust Hazy Pale Ale is another nod to Monteith’s West Coast roots. Golden and flecked with haze in the glass, its fruit flavours are restrained, giving it wide appeal. A bit of citrus at the end provides a clean finish that keeps you going back for more.

Badass Beverages Disko Inferno 5.4% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Badass Beverages

Here’s one to get the party started on a dark winter’s night. Badass’s Disko Inferno is a Schwarzbier in the classic German style. Pouring deep black, it has subtle chocolate notes and clean, crisp hops at the end. Very drinkable and a very slick addition to the fridge with its big black can and golden disco ball.

48 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

Good George Toasted Marshmallow Stout 5.5% ABV, 946ml RRP $15.99 Good George

Who needs to toast marshmallows over a fire when you can just drink them in a beer? Good George’s Toasted Marshmallow Stout is exactly what it says on the label. The stout pours dark in the glass but the flavour is all about the powdered sugar and sweetness of the campfire classics. The only thing missing is the chocolate biscuit you’d normally smoosh it into. A winter winner.

Bach Brewing Ocean Pacific Hazy IPA 5.8% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $24.99 Bach Brewing

This is Bach Brewing’s latest Hazy IPA release to help quench the never-ending thirst for haze. In a tribute to the mighty Pacific Ocean, this Hazy is loaded with hops from both sides of the Pacific.

Bursting with tropical fruit and citrus characters, it’s got the right balance of complexity for big mouth flavour and drinkability.

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Garage Project Mecha-Hop Singularity – Mosaic

Boneface Saint Peter’s Thursday Cold IPA

6% ABV 330ml RRP $5.50 Garage Project

6.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Boneface Brewing

Hop lovers gather: this mechanised single hop pale ale is part of Garage Project's Mecha-Hop Singularity series. Each unit in the series is equipped with every possible preparation of a single variety of H. lupulus (in this case, Mosaic), using targeted additions of T90 pellet, cryo, extracts and oils, from mash to finished beer. This builds layers of complexity and allows the perfect expression of varietal flavour.

It turns out a Cold IPA has nothing to do with the temperature it’s served at: the Boneface crew explains that they took their house lager yeast (the wee beasties that are referred to as “bottom-fermenting yeast”, whereas ale yeasts are referred to as top-fermenting yeast) and fermented this brew cool, before allowing the temperature to rise naturally before dryhopping. That rise helped them to extract the maximum hoppy goodness from the combo of Nelson Sauvin, Citra and Mosaic dry hop. The resulting beer has aromas of pine needles, lemon zest and passionfruit; a soft clean malt profile on the palate with flavours of bittersweet orange soda and medium-low bitterness.

Sawmill Idaho 7 Hazy IPA 6% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Sawmill Brewery

This new release from Sawmill uses American-grown Idaho 7 hops to bring sticky tropical fruit and tangerine character to this hazy IPA. The Idaho 7 hops are grown at Jackson Farms outside of Boise, Idaho, just near the Oregon border. Released in 2015, they are known for their pine, tropical, fruity and floral flavours and aromas, most notably mango and pink grapefruit.

Epic Citiva IPA uses the new Citiva hop blend from the US, which offers a nod to hops’ first cousin: the cannabis plant.

Sawmill Aotearoa Series #26 Red IPA 6.4% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 Sawmill Brewery

Sawmill’s Aotearoa Series is a celebration of New Zealand, using exclusively New Zealand hops, malts and yeast. Their #26 Red IPA is a rich and hoppy ale with stonefruit and berry aromas from the locally-grown hops.

Epic Citiva IPA 6.420% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Epic

The team at Epic have used the new Citiva hop blend from the US in this IPA, which offers a nod to hops’ first cousin: the cannabis plant. Citiva brings a sweet peachy flavour with a kick of lime. Pub trivia: The ABV of 6.420% is also a sly wink to the cannabis link – the number ‘420’ has long been associated with marijuana and is said to date back to the 1970s when a group of teens in Northern California began smoking at 4.20pm, and the ritual soon spread.

Boneface Gravel Pit Berry Sour 6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Boneface Brewing

The team at Boneface used more than a quarter of a tonne of puréed fruit in this purple wonder of a beer. It’s a delightfully sour mixture of boysenberries, blueberries and raspberries with balanced malt sweetness and an extra flourish of raspberry.

Boneface Mojo Alice – India Pale Kölsch (IPK) 6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Boneface Brewing

Upper Hutt blues-rock ninjas Mojo Alice are the inspiration for this beer. It uses two strains of German ale yeast usually used to make the Kölsch style, which is a light, slightly fruity pale beer, quite similar to German pale lagers but a style originally produced in Cologne/Köln, Germany. The Boneface team took the traditional base malt of the Kölsch and amped up the hops, using German Huell Melon hop, Simcoe and Falconer’s Flight from the US, and Nelson Sauvin hops. It has juicy aromas of orange, pink guava and ripe pear and flavours of tropical fruit, citrus zest and a hint of lemongrass.

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

Inspired by the classic Kiwi Jelly Tip ice cream, Bach Brewing have brewed Velvet Marley with rich roasted malts and layered it with cherries, raspberries, boysenberries, and Peruvian cacao. It’s dessert in a glass.

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 49

BEER & CIDER REPORT

Epic Amarillo Armadillo Hazy IPA 6.7% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99 Epic

A juicy hazy IPA from Epic that makes the US hop Amarillo the star of the show, with its zesty citrus kick and bitter punch.

Fun fact: the armadillo on the can is called Arthur.

Sprig + Fern The G.O.A.T Doppelbock 8% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.49, 888ml RRP $12.49 – also in keg Sprig + Fern

Sprig and Fern’s ‘Greatest of All Time’ Doppelbock pours a rich dark brown, and six malts give this smooth ale a dominant malt aroma and sweetness.

Notes of caramel and biscuit permeate the depths. Serve slightly warmer than fridge temperature to really enjoy the malt flavours.

Boneface Crazy Train Imperial Oaked Scotch Ale

Garage Project Mecha-Hop Singularity Mega Mosaic

9% ABV, 440ml 4-pack RRP $48 Boneface Brewing

9.5% ABV 440ml RRP $14 Garage Project

Hop on this crazy train for a one way ticket to madness – skeleton train drivers and all. Upper Hutt brewers Boneface have come up with a really interesting brew that’s halfway between a whisky and a beer. Their Imperial Oaked Scotch Ale pours a rich mahogany brown and there’s a touch of peat on the nose from manuka- and peat-smoked malts. The flavour profile is a riot of toffee, caramel, smoke, molasses, whisky and oak. And at 9% it’s pretty much on its way to whisky strength as well.

Mecha-Hop just got bigger! Mega Mosaic is a mechanised single hop, hazy double IPA, created using what Garage Project describes as “a massive orbital strike of Mosaic T90 pellet, cryo, extracts and oils, from mash to finished beer”. It has layers of hop complexity, powerful varietal flavour and intense aromatics.

Boneface Fear of the Dark Double India Stout 9.5% ABV, 440ml 4-pack RRP $48 Boneface Brewing

Bach Brewing Widowmaker West Coast Double IPA 8.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99 Bach Brewing

This West Coast Double IPA from Bach Brewing is a real banger. Pouring a golden colour, it’s piney and hoppy on the nose and cushioned on a malt base that exudes caramel notes. Extremely well balanced.

This action-packed stout is a collab between Boneface and Liberty and it’s a big 9.5% ABV Double India Stout. While it pours as dark as any stout and has the roasty chocolate notes you’d expect from the range of New Zealand-produced specialty malts used in the brew, the addition of dry hopping with Citra, Mosaic Cryo, Simcoe and Nectaron gives it counter notes of citrus and tropical fruit.

The result is delicious and highly drinkable.

Liberty Prohibition Porter 12% ABV, 330ml RRP $16.99 Liberty Brewing

Liberty has brought back one of the biggest beers we’ve ever tasted – their 12% bourbon barrel-aged Porter really knocks you back in your seat. Matured in charred oak bourbon barrels, it envelops your tastebuds in chocolatey brown malts before steamrolling them with a heady amalgam of oak and caramel.

The sweetness and booziness recall a rich Christmas pudding soaked in sherry.

Save one for the holidays or for the festive season in 2042 – it has a 20 year use-by date!

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 92.

50 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

STEINLAGER ZERO 0.0%* ALCOHOL LESS THAN 0.05% ALC/VOL

*

OPINION – BEER & CIDER

Michael Donaldson

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

How far we’ve come Chief Judge of the New World Beer & Cider Awards, Michael Donaldson, reflects on what this year’s Top 30 says about the local brewing scene…

THERE’S NO better example of the evolution of New Zealand‘s collective beer palate – and the simultaneous maturity of the brewing scene – than the New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30.

This year’s awards produced one of the most diverse line-ups so far (okay, six of the Top-30 are hazies, but that’s in line with those beers accounting for an astonishing 20% of the entries and the fact that roughly a third of all beer being drunk right now are hazies, according to recent Scan Track data from Nielsen1), but outside the hoppy bulwark of hazies, IPAs and pale ales there’s definitely something interesting going on.

Three of the Top 30 are what I’d call ‘esoteric’, or perhaps challenging beers, but they’re done so well I defy anyone not to like them.

First, we’ve got the Supreme Champion, Emerson’s Weissbier. It’s the first time New World has opted to name an overall best-in-show, but the judges could not have picked a better beer.

Richard Emerson first made it in 1995 when it was so far ahead of Kiwi palates it was just too hard to sell. No-one wanted a cloudy-looking beer because they thought it was off. It’s why Emerson’s tagline for the re-released beer – “German-style hazy” – is so funny. Weissbier is defined by bubblegum, banana and clove flavours and it seems Kiwis are ready for those sort of taste sensations now, having been weaned on fruit-driven hazies for the past three or four years.

Staying with fruit, but moving across the border to Belgium, 8 Wired’s A Fistful 52 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

of Raspberries is made in the style of Belgian Framboise, which uses a wild-fermented lambic base overlaid with raspberries.

This Kiwi version bursts with raspberry aroma and flavour but with an undertow of acidity and some of those classically rustic, wild ferment flavours: think silage or horses. It’s a stunning beer designed for food and sharing, and another example of how far we’ve come, because this is as far from New Zealand draught as it’s possible to get.

One of the coolest winners in the Top 30 was Bones of The Land from North End. This saison is a tribute to the famous Saison Dupont and the romance of Farmhouse Ales post-World War II, when the influence of hoppy British beer was absorbed into a traditional, hyper-local brewing methodology. This manages to be fruity, spicy, hoppy-bitter and slightly tart all at once with aromas of hay, lemon, bread and pepper.

Three of the Top 30 are what I’d call ‘esoteric’, or perhaps challenging beers, but they’re done so well that I defy anyone not to like them.

Other examples of diversity in the Top 30 include Urbanaut’s booming 6.5% ABV lager Hacienda Disco Beer; a big, hoppy lager made with champagne yeast for a light body and super-dry finish, while Hamilton’s Bootleg Brewery served up a touch of Saturday nights in the Waikato with their T Straight Burnout Smokey Stout.

Within the more traditional styles there’s heaps of variation, including Brave Brewing’s Bottle Rocket (a pale ale that thinks it’s an IPA), and Rhyme X Reason’s Space Monkey, (a pilsner that could be mistaken for a pale ale). There are new hop techniques in Epic’s Crypop IPA, the use of potatoes in Garage Project’s Proper Crisp IPA, and white tea used in Bach Brewing’s Peach Pucker sour.

Plus, there’s a first-ever low carb pale ale with Epic Blue, which stood up to the other pale ales in the field and delivered – a real boon for the fast-growing “lifestyle” drinks category.

And before I forget, there were two non-alcoholic IPAs in the Top 30 too: Bach All Day and Garage Project Tiny. If that’s not a reflection of how far we’ve come in such a short time, I don’t know what is.

See the full New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30 list on page 54.

‘DB cracks open focus on craft innovation’ https://www. foodticker.co.nz/db-cracks-open-focus-on-craft-innovation 1

100% craft brewed fermented non-alcoholic beer (not alcohol removed). Tropical and citrus characters from the Citra, Mosaic and Nectaron hops for an unmistakably beer finish.

www.bachbrewing.co.nz

TRADE TO enquiries@bachbrewing.co.nz

BEER & CIDER NEWS

New World Top 30 revealed THE TOP 30 winners in the New World Beer & Cider Awards were announced in May – and for the first time in its eight-year history they were all New Zealand brands, including nine first-time winners.

The Top 30 (and 70 Highly Commended) were judged from 700 entries from around New Zealand and the world. 2022 also marked the first year of a Supreme Winner Award, which went to Emerson’s Weissbier, which Chair of Judges Michael Donaldson described as a “classic masterpiece”.

2022 New World Beer & Cider Awards Top 30 (in alphabetical order) 8 Wired Brewing (Warkworth/Matakana) – 8 Wired A Fistful of Raspberries 8 Wired Brewing (Warkworth/Matakana) – 8 Wired iStout Bach Brewing Co. (Auckland) – Bach ALL DAY Non-Alcoholic IPA Bach Brewing Co. (Auckland) – Bach PEACH PUCKER Berliner Sour Beer Beer Baroness (Christchurch) – Beer Baroness Sunshine & Spaceships Behemoth Brewing Company (Auckland) – Behemoth Brewing Hop Buddies Homer and Marge Hazy IPA Bootleg Brewery Ltd (Hamilton) – Bootleg T-Straight Burnout Smokey Stout Brave Brewing Co (Hawke’s Bay) – Brave Brewing Co Bottle Rocket Extra Pale Ale Burkes Brewing Co (Tekapo) – Burkes Brewing Co #Fakenews Hazy IPA Emerson’s Brewery (Dunedin) – Emerson’s Weissbier Epic Beer (Auckland) – Epic Blue Low Carb Pale Ale Epic Beer (Auckland) – Epic Cryopop Garage Project Brewery (Wellington) – Garage Project Hatsukoi Lager Garage Project Brewery (Wellington) – Garage Project Pernicious Weed IIPA Garage Project Brewery (Wellington) – Garage Project Proper Crisp IPA

Garage Project Brewery (Wellington) – Garage Project Tiny Non-Alcoholic Hazy IPA Morningcider (Auckland) – Morningcider Strawberry Rosé Cider Mount Brewing Co (Mount Maunganui) – Mount Brewing Co Golden Hour Hazy XPA North End Brewery (Kapiti Coast/Waikanae) – North End Bones of the Land Saison DB Breweries Ltd (Nelson) – Orchard Thieves Rosé Panhead Custom Ales (Wellington - Upper Hutt) – Panhead Port Road Pilsner Ranga / Brand Evolution (Gisborne) – Ranga Alcoholic Gingerbeer Rhyme X Reason Brewery (Wanaka) – Rhyme X Reason Space Monkey Sawmill Brewery (Matakana) – Sawmill Extra Pale Ale Sawmill Brewery (Matakana) – Sawmill West Coast IPA Southpaw Brewing Company (Christchurch) – Southpaw Brewing Say Hey Kid IPA Lion (Auckland) – Steinlager Pure The Theoretical Brewer (New Plymouth) – The Theoretical Brewer Mad Hatter Urbanaut Brewing Co (Auckland) – Urbanaut Hacienda Disco Beer Volstead Brewing Company (Christchurch) – Volstead Brewing Company Riwaka Hazy

Full results at newworld.co.nz/discover/ beer-and-cider-awards 54 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

SHOWCASE

Golden times at Mount Brewing Co. ICONIC MOUNT Maunganui brewery Mount Brewing Co. is toasting success at the New World Beer and Cider Awards 2022 after a Top 30 placing for its Golden Hour Hazy XPA. Established in 1996, Mount Brewing Co. is a locally owned and operated second-generation craft brewery that prides itself on making beers that represent its Bay of Plenty home.

Brewing up a storm

Alongside its popular core range with brews like Mountie Pilsner, Mount Brewing Co. produces an ever-changing variety of seasonal beers and head brewer Pawel Lewandowski also has a barrel-ageing programme underway.

Mount Brewing Co. brews and packages all its beers on site, just a stone’s throw from the golden sands and pounding surf of Maunganui beach. The brew team uses a state-of-the-art 1200 CLE Brew System for the 250,000 litres they produce annually.

The Rising Tide

The brewery is also home to The Rising Tide, a brewhouse and eatery with 38 taps supplying craft beer, cider, gin and wines – 20 of which are constantly tapped with all Mount Brewing Co. beers and ciders. Punters can enjoy beer fresh from the brewhouse while watching the brewery and brewers at work.

The Mount Brewing Co. range of beers and ciders is available in a variety of single can, 6-pack, 12-pack and keg formats.

For trade inquiries contact Ben Simpson on 022 639 2300 or email sales@mountbrewingco.com mountbrewingco.com mountbrewingco.brewery

Golden Hour Hazy XPA 4.7% ABV, 330ml can RRP $3.99 and 6-pack $21.99

A dry, tropical and juicy Xtra Pale Ale that pays tribute to Idaho-7, Sabro and Nectaron hops where a massive boil-free, double dry hop addition delivers exceptional drinkability with a satisfying and hoppy finish.

BEER & CIDER NEWS

SHOWCASE

Kiwis reach for Steinlager Zero STEINLAGER ZERO is proving to be a serious challenger in the rapidly growing low and zero alcohol space, following its launch earlier this year.

The 0.0%* offering hit shelves in February, off the back of the long-standing successes of the wider Steinlager brand.

It comes as increasing numbers of New Zealanders seek out low or zero alcohol drink options, as shown by the 25% increase in zero alcohol beer volume sales for the year to May 2022 alone1.

“Whether you’re an existing Steinlager drinker or new to the brand, Kiwis can enjoy the diversity of choice that Steinlager Zero affords – allowing them to flex between traditional or zero alcohol options depending on the day, occasion, or how they’re feeling, without judgement,” says Lauren Dyke, Steinlager Brand Manager.

Steinlager Zero delivers a full flavour that is perfectly balanced with a dry, tangy finish and the crisp, clean bitterness that Steinlager

drinkers know and love.

It’s another exciting step in the journey for Steinlager, which became the country’s first large scale beer brand to be Toit net carbonzero certified in November 2020.

Toit net carbonzero certification has seen every step in the Steinlager product’s life cycle have its emissions reduced or offset – from growing the hops and barley, making the beer at the brewery, to bottles, caps, packaging and transport – even right down to the length of time the beer will spend in the consumer’s fridge.

Lauren Dyke says that for Kiwis choosing to drink Steinlager Zero, the addition of it being carbon zero contributes to the increased choice offered to consumers. “Being able to enjoy an icy cold Steinlager Zero in the knowledge that it’s been created with care for the future in mind – that’s pretty good,” she says. *less than 0.05% alc/vol 1 May MAT Scan Nielsen 2022

Lion

EVErCHANGING PATTErNS IN YOUr MOUTH

MALTY

HOPPY

LIGHT

DArK

sweet

bitter

BEER & CIDER NEWS

Monteith’s debuts can format MONTEITH’S IS now available in cans, with its two latest releases debuting in 330ml cans and its popular Phoenix IPA also shifting to the convenient format.

The two new hazy brews are West Coastin’ Hazy IPA and Gold Dust Hazy Pale Ale. Gold Dust is a cloudy Pale Ale, while West Coastin’ is an unfiltered Hazy IPA brewed with Mosaic, Galaxy and Wai-iti hops.

Sam Forrest, Senior Marketing Manager of Domestic Brands at DB Breweries, says that the ‘haze

craze’ has kept momentum over the last few years, with the style now firmly cemented as a favourite Kiwi craft variety. “The latest data shows continued strong growth with five out of the top 10 craft products currently hazy styles, and a third of all craft beer bought by New Zealanders being hazy1.”

West Coastin’ Hazy IPA, Gold Dust Hazy Pale Ale and Phoenix IPA are available in 330ml can 6-packs for RRP $15.99.

DB Nielsen ScanTrack to 03/04/22

1

New Southern Alps from MOA MOA BREWING Co. has launched a new beer brand called Southern Alps Brewing Co., with its first two releases now available.

Southern Alps Brewing Co. Alpine Lager and Low Carb Alpine Lager (both 4% ABV) are described as being “made for modern lager drinkers and those who like to ‘live off-piste’… the perfect post-adventure brew targeted to adventurous South Island locals and visitors alike.”

MOA Brewing Co. says the new brand is a bid to expand the company’s reach into new categories and drinkers and offer Kiwis a local choice in the internationally dominated lager market. Southern Alps Brewing Co. has also officially partnered with Kea Conservation Trust.

Southern Alps 330ml 6-pack is RRP $18.99 Moa Brewing Co.

MOUNTBREWINGCO.COM

SHOWCASE

More choice with Speight’s Summit Zero

AS CONSUMERS continue to seek out lighter options1 including both lowand no-alc choices, Speight’s Summit Zero lager has cemented itself as a popular choice with Kiwis. This is the first zero alcohol beer launch under the Speight’s brand.

Independent consumer research had shown that health and wellness was the single biggest trend influencing consumers’ alcohol choices around how much, what and when they drink.

It found that 49% of those interviewed said they were trying to live a healthy life and 50% were consciously moderating their drinking2.

Tapping into change

Since its launch, Speight’s Summit Zero lager has built on the strength of the Speight’s brand, which is the biggestselling beer brand by volume in New Zealand3 and has tapped into the growing shift in social attitudes around drinking and the need for more options to suit consumer lifestyles.

Research commissioned by Speight’s4 found that 91% of

New Zealand males surveyed wouldn’t care if their mate didn’t drink alcohol on a night out, suggesting that fears about seeming like a ‘bad sport’ are unfounded and suggesting a decreasing social pressure around drinking habits in New Zealand.

It also found that 65% of Kiwis feel comfortable not drinking on a night out, even when others are, and 80% would like to alternate more between drinking alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks when meeting friends.

Moderation on the rise

A concept that revolves around balance and moderation, a part-time approach to drinking means that many Kiwis are now choosing the plethora of low or alcoholic-free alternatives available in many social situations, where they might have traditionally chosen an alcoholic drink.

“We’re seeing increased demand for reduced alcohol or alcohol-free beverages across the industry,” says Kris Hansen, Speight’s Marketing Manager. “As a brand, Speight’s champions

“We’re seeing increased demand for reduced alcohol or alcohol-free beverages across the industry. As a brand, Speight’s champions ‘mateship’, so it’s important for us to offer beers for all occasions.”

– Kris Hansen, Speight’s Marketing Manager ‘mateship’, so it’s important for us to offer beers for all occasions.

With Speight’s Summit Zero, there’s zero reasons not to catch up with your mates.”

Speight’s Summit Zero is distributed

by Lion NZ Lighter options include: Low/No Alcohol, Low Carb/ Cal, and Free From (e.g. Gluten Free) 2 Consumer research source: Lion Usage and Attitude Study, 3000 interviews, NZ representative. Kantar 2019 3 May MAT Scan Nielsen 2022 4 Consumer research source: 3Gem on behalf of Lion NZ, August 2021, sample size 1,000 male/female New Zealanders aged 18 – 65 1

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 57

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Whether for sipping, savouring or mixing, there’s a growing spectrum of Scotch available in New Zealand…

58 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Note: Some pricing may be subject to change due to excise tax coming into effect 1 July.

Products without specific RRPs available are listed as POA and appear alphabetically at the end of the relevant indicative price category.

RRP $40-$64.99 Bell’s Original 40% ABV, 1L RRP $41.99 Lion

Gentle aromas of malted barley, herbs and a fresh floral note sit alongside cereal with a little honey. This blended Scotch is smooth with a medium body and flavours of barley and cereals with nut oils, hints of wood and spice. The finish is short, with fruitcake and smoke.

Grant’s Triple Wood 40% ABV, 1L RRP $42.99 Federal Merchants

‘Triple Wood’ refers to maturation in three different types of wood: virgin oak (for spice), American oak (for vanilla) and ex-bourbon (for brown sugar sweetness).

The whisky has a clean aroma with notes of ripe pear and summer fruit. On the palate there is vanilla sweetness, malt and light florals. A long, sweet finish with a subtle hint of smoke.

The Famous Grouse

Grant’s Rum Cask Edition

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $44.99 Hancocks

40% ABV, 1L RRP $54.99 Federal Merchants

This iconic brand blends The Macallan and Highland Park single malts. It has aromas of candied fruits, buttery shortbread and citrus peel, leading to palate of dried fruit, soft spices and a hint of oak.

Grant’s traditional Scotch meets the exotic flavours of the Caribbean. After ageing in oak barrels, the whisky is further matured in Caribbean rum casks, adding flavours of tropical fruit, rich vanilla oak and a touch of sweet spice.

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie Scottish Barley

Grant’s Triple Wood Smoky

50% ABV, 200ml RRP $45 Hancocks

40% ABV, 1L RRP $54.99 Federal Merchants

This expression from Bruichladdich showcases the classic Laddie style: elegant and floral with a signature salt-citrus tang.

A blend of grain and malt whiskies matured in three distinct woods; similar to Grant’s original Triple Wood blend but with more emphasis on peated whiskies to create a smooth and fruity taste with subtle smoke.

Cutty Sark 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $52.99 Thirsty Camel

American oak casks dominate the flavour of this blended whisky with a share of first fill ex-sherry cask adding extra depth and a smooth mouth feel.

Grant’s Rum Cask Edition is where Grant’s traditional Scotch meets the flavours of the Caribbean.

Johnnie Walker Black Label 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99 Lion

An iconic blend that uses whiskies aged for a minimum of 12 years. Rich with dark fruit, sweet vanilla and Johnnie Walker’s signature smokiness. Flavours of intense sweet vanilla give way to orange zest and aromas of spice and raisins. The finish is smooth and layered with rich smoke, peat and malt.

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 59

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Chivas Regal 12YO

Glen Moray Classic

Aerstone Sea Cask 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $57.99 Pernod Ricard

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $63.99 Thirsty Camel

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Federal Merchants

A combination of malt and grain Scotch whiskies. Aromas of honey, herbs and rich fruit with flavours of ripe apple, vanilla, hazelnut and butterscotch. The finish is rich and lingering.

Glen Moray’s signature single malt is aged for an average of seven years in entirely ex-bourbon casks, the majority of which are first fill. A light, smooth, easy-drinking whisky with shortbread character, toffee sweetness and fresh herbal notes.

Maturation in seaside warehouses adds a sea salt character to this smooth Speysidestyle single malt. It has a light and floral aroma with delicate oak, leading to flavours of lightly toasted almonds, candy floss and a gentle vanilla oak, balanced with a touch of tannin.

Auchentoshan American Oak 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Beam Suntory

Aged in bourbon barrels, this single malt Scotch has aromas of bourbon-infused vanilla and coconut with layers of zesty citrus fruit. The palate features vanilla cream, coconut and white peach, while the finish is crisp with a lingering hint of spice.

Laphroaig Select 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $59.99 Beam Suntory

This release combines five different casks of Laphroaig single malt Scotch.

This includes whisky aged in Oloroso sherry butts, Pedro Ximénez seasoned hogsheads, first fill bourbon quarter casks and new American oak. The final addition is the Laphroaig 10, which is aged for a decade. The combination results in a complex, deep whisky with notes of smoky peat, spicy oak and sweetness.

Aerstone Land Cask 10YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Federal Merchants

The two Aerstone releases (this expression and its sibling ‘Sea Cask’ below) were created to “simplify” the taste messaging in the single malt category. This peated single malt has a rich and punchy peat aroma with zesty citrus notes. The peat and wood smoke on the palate is followed by a gentle sweetness with hints of spice and ripe fruits leading to a lingering smokiness.

Aged in bourbon barrels, Auchentoshan American Oak has aromas of bourbon-infused vanilla and coconut with layers of zesty citrus fruit.

Chivas Regal 13YO Extra American Rye Cask 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Pernod Ricard

Selective finishing in American Rye casks adds a mellowness to the Chivas 13YO blended Scotch with flavours of sweet juicy orange and creamy milk chocolate.

Chivas Regal 13YO Extra Sherry Cask 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Pernod Ricard

A special selection of whiskies matured in Oloroso sherry casks, this is a rich blend with aromas of ripe pear, creamy toffee and a hint of ginger. The pear continues on the palate alongside tropical melon and soft notes of vanilla and caramel, blending with spicy cinnamon and hints of almond, leading to a long finish.

Chivas Regal 13YO Extra Tequila Cask 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Pernod Ricard

A portion of this 13YO blended Scotch whisky is finished in tequila casks. It has aromas of sweet vanilla with lifted citrus and a palate full of light and fruity vanilla notes, laced with grapefruit and pineapple.

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SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Adelphi’s Private Stock Blend is a combination of whiskies selected by one of Scotland’s most famed independent bottlers, Adelphi.

Johnnie Walker Double Black

Hankey Bannister ‘Heritage Blend’

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99 Lion

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Taking inspiration from Johnnie Walker Black Label, the Double Black is a more intensely smoky expression, influenced by peaty West Coast and Islay single malts.

Flavours of peat smoke, rich raisins and apples, pears and citrus soften into sweet vanillas and spice. A warming finish of oak tannins and lingering smokiness.

The recipe for this Hankey Bannister is an inspired recreation of an original bottling of Hankey Bannister made between 1924 and 1928. It is full, sweet and rich with hints of Christmas cake and a delicate hint of smoke.

Adelphi’s Private Stock Blend 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A blend of whiskies selected by one of Scotland’s most famed independent bottlers, Adelphi. Smooth with plenty of honeyed sweetness from Spey and Highland malts, a touch of seaside maritime notes from a coastal distillery and a gentle peat fire smokiness in the background.

Hankey Bannister ‘Original’ 46% ABV, 1L RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A slightly sweet aroma with hints of vanilla and oak. This 12-year-old blended Scotch is medium bodied and balanced with sweet soft vanilla and a slightly smoky finish.

Loch Lomond ‘Original’ 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Loch Lomond’s ‘Original’ single malt is an old-fashioned style of whisky with soft nuances of peat smoke and a heather honey aroma, leading to a more savoury character on the palate, which is rich and full-bodied, before finishing with hints of molasses and citrus fruit.

Speyburn ‘Bradan Orach’ 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

RRP $65 - $89.99 Glen Moray Classic Cabernet Cask Finish 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $68.99 Thirsty Camel

This sweet and full-bodied whisky is finished in Cabernet red wine casks, where it develops notes of spice and fruit, balancing with toasted oak vanilla and smooth, warming flavours.

Glen Moray Classic Chardonnay Cask Finish 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $68.99 Thirsty Camel

Finishing in Chardonnay casks gives this whisky its balanced characters of caramelised fruit, butterscotch and lingering notes of toasted oats. The finish is of nutty vanilla, soft cinnamon spice and gentle florals.

Glen Moray Classic Peated Finish 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $68.99 Thirsty Camel

A more intense and subtly smoked expression of Glen Moray’s Classic Single Malt. Matured in ex-bourbon casks for added spiciness, it has complex layers of peat smoke with creamy vanilla and a long sweet and spicy finish.

A very easy drinking, quaffable single malt Scotch whisky with flavours of creamy toffee, citrus (particularly oranges, marmalade), delicate floral notes and a drying finish with a wee whiff of smoke in the background.

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Glen Moray Classic Port Cask Finish 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $68.99 Thirsty Camel

This light and fruity expression is finished for eight months in port pipes (casks used for maturing port wine). The whisky picks up intense characters of summer fruit, dark chocolate and cinnamon and a distinct pink hue.

Glen Moray Classic Sherry Cask Finish 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $68.99 Thirsty Camel

Maturation in Oloroso sherry casks adds vibrant dried fruit and earthy, nutty notes to the hallmark vanilla and light oak of the Glen Moray Classic whisky.

Glen Grant Arboralis has aromas of dried raisins, honeysuckle, oaky malt and hints of lemon, with flavours of oak, butterscotch and spice.

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Naked Malt

Bowmore 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69 Hancocks

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Beam Suntory

A blend of single malts matured for an additional six months in first-fill Oloroso sherry casks (hence ‘naked’). A rich, fruity and versatile whisky.

This whisky is matured in Bowmore’s historic No1 vaults on Islay. Its trademark smoky peat aroma is balanced by lemon and honey, while on the palate it is warm with dark chocolate flavours, and smoky with a long rounded finish.

The Ardmore Legacy 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Beam Suntory

This Highland whisky has a honeyed aroma with subtle peat. The smoke becomes more pronounced on the palate but is balanced by rich honey and spice flavours. The finish is full with a dry, tangy aftertaste and lingering smoke and spice.

Auchentoshan 12YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Beam Suntory

This Lowland single malt whisky has aromas of toasted almonds and caramelised toffee with a burst of citrus.

Smooth on the palate with sweet notes alongside hints of tangerine and lime.

The finish is gingery and slightly dry with a lingering nuttiness.

Glen Grant Arboralis 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Thirsty Camel

‘Arboralis’ means ‘light from within the trees’. Aged in ex-bourbon and ex-Spanish sherry oak casks, this whisky has aromas of dried raisins, honeysuckle, oaky malt and hints of lemon, with flavours of oak and butterscotch that merge with dried fruits and a light spice.

Monkey Shoulder 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Federal Merchants

This whisky has a light palate, subtle sweetness from ageing in first fill bourbon barrels and no heavy peat. It has delicate floral aromas alongside zesty orange, peach and apricot. Flavours of creamy vanilla toffee, oak notes and a hint of spice lead to a smooth finish with a lingering sweetness.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Tamnavulin Speyside

The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve

Glenfiddich 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Hancocks

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $72.99 Pernod Ricard

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Federal Merchants

A double cask whisky matured in American oak barrels for a sweet, mellow taste with a rich, smooth sherry cask finish. It has aromas of apple, toffee and honey with sweet marzipan and subtle tangy marmalade notes. The palate is fresh and mellow with pear, peach and pineapple flavours, and a hint of Demerara sugar.

A portion of this whisky is finished in barrels that previously held Caribbean rum, creating a whisky with a tropical twist. There is sweet pear and red apple on the nose, with ripe bananas in syrup.

The palate is rich with caramel toffee and flavours of tropical fruit.

Glenfiddich’s signature expression has sweet, fruity notes that develop into butterscotch, cream, malt and subtle oak flavours. The finish is long and smooth.

Cutty Sark Prohibition

This icon of Speyside single malt has a fruity aroma that persists on the palate alongside its signature nutty and citrus notes and strong pineapple. The finish is long, creamy and smooth.

X by Glenmorangie 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99 Moët Hennessy

A versatile single malt designed for mixing, this recent release from Glenmorangie was created in collaboration with expert bartenders. It has aromas of pear and vanilla, leading to a palate of rich orange sherbet, crème brulee and chocolate fudge.

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $70.99 Pernod Ricard

A permanent benchmark expression created in tribute to The Glenlivet founder George Smith. The classic fruitiness of The Glenlivet is complemented with a creaminess and sweetness from selective use of American first fill oak casks. Delicate sweet orange aromas continue on the palate alongside pear and toffee apple, leading to a long, creamy, smooth finish.

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $73.99 Thirsty Camel

A blend of single malt and grain whiskies aged in American sherry oak casks, this whisky has subtle flavours of vanilla and spice with layers of ripe citrus and honey and a hint of peppery notes.

Bowmore No.1 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99 Beam Suntory

The name refers to the No.1 vault at Bowmore’s Islay distillery, which is the world’s oldest Scotch maturation warehouse. Bowmore No.1 has vanilla sweetness with a hint of toasted coconut, cinnamon and lime, to complement its smoky notes.

The Glenlivet 12YO 40% ABV, 750ml RRP $74.99 Pernod Ricard

Glen Grant 10 Year Old 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $76.99 Thirsty Camel

This Speyside single malt has aromas of sweet pear and vanilla. The palate has orchard fruit and rich malt notes, leading to a long and complex finish.

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Wemyss Family Collection The Hive 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $78.99 Glengarry

A blended Scotch that combines multiple Speyside single malts to create a whisky full of honeyed sweetness, zesty citrus and floral character. Gentle with a rounded, smooth mouthfeel.

Wemyss Family Collection Peat Chimney 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $78.99 Glengarry

A blended whisky that balances fresh citrus flavours and nuanced smoke to create an approachable introduction to the peaty whisky style. Dried pear, fresh lime and barley sugar on the palate soften the smoke character.

Wemyss Family Collection Spice King

Glenmorangie The Original 10YO

Arran Barrel Reserve

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Moët Hennessy

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $80 Tickety-Boo

This original expression of Glenmorangie is aged in a range of ex-bourbon casks.

It has aromas of citrus, ripe peach and vanilla, with a floral fruitiness and more vanilla on the palate. The finish is clean with hints of orange and peach.

This entry-level single malt is 100% matured in first fill bourbon barrels and combines casks at 7-8 years old with older casks to create a fresh and vibrant whisky with the sweet fruit character that is a hallmark of Arran. It has aromas of apple and pear, leading to a balanced palate of citrus and light vanilla sweetness.

Laphroaig 10YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99 Beam Suntory

This is the original Laphroaig, distilled the same way for more than 70 years and the foundation for all other Laphroaig expressions. Rich aromas of peat continue on the palate, which is bold and smoky and has a hint of seaweed and a subtle sweetness. A full-bodied whisky with a long finish.

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41% ABV, 700ml RRP $80.99 Thirsty Camel

This whisky is made from a selection of malt whiskies from 14 different Highland and Islay malt distilleries and aged in American oak bourbon casks, giving it sweet mellow notes of vanilla, apple and spice.

Gladstone Axe ‘The Black Axe’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $78.99 Glengarry

A big-bodied and complex malt whisky, Spice King has an initial sweetness that yields to layers of spice. Gentle peat smoke intensifies the spicy flavours while adding a punchy and peppery finish.

An ideal alternative to rye or spiced rum.

Gladstone Axe American Oak

41% ABV, 700ml RRP $80.99 Thirsty Camel

Gladstone Axe American Oak is made from a selection of malt whiskies from 14 different Highland and Islay malt distilleries and aged in American oak bourbon casks.

Like its sibling whisky above, The Black Axe is made from a selection of malt whiskies from 14 different Highland and Islay malt distilleries, but with a higher proportion of Islay whisky, giving it a smokier, spicier character alongside its notes of vanilla and stonefruit.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Glen Moray 12YO

Jura Journey

An Cnoc 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $86.99 Thirsty Camel

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Hancocks

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Aged in American oak, this is a balanced whisky with a subtle sweetness. Aromas of vanilla toffee, berry fruits and freshly cut herbs lead to a palate of toasted oak and summer fruits. The finish is sweet with a subtle oak finish.

This single malt is aged in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and has aromas of vanilla spice, citrus and a hint of light smoke. Flavours of cinnamon, pear, pecan and toffee fudge lead to a rich finish of vanilla, spice and whispers of smoke.

Glenglassaugh Revival

Kingsbarns Dream to Dram

An Cnoc is from the Knockdhu distillery in Aberdeenshire. Light and smooth with a surprising depth of flavour. Fruity floral notes on the nose with some lemon, honey and vanilla creme brûlée. The palate is full and sweet and lingers on delicate spice and a vanilla/fruity flavour.

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $89 Hancocks

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Glengarry

The Revival was the first expression released by Glenglassaugh distillery after it was mothballed for more than 20 years. This Highland single malt has been matured in a balanced mix of ex-red wine and fresh bourbon casks, vatted and re-racked for double maturation in rich sherry casks. It has rich aromas of sweet caramel, nutty sherry, ripe red fruit and charred oak with a rounded, creamy palate of oranges, plums, cherry and walnuts, chocolate, honey mead, sherry and soft spiced oak.

A light, intensely fruity, floral and balanced whisky with aromas of banana, pineapple and summer berries, with a slight herbal note. Flavours of soft toffee, custard pastry and redcurrants with a spicy ginger finish.

Chivas Regal XV 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Pernod Ricard

This 15-year-old blended Scotch is finished in Grande Champagne Cognac casks. It has a rich, sweet aroma with concentrated notes of stewed apple, marmalade, honey, cinnamon and sultanas. It’s smooth and fruity on the palate with poached pear, butterscotch and caramel toffee, and notes of vanilla on the finish.

Wemyss Malts Velvet Fig Blended Malt 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 Glengarry

A small-batch, handcrafted malt whisky full of deep, rich fruit flavour and complex wood character. On the palate there are ripe figs, Medjool dates, apricots, raisins and sultanas with milk chocolate spiced with nutmeg and ginger and sweet chestnut and toasted walnuts on the finish.

Benromach 10YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

The Benromach distillery is famous for its traditional style of single malt whisky, with flavours of crème brûlée, dried fruit, peppery oak spices and a distinctive, gentle background note of peat smoke that is not often seen in Speyside whiskies.

Benromach ‘Organic’ 2012/2020 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

The first certified organic Single Malt Scotch whisky since 2006, it was distilled in 2012 and matured in virgin American oak casks. It displays a particularly sweet and malty flavour, biscuity and warmly spiced with pepper, banoffee pie and a dusting of cocoa. The finish has a touch of coffee and chocolate, lingering more on dried apricot and spiced oak.

The Revival was the first expression released by Glenglassaugh distillery after it was mothballed for more than 20 years.

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Benromach Peat Smoke 2009

Glenfarclas 12YO

Hankey Bannister 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Distilled from richly peated barley (42 PPM) and matured solely in ex-bourbon barrels for over 10 years, this is the newest release from Benromach’s ‘Contrasts’ series. The peat smoke is mild and gentle to start, joined by a rounded and sweet vanilla flavour, offset with citrus. There is an aromatic toasted coconut quality, contrasting with the smoky flavour and spice-cupboard and dried apricot tartness to finish.

This is an excellent introduction to a richer single malt Scotch whisky, and one that is beloved by fans of the classic Speyside style. Glenfarclas 12YO has notes of dried fruit, hints of chocolate, toffee and a lovely spiciness on the finish.

The nose on this 12-year-old whisky is slightly sweet with hints of vanilla and oak. It is medium-bodied and wellbalanced with sweet soft vanilla and a slightly smoky finish.

Glen Scotia Double Cask 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

The ‘Double Cask’ is finished in a selection of first fill bourbon and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks. The nose combines rich fudge, fresh orchard fruit and an earthy note. It is oily on the palate with rich vanilla and more fudge; it has a slight briny character with a touch of warming spiced fruit developing.

GlenAllachie 12YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This 12-year-old represents the classic style of GlenAllachie. A gentle nose of perfumed, aromatic honey and butterscotch are joined by raisins and mocha. The palate is soft and honeyed, with marzipan and bananas, while the finish is drying, with orange peel and delicate oak lingering.

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Old Pulteney 12YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Benromach Peat Smoke 2009 is distilled from richly peated barley (42 PPM) and matured solely in exbourbon barrels for over 10 years.

Glengoyne 12YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This expression from Glengoyne is matured in a mixture of the distillery’s typical ex-sherry casks, contributing rich fruits, and spices, as well as first fill ex-bourbon casks, for honey, citrus and vanilla.

Hailing from one of Scotland’s most northerly distilleries, Old Pulteney is in the old fishing village of Wick. Pulteney’s whiskies are known for their gentle honeyed, vanilla sweetness, and a touch of marzipan nuttiness with a distinctive slightly salty tang.

Scarabus by Hunter Laing 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Scarabus is a single malt whisky selected by whisky company Hunter Laing & Co. to mark the opening of its Ardnahoe distillery on Islay. It has aromas of sweet syrupy pears, white raisins, freshly roasting peanuts and peaty smoke.

A briny sea salt and leathery note adds depth, with a nuttiness and mace spice with vanilla on an oily mouthfeel.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Scarabus 10YO by Hunter Laing 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Aged in a combination of refill ex-bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks for 10 years, this classic peated Islay whisky is softly smoky on the nose. Hints of leather and buttery cereal notes develop. The palate combines golden syrup and vanilla with developing peat smoke and gentle spice.

A long and lingering finish.

Speyburn 10YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A clean, soft and smooth nose with delicate touches of fruit, toffee and a touch of citrus. The palate is smooth, rounded and fruity with a hint of smoke and citrus in the background.

RRP $90 - $119.99 Arran Malt 10YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $90 Tickety-Boo

Aromas of sweet oak and honey lead to a crisp, malty palate with a slight nuttiness in this whisky from the Isle of Arran. With time, the malt begins to open and the Arran hallmarks of citrus and sweet fruit emerge. The finish is clean and fresh with a lingering creamy sweetness.

Scarabus is a single malt whisky selected by whisky company Hunter Laing & Co. to mark the opening of its Ardnahoe distillery on Islay.

The GlenDronach Peated 10YO

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $92 Hancocks

47.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Moët Hennessy

In contrast to the traditional, non-peated character of The GlenDronach, this expression has been distilled using peated malted barley. The subtle peated notes complement the classic GlenDronach Highland character of crisp fruit and barley, and the rich sherry notes drawn from the wood.

Wee Beastie is the youngest Ardbeg at just five years old and was designed to be the distillery’s rawest and smokiest offering. There’s intense cracked blacked pepper, pine resin and a sharp tang of smoke on the nose, while chocolate, creosote, tar and savoury meat characters cover the palate ahead of a long, salty mouthcoating finish.

The Glenlivet 12YO Licensed Dram 48% ABV, 700ml RRP $92.99 Pernod Ricard

Aromas of peach, strawberry jam, cinnamon and gingerbread lead to flavours of golden honey, vanilla custard hazelnut and liquorice. The finish is long and slightly sweet with lasting spice.

Aberlour 12YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Pernod Ricard

Ageing in traditional oak and seasoned sherry butts gives this whisky a soft, mellow character. It has aromas of red apple that continue on the palate with rich chocolate and a fine sherried character.

The long finish is sweet and spicy.

Glenfiddich Fire & Cane 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Federal Merchants

The fourth release in Glenfiddich’s ‘Experiment’ series (earlier releases were IPA Experiment, Project XX, and Winter Storm). Fire & Cane is a blend of peated whisky and malts matured in bourbon barrels and finished in Latin rum casks, creating a whisky with lingering campfire smokiness and toffee sweetness.

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The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve

Glenglassaugh Evolution

Machrie Moor

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99 Pernod Ricard

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Hancocks

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

The Captain’s Reserve is aged in bourbon and sherry casks before selective finishing in Cognac casks. It has sweet, fruity aromas of honey and apricot jam, with notes of cinnamon and spicy liquorice.

The palate is full of mandarins in syrup, poached pears, raisins and chocolate, leading to a smooth finish.

This Highland single malt whisky is aged in ex-Tennessee first fill whiskey barrels and has rich aromas of sweet barley, pineapple and buttery vanilla leading to deeper oak spices and caramelised pear. In the mouth there is white peppery oak, crisp green apple and freshly cracked barley. A gentle salted caramel emerges alongside hints of ripe banana and fruit salad syrup. It finishes with classic oak spices, soft fruit and vanilla.

This is the peated expression of the Arran Single Malt. There is delicate peat smoke on the nose with a hint of sweet tropical fruit and vanilla. The American oak influence is apparent in the mouth with more intense vanilla sweetness and a touch of coconut. The finish is fresh and zesty with subtle smoke.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve

A rich and multi-layered blend using various malt and grain whiskies from distilleries all over Scotland, including Chivas’ classic Speyside malt from Strathisla. Layered aromas of dried fruit, spice and buttery toffee give way to a velvety dark chocolate palate with floral notes, a touch of mellow smokiness and a warm, lingering finish.

Benriach The Original Ten 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99 Hancocks

This whisky is described as “classic Speyside” in character with maturation in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks creating a fresh, lively, fruit-laden single malt with notes of oak spices, green apple, dried fruit and subtle aniseed, lemon zest and barley.

The Glendronach 12YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Hancocks

A richly sherried single malt matured in a combination of Spanish Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. Rich, creamy and smooth on the palate, it has rich oak and sherry sweetness with raisins and soft fruits. Spicy, with medium length and a dry finish.

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40% ABV, 750ml RRP $99.99 Lion

A creamy blend of Speyside and Highland whiskies. An initial delicate sweetness and gentle smokiness on the palate develops into sweet fruit and deeper velvety, honeyed tones followed by subtle smoke and oakiness on the finish.

Jura 10YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99 Hancocks

There’s a smooth, smoky sherry sweetness to this whisky, which is aged 10 years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels and finished in aged Oloroso sherry casks. It has a fruity aroma with notes of cracked pepper and dark chocolate, and flavours of stonefruit, ginger and freshly ground coffee.

Chivas Regal 18YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 Pernod Ricard

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Scotch brands Aberlour

James Fleming founded Aberlour Distillery in 1879 in the village of Aberlour, in the heart of Speyside, where the Lour burn joins the River Spey. He chose the location for its nearby supply of pure spring water that flowed over the pink granite of Ben Rinnes, and is still used by the distillery today. Aberlour is now owned by Pernod Ricard.

Adelphi

The original Adelphi Distillery was built in Glasgow in 1826 and demolished in 1971. In 1993, the great-grandson of one of the former owners revived the brand name as an independent bottler of rare aged malt whiskies. The Ardnamurchan Distillery was then built in the village of Glenbeg in Argyll in 2013 to cater to the rare cask selections for Adelphi and its own Ardnamurchan brand.

Aerstone

Aerstone is owned by William Grant & Sons and its whisky is distilled at Ailsa Bay Distillery in the Lowlands on the Clyde coast. The two expressions are matured in different places to reflect their style: ‘Sea Cask’ is aged in warehouses on the Ayrshire coast, while ‘Land Cask’ is matured further inland.

An Cnoc

The An Cnoc (pronounced ‘a-nock’) range of single malt whiskies are made at Knockdhu Distillery, which was built in the village of Knock in Aberdeenshire in 1894.

Ardbeg

The Ardbeg distillery is on the south coast of the isle of Islay in Scotland’s inner Hebrides.

Ardbeg has been producing whisky commercially since 1815 and is renowned for using highly peated malt. The name Ardbeg comes from the Scottish Gaelic “An Àird Bheag”, meaning ‘a small promontory’.

The Ardmore

The Ardmore distillery sits on the fringes of Scotland’s Highlands, near the the small village of Kennethmont in Aberdeenshire, where it was established in 1898. Its proximity to the railway line allowed founder Adam Teacher to transport materials from Glasgow, helping the distillery flourish.

Arran

This distillery opened in Lochranza on the Isle of Arran, off the south west coast of Scotland, in 1995, more than 160 years after the last of the island’s historic distilleries closed. Until recently, it was the only distillery on the island. Arran Distillery produces a range of ages and expressions, including Machrie Moor and Robert Burns, as well as its own range, The Arran.

Auchentoshan

Pronounced ‘OCK-un-TOSH-un’, the Auchentoshan Distillery was established in 1823 in Dunbartonshire, in Scotland’s Lowlands. Today, the brand is owned by Beam Suntory.

Balblair

Balblair Distillery overlooks the Dornoch Firth in the north of Scotland. It was founded in 1790, stopped production in 1911 and resumed again in 1948.

The Balvenie

The distillery was built by William Grant of William Grant & Sons in 1892, less than 10 years after he built the Glenfiddich distillery. It is said to be the only distillery in Scotland that grows its own barley, uses traditional floor maltings, and keeps a coppersmith and a team of coopers on site. The name ‘Balvenie’ means ‘village of luck’.

Bell’s

Created by Arthur Bell, who began selling tea and whisky from a shop in Perth and went on to create the Bell’s blend in the 1850s. Bell’s was named the UK’s No.1 whisky in 1978 and continues to be hugely popular.

Benriach

Self-described “progressive Speyside whisky distillers”, Benriach is located in the north-east region of Morayshire and was built by John Duff in 1898. It operated for just two years before closing, although its malting floor remained in use. Benriach didn’t produce spirit again until the revival of the Scotch industry in 1965, when production resumed. It is known for its unpeated, peated and triple distilled malt whisky and holds some of the most experimental casks in Speyside.

Benromach

A Speyside distillery founded in 1898 near Forres in Morayshire. After closing in 1983 it reopened in 1998 under the ownership of the Urquhart family of Gordon & MacPhail fame and bottling of the new malt started in 2004.

Bowmore

Bowmore’s single malt Scotch whisky has been distilled on the island of Islay since 1779, and the distillery is home to Scotland’s oldest maturation warehouse, Bowmore’s historic No.1 Vaults.

Bruichladdich

An artisanal single malt distillery on the Hebridean island of Islay.

It is known for its progressive approach to whisky making.

Chivas

James and John Chivas set up a grocery emporium together in Aberdeen under the name Chivas Brothers in the mid-19th century, where they aged and blended whiskies. Chivas Brothers became famous around the world for its fine luxury products. Chivas is made at the Strathisla Distillery in Keith, Moray in Speyside.

Cutty Sark

A range of blended Scotch whisky produced by La Martiniquaise. The whisky was first created in 1923 as a product of Berry Bros. & Rudd.

It is named for the famous British clipper ship, The Cutty Sark.

The Dalmore

The Dalmore distillery sits on the banks of the Cromarty Firth, where it was established in 1839. The story behind its distinctive stag emblem dates back to 1263, when Colin of Kintail, Chief of the Clan Mackenzie, felled a charging stag that attacked King Alexander III of Scotland.

In return, the King rewarded the Mackenzie Clan with the 12-pointed Royal Stag emblem.

When Clan descendants took over ownership of The Dalmore distillery in 1867 they put the stag on the bottle, where it remains today.

Edradour

Dating back to 1825, Edradour in Scotland’s Perthshire is famed as the smallest traditional distillery in Scotland. It produces handmade single malt whisky from a farm distillery.

The Famous Grouse

This iconic blended Scotch whisky was first produced in 1896 and still features the red grouse on its bottle that was drawn by the daughter of founder Matthew Gloag. Today, The Famous Grouse is owned

by Edrington Group, which also has Highland Park and The Macallan.

The Gladstone Axe

This Scotch brand is named for William Ewart Gladstone, who served four terms as the UK Prime Minister (1868-94) and signed the Spirits Act of 1860, which allowed the blending of Scotch for the first time.

He was also famous for his collection of axes and prowess as a woodsman. The brand was created by Elwyn Gladstone – Gladstone’s great-greatgreat grandson and founder of US-based spirits producer Biggar and Leith.

Glen Grant

Established in 1840 by brothers John and James Grant near the port of Garmouth in Moray, north-east Scotland. The Speyside brand is now owned

by Campari Group.

Glen Moray

A Speyside distillery on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin, Moray. It was originally the Elgin West Brewery, which opened in 1830, producing local ales.

Surviving handwritten ledgers show the first spirit run was made in September 1897, using local barley.

Glen Scotia

Founded in 1832 in Campbeltown, where it is one of just three distilleries remaining today. It is owned by the Loch Lomond Group, who bought it in 2014.

GlenAllachie

One of the few independentlyowned distilleries in Scotland today – GlenAllachie was built in Speyside 1967, mothballed in the mid-80s and relaunched in 1989 under Campbell Distillers (later part of Pernod Ricard). It was bought privately in 2017.

The GlenDronach

Founded in 1826 by James Allardice, The GlenDronach is in the Highlands and was one of the first licensed distilleries in Scotland. It was mothballed in the mid-1990s before reopening in 2002. It had several different owners before it was bought

by Brown Forman in 2016.

It is known for its sherried single malts.

Glenfarclas

This Speyside distillery in Ballindoch is believed to have started operations in the late 18th century and was granted a licence in 1836. In 1865, it was bought by John Grant and has been owned and operated by his descendants ever since.

“Glenfarclas” translates as “valley of the green grass”.

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Glenfiddich

One of the world’s best-selling whisky brands, Glenfiddich is a Speyside distillery built by William Grant and his family in 1886. The name derives from the Gaelic for ‘valley of the deer”. Glenfiddich remains family owned, by William Grant & Sons.

Glenglassaugh

Glenglassaugh Distillery was founded by Col. James Moir in north-east Scotland in 1875.

It was rebuilt in 1960 then mothballed in 1986. Production resumed in 2008 after it was purchased by a group of investors, and the BenRiach Distillery Company took over in 2013. Glenglassaugh is known for its traditional distilling methods, handcrafting and cask maturation in its coastal warehouses.

The Glenlivet

Founder George Smith initially made his whisky on the quiet in the Livet valley, finally becoming the first legal distiller in the parish of Glenlivet in 1824.

The business grew and in 1852 author Charles Dickens wrote to a friend, urging him to try the “rare old Glenlivet”. In 1884, George’s son John added ‘The’ to the brand name, to prevent competitors from the same area capitalising on his family’s success.

Glengoyne

Glengoyne Distillery was founded in 1833 at Dumgoyne, on the south-western edge of the Scottish Highlands, north of Glasgow. It sits on the Highland Line, the division between Scotland’s Highlands and Lowlands. Although Glengoyne’s stills are in the Highlands, making it a Highland single malt, its maturing casks of whisky rest across the road in the Lowlands.

Glenmorangie

William Matheson founded the Glenmorangie Distillery on the banks of the Dornoch Firth in Tain in the Scottish Highlands in 1843. The correct pronunciation is ‘Glen-MORR-an-jee’, with the emphasis on the second syllable.

The ‘Sixteen Men of Tain’ on the Glenmorangie label refers to the 16 men who oversaw the distillation process for decades.

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Glenrothes

The Glenrothes Distillery was built in 1878 beside the Burn of Rothes in Speyside.

Gordon & MacPhail

An independent bottler and distiller of Scotch whisky, founded in 1895 and located in Elgin in the north-east of Scotland. Gordon & MacPhail specialises in matching spirit from over 100 Scottish distilleries with its own bespoke casks.

Grant’s

William Grant created Grant’s blended whisky in 1898, just 11 years after he built his first distillery, Glenfiddich. Five generations later, the brand remains family-owned. Grant’s distinctive triangular shaped bottle was launched in 1957.

The shape was to showcase the colour and allow for more efficient stacking and packing.

Hankey Bannister

Beaumont Hankey and Hugh Bannister formed their Wines & Spirits Company in London’s West End in 1757. The company supplied a range of upper-class clients, exclusive clubs and the Royal Household, receiving its first Royal Warrant in 1901.

Today, the whisky bearing their names is produced by Inver House Distillers.

Highland Park

Highland Park distillery was established in Scotland’s Orkney Islands in 1798, overlooking the town of Kirkwall.

Johnnie Walker

Johnnie Walker was created

by John Walker, a grocer who set up shop in the Scottish town of Kilmarnock in 1819.

He offered whisky among his goods and found he had a knack for blending. After he died, his son Alexander took over the business, introducing the square bottle and distinctive off-centre label. It was his two sons who named the whiskies after the colour of their labels in 1909. The Striding Man logo was designed around the same time by illustrator Tom Browne. In 1934 John Walker & Sons was granted a Royal Warrant by King George V to supply whisky to the royal household, and still holds the warrant today.

Jura

Jura is a remote island off Scotland’s west coast and north-east of Islay in the Inner Hebrides. Jura is the only distillery on the island, which also has just one village, one road and one pub. The distillery was first established in 1810, then revived in 1963.

Kilchoman

Founded in 2005, Kilchoman was the first distillery to be built on Islay in 124 years. Founder and owner Anthony Wills set out to revive the lost art of farm distilling: growing, malting, distilling, maturing and bottling on site. Kilchoman is Islay’s only farm distillery.

Kingsbarns

This distillery was created from a converted historic and semiderelict farmstead in the Scottish Lowlands, near Fife. It is owned

by Wemyss Distillery and the Wemyss family.

Laphroaig

Brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston founded Laphroaig (pronounced lah-FROYG) in 1815 on the south coast of Islay, after initially rearing cattle there. The distillery’s location is said to have inspired the name, which means ‘broad hollow by the bay’. Today, the distillery and brand is owned by Beam Suntory.

Loch Lomond

The first Loch Lomond Distillery was founded in 1814, while the current distillery was commissioned in 1965 and produces both grain and malt whisky. It is in Alexandria, in the Scottish Highlands.

The Macallan

Alexander Reid, a barley farmer and school teacher, founded The Macallan on a plateau above the river Spey in north-east Scotland in 1824. The Macallan was one of the first distillers in Scotland to be legally licensed.

It is owned by Edrington Group.

Machrie Moor

Part of the Arran whisky portfolio (the peated expression) and named for the Machrie Moor peat bog on the Isle of Arran.

Monkey Shoulder

An innovative Scotch brand launched by William Grant & Sons in 2005. It’s said that the distillery workers suggested the name, which refers to a strain injury suffered by maltmen in years past as they turned the malting barley by hand.

Naked Malt

A blended malt Scotch whisky brand made using first fill sherry casks. Owned by Edrington Group.

Old Pulteney

This distillery was founded in 1826 by James Henderson in Wick, a town on the most northerly shores of Scotland.

Its seaside location has seen it dubbed “the maritime malt”.

Port Askaig

A distillery on the north coast of the Scottish island of Islay.

Scarabus

This whisky brand is made from liquid sourced from an unnamed distillery on Islay for Scotch whisky company Hunter Laing.

It is said that Scarabus is known as a mystical area on Islay: the name dates back to the 13th century and translates to “a rocky place” in Old Norse.

Speyburn

Speyburn Distillery in Rothes, Moray was founded in 1897

by John Hopkins & Company.

The site was chosen by John Hopkins himself for its unpolluted water supply from the Granty Burn, a minor tributary of the River Spey.

Talisker

In 1825, Hugh MacAskill acquired Talisker House and the north end of the Minginish peninsula on the Isle of Skye, north-west of the Scottish mainland. By 1830, he and his brother had built what was to become one of the world’s most popular distilleries on the shore of Loch Harport, and by 1898 Talisker was one of the best-selling malt whiskies in the UK. It is known for its windswept coastal location and the salty, peaty characters of the whiskies.

Tamdhu

Tamdhu distillery was founded in 1896 and is a single malt Scotch Speyside whisky distillery, located on the banks of the River Spey in the village of Knockando. The name ‘Tamdhu’ comes from the Gaelic for ‘little dark hill’. It closed in 2010 and reopened under Ian Macleod Distillers in 2012.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Tamnavulin

A distillery opened in the rural Scottish village of Tomnavoulin in 1966, only to close in 1995 then reopen in 2007 after a major refurbishment. The name ‘Tamnavulin’ is the Gaelic translation of “mill on the hill”, named in part after the historic former carding mill that sits on the site of the Speyside distillery, where local farmers would take their sheep fleece to be made into wool.

Tullibardine

Tullibardine distillery was established in Blackford in 1947 by William Delmé-Evans.

The location was originally a brewery that dated back to the 15th century. Tullibardine is close to the Ochil Hills and the Danny Burn, used as the main water sources. The distillery was mothballed in 1995 by then owner Whyte & Mackay and reopened in 2003 under new owners. Today it is a familyowned independent distillery.

Wemyss Malts

A family business founded by William Wemyss in 2005. His family and their clan trace their roots from the ancient Kingdom of Fife in Scotland, and the name Wemyss (pronounced ‘Weems’) is derived from the Scots’ word for ‘caves’ – a reference to the ancient caves beneath the ancestral home and seat of The Earl of Wemyss, Wemyss Castle. Barley has been grown for centuries in the area around the castle and is still grown by farmers on the Wemyss Estate and used by many leading distillers to make their malt whisky today.

William Wemyss’ sister, Isabella, sources whisky, new make spirit, oak casks and mature whisky to produce their small-batch blended malt Scotch whiskies.

Glenmorangie The Lasanta 12YO

Auchentoshan Three Wood

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99 Moët Hennessy

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Beam Suntory

‘Lasanta’ is Gaelic for warmth and passion, which describes this full-bodied single malt whisky that is first aged in American oak ex-bourbon casks then finished in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks. It is elegant, luscious and soft with rich raisin intensity, toffee and spices from the sherry casks.

Three different cask types (American Bourbon, Spanish Oloroso Sherry, and Pedro Ximenez Sherry) give this whisky a rich complex character with flavours of toffee, blackcurrant, brown sugar, orange, plum and raisin.

Benriach The Smoky Ten 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $108 Hancocks

This whisky has been crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit and three cask matured for at least 10 years in a combination of bourbon barrels, Jamaican rum casks and toasted virgin oak. It has layers of ripe fruit, aromatic smoke and toasted oak spice with a balanced sweet and richly smoky finish.

Ardbeg 10YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Moët Hennessy

This classic expression from Ardbeg is renowned as one of the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malts around. It has aromas of intense smoky fruit, zesty lemon and lime and dark chocolate overlaid with a sea spray minerality. On the palate, chewy peat meets citrus, black pepper, cinnamon and toffee sweetness with smooth buttermilk, ripe bananas and currants. The finish lingers with tarry espresso, aniseed, toasted almonds and hints of soft barley and fresh pear.

Benriach The Smoky Ten has been crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit and three cask-matured for at least 10 years.

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Glenglassaugh Torfa 50% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99 Hancocks

This peaty Highland single malt made in limited quantities at Glenglassaugh uses richly peated malted barley as the cereal varietal. The malted barley has been dried in the traditional way, over peat infused kilns, giving the whisky a unique smoky flavour. ‘Torfa’ is a unique expression and quite different to the usual style of whisky produced in the Highlands.

Talisker 10YO 45.8% ABV, 750ml RRP $109.99 Lion

The classic expression from the oldest distillery on Skye has powerful peat smoke aromas with a hint of briney sea salt and citrus sweetness. The smoke persists on the palate along with dried fruit sweetness, strong barley malt flavours and pepper. The long finish is warm and peppery with a sweet character.

The Arran Sauternes Cask Finish Single Malt is matured in oak casks for eight years and then finished in a selection of Sauternes wine casks.

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Arran Amarone Cask Finish Single Malt

Arran Sauternes Cask Finish Single Malt

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Tickety-Boo

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Tickety-Boo

After initially maturing in traditional oak casks, the Arran Single Malt in this bottling was finished in a selection of Amarone wine casks sourced from an artisan producer of Amarone wine in the Veneto region of Italy. It has aromas of cherry, Turkish delight and chocolate, with flavours of poached pears, cranberry and honey.

Traditional Arran Single Malt is matured in oak casks for eight years and then finished in a selection of Sauternes wine casks sourced from a small producer of the Bordeaux sweet white wine. The nose is full of citrus and honey sweetness that persists on the palate, sliding into spice, salt, vanilla, sultana and toasted oak. The finish is rich with apricots, melon and honeysuckle.

Arran Port Cask Finish Single Malt 50% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Tickety-Boo

Port casks sourced from an an artisan producer of this iconic Portuguese fortified wine are used to finish this single malt from Arran. It has cinnamon and baked apples on the nose, leading to a palate of vanilla spice, ripe citrus, dried fruits and nuttiness. There is spice, bitter orange, chocolate and cherries on the finish.

Arran Quarter Cask 56.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Tickety-Boo

This cask strength whisky is aged for 8-10 years, matured in bourbon casks and then finished in quarter casks (40-80 litres), which adds more intense cask influence and ramps up the bourbon spice character.

Arran Sherry Cask Single Malt 55.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Tickety-Boo

This is a new cask-strength blend of Arran Sherry Cask, with this version 100% matured in sherry casks for eight years, rather than being sherry-finished. This additional time in cask intensifies the sherry character, with aromas of toffee, sweet spice and fruit leading to a palate of ripe fig and cherries with a long finish of dark chocolate, mandarin and fig.

Kingsbarns Balcomie Sherry Cask 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $110 Glengarry

A fruity, light and balanced whisky bottled from ex-Oloroso American Oak Sherry Butts. It has aromas of treacle, sultanas and fruit loaf with a touch of dark chocolate and berries. The palate is full of sweet pineapple, orange peel and cake spice.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Benriach The Twelve

The Glenlivet 15YO

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $112 Hancocks

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $114.99 Pernod Ricard

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $119 Federal Merchants

To make this whisky, Benriach spirit is three-cask matured for at least 12 years in sherry casks, bourbon barrels and port casks. It is a smooth, sherry-rich single malt, layered with baked fruit, maple honey and cocoa, balanced with a lingering sultana and spiced mocha finish.

A portion of this whisky is matured in French Limousin oak casks, used most commonly for ageing cognacs, giving it a rich and exotic character. A rich and creamy whisky with buttery notes on the nose and fruity, nutty flavours on the palate. Subtle sweet almond and hints of spice on the finish.

This whisky get its distinctive character from ageing in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and hogsheads, and then in Spanish oak ex-Oloroso sherry casks before finishing in oak tuns. It has aromas of sweet fruit and Oloroso sherry layered with honey and vanilla. It is smooth and mellow on the palate with nutty sweetness, cinnamon spice, a delicate layer of sherry and a long finish.

Glenmorangie The Quinta Ruban 14YO

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $112.99 Moët Hennessy

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $115 Hancocks

This whisky is aged first in bourbon casks and then finished in ruby port casks.

It has aromas of dark mint chocolate, tangerines and Seville oranges, with sandalwood, walnut and a spicy finish of pepper and nutmeg. The chocolate and walnut continue on the palate with rose, Turkish delight and sweet Seville oranges also emerging. The finish is long with dark chocolate mints and subtle orange.

The flagship Port Charlotte release is a heavily peated Islay single malt. Matured in American whiskey and French wine casks, it has a barbecue smokiness and is rich and spicy with sweet malty notes.

Machrie Moor Peated Cask Strength

Glen Moray 15YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99 Thirsty Camel

This whisky marries sherry and American oak to create a complex whisky with a hint of spice and delicate smoke over flavours of rich dried fruits and dark chocolate.

56.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $115 Tickety-Boo

Benriach The Smoky Twelve

This peated Arran Single Malt displays all the freshness of the distillery’s house style, with an added puff of smoke and earthiness. Citrus notes on the nose with a background of peat and smoke; a robust whisky with the typical orchard fruits of Arran coming to the fore over a layer of toasted brioche and red berries. On the finish there is citrus, smoke, chocolate, vanilla and coconut.

This whisky is crafted from a combination of unpeated and peated spirit and three-cask matured for at least 12 years in bourbon barrels, sherry casks, and Marsala wine casks. It is a smooth, creamy single malt, layered with flavours of ripe fruit, aromatic smoky sweetness and warming oak spice.

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $124 Hancocks

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Glenmorangie The Nectar d’Or 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99 Moët Hennessy

A special reserve whisky from Glenmorangie that is aged first in American oak bourbon casks and finished in Sauterne wine casks. It has aromas of lemon tart, fresh vanilla, lime and orange zest with sultanas, ginger and coconut.

On the palate there are layers of crème caramel, gingerbread, nutmeg, toasted almonds and honeycomb.

Aultmore ‘Gordon & MacPhail’ Discovery 10YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Fully matured in ex-bourbon American oak casks, the flavour of this whisky is rounded, sweet and balanced. Aromas and flavours of vanilla and rich green apple combine with more exotic fruity tones, with a mouth-filling texture and softly spiced finish, edged with a hint of herbs.

Ardbeg An Oa

Balblair 12YO

46.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $125.99 Moët Hennessy

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Ardbeg An Oa combines whiskies from several cask types, including sweet Pedro Ximénez; spicy virgin charred oak; and intense ex-bourbon casks, amongst others. It has hallmark Ardbeg peat, with dark chocolate, aniseed, butterscotch, black pepper and clove, alongside briny notes and a creamy texture.

Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, this Balblair is fresh and fruity, with lemon peel, creamy vanilla and green apple aromas. The palate is succulent and oily, with more citrus again (dried orange) and spices, with a honeyed tone throughout. Finishing sweet, it lingers with a leathery oaky note.

Made from barley that has been heavily peated, this whisky is initially very smoky on the nose. The peat then gives way to a surge of ripe, fruity aromas of pear, citrus (lime) and apple. The fruity sweetness remains on the palate, joined by sweet vanilla and a floral smokiness that carries through to the finish.

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43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This is the latest expression from Speyside’s smallest distillery and its oldest release since re-opening in 1998. It’s a rich and complex whisky with notes of creamy vanilla custard, fruitcake and honey, with touches of cocoa, warming spice and a thread of smoke that lingers in the finish.

Benromach Vintage 2010 Batch 1 58.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Finished in first fill Hogshead Cask, the Vintage 2010 delivers rich and spicy sherry aromas with orange zest and dark chocolate. The palate develops into stewed fruit, dark honey and red berries with a crack of black pepper. The finish is long and full-bodied with soft smoke and sweet fruit.

Bunnahabhain ‘Gordon & MacPhail’ Discovery 11YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

An Cnoc ‘Peatheart’ 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Benromach 15YO

Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, Balblair 12YO is fresh and fruity, with lemon peel, creamy vanilla and green apple aromas.

Bottled from sherry casks from the Bunnahabhain distillery, this is not dominantly peaty at all – rich and sweet with sherry cask fruitcake notes, vanilla, and a touch of orange marmalade.

Finishing with a rounded milk chocolate note in the finish and the faintest thread of smoke and salt.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Part of independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail’s ‘Discovery’ range, this 13-year-old Caol Ila from the west coast island of Islay falls under their ‘smoky’ profiles.

Caol Ila ‘Gordon & MacPhail’ Discovery 13YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Part of independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail’s ‘Discovery’ range, this 13-yearold Caol Ila from the west coast island of Islay falls under their ‘smoky’ profile. It has aromas of sweet vanilla and dry cured meat, while peat smoke undertones are complemented by banana and apricot.

Ripe banana, kiwifruit and vibrant hints of fresh citrus lead to a long, sweet and smoky finish.

Edradour 10YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Edradour is Scotland’s smallest (legal) distillery and is in the hills behind Pitlochry in Perthshire. The 10-year-old expression is rich with big vanillas, and a lovely round complexity with a touch of chocolate peppermint.

Edradour ‘Ballechin’ 10YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

GlenAllachie 15YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This whisky has a deeply fruity and spicy aroma that carries on to the palate, developing into a lighter note of orange and banana, then fading to bittersweet dark chocolate.

Glenfarclas 15YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Ballechin is the name Edradour gives its heavily peated spirit, and this release is their new standard expression bottled after 10 years of maturation. The peat character of this is remarkably Islay-like, with a rich earthy smoke, ginger spice, and amazingly even a hint of coastal, farmyard aromas. A standout example of the non-Islay peated style.

Light butterscotch, dried fruit and a big oak and sherry character mingle with hints of malted barley and a touch of dry peat smoke. The finish is long, with Christmas cake spices lingering on the palate.

Glen Scotia 15YO

Aromas of raisins and rich toffee lead to a palate of raspberries and blackberries mingled with hints of cinnamon and charred oak. It has a creamy mouthfeel with a lingering finish of butterscotch sauce, milk chocolate and a suggestion of orange.

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This release from Glen Scotia is fully matured in specially selected American oak barrels in their Campbeltown warehouses for 15 years before bottling.

Its delicate apricot and vanilla aromas develop towards a zesty fruit salad and subtle coastal note. On the palate there are hints of ginger and spice, complemented by rich vanilla and fruit notes.

Glenrothes ‘Gordon & MacPhail’ Discovery 11YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

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Kilchoman ‘Machir Bay’

Loch Lomond 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This Islay whisky has a nose of fresh peat smoke with cooked stone fruit sweetness.

On the palate there’s tangy peat smoke and a vanilla pudding sweetness that leads to a seaside, peppery smoke and a long peaty finish.

Loch Lomond’s 12-year-old single malt is created from a combination of casks (ex-American oak, refill and charred) bringing together toasty oak notes to complement the distillery’s fruity character of pear and orange. There is a layered sweetness of vanilla and just a hint of peat and smoke.

Kilchoman Sanaig 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Sanaig is bottled predominantly from Oloroso sherry hogshead casks – evident in its rich colour and flavour. The aroma is classic Kilchoman, with soft, cooked fruits, full-bodied peat smoke with citrus notes, and a lingering sweetness.

Ledaig ‘Gordon & MacPhail’ Discovery 12YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

The peated whisky made at the Tobermory distillery is called Ledaig (pronounced ‘le-chig’) and this new whisky comes from the ‘smoky’ selection of the Discovery series by Gordon & MacPhail. There is a rich plume of peat smoke on the nose, becoming tinged with cured smoky meat. The palate is weighty with an oily sweetness; vanilla and stewed fruits followed by lime and a kick of peat smoke again, and chocolate in the finish.

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Loch Lomond Smoke & Spice Inchmoan 12YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Using a combination of peated whisky made in Loch Lomond’s unique combination of straight-neck and swanneck stills, this Highland Single Malt has a soft, fruity and sweet character woven with a gentle peatiness; a warming and mild smoke similar to that of an old fireplace or bonfire.

Miltonduff ‘Gordon & MacPhail’ Discovery 10YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Dry sherry aromas mingle with stewed raisin and roasted hazelnut in this whisky, complemented by a fresh citrus edge.

Creamy milk chocolate and orange zest flavours lead to spiced stewed fruits. The finish is fruity with lingering citrus.

Tomatin ‘Gordon & MacPhail’ Discovery 2009 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Filled from casks that were laid down at the Tomatin distillery in 2009, this new ‘Discovery’ release from Gordon & MacPhail sees the exclusive use of American oak ex-bourbon barrels to produce a sweet and smooth single malt.

The nose is intense with honey, fragrant pear and a note of spring blossoms. The palate is fruity with melon and white peach, leading to vanilla custard and a herbal finish that builds softly with oak spice.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Old Pulteney ‘Huddart’

Tamdhu 12YO

Glenfiddich Project XX

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99 Federal Merchants

Finished in ex-peated casks after an initial maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, this expression from Old Pulteney wafts fragrant mellow wood smoke from the glass with honey and oily leather, developing into crisp green apple, creamy vanilla and a hint of burnt toffee.

Freshly ground spices and vanilla on the palate balance the subtle notes of smoke and peat fire. Finishes on a rich salted caramel note.

Tamdhu Distillery, in the heart of Speyside, produces a classic rich, old-fashioned, rounded style. The distillery fills exclusively ex-sherry casks for the Tamdhu single malt. This 12YO expression is full of dried fruit, sweet spiciness, and confectionery notes like old-fashioned boiled sweets.

This single malt expression was created as a collaboration with 20 (hence the ‘XX’) whisky industry experts, adding layers of complexity to classic Glenfiddich whisky.

The nose has classic fruitiness with hints of apple blossom, ripe pear, rich vanilla oak, golden sugar and a hint of liquorice.

The taste is deep and mellow with a candy floss sweetness complemented by notes of toasted almond, cinnamon and a hint of crisp tannin. The long finish has a sweet oakiness.

Port Askaig 100 Proof 57.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Bottled from a selection of casks both young and old from an undisclosed distillery on Islay, the Port Askaig series personifies the Islay style: dense smoke, sea spray and a hint of lemon and liquorice. The peat smoke lingers on the palate with salted caramel, herbal notes and a slow drying finish.

Scarabus Batch Strength by Hunter Laing 57% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This higher strength expression of the Scarabus is full of the same sweet peat smoke as the standard release featured above, but with extra texture and body.

Aromas of orchard fruit are joined by a developing peat smoke, while flavours of creamy toffee and vanilla balance the peppery spiciness. A rich finish of honeycomb and a lasting ashy smoke.

RRP $120 - $199 Glenfiddich IPA Experiment 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99 Federal Merchants

Glenfiddich’s Malt Master Brian Kinsman collaborated with a Speyside brewer to create this unique take on single malt Scotch whisky, which was brewed in bespoke craft IPA barrels. It has aromas of green apple, pear and spring blossom, with hops and fresh herbs. There is a zesty citrus note on the palate followed by creamy vanilla and a hint of fresh hops. The finish is lengthy and sweet with subtle green hops.

Bottled from a selection of casks both young and old from an undisclosed distillery on Islay, the Port Askaig series personifies the Islay style.

Glenfiddich 15YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $129 Federal Merchants

Aged in European oak sherry casks and new oak casks, this whisky is mellowed in Glenfiddich’s Solera Vat, a large oak tun inspired by the sherry bodegas of Spain and Portugal, which has been kept half full of whiskies since 1998.

This whisky has aromas of heather honey, vanilla fudge and rich dark fruit.

It is full-bodied with flavours of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon, ginger and a lingering sweetness.

Bowmore 15YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Beam Suntory

This Scotch is matured first in bourbon barrels then spends its final three years in Oloroso sherry casks, to create its deep colour and rich raisin character. Aromas of dark chocolate, raisin and smoke that persist on the palate along cedar wood and rich treacle toffee. Finishes with spice, toffee, sherry and barley.

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SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Jura Seven Wood 42% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99 Hancocks

The ‘Seven Wood’ in the name of this Scotch refers to the seven different oak cask types used in its creation: first fill ex-bourbon American white oak, Vosges, Bertranges, Jupilles, Allier, Tronçais and Limousin barrels. It has aromas of coffee, ginger and a hint of milk chocolate, with flavours of caramelised peach, chewy liquorice, candied orange and a hint of sea-spray and smoke.

Kingsbarns Distillery Reserve 2020 has been distilled using Fife barley and matured in shaved, toasted and re-charred (STR) red wine barriques from Portugal.

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $139 Hancocks

Laphroaig Quarter Cask 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $139.99 Beam Suntory

Double maturation in two American oak casks give this whisky an intense flavour.

Still-maturing whisky from Laphroaig’s standard ex-bourbon barrels is transferred to quarter casks, increasing contact with the oak and softening Laphroaig’s distinctive peatiness. It has aromas of toffee and caramel with a dryness from the wood oil. The finish is long, with sweetness and smoke.

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59.9% ABV, 700ml RRP $145.99 Pernod Ricard

‘A’bunadh’ means ‘the original’ in Gaelic and this cask-strength whisky was made in homage to Aberlour’s founder, James Fleming. It’s a robust and deeply intense sherried whisky with rich and creamy complex flavours of fruit cake, dark bitter chocolate and spices.

Bowmore 18YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $147.99 Beam Suntory

The Macallan Double Cask 12YO This whisky marries the classic Macallan style with the sweetness of American oak. It has aromas of creamy butterscotch with a hint of toffee apple, candied orange, vanilla custard and oak. Honey in the mouth with wood spices and citrus, balanced with raisins and caramel. Oak lingers on the finish, which is sweet and drying.

Aberlour A’bunadh

Kingsbarns Distillery Reserve 2020 59.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $140 Glengarry

This limited release cask strength single malt has been distilled using Fife barley and matured in shaved, toasted and re-charred (STR) red wine barriques from Portugal. The resulting whisky has flavours of ginger and nutmeg with citrus orange zest.

Aberlour 14YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $145.99 Pernod Ricard

This new individual batch release features sherry and American oak cask ageing, creating aromas of sweet vanilla and ripe cherry and a rounded palate full of soft caramel, blackcurrant, blackberry jam and subtle spice. The finish is long, sweet and balanced.

Ageing in oak gives this single malt Scotch aromas of creamy caramel toffee, ripe fruit and smoke. It’s complex in the mouth with soft fruit and chocolate, balanced with a light smokiness leading to a lingering finish.

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99 Federal Merchants

Matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years, this whisky is then finished in casks that previously held Caribbean rum. This gives it the traditional smooth, honeyed character of The Balvenie, married with notes of toffee and a hint of fruit, with a warm, lingering finish.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Ardbeg Uigeadail

Glenmorangie 18YO

Arran 18YO

54.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $157.99 Moët Hennessy

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99 Moët Hennessy

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $170 Tickety-Boo

‘Uigeadail’ is pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’ and translates as ‘dark and mysterious’.

It’s named for the Loch from which Ardbeg distillery draws the water for its whisky. Uigeadail is a special vatting that marries Ardbeg’s traditional deep, smoky notes with Christmas fruitcake tones of old ex-sherry casks. The lingering finish has deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke.

This is part of Glenmorangie’s Prestige Expressions range. The 18YO spends 15 years maturing in American white oak casks and then approximately 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years before the two are blended together. A rich, rounded aroma leads to balanced flavours of honey, malt and florals with hints of dates, figs and wood smoke. The long finish has dried fruit sweetness and subtle dryness of Oloroso nuttiness.

Made from a mix of aged ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks, this 18-year-old expression is the oldest in the core range of single malts from Arran Distillery. It has aromas of orchard fruit with syrup, toasted oak, vanilla and light cinnamon.

The palate is rounded and sweet with chocolate, ginger, caramelised brown sugar and vanilla. The finish is long with citrus and orchard fruit, brioche and dark chocolate.

Jura 18YO

57.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $178.99 Moët Hennessy

The Glenlivet 18YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $159.99 Pernod Ricard

Balanced, rich and elegant, this whisky was aged in first and second fill American oak and ex-sherry casks. It has aromas of rich fruit and toffee, with sweet citrus and winter spice on the palate. A long finish with flavours of raisin and spice.

The Dalmore 15YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99 Hancocks

The team at The Dalmore describe this whisky as “the epitome of our house style”. Aged for 15 years, it’s finished in different styles of sherry casks including Apostoles, Amoroso and Matusalem Oloroso. It has complex flavours of mandarin, vanilla, ginger and crushed apples with caramelised orange and dark chocolate on the finish.

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99 Hancocks

Eighteen years in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels is followed by finishing in premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels to create a whisky full of rich black forest fruit, toffee, cocoa and coffee characters.

Ardbeg Corryvreckan takes its name from a famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay.

Ardbeg Corryvreckan This whisky takes its name from a famous whirlpool that lies to the north of Islay.

Heady aromas of tar, linseed oil, dark chocolate, dark fruit and muscovado sugar are overlaid with a briny character. It is peppery and chewy on the palate with tarry espresso, rich dark fruits and bitter almonds. The powerful finish is of black coffee, chocolate, cherries and hot pepper sauce.

Glenfiddich 18YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $180 Federal Merchants

Spanish Oloroso wood and American oak are used to mature this rich, fruity whisky. It has aromas of ripe orchard fruit, baked apple and robust oak, with dried fruit, candy peel and dates on the palate, overlaid with elegant oak notes.

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SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Highland Park 15YO 44% ABV, 700ml RRP $180 Hancocks

The heavily embossed ceramic bottle was inspired by the ancient earthenware vessels in which whisky was stored centuries ago. Highland Park’s 15-yearold single malt is rich with sweet spices and crème brulee, balanced with a tropical zest.

Glenmorangie ‘A Tale of Winter’ 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $195 Moët Hennessy

Created to capture the snug feeling of being indoors during winter, this whisky has been crafted from 13-year-old single malt finished in Marsala wine casks from Sicily. Aromas of orange toffee, lavender honey and sweet rose lead to a juicy and slightly peppery mouthfeel with sweet, nutty flavours. The finish is of sweet demerara sugar and a long lingering spicy aftertaste of clove, ginger and cinnamon.

Laphroaig Lore 48% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99 Beam Suntory

This Scotch is named for the ‘lore’ or traditions and knowledge held by the distillers and blenders at Laphroaig through the generations and is described as the richest expression of the distillery’s famed peated whisky. It’s a complex blend of small-batch Scotch whisky, matured in five cask types, aged between 7-21 years.

Rich and smoky, with notes of ash, bitter chocolate and ocean air and a long, sweet finish with a hint of spice.

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Glenmorangie ‘A Tale of Winter’ was created to capture the snug feeling of being indoors in winter.

Balblair 15YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in rich Spanish sherry casks, the Balblair 15-year-old is distinctly spiced and fruity, with notes of prunes, tropical fruit and dark chocolate. Velvety in texture with spices and mellow vanilla, there is an edge of citrus and lemon peel.

Glen Scotia ‘Victoriana’ 54.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A fruity whisky with citrus hints and plenty of woody spice. Finishing in charred oak casks gives it a rich caramel vanilla and cocoa characteristic.

Glenfarclas 17YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This expression from Glenfarclas has developed a soft and refined flavour of sherry-cask oak (dried dark fruits, soft spices) and increased depth and complexity of flavour. Hints of butterscotch and jaffa-cake also come through, with a hint of peat smoke.

Glengoyne ‘Cask Strength’ Batch #0008 59.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

A big, bold whisky aged in a combination of first fill sherry casks, refill casks and some first-fill bourbon casks. It has aromas of apple pie, vanilla, nutmeg and white chocolate. At almost 60% it has a thick mouthfeel that coats the palate with buttery flavours of toffee popcorn, sweet banana and soft oak. A lasting finish of summer fruits and malt biscuits.

Tamdhu 15YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Matured exclusively in ex-sherry casks for 15 years, this expression from Tamdhu has a rich and full flavour with notes of apple pastries, spiced currants and orange zest sitting alongside crème caramel and dried fruit. The palate is nutty and malty with creamy vanilla and more woody fruit and spice.

Tamdhu Batch Strength Batch No.6 56.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

Fully matured in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, this release from Tamdhu has fresh and aromatic spices from the oak on the nose, with roasted nuts and creamy vanilla. To taste, the palate is dense with rich fruit (sultana loaf, Christmas mix) and berries, with orange and lemon developing.

The texture is full and decadent, leaving behind a trail of fig, date and more spices.

SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

Highland Park 18YO Viking Pride

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99 Lion

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $260 Hancocks

A rich and floral aroma with oaky overtones and hints of baking spices. In the mouth there is malty caramel, delicate dried raisins and vanilla leading to a long, sweet finish with hints of nuts and spice.

The pinnacle of the Johnnie Walker Colour range. Its initial flavours include hazelnut, honey, sherry and orange, followed by ginger, sandalwood and dark chocolate.

The rich honey sweetness is accompanied by hints of pepper and dried fruit, before a long, lingering finish of soft smoke.

This whisky is matured in a high proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks and has flavours of ripe cherries, bittersweet cocoa, freshly honeycomb and candied orange peel with a touch of salty sea spray and aromatic peat smoke.

Glen Moray 18YO

Arran 21YO

Glenfarclas 25YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $250 Tickety-Boo

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

This 21YO release from Arran Distillery has now joined the brand’s core range and is one of its oldest expressions of Arran single malt to date. It has aromas of sweet spice and hazelnut, with ginger and dark chocolate on the palate. The finish is balanced with bitter orange, sweet citrus and dark chocolate.

This whisky has hints of sherry, honey, and dark roasted coffee beans along with a distinct oaky spice and nuttiness. The finish is long-lasting with a gentle touch of peat smoke in the background.

The GlenDronach 21YO Parliament

A full-bodied, round and rich whisky with aromas of red apple and ripe melon, that drift into hot porridge topped with brown sugar. On the palate, macerated fruits, marzipan and walnuts lead into warm spices, dry cocoa and lingering Seville marmalade.

RRP $200 - $299.99 Glen Grant 18YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $215.99 Thirsty Camel

47.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $216.99 Thirsty Camel

Aromas of toasted oak with toffee and caramelised autumn fruits. Baked spiced apple and vanilla smoked raisins on the palate. Rich and smooth with an elegant finish.

The Macallan Classic Cut 2021 55% ABV, 700ml RRP $240 Hancocks

The Macallan Classic Cut is a series of higher strength single malts designed to deliver a different flavour experience each year. The 2021 showcases the role American ex-bourbon casks have when combined with classic sherry casks.

The higher ABV brings out notes of vanilla, sweet orange, gingerbread and spiced fruit.

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $257.92 Hancocks

Matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for a minimum of 21 years, the ‘Parliament’ is named after the colony, or ‘parliament’, of rooks that have been nesting in the trees that overlook the GlenDronach distillery for almost 200 years. This richly complex whisky has aromas of ripe autumn fruits and flavours of fine Oloroso sherry, bitter chocolate and plum pudding with notes of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Fullbodied with smooth tannins.

Glengoyne 18YO 43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA Whisky Galore

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SPIRITS REPORT – SCOTCH WHISKY

RRP $300 and above Glenfiddich 21YO 40% ABV, 700ml RRP $325 Federal Merchants

A traditional Speyside whisky matured for 21 years onsite at the Glenfiddich distillery and then finished in Caribbean rum casks, selected by Malt Master Brian Kinsman.

These casks add notes of ginger, fig, lime, banana and a vibrant spicy toffee warmth to the signature Glenfiddich style.

Glenmorangie Signet is a blend of the distillery’s oldest whisky.

The Balvenie PortWood 21YO

Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $419 Federal Merchants

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $500 Federal Merchants

This award-winning whisky was first released in 1996 and is considered to be one of the finest creations by The Balvenie Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE. The single malt whisky is a combination of rare Balvenie transferred to port casks, which have held fine port wines. It has a perfumed aroma of fruity and ripe raisin notes, backed by a nutty dryness. The refined palate is creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes leading to a long, gentle finish.

This rich and intense whisky is matured for 23 years in American and European oak and finished in French cuvee casks – the only Glenfiddich Single Malt to undergo this finishing. Aromas of apple blossom, freshly baked bread and candied lemon lead to layered flavours of rich vanilla oak, sweet brioche, sandalwood, pear sorbet and white grape. The finish is long, opulent and sweet.

Ardbeg 19YO 46.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $449.99 Moët Hennessy

Glenmorangie Signet 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $395.99 Moët Hennessy

Another in Glenmorangie’s Prestige Expression range, Signet is a blend of the distillery’s oldest whisky and is described as the richest whisky in the Glenmorangie portfolio. It has strong aromas of espresso, alongside treacly plum pudding, rich sherry, and candied orange peel. The palate contrasts rich sweetness with spices and bitter mocha, while the finish is fresh with a bright citrus lemony-green quality.

Matured in American oak and Oloroso sherry casks, this 19-year-old expression from Ardbeg has aromas of wood smoke, sea-spray and pine resin, with aniseed toffee, citrus zest and a touch of cayenne pepper. Rich on the palate with classic sweet smokiness, tarry rope, treacle toffee and aniseed. Hints of smoke continue with smoked brown sugar, sugar-coated walnuts and gentle spices. The long finish has bitter almonds, linseed oil, clove, pepper and soot.

Laphroaig 25YO 48.9% ABV, 700ml RRP $800 Beam Suntory

This special offering from Laphroaig is aged for 25 years in a combination of large Oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels and is bottled at cask strength.

Creamy vanilla and spiced apple flavours complement the distinctive peated smoke of Laphroaig.

Ardbeg 25YO 46% ABV, 700ml RRP $1900 Moët Hennessy

This is the newest, oldest whisky to join the Ardbeg core range. Aromas of smoked cream and earthy bonfires join layers of pine and fragrant candle wax. In the mouth there is hot pepper, lemon sherbet sweetness, and hints of tar flowing into a long finish with delicate aniseed, cream and fudge.

For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 92.

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OPINION – SPIRITS

Dominic Roskrow

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

Down the rabbit hole Dominic Roskrow looks at the current global supply chain issues and asks if all is really as it appears…

I USED to have a badge that said ‘There are theories at the bottom of my jargon’.

And it’s true: I do indeed like a good, complex conspiracy theory. So with that caveat, here’s a spoiler alert: the rest of this column may be delusional, meaningless piffle. Or more so than normal anyway.

The question is, with the news dominated by COVID and more recently the war in Ukraine, are governments across the world trying to blame domestic woes on circumstances beyond their control, rather than domestic ineptitude?

Here in the United Kingdom this theory is borne out by the unpopular and untrusted Conservative Government and the miserable failure of Brexit. Despite promises of the opportunity to trade across the world, we have so far gained little beyond the right to buy some kangaroo meat and box jellyfish readymeals from Australia.

Not your problem, right? Well, it may be. We can all accept that world events have led to increasing costs of fuel, which will inevitably negatively impact on the price of imports from the United Kingdom.

But what about the other supply channels? During the worst of the COVID virus we were told that the shortage of bottles and packaging was caused by the need to close these respective industries every time an employee caught COVID. Fair enough, but what if that delay was actually caused by the breakdown of the economic cycle between the United Kingdom and the European Union? What if those bottles and cardboard boxes are being delayed in multi-mile queues at Britain’s ports?

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You’d think the matter of wooden pallets wouldn’t be an issue here would you? But they are. Before Brexit they were used and reused at will between EU nations. Now, every pallet used in the UK has to be logged and registered, causing a huge amount of red tape, delay and cost. Given the complex logistics of global trade, this is going to matter. Britain’s closest European neighbour is Ireland. In the last year, food chain Marks & Spencer has grappled with empty shelves across Ireland (North and South) and didn’t send its Christmas range this year. Eleven stores in France have closed.

It could be argued that it is only a matter of time before world markets will be hit by shortages of Scotch whisky, with small independent outlets struggling the most.

This is best illustrated by a British independent bottler that has been marketing high quality single cask,

cask strength single malt whiskies from Diageo. It has been forced to review its business model and start retailing blended malts. The reason is that the drinks giant is providing fewer single casks to independents and rechannelling its malt whiskies into blends to service huge demand for blended whisky among younger drinkers in South American markets such as Mexico and Brazil. If supply issues are impacting here, why wouldn’t they affect New Zealand?

This is the tip of the iceberg. Now that Scotland is not part of Europe, what’s to stop America’s bourbon producers selling whiskey under three years to the rest of the Continent? And how will that affect how they trade in the Southern Hemisphere? All sorts of unexpected twists and turns lie ahead.

Blame the Russians. But watch for a sleight of hand or two closer to home.

SPIRITS NEWS

Medal winners in NZ Spirits Awards 2022 THE MEDAL winners in the NZ Spirits Awards 2022 were announced in late May ahead of the Trophy presentation on 10 June. (Trophy results will be available on drinksbiz.co.nz).

Organisers say that this year’s event received 466 entries, up 27% on 2021. Gin made up more than half of those with 235 entries – 185 of those produced locally.

NZ Spirits Awards 2022 – Major medal winners Vodka

Gin

DOUBLE GOLD

DOUBLE GOLD

Broken Heart Spirits – Broken Heart Vodka

Kyoto Distillery – Ki No Tea 1919 Distilling – 1919 Classic Gin Holland Road – Sauvignon Blanc & Green Tea Vicar’s Son Gin – Navy Strength Vicar’s Son Gin – Revelation Vicar’s Son Gin – Without Sin

GOLD

42below – 42below Vodka Gorilochka – Vodka Gorilochka Wheat 500ml Herrick Creek – Smokin’ Right Rear Cinnamon Moonshine Reefton Distilling Co. – Wild Rain Vodka Whiskey DOUBLE GOLD

Bruichladdich – Bruichladdich Classic Laddie Jura – Jura 18 Mars – Mars Cosmo Bruichladdich – Port Charlotte 10 Smokehead – Smokehead Islay Single Malt Whisky High Voltage Teeling – Teeling Pot Still GOLD

Divergence Single Malt NZ Whisky – Sloe Barrel Finished Highland Park – Highland Park 18 Jack Daniels – Jack Daniel’s Bottled in Bond Talisker – Talisker 10YO The New Zealand Whisky Collection – The Otago 30YO Waiheke Whisky – Bog Monster Waiheke Whisky – Dyad - Chardonnay Waiheke Whisky – Moss Wild Turkey – Wild Turkey Rye Whiskey Woodford Reserve – Woodford Reserve Key

GOLD

1919 Distilling – 1919 Pineapple Bits 5 Mile Gin – 5 Mile Gin Awildian – Coromandel Dry Gin Broken Heart Spirits – Broken Heart Pinot Noir Gin Drumshanbo – Gunpowder Irish Gin Elsewhere Gin – Central Otago Elsewhere Gin – Endeavour Inlet Good George – Good George For Fuck Sake’s 2021 Holland Road – Pink Grapefruit & Kawakawa Juno – 2022 Autumn New Zealand Gin Day – New Zealand Gin Day Souvenir Gin No8 Distillery – No8 Horopito gin Reefton Distilling Co. – Little Biddy Gin - Classic The National Distillery – NZ Dry Vicar’s Son Gin – Ascension Vicar’s Son Gin – London Dry Waitoki Washhouse Distillery – Waitoki Washhouse Fresh Rhubarb Gin Waitoki Washhouse Distillery – Waitoki

Washhouse Original Citrus Gin Whitley Neill – Whitley Neill Quince Gin Brandies DOUBLE GOLD

Remy Martin – Remy Martin XO GOLD

Elsewhen – Elsewhen Applejack Tequila/Agave Spirits DOUBLE GOLD

Herradura – Herradura Plata Liqueurs GOLD

Amarula – Amarula Cream Barlovska Barlovska – Blackberry Cointreau – Cointreau Rum Co. of Fiji – Ratu Signature Blend The Damson Collection – Damson Plum Liqueur Rum DOUBLE GOLD

Broken Heart Spirits – Broken Heart Spiced Rum The Alchemist’s Distillery – Golden Rum Mount Gay – Mount Gay XO GOLD

Appleton Estate – Appleton Estate Reserve Blend Brugal – Brugal 1888 Cane – Overproof Dead Man’s Fingers – Dead Man’s Fingers Hemp Rum Flor de Cana – Flor de Cana 12 Havana Club – Havana Club 7YO Mount Gay – Mount Gay Black Barrel Spirited Union – Queen Pineapple & Spiced

Full results available at spiritsawardsnz.nz/results

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The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao THE MACALLAN has unveiled The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao, the first limited-edition whisky in an innovative new series of single malts that will see the brand progress its journey towards sustainable packaging.

To create the first edition in this new limited annual release series, The Macallan Whisky Maker, Polly Logan, travelled to Girona in Spain to learn about the chocolate-making process and distinctive flavour profiles. She collaborated with world-renowned pastry chef, Jordi Roca, the youngest of the acclaimed Roca brothers of El Celler de Can Roca, with whom The Macallan has a long-standing relationship.

Crafted using European and American oak casks, the resulting whisky is an exceptionally rich single malt characterised by a deep, dark chocolate profile.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is also encased in a fully recyclable and biodegradable presentation box, made using natural by-products in the chocolate-making process.

The Macallan Harmony Collection Rich Cacao is RRP $299.99.

Hancocks

Four Pillars becomes first carbon neutral gin distillery in Australia FOUR PILLARS Gin has announced it is the first carbon neutral gin distillery in Australia, as it unveils a AUD$7 million dollar upgrade to its Healesville headquarters in Victoria’s Yarra Valley.

The craft distillery was established in 2013 and has since become Australia’s number one craft spirit. Four Pillars is distributed in New Zealand by Tickety-Boo. Its new carbon neutral certification has been made by Climate Active – an

Australian government initiative regarded as one of the most strident carbon neutral programmes worldwide. It is only awarded to businesses that have reached a state of achieving zero net emissions.

Four Pillars says all its gins bottled onsite will be certified carbon neutral, and its business operations have also achieved carbon neutral status by being included in the boundary of the Lion Australia’s organisation certification last year (Lion is a partner of Four Pillars).

The Four Pillars distillery, named Healesville 2.0, has seen more than a 1000sqm expansion of the original site.

The new site is directly adjacent, and wholly connected, to the original Four Pillars home on Lilydale Road, Healesville.

The whole site, incorporating the old and new buildings, will be enclosed by a copper ‘veil’ made from 1650m of raw copper tubing, working as a natural heat exchange to reduce energy consumption.

Gin will be ‘piped’ directly into the main bar through featured copper pipes to reduce glass waste, while bottled tonic will be replaced in the most part by tonic in kegs. Four Pillars says that these two

Copper pipes carry the gin from the production facility to taps at the bar to reduce glass use at Four Pillars’ new distillery.

initiatives alone will save 29 tonnes of glass per year at the site.

The construction has used materials including recycled and upcycled concrete and bricks, pineapple ‘leather’ upholstery and even building ‘waste’ has been carefully used and given a second life.

Furniture is all locally sourced, solar power panels clad the roof, and internal and external landscaping includes plantings of local natives and botanicals, many of which will be used in future gin distillations.

ANSON SMART

SPIRITS NEWS

SPIRITS NEWS

First releases from Waiheke Whisky CRAFT DISTILLERY Waiheke Whisky has announced the release of its first whiskies with tasting sets now available and the first 700ml bottles available to pre-order in late June.

The releases follow Gold medal wins for the Waiheke Island distillery at the NZ Spirits Awards.

Entitled ‘Adventures in New Zealand Peat’ the tasting set includes four 50ml bottles:

• Moss – ‘Lightly-peated, bourbon cask finish’ (Gold at NZ Spirits Awards 2022) • Seris 1 – ‘Lightly-peated, PX Apera (Australian sherry) finish’ • Bog Monster – ‘Heavily-peated, ex-bourbon finish’ (Gold at NZ Spirits Awards 2022) • Peated New Make – ‘Heavilypeated Gladfields NZ Malt’ waihekewhisky.com

Gold medal haul for Starward at SFWSC AUSTRALIAN CRAFT whisky distillery Starward is celebrating success after picking up 12 Double Gold and three Gold medals at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition. The Starward range is distributed in New Zealand by TicketyBoo and the medal winners available here are: DOUBLE GOLD

Starward Nova Single Malt Whisky Starward Fortis Single Malt Whisky Starward Octave Barrels Single Malt Whisky Starward UnExPeated Single Malt Whisky Starward Tawny #2 Single Malt Whisky (coming soon to NZ) Starward Ginger Beer Cask #6 Single Malt Whisky GOLD

Starward Two-Fold Whisky Starward Dolce Single Malt Whisky Tickety-Boo

That’s the

spirit!

llery. ore. i t t s s i o d n We’re h brow its. g i h o n .co.nz f spir e o r We’re r o e t s k nd a ma thebo We’re

New Zealand’s only Double Gold awarded gin at the San Francisco World Spirits Award 2022.

Distilled on Great Barrier Island with local Manuka & bush honey. Enquire today. wholesale@islandgin.com

SPIRITS NEWS

Lost Explorer Mezcal launches in NZ RECOGNISED AS the most highly awarded mezcal of 2021, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is now available in New Zealand exclusively through Federal Merchants & Co. Co-founded by adventurer and environmentalist David de Rothschild and entrepreneur Thor Björgólfsson in 2020, The Lost Explorer Mezcal is made from 100 percent agave, cultivated in the Valles Centrales, Oaxaca, Mexico.

The range includes an Espadín, Tobalá and Salmiana and is made in partnership with internationally recognised and awardwinning Maestro Mezcalero Don Fortino Ramos and family.

The Lost Explorer Mezcal is founded on a firm ethos of the sustainable production of high-quality, artisanal mezcales in a way that supports the local community and environment in Oaxaca, including the

mezcalero being a shareholder in the company.

Within a year of launching, The Lost Explorer Mezcal achieved the accolade of being the most highly awarded mezcal in the world, including Double Gold, Gold and Silver from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as Taste Master – best of the best – from The Spirits Business Tequila and Mezcal Masters.

• The Lost Explorer Espadin (8YO) 750ml, RRP $159.99 • The Lost Explorer Tobala (10YO) 750ml, RRP $279.99 • The Lost Explorer Salmiana (12YO) 750ml, RRP $349.99 Federal Merchants

Honest meets Unkel for Sangria CRAFT RUM distillery Honest has teamed up with natural wine brand Unkel to create Cinco Sangria Rum – a small batch blend of Honest’s white rum with Unkel’s fruity organic Nelson Pinot Noir, and New Zealand-grown oranges, cherries and apples.

The medium-bodied rum has aromas of orange peel and apple, partnered by big bursts of flavour from cherries and oranges, finished with a hint of dark chocolate. It’s an ideal base for Sangria or serve neat.

Honest x Unkel – 2022 Limited Edition ‘Cinco Sangria Rum’ 37.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99 drinkhonest.co.nz

SHOWCASE

Island Gin goes Double Gold at SFWSC 2022 NEW ZEALAND craft distillery Island Gin has been awarded Double Gold for its Island Gin Original at the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition – a huge achievement for a young distillery.

Gold medals are awarded to exceptional spirits near the pinnacle of achievement that set the standard for their categories. To be awarded Double Gold at the SFWSC every judge must unanimously award a gold rating, indicating that the gin is amongst the finest in the world.

Island Gin won Double Gold for its distinctive New Zealand made Original Gin and a Gold medal for its Navy Strength Gin. “The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most prestigious spirits awards globally,” says internationallyrenowned Australian gin expert and spirits judge Caroline Ashford, (founder of ‘The Gin Queen’).

“To win a Double Gold medal means that the judges have unanimously agreed on the excellence of the product. For a growing brand, this is a significant win against a highly competitive field of entrants from all over the world.”

Island Gin was established by founder and distiller Andi Ross on Great Barrier Island in 2019. The distillery has a sustainable focus: packaging on a solar-powered bottling line in distinct k na-inspired recycled glass bottles, and using Great Barrier honey and other New Zealand-sourced botanicals where possible. Ross’ gins have won a cluster of prestigious awards, including the Innovation Award at the NZ Spirits Awards 2020.

In 2022, Island Gin made its first exports to Australia for The Gin Society, a Melbourne-based gin subscription company.

For more details or trade inquiries contact Island Gin. islandgin.com andi@islandgin.com

90 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

SPIRITS NEWS

World’s 50 Best Bars launches bartender scholarship THE WORLD’S 50 Best Bars has announced the launch of its inaugural 50 Best Bars Scholarship, open to any bartender from anywhere in the world aged 21 or over with fewer than three years’ experience.

The Scholarship is in partnership with The Blend – the global trade advocacy programme for the hospitality industry by Beam Suntory.

Applications are open now at worlds50bestbars.com/scholarship and close on 20 June. The winner will be rewarded with a trip to complete two bar stages (internships) in London and New York. The first will take place at Connaught Bar, the two-time winner of The World’s Best Bar title, in 2020 and 2021. The second will be at Katana Kitten, a previous winner of the Best New Opening Award in 2019 and currently ranked No.10 in The World’s 50 Best Bars 2021 list.

They will then be hosted by The Blend Global Team in Madrid. Flights between these destinations will be included and the lucky winner will receive £500 per week living expenses to enjoy the host cities.

Connaught Bar

The 50 Best Scholar will be selected after a three-stage judging process, which will feature leading lights of the bar industry. The three finalists will be hosted at The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 awards ceremony in Barcelona in October,

where the winner will be announced. The internships will take place in 2023.

Applicants can find further information to help with their entry at theblend.world. world50bestbars.com/scholarship

SHOWCASE

The Bond Store: Taking locallycrafted spirits across the drinks industry KAPITI COAST distillery The Bond Store is all about the philosophy that life is for living. Their unique gin and vodka, created through the expertise of lead distiller and co-owner Bec Kay, have already become mainstays of the Wellington bar scene and beyond, while their premium canned Cocktail Collusion range now brings top shelf mixology expertise into the homes and backyards of cocktail-loving Kiwis across Aotearoa.

No high-brow distillery, The Bond Store is an innovative and fun-loving makery of spirits and they’re shaking up the way Kiwis right across the country think about their favourite tipples. Focused on sustainable practices in their craft, the distillery’s sought-after products range from a delicate botanical Kawakawa gin infused with native leaves handpicked from Bec and co-owner Chris Barber’s own rural property, to delectable coffee vodka made with organic beans in collaboration with brewing powerhouse L’affare.

Bec Kay of The Bond Store

The Bond Store offers unique, carefully crafted spirits made with passion to the wider New Zealand market, successfully taking that locally-made feeling into the mainstream industry like no one else.

The Bond Store thinks about things differently and challenges others to do the same. A limited edition release of their Kawakawa gin now comes housed in a handmade wooden rat trap instead of a gift box, to help people take a hands-on approach to conservation by

The gin-rat-trap

getting out and trapping rats in their own backyards with the first ever gin-rat-trap.

It’s just one example of how the Bond Store not only distils a relaxed Kiwi feel into their products, but also prompts everyone – from merchant to consumer – to think about their individual impact on sustainability as an underlying philosophy.

Lift the spirits of Kiwis everywhere with The Bond Store. thebondstore.co.nz kapiti@thebondstore.co.nz

DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022 91

DISTRIBUTORS DIRECTORY

Distributors 8-Wired

DB Breweries

Hancocks

Pernod Ricard

022 106 1709 8wired.co.nz

0800 746 432 db.co.nz

0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

0800 655 550 pernod-ricard-nz.com

Asahi Beverages NZ

Doctors Flat

Hans Herzog Estate

Porters Pinot

09 298 3000 asahibeverages.co.nz

03 445 4161 doctorsflat.co.nz

03 572 8770 herzog.co.nz

porterspinot@xtra.co.nz porterspinot.co.nz

Astrolabe

Dr Beak

Huntress Wines

Q Liquid

03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz

021 0464 284 drbeak.nz

huntress@huntress.co.nz huntress.co.nz

09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

Bach Brewing

Emerson’s

Island Gin

Red + White Cellar

09 390 0149 bachbrewing.co.nz

03 477 1812 emersons.co.nz

wholesale@islandgin.com islandgin.com

0800 946 379 redwhitecellar.co.nz

Badass Beverages

Emporium Brewing

Liberty Brewing

SANZ Global

hello@badassbeverages.co.nz badassbeverages.co.nz

03 319 5897 emporiumbrewing.co.nz

orders@libertybrewing.co.nz libertybrewing.co.nz

09 414 7773 sanzglobal.co.nz

Beam Suntory

Epic Beer

Lion

Sawmill Brewery

0800 69 23 37 beamsuntory.com

0800 212 337 epicbeer.com

0800 107 272 lionco.com

09 422 6555 sawmillbrewery.co.nz

Big Sky Wines

EuroVintage

Lyre’s

SOHO Wines

027 424 8974 bigskywines.co.nz

0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

027 642 7236 lyreswholesale.co.nz

09 360 5443 sohowineco.com

Black Quail Estate

Federal Merchants

Marisco

Sprig + Fern

027 424 2462 blackquail.co.nz

0800 846 824 federalmerchants.co.nz

09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz

The Bond Store

Felton Road

Mineral

Thirsty Camel

kapitit@thebondstore.co.nz thebondstore.co.nz

03 445 0885 Feltonroad.com

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

info@thirstycamel.co.nz thirstycamel.co.nz

Boneface Brewing

Garage Project

Mission Estate

Tickety-Boo Liquor

04 529 7042 boneface-brewing.com

027 535 0917 garageproject.co.nz

06 845 9350 missionestate.co.nz

09 377 7597 tickety-boo.co.nz

Chard Farm

Giesen Group

Moa Brewing Co.

Valli

03 441 8452 chardfarm.co.nz

03 344 6270 giesen.co.nz

09 367 9472 moabeer.com

03 428 2971 valliwine.com

Clearview Estate

Glengarry

Moët Hennessy

Villa Maria

06 875 0150 clearviewestate.co.nz

0800 733 505 glengarry.co.nz

0800 226 650 moethennessy.com

0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz

Coal Pit Wine

Goju

Mondillo

Vintners NZ

0800 0200 44 coalpitwine.com

027 725 0541 gojushots.com

03 442 6641 mondillo.com

0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners NZ

Good George Brewing

Mount Brewing Co.

Whisky Galore

07 846 9364 goodgeorge.co.nz

022 639 2300 mountbrewingco.com

03 377 6824 whiskytrade.co.nz

Great Little Vineyards

Negociants

Whitehaven

09 529 0935 greatlittlevineyards.com

0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

021 738 315 whitehaven.co.nz

0800 692 337 cocacolaep.com

Common Good Coffee commongoodcoffee.nz

92 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

LAST ORDERS – ISLAND GIN

Island time A small distillery on Great Barrier Island is making waves after scoring a coveted Double Gold for its gin at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year. Island Gin founder Andi Ross explains how it all started and why the island is at the heart of everything.

How did Island Gin come about?

Having been connected to Great Barrier Island for 20 years, I was keen to explore the idea of setting up a sustainable offgrid distillery that would showcase what can be done in a remote location with an abundance of local botanicals to create a gin that can compete on the world stage.

The idea of supporting local is gaining traction around the world. You can see this especially in relation to supply chains; the more we incorporate local product and manufacturing into the business, the better for everyone. There has been a gap in the market for boutique spirits that can harness the beauty and freshness of local botanicals, which in turn supports New Zealand industry. As distillers in Aotearoa, we can celebrate the great terroir of our own individual geographic locations.

Our friend and local apiarist Jacques on Great Barrier Island, for example, has the most incredible hives and his bee-keeping skills are second to none. We are very lucky to such a wonderful key ingredient 10 minutes down the road from our small distillery.

What have been some of the challenges on the way?

Great Barrier is five hours by barge from Auckland. This means planning ahead and the weather is probably our greatest challenge. Stormy seas mean that the boat won’t sail, which can impact delivery of our bottles and other essential items to the island.

What have been some of the highlights?

Without doubt the greatest highlight has been to design and create our unique kina-inspired bottle and to have it produced right here in Auckland.

Bayard Sinnema of Visy Glass (formerly OI) believed in our vision and we worked 94 DRINKSBIZ JUNE / JULY 2022

together on it for almost three years to bring it to life. Made from a large component of locally recycled New Zealand glass, it fits perfectly with our ethos of sustainability.

How important is the character of Great Barrier in Island Gin?

The community on Great Barrier is fiercely independent and this is one element that is also true of Island Gin. We do everything ourselves. We have no distributor currently, which enables us to have close relationships with the boutique stores that stock our gin.

What has the consumer and trade response been like so far?

Andi Ross of Island Gin

“A dream is to have a small world-class bar with maybe eight seats, to offer unique cocktails that represent the island.”

The bottle design has garnered a lot of awards and attention, which has helped us with traction in a very crowded market, but for me, winning the Double Gold for our Original Gin and Gold for our Navy Strength this year at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition was like reaching the top of Everest for our small company.

Trade and consumers alike have been incredibly supportive from the get-go.

Locally, Leeann Sanderson who owns The Rocks bottle store in Claris on Great Barrier Island, was the first to have our gin on her shelves. When I first approached her she was incredibly supportive and continues to be. Martin Cahnbley from Cahn’s Wines & Spirits in Auckland’s CBD was our first stockist off-island.

We continue to grow our portfolio of stockists across the country and are now looking to partner with boutique lodges who fit our sustainable ethos. Our consumers are super loyal and we know a lot of them by name – they have been our best advocates.

What’s next for Island Gin?

Our bottling machine is solar-powered, so the next logical step is to get the rest of the distillery on solar, as much as is possible. We are undertaking feasibility studies now with this as our end goal.

A dream is to have a small world-class bar with maybe eight seats, to offer unique cocktails that represent the island.

I’d love to have guest mixologists as a live-in residency each year.

We have lots of Limited Edition gins slated for this year as well – it just depends on whether the kākā get to the island fruit before we do! islandgin.com

Available at

AND OF

ENJOY THE CRISP REFRESHING ITALIAN TASTE PERONI NASTRO A ZZURRO