Drinksbiz May June 2026

Victoria Wells Editor – Drinksbiz victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

A taxing issue

AS I write this, we are just a few weeks away from learning whether intense efforts by hospitality and liquor industry groups have been heard and understood at the highest levels of government. The question on everyone’s lips: what’s going to happen with alcohol excise?

On the back of several other common sense moves recently around long

overdue changes to holiday trading, and moves to modernise alcohol regulations perhaps there is cause for optimism that producers, distributors and venues will catch a break. Time will tell.

There is good news elsewhere in the sector – the second Hospitality Summit was held at Parliament, building on momentum from the inaugural event

The question on everyone’s lips: what’s going to happen with alcohol excise?

Got something to share?

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

My picks

2024 Holly Chardonnay

Lush stone fruit flavours and bright citrus come together in this delicious wine from Matahiwi. Keep that summer feeling alive as the cooler weather creeps in. (Pg 24)

Sprig + Fern Hops for Hospice

Here’s a beer to get behind – Sprig + Fern’s Hops for Hospice is a vibrant hazy IPA created to raise funds for the incredible work that Hospice does for individuals and their families around New Zealand. Order your stocks today. (Pg 36)

Bruichladdich Black Art 11

There’s no doubt the intriguing bottle catches the eye, but the backstory of this Scotch is something very special too: a limited edition release using casks matured for 24 years on Islay, and the fact the Master Blender makes it in secret. (Pg 64)

in late 2024 where a range of industry issues were discussed and action plans developed. In fact, what may have seemed a pipe dream at the first event will come to fruition in early June, when New Zealand joins the global Michelin Guide community and the country’s first Michelin-starred restaurants will be announced.

The Brewers Guild is also gearing up to mark its 20th anniversary this year, making the New Zealand Beer Awards in July an extra special event. Cheers to that!

Enjoy the issue, Victoria.

PUBLISHER

Alefiah Tolani

alefiah@drinksbiz.co.nz

+64 27 232 1786

EDITOR

Victoria Wells

victoria@drinksbiz.co.nz

+64 27 575 9021

DESIGNER

Lewis Hurst

ADVERTISING

advertising@drinksbiz.co.nz

+64 27 232 1786

drinksbiz.co.nz

Associate Member (NZ)

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Taking Corona to new heights

Hancocks Family Merchants has big plans for a major addition to its portfolio...

THE WORLD’S most recognised premium beer brand has a new home at Hancocks Family Merchants and work is already underway to boost its presence and drive growth across the country.

Hancocks began official exclusive distribution of Corona Extra and Corona Cero 0.0% on 6 April, in a partnership with Corona’s parent company AB InBev. It’s a significant addition for one of New Zealand’s most respected drinks merchants, adding a globally iconic brand to a portfolio already known for quality and range.

Recognised in more than 180 countries and ranked the world’s most valuable beer brand by Kantar1 in 2025, Corona has built strong global equity through its distinctive taste, lifestyle positioning and high-profile international partnerships.

Now, with Hancocks’ nationwide reach and on-the-ground expertise behind it, the aim is to push that presence further across both retail and on-premise in New Zealand.

“Corona’s strong brand equity, distinctive identity, and connection to premium social occasions make it a highly compelling brand to activate across retail, on-premise and consumer experiences.”

– John Yoo, Senior Brand Manager Hancocks

Corona – a unique portfolio addition

Hancocks Senior Brand Manager John Yoo says the new partnership opens up compelling opportunities across every channel.

“Corona is one of the most iconic beer brands globally, representing more than just a product – it’s a lifestyle centred on relaxation and escape. Its strong brand equity, distinctive identity, and connection to premium social occasions make it a highly compelling brand to activate across retail, on-premise and consumer experiences.”

While Corona is already well established in New Zealand, Yoo believes there’s meaningful headroom to grow. “It’s already well embedded in New Zealand culture, and we see a clear opportunity to further grow its relevance and strengthen its position across both retail and on-premise channels.”

Spotlight on Corona Cero

Corona Cero offers an exciting opportunity in the non-alcoholic space –

The Lime Ritual

One of the most recognisable features of Corona is its signature lime ritual. Served in its iconic clear bottle with a wedge of fresh lime, Corona delivers a refreshing and distinctive drinking experience that consumers instantly recognise. The simple addition of lime enhances the beer’s crisp, clean flavour while creating a ritual that has become synonymous with the brand around the world. The lime ritual creates a memorable serve and a strong visual cue that reinforces Corona’s premium positioning and distinctive drinking experience.

Family Merchants.

one of the fastest-growing segments in the local drinks market, with consumers and on-premise operators increasingly seeking quality options.

Corona Cero is well placed to capitalise on that momentum.

Hancocks plans to scale the brand’s presence to drive broader awareness of Corona’s 0.0% offering, with its global partnerships presenting major opportunities.

Corona Cero is the official global beer sponsor of the Olympic Games, a partnership that runs through to the 2032 Games in Brisbane. It also recently announced a landmark four-year deal with the World Surf League (WSL), becoming the WSL’s first-ever global no-alcohol beer partner and building on the eightyear partnership Corona has held with the league.

The event will come to New Zealand from May 15-25, with Raglan’s famed Manu Bay the fourth stop of the 2026 WSL. It will be the biggest elite surfing event ever held in New Zealand and with extensive international broadcast coverage

(4.5% ABV)

Smooth and light beer, made with 100% natural ingredients. Brings out a refreshing taste (and mood) for the consumer. A refreshing, natural beer for socialising. Enjoyed chilled with the lime ritual.

Available in 355mL bottles 6-, 12-, and 18-pack, as well as 330mL bottle 24-pack. Also available in 330mL can 12-pack and 500mL can 12-pack.

Corona Cero (0.0% ABV)

An alcohol-free beer, Corona Cero is an open invitation to enjoy more of life’s great moments outside, with close friends and a beer in hand. Available in 330ml bottle 12-pack.

expected, it’s a significant moment for the brand and a ready-made platform for Hancocks to drive visibility.

Bringing the brand to life

Beyond the global platforms, Hancocks is focused on building Corona’s presence through its sales teams across New Zealand. Premium, lifestyle-led activations will capture the brand’s essence with high-impact summer campaigns and on-premise “sunset occasion” experiences that translate the brand world into something tangible for consumers.

“Retail and on-premise customers can expect strong, year-round support focused on driving visibility and sales,” says Yoo. “This includes premium in-store execution, targeted media investment, impactful consumer promotions, and branded assets designed to elevate every occasion with Corona Extra and Corona Cero.”

Corona Extra and Corona Cero are available to order through your Hancocks Family Merchants representative or phone 0800 699 463.

Industry welcomes holiday trading changes

INDUSTRY GROUPS have welcomed the changes to trading restrictions around several New Zealand public holidays.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day Morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill, which clarifies trading and service restrictions across the four restricted trading days in the calendar year, passed its third reading on 1 April and received Royal Assent on 2 April. This saw the changes take effect in time for the long weekend of Easter.

“This new bill removes confusion for our operators and their guests by removing operational restrictions put in place by a dated piece of legislation,” says Kristy Phillips, Hospitality NZ’s Chief

Executive. “Operators can now trade if they wish to do so. We thank Hon. Kieran McAnulty for putting the bill forward, and to MPs who have supported this bill through Parliament, introducing a meaningful change to how hospitality businesses operate across these days.”

New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) has also welcomed the passing of the Bill. “Before the changes, most winery cellar doors could sell their wine on Easter Sunday but not on other major public holidays,” notes Philip Gregan, CEO of NZW.

“These changes expand this flexibility to other public holidays, including Good Friday, Christmas Day, and Anzac Day, before 1pm.”

“The other change affects winery restaurants and cafes. Previously, they could open on these public holidays but could only sell a glass of wine to customers who were dining, which came with additional requirements. These changes remove those additional requirements for dining and treat these public holidays just like other trading days. As always, wineries will be required to operate responsibly and follow any other conditions of their licences.”

NZ Winegrowers says that these changes will allow businesses to continue to offer visitor experiences on these days and, in doing so, strengthen wine tourism.

Anishka Jelicich new CEO at NZ Winegrowers

NEW ZEALAND Winegrowers has announced the appointment of Anishka Jelicich as its next Chief Executive Officer, starting at the end of July 2026.

Jelicich will exit her current Paris-based role with Pernod Ricard as Global Director Responsible Marketing & Sales and return home to New Zealand to be based at the NZW head office in Auckland.

Anishka Jelicich has more than two decades of leadership experience in the global wine industry across New Zealand, the United Kingdom and Europe.

Chair Fabian Yukich said the Board was seeking a leader who understood the wine industry, could bring a global perspective, strong stakeholder capability, and strategic clarity to the role.

“Anishka was a stand-out candidate for us with her deep understanding of the New Zealand wine industry, combined with extensive global knowledge and experience. She offers strong credentials in navigating complex international environments, a deep understanding of policy and trade, and a proven ability to build alignment across diverse stakeholders.

“We are delighted with her deep connection to New Zealand and her passion for our world-renowned wines. She has a clear commitment to the future, with the strategic foresight

needed to lead our organisation into its next chapter.”

NZ Winegrowers says that the announcement comes at an important moment for New Zealand’s wine industry as it navigates a period of heightened global uncertainty, with a range of serious pressures currently facing growers and winemakers. Against this backdrop, it says the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer “...brings an opportunity for a fresh perspective, renewed focus,

and a clear, united vision for the industry”.

Anishka Jelicich says she is honoured to be appointed to the role. “The New Zealand wine industry is globally respected, and it plays an important role in our nation’s economy and communities. I am looking forward to serving and supporting the interests of our members and working closely with the Board and the NZW team to support the industry through its current challenges,

opportunities, and positioning it strongly for the future.”

The Board also acknowledged the outstanding contribution of departing CEO Philip Gregan, who will retire at the end of June after 43 years of service to the organisation.

“Philip’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping the modern New Zealand wine industry, while establishing NZW as one of the most respected wine industry organisations in the world,” said Fabian Yukich.

Second Hospitality Summit builds on progress

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY leaders and Government representatives gathered at Parliament for the 2026 Hospitality Summit to work on solutions aimed at strengthening the future of the sector.

More than 70 industry stakeholders and government officials attended the Summit in March, hosted by Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon Louise Upston, in conjunction with Hospitality New Zealand and the Restaurant Association of New Zealand.

The Summit followed the inaugural event in December 2024, at which priority areas for the hospitality industry were discussed and a comprehensive list of recommendations were developed. These included data, immigration, licensing and compliance, alcohol policy, employment, skills and training and the interaction between hospitality and tourism.

This year’s focus was to refresh and refine those recommendations and add any new priority areas for improvement. Some of those identified included licensing

and compliance, hospitality data, and employment issues.

“The Summit provides a platform for open dialogue between government officials and industry stakeholders to address challenges our sector is facing and discuss ways in which change can be made so hospitality can thrive,” says Hospitality

NZ Chief Executive, Kristy Phillips. “It’s been great to problem-solve together and create actionable steps that will strengthen the future of the sector.”

A recommendations report will be released in coming months, reflecting discussions and providing clear next steps for supporting the industry.

New CEO for Reefton Distilling Co.

REEFTON DISTILLING Co. has announced a leadership transition, with Lachlan Boyle taking over the CEO role from founder Patsy Bass.

The former Pics Peanut Butter CFO joins the company as CEO on 11 May in the planned transition, which will see Bass

shift into the role of Founder & General Manager Marketing, while remaining a key leader, brand architect and the public face of the company.

It comes after Reefton Distilling Co.’s release of its first single malt whisky, Moonlight Creek ‘Pioneer’.

Bass, who founded the company in 2017, says that with the success of its Little Biddy Gin and whisky stocks ready to commercialise in 2026 it is the right moment to make the change.

Reefton Distilling Co. says that Lachlan Boyle brings extensive commercial and industry experience to the role. As CFO at Pics Peanut Butter, he has helped guide the company through strong national growth, and his earlier tenure at Lion provided deep expertise in premium alcohol brands and large-scale distribution.

“Boyle is an outstanding leader and the right person to guide Reefton Distilling Co. through its next phase,” says Bass. “Strengthening our commercial capability is a natural and strategic move.”

“I’m joining at an exciting inflection point, with Moonlight Creek ‘Pioneer’ marking the start of an important new chapter,” says Lachlan Boyle. “My focus is straightforward: build on the work already done, strengthen our commercial capability, and ensure these much-loved brands continue to grow sustainably and profitably.”

Specialist liquor retailer expands to Wellington

SPECIALIST STORE Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits has opened a new outlet in Wellington, with plans to add more stores further south.

It follows the May 2025 opening of the flagship store on Normanby Road in Auckland’s Mt Eden by respected wine industry figure Liz Wheadon.

The new store is located within Webb’s Wellington on Marion Street in Te Aro and is the next step in a national expansion, with plans for a Christchurch store to open later in 2026, followed by Queenstown.

As with the Auckland store, the new Wellington outlet is designed to be an experience – combining retail with hospitality and its range spans fine wine, spirits, sake, and craft beer.

A defining part of the Normanby experience is the ability to enjoy the wine in-store. Any bottle from the shelves can be opened with a $20 corkage, alongside a rotating selection of wines by the glass. Light food and simple bites are also available.

“Wellington has such a strong culture of food, drink and independent retail,” says Wheadon. “They’re curious, informed, and open to conversation.

We wanted to create a space that feels knowledgeable but never intimidating –somewhere you can take your time, ask questions, and enjoy the process.”

Wellington local Tom Mapplebeck leads the new store, while also overseeing Webb’s Wellington. Mapplebeck has deep experience in fine wine retail and operations. Wine leadership across Normanby is guided by award-winning sommelier Andrea Martinisi.

Whitehaven steps into theatre spotlight

WINE Company has become the full naming rights sponsor of what is now known as the Whitehaven Theatre Marlborough.

The announcement marked a milestone in the longstanding partnership between Whitehaven and the Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust (MCTT).

Whitehaven has been a proud supporter of the theatre for a decade, having sponsored the Whitehaven Wine Room since 2016.

“As a Marlborough-born business, supporting our community is at the heart of who we are,” says Sue White, co-founder of Whitehaven Wine Company. “For 10 years, we’ve stood alongside the Marlborough Civic Theatre Trust, celebrating the performing arts and the people who bring them to life. Stepping into the role of full theatre sponsor is an honour. Our region thrives when arts and culture thrive, and we’re committed to helping create a space where creativity, expression, and community connection continue to flourish.”

The change followed ASB Bank’s decision to conclude its longstanding sponsorship of Theatre Marlborough.

Lewisham Awards finalists announced

THE FINALISTS in the 2026 Lewisham Awards have been announced, recognising Auckland’s outstanding chefs, bartenders, establishments and producers.

“Hospitality has never been for the fainthearted,” says Award Committee Chairperson, Dan Sullivan. “It’s certainly not an easy time to be in hospitality, but that’s when the true stars of our industry shine. Our finalists are the ones pushing forward, innovating, adapting, and continuing to deliver exceptional experiences night after night.”

Nominated by the hospitality industry and selected by a panel of experienced

judges, finalists were recognised across the Lewisham Awards’ “Outstanding” categories, including Emerging Hospitality Talent, Front-of-House, Cocktail Experience, Beer Experience, Wine Experience, Sales Experience, Innovation and Sustainability, New Establishment, Café, Local Establishment (North, South, Waiheke & East, West, Central), Producer, Distributor, Bartender, Chef and Hospitality Hero.

Winners will be announced at the 25th annual Lewisham Awards, a festivalstyle “A Night with The Stars” event, on 31 May.

2026 Lewisham Awards finalists:

Outstanding Bartender

• Dewi Barbieri – Truth or Dare

• Justin Ydia – Gilt

• Trent Brosnahan – Mo’s Bar

• Vanessa Vega – Sky Bar

Outstanding Front of House

• Dewi Barbieri – Truth or Dare

• Emma Mondon – Prego

• Philip Stack – First Mates, Last Laugh

• Ryan Oliver – Panacea

Outstanding Sales Experience

• Angie Atkinson – Blanc

• Logan Richmond – Sawmill Brewery

• Ryan Kennedy – Hancocks Family Merchants

• Sam Vine – McLeod’s Brewery

Outstanding Producer

• Clevedon Buffalo Co.

• Curious Croppers

• Man O’ War

• Urbanaut Brewing Co.

Outstanding Wine Experience

• Bare Wines

• Gilt

• Ground Wine Bar

• Pici

Outstanding Cocktail Experience

• Caretaker

• Deadshot

• Definitely Maybe

• Truth or Dare

Outstanding Beer Experience

• Northern Line

• Sawmill Brewery

• The Beer Spot

• Two Fold

Outstanding Emerging Hospitality Talent

• Adhitia Firmansyah – Amano

• Ellie Sims Hilditch – Amano

• Oscar Norris – Prego

• Leon Sittisart – Panacea

Outstanding Innovation & Sustainability

• Ahi

• Project Hydrosol

• Sawmill Brewery

• Truth or Dare

Outstanding Distributor

• Bidfood

• Blanc

• Hancocks Family Merchants

• Tickety Boo

Outstanding New Establishment

• Agnes

• Bistro Saine

• Ground Wine Bar

• Manaia Seafood Eatery

• Mother

Outstanding Chef

• Jo Pearson – Alma

• Andrew Hanson – Amano

• Glen File – Gilt

• Rio Pranata – Ambler

Outstanding Hospo Hero

• Angie Atkinson – Blanc

• Dany Dentith – Panacea

• Renee Coulter – Coco’s Cantina

• Theodore Tjandra – Truth or Dare

For a full list of finalists visit lewishamawards.co.nz

DB appoints new Finance Director

DB BREWERIES has appointed Rolando Saenz as its new Finance Director, reporting to Managing Director Peter Hart.

Saenz started in March and joined DB from Heineken’s Asia Pacific head office in Singapore, where he was Regional Financial Controller. In this position, he played a key role in shaping regional performance management, strengthening planning and risk frameworks, and supporting the delivery of strategic priorities across the region. DB says that with New Zealand as part of his remit there, he arrives well versed in both the DB and Star Hospitality Group businesses he will continue to oversee.

All staff update

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

Alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Davies explains what the recent employment law changes could mean for your business...

RUNNING A hospitality or alcoholrelated business in New Zealand already involves navigating a complex regulatory environment, and now recent changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000 add another layer that employers in the hospitality and alcohol sector should understand.

The reforms are intended to clarify employment relationships and provide greater flexibility for employers. For an industry that often relies on casual staff, contractors, and shift-based work, these changes could have practical implications for how businesses engage and manage their workforce.

Clarifying the Contractor vs Employee relationship

One of the most significant reforms introduces a clearer framework for determining when a worker can be considered a contractor rather than an employee. This distinction has long been an area of uncertainty, particularly in industries like hospitality where contractors are sometimes engaged for roles such as DJs, event promoters, marketing consultants, or specialist services.

Under the new approach, certain criteria must be met before a worker can be treated as a contractor. For example, the arrangement should be set out in a written agreement, the worker must have the freedom to work for other businesses, and they must have a meaningful opportunity to seek independent advice before signing the contract.

While the changes aim to give businesses greater certainty, employers should still be cautious. Simply describing someone as a contractor will not automatically make it so. If the practical reality of the relationship looks more like employment – such as fixed working hours, close supervision, or restrictions on working elsewhere – the arrangement may still be challenged.

Documenting incidents, warnings, and disciplinary steps can become critical if a dispute arises later.

Changes to Personal Grievance remedies

Historically, employees could receive compensation even where their own behaviour contributed to the situation that led to the dispute. The updated law gives the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court greater discretion to significantly reduce compensation (by up to 100%) if an employee’s actions played a role in the events giving rise to the grievance.

For hospitality businesses, this highlights the importance of maintaining clear records when dealing with performance concerns or misconduct. In a busy bar, restaurant, or bottle

store environment, managers are often required to make quick decisions during hectic shifts. However, documenting incidents, warnings, and disciplinary steps can become critical if a dispute arises later.

A new threshold for high-income employees

The amendments also introduce a new threshold affecting high-income employees. While most frontline hospitality workers will fall below this threshold, the change could affect senior roles such as venue managers, general managers, or regional managers in larger hospitality groups. Workers earning above a specified income (> $200,000) level will generally not be able to bring a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal unless their employment agreement expressly provides for that right. Businesses employing staff in these positions may wish to review their employment agreements to ensure they reflect the new framework.

Trial periods still require careful use

Trial periods remain an important tool for employers, particularly in industries with high staff turnover. Hospitality businesses often need to recruit quickly and determine whether a new employee is suitable for the role.

The clause must be included in the employment agreement and agreed to before the employee starts work. If it is not properly drafted or implemented, the

trial period may be invalid, exposing the employer to potential personal grievance claims.

Practical steps for hospitality and alcohol businesses

While the reforms are not intended to make employment law more complicated, they do reinforce the need for businesses to review their current employment practices.

A sensible starting point is reviewing contractor agreements to ensure they clearly reflect the nature of the working relationship. Businesses should also take the opportunity to review employment agreements, particularly those containing trial period clauses or those applying to senior staff who may fall within the new high-income threshold.

Equally important is ensuring that managers and supervisors understand the basics of employment law. In many hospitality venues, the person making employment decisions is often a duty manager rather than the business owner. Providing basic guidance on handling misconduct, documenting incidents, and following fair processes can significantly reduce the risk of disputes.

Taking the time to review agreements, strengthen documentation practices, and ensure managers understand their responsibilities will help businesses adapt to the new framework while continuing to focus on what they do best: serving their customers and running successful venues.

WHAT’S ON MAY

Monday 18 – Sunday 24 May

Fever-Tree G&T Week – across NZ

A new on-premise celebration activating premium gin and tonic serves across leading bars, hotels and cellar doors in Australia and New Zealand. Includes the inaugural Fever-Tree G&T Cup. ginandtonicweek.com

Wednesday 27 May

Aperitivo Aotearoa – Auckland

An event dedicated to showcasing locally produced boutique vermouth and aperitifs. The inaugural Aperitivo Aotearoa will be held at Panacea Bar and is open to the public from 5pm with a dedicated trade only session earlier in the day. Participating producers include: 144 Islands (Auckland), Duncan’s Brewing Co (Kāpiti), Known Unknown (Taranaki), Mr Mug Sweet Vermouth (Auckland), Mount Edward Winery (Central Otago), Reid + Reid (Martinborough) and Terra Sancta (Central Otago). For trade session details email wine@knownunknown.co.nz

Sunday 31 May

Lewisham Awards 2026

The 25th annual Lewisham Awards recognise top talent across Auckland’s hospitality scene. Winners will be announced at a festival-style “A Night with The Stars” event. Venue and ticket details will be available on the website. lewishamawards.co.nz

JUNE

Monday 8 June

New Zealand Wine Fair

Tokyo 2026

An established trade and consumer tasting event to be held at The Ritz Carlton in Tokyo. Wineries with distribution in market, and wineries seeking representation in Japan exhibit at this fair. Registrations open now. nzwine.com

Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 June

Hospitality NZ Awards for Excellence

Two awards nights to honour outstanding businesses and individuals across the hospitality and accommodation sectors. The ‘People’s Awards’ will be held Tuesday 23rd and the ‘Business Awards’ will be held the following night. Venue and ticket details will be available on the website. hospitality.org.nz/whats-on/awards

Tuesday 23 – Thursday 25 June

WinePro – Blenheim

Following its successful debut in 2025, WinePro returns to Blenheim for a three-day event including a conference programme, exhibition showcase, workshops, networking events and more. winepro.co.nz

JULY

Monday 20 – Wednesday 22 July

Negociants Fine Wine Tour 2026

A showcase of award-winning New Zealand and Australian wines from Negociants’ portfolio will be held at three events in Auckland (20 July at the Hilton), Wellington (21 July at Naumi Hotel) and Christchurch (22 July at the Christchurch Town Hall). The sessions are also a chance to meet some of the personalities behind the brands. Trade only sessions will run from 1.30pm-4.30pm and registrations open on 1 June. Public sessions will run from 6pm-8pm. negociants.com/nz/events

Thursday 23 – Sunday 26 July

Auckland Food Show

The country’s biggest consumer food and drink event returns to the Auckland Showgrounds over four days. Exhibitor inquiries can be made via the website. foodshow.co.nz

Saturday 25 July

NZ Beer Awards

The Gala Dinner for this year’s awards will be held in Dunedin and will also mark the 20th anniversary of the Brewers Guild. Venue and ticket details will be available on the website. brewersguild.org

AUGUST

Friday 14 August

NZ Spirits Awards – Auckland

The awards dinner for the 2026 NZ Spirits Awards will see trophies presented for Best in Category winners as well as Innovation, Design & Packaging, and Emerging Product. Best Cocktail Bar, and Bartender of the Year will also be awarded. Venue and ticket details will be available on the website spiritsawardsnz.nz

Friday 21 – Saturday 22

Beervana – Wellington

New Zealand’s biggest beer festival will return to Hnry Stadium in the capital. Exhibitor inquiries are now open via the website. beervana.co.nz

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

New Zealand Winegrowers

Maddison Wyllie-Papali’i, Communications and Digital Advisor at NZ Winegrowers, aims to turn global attention into lasting loyalty for New Zealand wine...

FOR NEW Zealand wine, social media is a tool that protects reputation, builds preference, and reinforces value in a crowded marketplace.

With almost 90% of our wine exported, the conversations happening online aren’t confined to the domestic market, they shape perception in the very markets where our producers do business every day.

At its best, social media allows us to tell stories that enhance the reputation of New Zealand wine and the sustainability of our industry, our distinctive regions, our people, and the care that goes into growing and making wine.

“The most effective content is specific, showing real practices, real places, and telling real stories.”

The most effective content is specific, showing real practices, real places, and telling real stories, while staying mindful of responsible messaging. In a category where moderation and occasion matter, our digital presence plays an important role on behalf of our membership in connecting New Zealand wine with wine lovers around the world.

For a few years now, led by our Global PR Manager, Juliana Foster, we’ve been advocating for a white wine emoji, and while this may feel like a first world problem, we’re calling it an ‘emojency’.

At its heart, the idea is simple: white wine is one of the most enjoyed wine styles in the world and it is our largest exported varietal, yet it still has no official place on our emoji keyboards. That’s why we’re leading a global push to change it. The campaign is about representation, participation and modern wine culture –not brands, not regions, just white wine finally getting its moment.

This year, we added an extra layer to International Sauvignon Blanc Day (1 May), with The Great White Wine Toast, a global, social-first moment; inviting anyone, anywhere to pour a glass of New Zealand white wine, share it online, and be part of a worldwide celebration. The rest of May also sees us celebrate International Pinot Gris Day (17 May) and International Chardonnay Day (21 May). Check out @nzwinegrowers on Instagram. nzwine.com

The Fruit Wine & Cider Makers Association

Winter is the perfect time to expand your offering to include cider, says FWCMA Chair Jody Scott...

CIDER MIGHT be known as a summer staple, but winter is a great time for trade to rethink how it shows up on menus and shelves.

New Zealand cider makers offer a wide range of seasonal ciders that are perfect as alternative matches for winter menus, or for enjoying on their own as a lighter in alcohol option.

Mulled and spiced ciders are an obvious starting point. Served warm and packed with flavours like cinnamon, clove and citrus, they offer the same comfort as mulled wine with a slightly different twist. They’re simple to execute, cost-effective, and bring a bit of theatre to the bar; making them an easy seasonal add-on for venues.

There’s also a growing range of packaged ciders built for colder months, including those spiced and dessert styles or featuring winter fruits such as berries, quince, or plum. These styles tend to be richer and more full-bodied, giving operators a chance to position cider as something a bit more premium and food-friendly.

And that’s where winter really works in cider’s favour. These bigger, more robust styles pair well with hearty dishes, making cider a natural fit for menus looking to offer something different –add them to your recommended matches for slow-cooked meats, roasted vegetables and cheese boards.

For both retail and on-premise, winter is a chance to mix things up. A few well-chosen seasonal options can go a long way in keeping cider relevant, interesting and, ultimately, selling year-round.

If you’d like to find out more about New Zealand cider and what’s on offer visit the Producers page on the Fruit Wine and Cider Makers Association website for a directory of cider makers.

fwcma.org.nz

“Bigger, more robust styles pair well with hearty dishes, making cider a natural fit for menus looking to offer something different.”

Distilled Spirits Aotearoa

Brewers Guild NZ

The biggest event on the local spirits calendar is fast approaching – make sure you’re part of this year’s NZ Spirits Awards, says DSA Chair Sarah Bonoma...

ENTRIES ARE open for the NZ Spirits Awards 2026, an event that continues to play a pivotal role in recognising excellence and setting quality benchmarks across New Zealand’s spirits industry.

More than a celebration of outstanding products, the Awards provide a trusted mark of quality for both the trade and consumers. As the sector matures, the NZ Spirits Awards have become an important platform for showcasing innovation, craftsmanship, and the growing diversity of locally produced spirits, while also benchmarking them against international standards.

A medal at the NZ Spirits Awards carries significant commercial value. Recognition from an independent panel of expert judges helps distillers build credibility, supports retail ranging decisions, and guides consumer purchasing.

“A medal at the NZ Spirits Awards carries significant commercial value.”

With Liquorland returning as the Awards’ Retail Partner, medalwinning products will once again gain valuable visibility in-store, helping connect award-winning brands with shoppers nationwide. Judging will take place in Wellington from 15-17 July 2026, where experienced industry professionals will assess entries through a rigorous evaluation process aligned with international best practice. This robust approach ensures that the Awards remain a respected and credible benchmark for quality.

Key dates for the Awards are as follows:

• Entries open: Now

• Entries close: 16 June 2026

• Judging: 15-17 July 2026, Wellington

• Medal Winners announced: 30 July 2026

• Awards Dinner (Trophy Presentation): 14 August 2026

With Fever-Tree as the Premier Partner, the Awards also continue to strengthen connections across the wider spirits ecosystem, recognising not only producers but also the hospitality professionals who play a vital role in bringing these products to consumers.

Distillers and brand owners are encouraged to submit their entries and be part of an event that celebrates excellence while reinforcing New Zealand’s reputation as a producer of world-class spirits.

For more information and to enter visit spiritsawardsnz.nz distilledspiritsaotearoa.org.nz

The upcoming NZ Beer Awards are about more than medals, says Brewers Guild Executive Director Melanie Kees...

ENTRIES ARE now open for the New Zealand Beer Awards, and while awards aren’t always top of the priority list for busy breweries, this is a moment worth stopping for.

We’re operating in a world that feels increasingly uncertain: economically, politically, and socially. Costs are rising, margins are tight, and the pace rarely slows. In that environment, it can feel counterintuitive to step away from the day-to-day and focus on something like awards. But that’s precisely why the NZ Beer Awards matter.

They give the industry a rare and valuable pause button. A chance to momentarily step out of the noise, come together, and reconnect – not just with the beer, but with the people behind it. The handiwork, the attention to detail, the relentless pursuit of quality that happens quietly, batch after batch, often without much fanfare. Taking a moment to acknowledge that matters.

From a brewing perspective, one of the biggest benefits is the feedback. This is peer review in its most honest form. Thoughtful, constructive input from judges who know the craft, understand the pressures, and genuinely want to see great beer continue to improve. For many breweries, that feedback alone is invaluable, it’s a benchmark, a learning tool, and often a confidence check that reinforces the quality of what’s being made.

There’s also the broader impact. Medals and recognition carry weight, not just with consumers, but in local and international markets, and among peers. For some breweries, the Awards have opened doors, sparked new conversations, and helped put them on the map in ways that feel authentic and earned. Credentials that actually mean something.

And then there’s the human side. Having a date on the calendar to look forward to. The chance to bring teams together, step out of the brewery, and celebrate shared effort. The Gala Dinner isn’t just about trophies – it’s a social highlight, a chance to connect with the wider industry, swap stories, and remind ourselves that we’re part of something bigger. Entries are open and we’d love to see you involved.

brewersguild.org.nz and nzaletrail.com

“While awards aren’t always top of the priority list for busy breweries, this is a moment worth stopping for.”

Brewers Association NZ

With an alcohol industry under pressure, it’s time to re-think regressive taxation, says Executive Director of the Brewers Association, Dylan Firth...

NEW ZEALAND’S annual alcohol excise adjustment comes at a time when the brewing and hospitality sectors are under sustained pressure from rising costs and weakening demand.

Excise on beer has increased by more than 25% over the past six years through CPI indexation, steadily increasing the tax burden in every pint. A typical 50L keg at 5% ABV now carries around $95 in excise before GST, a figure that has grown materially even as overall consumption has declined.

This year’s decision matters: current forecasts (based on the March quarter CPI) show a 3% increase would add around $37.29 million in additional costs across the alcohol sector, including approximately $13.3 million for beer alone.

“Excise on beer has increased by more than 25% over the past six years.”

A 4% increase would push that closer to $50 million across the sector. These costs land directly on brewers, distributors, venues and ultimately consumers, at a time when margins are already tight.

Fuel prices linked to global instability are increasing freight and logistics costs across the supply chain too, adding significant pressure on moving product nationwide and importing key inputs.

There’s also a structural issue in how excise is applied. Beer sold through kegs for on-premise consumption has declined from around 40% of the market to about 15%, yet is taxed at the same rate as packaged beer sold off-licence. This does not reflect the economic contribution of hospitality venues or the role they play in our social fabric.

Two practical options are available. The first is to introduce a differentiated excise rate for keg beer to better support on-premise consumption. The second is to use the existing discretion within the legislation to apply a lower-than-CPI increase or a temporary freeze this year.

Excise revenue has effectively plateaued in recent years, sitting in a band of around $1.2b to $1.3b annually despite ongoing rate increases. Over the same period, the number of New Zealanders drinking has declined, pushing the annual excise burden per drinker up from around $343 in 2019/20 to over $400 today. This highlights the growing disconnect between rising rates and declining consumption, and reinforces the case for a more balanced approach.

brewers.org.nz

Spirits New Zealand

It’s time for government to give excise relief, says Spirits NZ CEO Robert Brewer...

IT’S BUDGET season, which is the time that the Government looks at how much money it will earn and how it is going to spend it. It is also the time that I put the case for better alcohol excise treatment.

Excise is traditionally increased by CPI each year. So, if you take the last five or six years then excise has increased by about 25%.

This is particularly egregious for spirits, which is taxed significantly more than beer and wine and especially when you realise that applying a percentage increase to the larger spirits excise number means the disparity in tax between beer and wine and spirits just keeps on getting larger.

But let’s face it, alcohol excise – which is essentially a production tax – is not fun for anyone in the industry. Therefore I have asked government to consider excise relief across the board.

The case for this is compelling: simply put, a 25% increase in excise has netted the government basically zero additional income – the tax take over the last five years has simply not increased at all and sits at about $1.25 billion for beer, wine and spirits (which is well under what Treasury estimates the tax take should be).

So, for no extra money, government has front-loaded additional costs which get passed through the system from production, to wholesale, to retail and onto the consumer. And this at a time when all of us are struggling.

I’ve suggested government act with restraint on excise and consider either reducing the amount it increases the tax or not increasing it at all. This would be a temporary measure which would not impact the Government’s books but would allow for some relief through the whole production to retail system.

And it’s not as if New Zealand would be the first country to acknowledge that excise relief was needed. The UK has done it, as has Canada. Perhaps it is our turn this year. Fingers crossed.

spiritsnz.org.nz

“I’ve suggested government act with restraint on excise and consider either reducing the amount it increases the tax or not increasing it at all.”

New Fever-Tree Lemon, Lime & Bitters launches in NZ

FEVER-TREE, the world’s leading premium mixer brand, has unveiled its elevated take on a classic favourite with FeverTree Lemon, Lime & Bitters, crafted with premium ingredients and the iconic ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters.

The new release is now available in New Zealand exclusively through Hancocks Family Merchants.

A classic taken to new heights Fever-Tree has set out to create the best possible version of the classic Lemon, Lime & Bitters, using only the finest, naturally sourced ingredients. The result is a vibrant and refreshing blend of Sicilian lemons, sun-ripened Mexican limes, and the

unmistakable depth of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters.

“Fever-Tree has built its global reputation on premium quality and ingredients integrity,” says Alanna Gibson, Fever-Tree Country Manager NZ.

“We transformed the mixer category with the launch of the world’s first premium tonic water in 2005. Now, with Lemon, Lime & Bitters, we’re bringing that same passion to one of New Zealand’s most iconic adult soft drinks.”

Meeting demand for adult non-alcoholic drinks

With more New Zealanders choosing to moderate their alcohol consumption, the

“The shift toward moderation is reshaping drinking culture. People want premium, adult-appropriate alternatives that don’t compromise on flavour or experience. Fever-Tree Lemon, Lime & Bitters is our answer – crafted for standalone refreshment, but equally can be used as a delicious premium mixer.”

- Alanna Gibson, Fever-Tree Country Manager NZ.

demand for sophisticated, non-alcoholic options continues to rise.

Lemon, Lime & Bitters holds a special place in Kiwi hospitality, valued as both a versatile mixer and a refreshing standalone drink for those abstaining from alcohol.

Non-alcoholic and containing just 19 calories per 100ml, Fever-Tree Lemon, Lime & Bitters is crafted for today’s healthconscious consumer who doesn’t want to sacrifice taste.

“The shift toward moderation is reshaping drinking culture,” says Gibson. “People want premium, adult-appropriate alternatives that don’t compromise on flavour or experience. Fever-Tree Lemon, Lime & Bitters is our answer – crafted for standalone refreshment, but equally can be used as a delicious premium mixer.”

The new release pairs seamlessly with spirits, offering a premium Vodka LLB serve for licensed venues wanting to elevate their drinks offering.

Fever-Tree Lemon, Lime & Bitters aligns with modern preferences for lighter, natural, and less sugary beverage choices – without sacrificing depth of flavour.

Available to order through your Hancocks Family Merchants representative or phone 0800 699 463.

Modern luxury with MINIMAL

IN A whisky market increasingly defined by premiumisation, restraint has become the new luxury.

Nowhere is that more evident than in the glass chosen to carry spirits – and Saverglass continues to set the benchmark.

Globally respected for its craftsmanship and design-led approach, Saverglass has tapped directly into what today’s whisky producers are seeking: bottles that deliver visual impact without excess.

Its MINIMAL range captures this shift perfectly. With pure cylindrical lines, an optimised 500g weight and a refined, contemporary silhouette, MINIMAL offers distillers a canvas that elevates brand storytelling while aligning with sustainability goals.

This matters in New Zealand, where whisky is gaining momentum as consumers trade up. IBISWorld estimates the New Zealand liquor retailing market at approximately $2.4 billion in 2026. Broader whisky market research indicates that premium and craft spirits are delivering stronger value growth than the wider category, reflecting consumer interest in authenticity, provenance and quality.

This trend is echoed in research by 6Wresearch, which notes a recent rise in

boutique distilleries and craft whisky producers across New Zealand. In this environment, packaging has become an increasingly important tool for differentiation on shelf and in trade.

Designed for both bartender ergonomics and shelf appeal, MINIMAL balances form, function and responsibility. Its controlled weight supports lower greenhouse gas emissions goals, while its

Saverglass has tapped directly into what today’s whisky producers are seeking...

clean profile allows decoration and labelling to do the talking – letting the whisky, and the brand behind it, take centre stage. In an era where less truly says more, Saverglass proves that thoughtful design remains one of whisky’s most powerful differentiators. Contact Saverglass (NZ) to learn more.

saverglass.com

09 522 2990

MINIMAL

THE SUBLIME ESSENTIAL

While MINIMAL immediately appeals with its minimalist lines, it is also through its technical sophistication that it asserts its uniqueness. With a controlled weight of 500 grams, it combines responsible design and performance. Its entirely cylindrical profile offers an ideal surface for labelling or screen printing. Designed for everyday use, it has balanced proportions: 257.4 mm high and 72.6 mm in diameter. These dimensions have been carefully studied to ensure that it fits naturally into bartender’s racks and refrigerators and is comfortable to hold. Every detail of this bottle has been carefully thought out to reflect the essence of elegant, understated design while combining functionality, responsibility and refinement.

RTDs, non-alc beer up despite global alcohol decline

PRELIMINARY DATA released by IWSR shows that total beverage alcohol (TBA) volume declined in 2025 by -2% across 22 markets, which together account for roughly 75% of the global market.

TBA value for the same markets saw a 2025 decline of -4%, but this was driven primarily by a drop in the consumption of “national spirits”, particularly Baijiu in China. With national spirits excluded, preliminary 2025 data shows that year-onyear TBA value was flat (0% change).

IWSR says that high inflation, political polarisation, and international conflict have dampened consumer confidence, leading to a reduction in spending on alcohol across many major markets. These include the United States (down -5% volume and -4% value) and Brazil (down -4% volume and -3% value).

Despite the overall downturn, some emerging markets experienced TBA growth. South Africa saw 2024-2025 YOY increases for TBA in both volume (+4%) and value (+12%). India, likewise, saw a volume growth of +4% and +5% growth in value.

From a category perspective, RTDs maintained their momentum from previous years and were the only major category to experience growth in 2025 across the markets covered in the data; 2024-2025 RTD volume growth was +2% and value growth was +4%. The greatest gains were seen in South Africa, Canada, and Japan while the US, the world’s largest RTD market, saw a -1% fall in volume with value flat (0% change).

The no-alcohol beer subcategory continued to surge, with a 2024-2025 volume growth of +8% and value growth of +12%.

Wine volume across the 22 markets dropped by -4% in 2025, while value fell -2%. Prosecco was a notable exception, however, with YOY growth by volume of +2% and by value of +4%.

Continuing an ongoing trend, beer consumption (excluding no-alcohol beer) had a mixed year in 2025: down -2% volume, but value was flat (0% change). Brazil, notably, saw a YOY -4% decline in beer volume and a -5% decline in beer value. YOY beer consumption in South Africa surged, however, up +6% volume and +14% value.

The no-alcohol beer subcategory continued to surge, with a 2024-2025 volume growth of +8% and value growth of +12%.

Spirits was the worst performing major category across the 22 markets in 2025, losing -4% volume and -9% value. Excluding national spirits, however, spirits consumption was down only -1% by both volume and value. Vodka saw a -3% drop in volume as well as a -1% drop in value.

Indian whisky increased its volume YOY by +2% while value increased +3%.

Irish whiskey enjoyed volume and value increases of +2% across the 22 markets in 2025, despite volume and value declines of -3% in its largest market, the US.

This is the second year running that IWSR has released preliminary data in advance of its confirmed global data for 160 markets, which will be published later in Q2 2026.

“2025 was a particularly difficult trading environment for the beverage alcohol industry,” said IWSR President and Managing Director Marten Lodewijks.

“In addition to continued economic challenges, the imposition of sweeping US tariffs and subsequent retaliatory measures caused severe disruption across the sector.

“Continued increases in the cost of living also put further pressure on discretionary spending, which includes beverage alcohol purchases, while a growing consumer focus on health, wellness, and moderation added further to the difficult market conditions.”

theiwsr.com

New Fever-Tree Lemon, Lime & Bitters arrives

THERE’S A new addition to the Fever-Tree range in New Zealand with Fever-Tree Lemon, Lime & Bitters now available through Hancocks Family Merchants.

Ideal as a standalone non-alcoholic serve or paired with spirits, the new premium mixer is made from Sicilian lemons, Mexican limes, and ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters.

Available in 250ml can four-packs.

Hancocks

Saicho adds sparkle

DISTRIBUTOR EUROVINTAGE

is now offering the Saicho range of premium sparkling teas after demand from high-end hospitality businesses seeking premium non-alcoholic options outside zero wine and beer.

EuroVintage says that after tasting several different brands with sommeliers in Auckland it chose Saicho, which is available in over 100 Michelin-starred restaurants around the world.

Saicho Sparkling Teas are single origin and share similarities with wine in their terroir, balance, structure, aromatics and tannins.

EuroVintage has three styles: Jasmine Sparkling Tea (from Fujian

China), Darjeeling Sparkling Tea (from India) and Hojicha Sparkling Tea (from Shizuoka Japan). Each one is available in 750ml naked, 750ml gift box, and 200ml piccolo.

The Saicho range has no added preservatives, no artificial colours and no added sulphites, is vegan-friendly, low calorie, and Halal-certified.

EuroVintage

DB launches NZ’s first trial of 0.0% alcohol beer on tap

DB BREWERIES has launched a New Zealand-first trial of 0.0% alcohol beer on tap, with Heineken® 0.0 now available on draught at two Auckland venues, with the aim of scaling the solution nationally if successful.

The pilot will test the technical feasibility of serving zeroalcohol beer on tap in New Zealand conditions and is the first trial of its kind in the local market, taking place at Empire Tavern in the CBD and Moretons in St Heliers.

DB says that unlike markets overseas, where draught beer is typically not stored in cool rooms, Kiwi consumers expect beer to be served icy cold. Local hospitality systems commonly use chilled rooms and glycol-cooled lines. While this works well for beer containing alcohol, it would cause zero-alcohol beer to freeze and this has been one of the key barriers preventing 0.0% alcohol beer from being available on tap in New Zealand until now.

The solution being trialled has been developed in close collaboration with DB’s European Heineken counterparts and will test advanced proprietary technology developed with input from DB’s brewers and quality teams, alongside Star Hospitality venues.

DB Breweries Managing Director, Peter Hart, says the trial could mark a significant turning point. “We believe that if this trial is successful, it could open the door to a new era for zero-alcohol beer in New Zealand...in Europe, Heineken® 0.0 recently celebrated its 10,000th draught outlet. We can see a future where there is a zero-alcohol beer tap in every bar across New Zealand.”

By running the trial at Star Hospitality venues Empire Tavern and Moretons, DB can overlay insights from Star’s integrated hospitality technology. This links live consumer feedback (collected via QR code at the bar) with real-time operational data allowing teams to monitor pour quality, temperature and performance throughout the trial.

Kane Stanford

Kane has worked for 13+ years in liquor marketing in New Zealand at Independent Liquor, Bacardi and Besos Margarita. Now in FMCG, he is also Head Strategy Judge at the 2 Degrees Auckland Chamber Business Awards. Kane has nominated himself for several marketing awards, but never won.

The ‘other’ audience

Kane Stanford looks at the importance of lobbying when it comes to shifting the dial for liquor businesses...

A NICE little truism in marketing is that the most important people in the process are the target audience. They are the ones who pay us their hard earned money, after all.

But in the liquor industry, most brands don’t get much money from the consumer, they get it from a distributor, retailer or bar.

And then there’s another group that wields significant power, controls a lot of the P&L, and can make or break your industry: the politicians.

They control the laws that dictate what goes on labels, what goes into the bottle/ can, what can be said about the product, how much tax is paid, and when, where, and how the product can be sold.

Picking up on tax alone, for a standard $50 1L bottle of gin, the first $32.22 is taxes and levies.

That leaves just $17.78 for:

• distributor and retailer margins

• discounts/specials

• marketing

• sales commissions

• staff, rent, transport

• and don’t forget the cost of the goods!

So, politicians and the political machine in general have a huge influence on the success of your brand and business. But how does marketing relate to this audience?

Normally, it’s in the form of lobbying. As with marketing, it’s about trying to convince an important decision-maker to do something – it just happens that this is a small group of decision-makers with a huge impact, as opposed to consumers who are small in individual impact but are (hopefully!) huge in numbers. A different type of target audience, but an important

one on which the liquor industry must focus.

Big booze often gets a bad rap in some media circles for its lobbying, with claims they have politicians in their pockets and huge sway over the laws that come to pass. But ask any of these alleged puppet masters if this is true and they’ll laugh you out of the room. And it will be a small room, because these groups are far from loaded and usually have just one person charged with lobbying. They spend most of their days providing industry feedback to select committees, government bodies, and acronym-laden government agencies like FSANZ, MPI, MBIE, NZTE and MoJ.

Politicians and the political machine in general have a huge influence on the success of your brand and business.

I’ve been the chair of an industry lobby group (Spirits NZ), and I’m married to a politician (with non-booze portfolios, don’t worry!), so I’ve had the unique view of seeing both sides of this dance in action. I’ve yet to see a lobby group convince a politician to do something they don’t want to, no matter the strength of the argument. But the good ones can be convinced that unshackling industry from red tape / outdated laws can help business drive the sector forward; that listening to interest groups on all sides can be a valuable shortcut to tapping into public sentiment;

and that industry experts can help avoid unintended consequences of legislation. As I write this, a plethora of political parties are claiming credit for the Fisheries Bill backdown and, more topically for the drinks industry, letting us all enjoy a drink on Easter Sunday. The changes to the holiday trading rules were a brilliant (albeit overdue) move by politicians to give both business and consumers what they want. Props to Kieran McAnulty for spearheading it.

Liquor lobbyists will of course lobby for what is best for their members and the industry, but that doesn’t mean these things can’t also be better for consumers and the country. Liquor associations have banded together for years to run harm reduction campaigns like cheers.org.nz and run very successful nationwide programmes to reduce underage drinking. Spirits NZ works with Distilled Spirits Aotearoa to put on the NZ Spirits Awards and build exposure and market awareness for local spirits producers. And ahead of the upcoming excise tax update in July, brewing and hospitality industry groups are working together to put New Zealand’s very high excise rates onto the political radar.

It’s a difficult time for all involved in the liquor industry, so it makes sense to band together, pool resources, and point some of the marketing towards those with influence over political decisions that can have far-reaching effects for the sector – be it politicians in power (or those who might be one day) or government bureaucrats.

Or, you know, maybe give corporate box tickets to some of their husbands once in a while. Dunno, just an idea.

Chardonnay is a sure-fire winner on wine lists and retail shelves thanks to its ripe stone fruit and fresh citrus flavours. Joelle Thomson selects some standouts...

Cha�donnayDreams

RRP $19 - $29.99

2024 The Ned Chardonnay

RRP $19.99

Marisco

This well-made Marlborough Chardonnay overdelivers for its everyday drinking price tag. Fermentation in stainless steel preserves its intense fresh citrus and ripe white peach aromas while a portion of the wine being fermented in older oak adds a nicely integrated, rounded mouthfeel. Great value for money and good drinking now and over the next two to three years.

2024 Main Divide Chardonnay

RRP $21.99

EuroVintage

Main Divide is one of New Zealand’s best white wines under $25 and the fact that it’s often available for much less is remarkable. This outstanding Chardonnay has excellent concentration of flavour with ripe lemon, grapefruit and a twist of mandarin. Vibrant freshness and depth add a dimension of complexity to each delicious sip.

2024 Leefield Station Chardonnay

RRP $22

Marisco

Leefield Station in the heart of Waihopai Valley is home to the grapes that went into this fantastically accessibly-priced Chardonnay. Aromas of white peach, lemon zest and nectarine combine with refreshing acidity (thanks to Marlborough’s cool night temperatures), a medium body and subtle toasty oak notes that bring complex layers to this wine. Leefield Station was purchased in 2012 by the Marris family and the vineyards now sit alongside the working farm. Winemakers Brent Marris and daughter Emma guide the winemaking.

2024 Obliix Chardonnay

RRP $22.99

Fistonich Family Vineyards

This crowd-pleaser delivers excellent value in a modern Hawke’s Bay style with ripe stone fruit aromas, hints of fresh sourdough and light notes of spice. It’s a smooth medium-bodied wine and has a creamy taste, lifted by fresh acidity to keep things lively.

2024 Hunter’s Estate Chardonnay

RRP $26

EuroVintage

2024 The Ned  Chardonnay overdelivers for its everyday drinking price tag.

This is a confident, full-bodied expression of Marlborough Chardonnay with bright citrus and white peach leading the aromatics, with ripe grapefruit and fresh peachy flavours held together in a smooth, gently creamy wine with vibrant southern acidity and toasty notes. Drinks well now and has potential for further development in flavour over the next three to four years plus.

2025 Matahiwi Estate Reserve

Selection Chardonnay

RRP $28.99

Matahiwi

A bold, dry and fresh expression of North Wairarapa’s cool climate, this Chardonnay offers tangy notes of citrusy freshness and bright acidity, suggesting potential for ageing for four to five years but also drinks beautifully now.

2023 Stonecroft Chardonnay

RRP $29

Fistonich Family Vineyards

Stonecroft Chardonnay is a vibrant, finely structured Hawke’s Bay expression with a modern, mineral-driven edge. It opens with aromas of citrus peel, white peach, and subtle toasted hazelnut, underpinned by a gentle spicy note that reflects the stony, free-draining soils of the Gimblett Gravels. The palate has a touch of creamy lees texture and a long, clean finish that balances richness with precision.

2024 Čuvar Iris Chardonnay

RRP $29.99

Fistonich Family Vineyards

The iris is the national flower of Croatia and is a nod to the familial roots of Čuvar founder Sir George Fistonich, a foundational name in the modern New Zealand wine industry. The Čuvar brand, launched in 2023, offers exceptional value for money and great quality. This is a medium-bodied Chardonnay from a very good vintage in Hawke’s Bay; aromas of ripe citrus and peach are held together in a taut structure with notes of toasted almonds, cedar and spice.

2024 Tohu Matangi Chardonnay

Single Vineyard

RRP $29.99

Tohu

Tohu Wines has launched a new range of wines this year, all made with grapes grown in the Awatere Valley in Marlborough. Matangi Chardonnay is part of that range and offers bold ripe grapefruit and citrus aromas and a creamy texture balanced by fresh acidity, which brings a bracing depth to this bright expression of South Island Chardonnay.

RRP $30 - $39.99

2024 Whitehaven Marlborough

Chardonnay

RRP $32

Whitehaven

This Whitehaven Chardonnay offers outstanding value and enticing flavours, leaning into crisp lemon curd concentration and a citrusy tang, highlighting complex layers of flavour from ripe, rounded white peach and pear through to creamy smooth nuances on the finish. This is one of Marlborough’s best value Chardonnays, both for drinking now and for ageing for the medium-term with four to five years up its sleeve.

2025 Tony Bish Wines The Family Chardonnay

RRP $32

Tony Bish Wines

The Family Chardonnay is a new addition to the stable of wines from Hawke’s Bay’s ‘Chardonnistas’, the father-son winemaking team of Tony and Oscar Bish. It’s a creamy textured wine made from a blend of grapes grown on Hawke’s Bay vineyards at Kokako Farms in the Ohiti Valley and Two Terraces Vineyard in Mangatahi. Ripe nectarine and white peach aromas combine with toasted almond nuances and smooth, medium-bodied textural qualities. The wine was fermented in a combination of vessels, including over 50% in Taransaud barriques, which adds to its smooth and structured style.

2025 Craggy Range Hawke’s Bay Kidnappers Chardonnay

RRP $32.95

Vintners NZ

Drinking superbly well now, Craggy Range’s new Kidnappers Chardonnay has a vibrant core of freshness driving every sip to a zesty, lemony taste with complexity coming from subtle cedar, oak and spice notes. This young wine is a fine balance of liveliness in a medium-bodied style with a lingering flavoursome finish.

2025 The Family Chardonnay is a new addition to the stable of wines from Hawke’s Bay’s ‘Chardonnistas’, the father-son winemaking team of Tony and Oscar Bish.

2024 Holly Chardonnay

RRP $32.99

Matahiwi

Holly Chardonnay tastes of sun-kissed golden peach, grilled citrus and freshness wrapped in structure. Using grapes sourced from two Hawke’s Bay vineyards, the fruit glides in first, all stone fruit plushness and lemon curd brightness, before a savoury whisper of toasted cashew kicks in, adding depth of savoury flavour.

2024 Emma Marris Chardonnay

RRP $34.99

Marisco

This is a thoughtfully made wine that has the cool nights and warm days of Marlborough’s Southern Valleys written all over it in fullbodied, fresh, bright, fleshy and approachable characters. It’s a confident, modern expression of Marlborough with a portion of barrel fermentation bringing a full body, and wellintegrated lees stirring adding texture without overwhelming the wine’s natural bright freshness. Its aromas span citrus and white peach, while a thread of fine, flinty crisp acidity adds a long finish.

2024 Hunter’s Offshoot Chardonnay

RRP $39.90

EuroVintage

Hunter’s Offshoot is a contemporary Marlborough Chardonnay that unfolds with a subtle creamy taste and savoury tang. It was fermented with wild yeasts in French oak barriques, then aged in a thoughtful mix of new and seasoned barrels, which builds complexity without overshadowing the wine’s natural brightness. Malolactic fermentation was kept to a minimum, preserving the wine’s fresh, citrus-driven taste.

2023 McArthur Ridge Springvale

Chardonnay

RRP $39.99

Brandhouse

An expressive Chardonnay from the deep south (Central Otago) that overdelivers for its price: big, fresh, harmonious and full-bodied. The 2023 Springvale Chardonnay comes from Cromwell-grown grapes, which bring purity, tension and generous weight to this creamy textured wine. Complex layers of citrus and stone fruit characters add a bold but balanced taste to this lush Chardonnay.

2024 Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels

Chardonnay

RRP $39.99

Vintners NZ

A confident, expressive Chardonnay that captures both the pedigree of Gimblett Gravels and the strength of the 2024 Hawke’s Bay vintage, opening with lifted aromas of freshly toasted almonds and notes of lemon rind and peach, held together in a powerful but poised wine with subtle oak, freshness and lift.

RRP $40 - $49.99

2024 Church Road Grand Reserve

Chardonnay

RRP $40

Vinarchy

Chardonnay lovers will adore Church Road’s Grand Reserve: a creamy, complex, smooth and full-bodied take on the world’s most popular white wine. The layers of aromas include cashews, macadamias, almond and toasted hazelnuts, along with a citrusy purity that holds this wine’s full body in beautiful balance. Fresh, vibrant and layered, it rewards drinking now and can age for seven to eight years or more.

2024 Nga Waka Home Block

Chardonnay

RRP $42

Hancocks

One of the first six wineries in Martinborough, Nga Waka Wines carved a niche from its early days for producing dry, weighty, impressively textural white wines. This full-bodied Chardonnay is a deliciously textural expression of all those qualities and more. Made from the Home Block Vineyard at Nga Waka on Princess Street (aka State Highway 2) on the way into Martinborough village, this Chardonnay has weighty, ripe citrus aromas of bold grapefruit, lemon and a touch of mandarin, knitted harmoniously into a satin-textured wine with lively acidity and freshness.

2023

Pegasus Bay Chardonnay

RRP $43

EuroVintage

This is one of the South Island’s stand-out Chardonnays every year and a wine that lasts the distance thanks to adherence to detail along every step of the winemaking journey. Hand-picked grapes and foot treading ensure good quality from the get-go, increasing phenolic structure in the wine, which was fermented in large French oak puncheons, mostly (70%) older wood. Lees ageing and malolactic fermentation bring a smooth, full-bodied and creamy texture to this wine, adding depth and weight. Cool nights bring acidity too, which adds a tangy zing now and potential for future ageing; history suggests this wine has at least a decade up its sleeve.

2023 Greywacke Chardonnay

RRP $44

Negociants

Greywacke Chardonnay is an inspiration from Marlborough. Hand-picked grapes are whole bunch pressed and wild yeast fermented in French oak, bringing layers of flavour into this full-bodied wine. Aromas of lemon curd, ripe peach and fresh sourdough rise in each sip, with driven fresh acidity and a long, commanding finish. Great drinking now and has at least five to six years of life ahead, each one unfolding to a wider spectrum of flavour.

2024 Mahi Alchemy Chardonnay

RRP $44

Red + White Cellar

Good things take time and this wine rewards with depth, power and complex bold creamy textures now – and more to come as it evolves over the next decade. The grapes come from the Badlands Vineyard in Rapaura, Marlborough – an old riverbed where layers of soil types bring a warmth, rich flavours, and weight to this wine, which has generous intensity. All grapes were whole bunch pressed and fermented in French oak with indigenous vineyard yeasts. Drinks well now and can evolve further for five to six years, potentially longer.

2024 Mahi The Wrekin Chardonnay

RRP $45

Red + White Cellar

Mahi Wine turns 26 this year and its father-son winemaking team is celebrating Chardonnay as the brand’s biggest seller in the New Zealand market. Like all Mahi Chardonnays, The Wrekin expresses hands-off winemaking, allowing the vineyard and fruit to take the lead with layers of red apple, peach, toasted almonds, fresh pear, lemon, nougat and a fine tension of structural clarity – acidity and body intermingle harmoniously here. Acidity threads through the wine, counterbalancing the measured oak notes, mirroring the exceptional Wrekin Vineyard; an elevated site where cool nights add to the freshness that shines in each sip. Drinks well and has at least half a decade up its sleeve for ageing.

2024 Whitehaven Single Vineyard

Series Fossil Block Riverside

Chardonnay

RRP $45

Whitehaven

Fossil Block Chardonnay is made from the evocatively named Tussocks Vineyard in the windswept Awatere Valley, where cool sea breezes bring a light chill to the night air, preserving acidity and freshness in wines made from here. All grapes in this wine were hand-picked, whole bunch pressed and fermented in 500 litre French oak puncheons with 11 months ageing in oak followed by another four in stainless steel tanks. Unfined, unfiltered and incredibly complex with layers of savoury flavour combining with fresh lemon and citrus zest flavours. A full body and a dry, lingering finish.

2025 Escarpment Martinborough

Chardonnay

RRP $45

Vintners NZ

Escarpment Chardonnay is sourced predominantly from Te Muna Valley and supplemented by parcels from Arapai and Boulders vineyards, around Martinborough village. Grapes from each site were whole bunch pressed and settled overnight before wild yeast fermentation in French oak puncheons. Citrusy purity is the core of this wine, which has a creamy texture thanks to partial malolactic fermentation lending a gentle, smooth textural quality. This is accentuated by 11 months of oak ageing with a very modest 16% new oak and the remainder being an interesting balance of older barrels. The wine shines with crisp, textural flavours of grapefruit and lemon zest and a long finish.

2024 Čuvar Guardians Chardonnay

RRP $49.99

Fistonich Family Vineyards

Čuvar Guardians Chardonnay is a crisp, fresh, medium-bodied style that leans into bright citrus and gentle stone fruit characters. It’s made intentionally as a lighter, easy drinking expression of Chardonnay, offering clean lines with fresh acidity carrying flavours of lemon zest, grapefruit, and subtle white peach notes. The finish is clean and lively, making it approachable, refreshing and finely balanced.

RRP $50 and above

2024 Novum Riverbrook Vineyard

Chardonnay

RRP $50

Mineral

This is thoughtfully made old vine Marlborough Chardonnay with clarity and punch. Handpicked grapes were grown on a vineyard in the central Wairau Plains, planted entirely with the Mendoza clone. Once a stony riverbed, this site soaks up heat by day and radiates it back into the canopy at night. It’s a naturally warm spot for ripening Chardonnay with a sense of presence and weight. Commanding, full-bodied and satiny in texture, it was fermented with wild yeasts in barrel (10% new) and aged with light lees for 13 months, then racked for bottling with a very light fining with bentonite for clarity. This is an exceptional top-shelf Chardonnay that sets a new standard for Marlborough.

2024 Villa Maria McDiarmid Hill

Chardonnay

RRP $50

Villa Maria

McDiarmid Hill Chardonnay is a striking expression of a north-faced, sun-drenched slope in Patutahi, Gisborne – an area long known as a hotspot for Chardonnay, thanks to generous sunshine. This brings bold, ripe and powerful flavours of peach and fleshy nectarine, along with purity and a full body. Drinks superbly now.

2023 Black Stallion North Coast Chardonnay from California rocks the fullbodied, golden-hued vibe that lures lovers of big white wines.

2024 Villa Maria Taylors Pass

Chardonnay

RRP $50

Villa Maria

Taylors Pass Chardonnay is a refined cool climate wine that showcases the purity of Marlborough’s Awatere Valley with aromas of white peach, ripe citrus, grilled nuts, lemon curd, and light pastry. Nutty notes and a touch of spice add depth to this wine, which retains freshness from bright acidity (thanks to the cool nights in the Awatere). Gentle oak adds structure and weight.

2023 Black Stallion North Coast

Chardonnay

RRP $59.99

Stone Pony

Luscious, big, bold and buttery, this Californian Chardonnay rocks the full-bodied, goldenhued vibe that lures lovers of big white wines. Smooth flavours suggest notes of savoury oatmeal with cream and poached peach in a dry wine from the first soft sip to the last. A Chardonnay with a big personality and layers of flavour.

2021 Pegasus Bay Virtuoso

Chardonnay

RRP $67

EuroVintage

Virtuoso is one of Pegasus Bay’s reserve wines and is a stand-out example of South Island Chardonnay. It pays homage to classic Burgundian winemaking methods with a confident modern edge. Hand-picked grapes are fermented with wild yeasts in large French oak puncheons, 40% new, for 10 months. This builds richness, texture and that signature creamy Chardonnay note, supported by the smoothness of malolactic fermentation and balanced by vibrant southern acidity. The result is an expressive wine that blends power with finesse.

2022 Black Stallion Los Carneros

Chardonnay

RRP $69.99

Stone Pony

Los Carneros is an American Viticultural Area (AVA), an official designation that relates to an area with a specific type of climate and growing conditions; in this case, a cooler climate than the Napa Valley, just north. Carneros benefits from fog and cool breezes from the nearby San Pablo Bay, which bring freshness and crisp acidity to each peachy sip of this full-bodied wine. Aromas sit in layers with baked macadamia, ripe figs and a creamysmooth texture across the palate.

2021 Astrolabe The Farm Chardonnay

RRP $100

Astrolabe

The Farm Chardonnay is a bold, full-bodied expression of Marlborough and great white wine. The winemaking highlights the richness of well-developed tertiary characters while retaining freshness in a wine with a creamy mouthfeel, toasted hazelnut, almonds and tangy citrus aromas. Complex, compelling and showing the excellence of top Marlborough Chardonnay.

2024 Tony Bish Zen

RRP $140

Tony Bish Wines

Zen is the flagship wine in Hawke’s Bay winemaker Tony Bish’s impressive array of Chardonnays. It presents as a generous, fullbodied expressive Chardonnay with layered aromas of vanilla, white florals, a creamy smooth mouthfeel and a lingering, satiny finish. All grapes were hand-picked and fermented with indigenous yeasts in French oak; malolactic fermentation contributes a refined creaminess that complements its fresh bakery flavours. This is a dry, textural Chardonnay of depth and finesse, which drinks superbly now and has the potential to age further, evolving more layers of flavour.

Top Picks

Joelle Thomson picks five new wines that shine – including a Gamay, Marlborough’s first pink Prosecco, and a brand that’s perfect for the Year of the Horse...

2023 Black Stallion North Coast

Cabernet Sauvignon

RRP $59.99

Stone Pony

It’s official. This year, 2026, is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac and that is said to represent moving forward boldly, which is a pretty accurate way of explaining the big, powerful, smooth flavours of polished oak and firm tannins that glide across the palate in this full-bodied Californian Cabernet Sauvignon. A single sip tells you this is warm climate wine with its hefty fruit-forward flavours –blackberry, blackcurrants and dark sweet grapey aromas – and 14.5% alcohol. Winter is coming and here’s the red to serve during those chilly months. Black Stallion Cabernet is like a warm velvet blanket, in liquid form.

2025 Balvonie Prosecco Rosé

RRP $34.99

Balvonie

This is the first pink Prosecco from Balvonie in Marlborough – and a first for New Zealand. It is crafted from Glera and Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Rapaura sub-region with the aim of making a dry, light, fresh wine with a fruity twist of flavour and a crisp finish. Balvonie founder Ben McLauchlan was inspired after completing a Nuffield New Zealand Scholar research project, where he studied how innovation in the primary sector can respond to evolving consumer expectations, sparking the idea for a Marlborough interpretation of ‘blush’ Prosecco. He blends two grapes (hand-picked) to make this medium-bodied, lightly sparkling Prosecco. Pinot Noir contributes colour and a little extra body while the Glera grape (which makes up approximately 70% of Italian Prosecco) brings fruit to the table. Both were aged on yeast lees for three months to build weight into this Marlborough Prosecco style.

2016 Pegasus Bay Aged Release

Riesling

RRP $45

EuroVintage

This wine is 10 years young and was officially launched as an ‘Aged Release’ on 1 May. Its zesty, concentrated lemon and tangelo flavours showcase the exciting depth and intensity of flavour that medium-sweet styles of Riesling can have. To its great credit, this wine’s balance comes from its excellent juicy acidity, which drives every sip to a long and refreshing finish.

2025 Balvonie Prosecco

2025 Nga Waka Gamay

RRP $45

Hancocks

Meet Nga Waka’s first ever Gamay, a French grape that is new to both this winery and the Martinborough (and Wairarapa) region. This wine is made from grapes that were hand-picked and yielded their first commercial harvest in 2025, after being planted five years ago. Gamay is known for its fruity aromas, juicy acidity and appealingly smooth mouthfeel, all of which combine in this cool climate example. Winemaker Paul Mason sees the Gamay filling a niche by being approachable early in its life, with a drinking window from now and over the next three to four years – like a Pinot Noir that has matured early, only with brighter fruit aromatics when first released.

2024 Čuvar Guardians Collection

Rosé is the first pink Prosecco from Balvonie in Marlborough – and a first for New Zealand. For distributor details see the Distributor Index on page 70.

Syrah

RRP $45

Fistonich Family Vineyards

The 2024 vintage was exceptionally strong across Hawke’s Bay, and this release from Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels is a standout example of a superb season. Balanced, full-bodied and expressive with a fine structure framed around lifted aromatic appeal of fresh pepper, red floral aromas and dark blackberry leaf flavours. Silky, savoury and youthful, this wine is built to evolve gracefully over time. It represents a great region, a good season and an excellent wine to cellar with confidence. Decant if serving now, or tuck it away for five to six years.

Gold before release.

Our newest Southern Tor Pinot Noir 2025 has already been awarded Gold - a big achievement for such a young wine, and a sign of what’s still to come.

Releasing this winter. Stay tuned.

Joelle Thomson Journalist, wine writer and author joellethomson.com

Let them drink cake

Joelle Thomson steps into the rapidly growing world of flavour-infused wines...

THE WINE industry appears to be in the middle of an infusion-driven boom. From the non-alcoholic Non range with its culinary-inspired flavours, to recent local addition Vera (an elderflower- and fruitinfused wine spritz), and now Patisserie – where they aim to put the bakery in the bottle.

As the name suggests, Patisserie’s creators have modelled their marketing on fresh baked flavours – the range includes a Crème Brûlée Chardonnay and a Pineapple Madeleine Pinot Gris, among others. The wines come in such an attractive bottle with its embossed base and a font that tips its hat to the art nouveau movement that, well, it’s hard to argue against the place of these products in a world where wine consumption is down and a focus on not drinking is up.

These new spins on wine are pouring off production lines faster than traditionalists can raise an eyebrow. Are they controversial in terms of infusing the concept (and taste) of fruit and other ingredients into wine? Yes. Are they popular? Let’s find out.

I put a bunch of new flavour-infused wines to the test, pouring them blind for a dozen people spanning a range of ages. The majority liked the fresh, fruity flavours of the Patisserie wines and some of the other brands. Some found them “on the sweet side” but only mentioned this after enjoying a glass fairly swiftly. As one person noted, lifting a large glass of Waiheke Syrah to her lips afterwards: “I learnt to like wine because of sweet wines, not despite them.”

There’s always an entry point to wine. It tends to follow the arc of light and sweet, to dry and full-bodied, to tannic

and dark, then back again to light and sweeter with the balance of bracing acidity. It’s not necessarily an indication of a person’s age either, but rather of their evolving tastebuds.

There’s a school of thought that younger drinkers are driving a shift toward sweeter, fruitier, lighter wine styles, but haven’t they always?

Younger consumers often favour experimentation and approachability over the perceived complexity of traditional wine. They are also more healthconscious, along with older generations today. This explains, in part, the rapid rise of low- and no-alcohol wines.

These new spins on wine are pouring off production lines faster than traditionalists can raise an eyebrow.

Flavoured wines are another story, however. Their approachable taste (due to being sweeter and softer) appeals to anyone who finds traditional wines potentially intimidating. And they look good. The packaging has evolved beyond looking like they’re not wine (and therefore – irresponsibly in my view – not a beverage that contains alcohol) to something that looks like wine but clearly may not appeal to those who have forged a love for top shelf, dry-as-a-bone wine. I find myself doing a double take on flavoured wines but I can see that the marketing and taste both hold undeniable appeal for newcomers to it.

And if these wines bring in a new generation of wine drinkers, all power to them. Wine is one of the most complex beverages on Earth. There’s only one chance each year to pick grapes and make wine and a winemaker’s response to those grapes is what makes wine so intriguing intellectually, as well as compelling to enjoy. Flavour-infused wines could well be another step on that journey.

TRY THESE

Vera Elderflower-Infused

Sauvignon Blanc

RRP $4.99 (250ml can)

Fresh Finds

Elderflower lifts the natural powerful aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc, adding a delicate botanical sweetness in a light-bodied wine spritz with 5% ABV. The range also includes Elderflower & Golden Kiwifruit Infused Pinot Gris, and Strawberry & Elderflower Infused Rosé.

Patisserie Crème Brûlée Chardonnay

RRP $22.99

Stone Pony

A Chardonnay with layers of vanilla custard, caramelised sugar and baked stone fruit. This is smooth, soft and creamy with a sweeter taste across the palate and 9% ABV.

Patisserie Pineapple Madeleine

Pinot Gris

RRP $22.99

Stone Pony

Tropical, fragrant and lightly sweet, this wine is a nod to French pastries and summery aromas. Light-bodied with a fresh, crisp twist.

Čuvar unveils first Guardians Syrah

ČUVAR WINERY, founded by Sir George Fistonich, has released its first Čuvar Guardians Syrah from the 2024 vintage, sourced from the Cornerstone Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, alongside the Čuvar Guardians Chardonnay 2024.

The Cornerstone Vineyard is a site long trusted by Sir George over many decades and widely regarded as one of Hawke’s Bay’s finest for Syrah. The grapevines are planted on free-draining alluvial gravels along the Ngaruroro River, naturally producing low yields and concentrated fruit, giving wines of clarity, structure and depth.

The team at Čuvar say the 2024 vintage had close to ideal conditions: a cool, extended flowering period led to lighter crops and naturally concentrated fruit, followed by a settled growing season of warm days and cool nights.

“This is a Syrah that speaks volumes of both the Cornerstone site and the 2024 season,” says Senior Winemaker Dave Mackintosh, who joined Čuvar last year. “There’s a beautiful perfume of black Doris plum and wild blackberry, with layers of liquorice and brown spice. On the palate you see that classic Gimblett Gravels character coming through, black pepper, savoury notes, dried herbs, all carried by fine, chalky tannins and fresh acidity.”

The Čuvar Guardians Chardonnay 2024 was sourced from Rivermere and Kokako Farms vineyards in Hawke’s Bay and reflects the same exceptional season.

Karen Fistonich, Executive Director, adds: “Since my father Sir George Fistonich launched Čuvar in 2023, we have been busy refining our craft with a deeper

Louis Roederer retains title of ‘World’s Most Admired Champagne Brand’

LOUIS ROEDERER has been named the “World’s Most Admired Champagne Brand by Drinks International magazine for the seventh consecutive year; its eighth title overall.

The ranking is compiled by a panel of leading international industry experts who survey sommeliers, retail buyers, importers, Masters of Wine, journalists and wine writers.

“Louis Roederer heads the Top 40 Most Admired Champagne Brands table yet again,” says wine journalist Giles Fallowfield, who oversees the compilation of the list every year. “This family-owned and run business has triumphed in eight of the twelve years I have been putting this report together – an astonishing achievement by team Roederer.”

The judging panel applauded Louis Roederer for its consistency and excellence, its commitment to sustainable viticulture, and its unique ‘savoir-faire’ passed down through generations. The title comes as the Champagne House marks its 250th anniversary.

Louis Roederer is distributed in New Zealand through Eurovintage.

focus on Hawke’s Bay. We are proud, as a family, starting with my grandparents, to have been consistently making wine in New Zealand since 1949, a dedication that runs deep.”

2024 Čuvar Guardians Syrah and Čuvar Guardians Chardonnay are RRP $49.99.

Fistonich Family Vineyards

NZ Winegrowers in global push for first white wine emoji

NEW ZEALAND Winegrowers has launched a global public campaign calling for the creation of an official white wine emoji and spotlighting New Zealand’s white wines to consumers, media and trade around the world.

The campaign comes as three major wine awareness days take place in May: International Sauvignon Blanc Day (1 May), International Pinot Gris Day (17 May) and International Chardonnay Day (21 May).

NZ Winegrowers created “The Great White Wine Toast” as: “a global social moment inviting people around the world to raise a glass of white wine and share it – online and in real life – as part of a collective toast to one of the world’s most loved wine styles”.

As part of that, it is calling for a dedicated white wine emoji. “Wine culture has evolved, but our emojis haven’t,” says Charlotte Read, General Manager Brand, New Zealand Winegrowers. “Red wine has an emoji. Champagne has an emoji. Cocktails have several. But one of the world’s trending wine styles – refreshing, vibrant white wine – doesn’t have a voice. We believe New Zealand, a world leader in refreshing and expressive white wines, is the perfect champion for this movement.”

The international not-for-profit Unicode Consortium approves and releases new emoji designs worldwide annually.

The NZ Winegrowers campaign includes a proposed white wine emoji design, featuring a pale-gold wine in a classic glass. It is encouraging wine lovers worldwide to show their support through:

• A public petition urging Unicode to introduce the white wine emoji

• Social media participation using #WhiteWineEmoji

• A global toast across time zones planned for “The Great White Wine Toast”, where white wine lovers worldwide were encouraged to raise a glass of New Zealand white wine on International Sauvignon Blanc Day (1 May) and use #WhiteWineEmoji and #GreatWhiteWineToast

• Continuing to raise a glass of New Zealand white wine during the month of May and posting on social media using #NZWine #WhiteWineEmoji #PourYourselfAGlassOfNZ

The campaign will culminate in a formal emoji submission to the Unicode Consortium, backed by petition signatures, social engagement data, and cultural relevance evidence.

nzwine.com

Kiwi wine chosen for World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection

ONE NEW Zealand wine has made the list for the third edition of World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection.

Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc 2025 was one of 115 wines from 16 countries selected by leading sommeliers from around the world as their standout wines of the year.

The panel of wine experts were invited from the global network within The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, and led by Kristell Monot, President of the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection 2026, and Head Sommelier at Mugaritz, ranked No.87 in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025.

Kristell Monot said: “The World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection tasting panel brings together sommeliers from the

world’s leading restaurants, each with a distinct perspective shaped by their own markets and experiences. This diversity is what makes the selection so valuable, because it reflects the tastes and standards of the global dining scene.

“The experts understand not only what makes a bottle high quality, but also the broader trends shaping the industry, from climate change to emerging regions and producers. Together, the panel set a benchmark for excellence that guides sommeliers, wine professionals and consumers around the world.”

Registrations are now open for the 2027 selection.

Wairau River is distributed in New Zealand through Federal.

worldsbestsommeliersselection.com

Red Hut Wines partners with Backcountry Trust

RED HUT Wines has announced a three-year partnership with Backcountry Trust, aimed at celebrating and protecting New Zealand’s landscapes.

Named after the iconic back country huts that dot the length and breadth of Aotearoa, Red Hut Wines says it draws inspiration from the very places that Backcountry Trust works to restore and preserve. These huts serve as remote shelters for hikers, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts and represent resilience, heritage and a deep connection to the land.

Through this partnership, Red Hut Wines will support Backcountry Trust’s mission to restore and maintain these historic

huts, ensuring future generations can continue to experience New Zealand’s wilderness in its most authentic form.

“Backcountry huts are a special part of New Zealand’s outdoor culture, they provide shelter, connection and a gateway to some of our most remote landscapes,” said Kevin O’Connor, Chair of Backcountry Trust. “It’s fantastic to partner with a brand like Red Hut Wines that genuinely understands that heritage and wants to help protect it. Support like this enables us to keep restoring huts and ensuring people can continue to experience the back country for generations to come.”

Stone Pony

Invivo spices it up with jalapeño Sauvignon

INVIVO IS launching a new Spicy Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc, inspired by a viral TikTok trend.

Infused with jalapeños, the new Invivo X, SJP Spicy Jalapeño Sauvignon Blanc lands at select retailers for the USA summer, and in New Zealand later this year for spring. The wine is made in partnership with Invivo’s longtime partner and shareholder, actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Invivo says the wine is designed to be poured ice-cold and as it comes, served over ice, or used as the base for cocktails or spritzes that need some extra heat.

“We saw the internet adding jalapeños to Sauvignon Blanc and knew immediately we had to create the real thing,” says Invivo Co-founder and Winemaker Rob Cameron. “It’s bold, refreshing, unapologetically spicy and made for people who don’t want to overthink their wine.

We can’t wait to see how people drink it this year.”

First Australian Syrah arrives in NZ

TAYLORS WINES has launched its Estate Syrah 2024, marking the arrival of the first Australian Syrah available in the New Zealand market.

Crafted in the cooler-climate Adelaide Hills in South Australia, Taylors says the new wine offers “a refined new expression” of Syrah.

It says that Taylors Estate Syrah 2024 provides retailers with a point of difference within the Syrah category, presenting an opportunity to introduce consumers to a modern Australian interpretation of Syrah, and delivering premium quality at a competitive price point.

Mitchell Taylor, third-generation winemaker and Chairman of Taylors Wines, says, “We’re excited to introduce our Estate Syrah to New Zealand, particularly as the first Australian Syrah available in the market. It showcases a more elegant expression of the variety, while still delivering the quality and consistency people expect from Taylors.”

Taylors Estate Syrah 2024 is RRP $19.99

Taylor Brown

Chill times

New brews to keep the chillers fresh...

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

Altitude Race Pace Pale Ale

3.2% ABV, 330ml RRP $4.99 – also in keg Altitude

Altitude co-sponsors the Routeburn Classic and this was designed as the ultimate postadventure refresher. Race Pace is a light, bright pale ale brewed with “athletic” vigour and precision. Berry and citrus aromatics keep the palate lively, while the low ABV and dry finish make it incredibly easy to drink. Clean, crisp and quietly energetic.

Good George Alcoholic Ginger Beer

4% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $19.99

Good George

Good George’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer is a lively mix of gentle sweetness and warming spice, delivering a refreshing kick without overwhelming heat. Light, bright and built for relaxed sessions, it’s the sort of drink that slips easily from sunny afternoons into cooler evenings. A crisp, modern take on a classic ginger refresher.

Duncan’s Calamansi & Dragonfruit

Sorbet Sour

4.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Duncan’s

A sorbet sour that’s truly a tropical refresher. Filipino calamansi (think mandarin meets lime) brings the zing, dragonfruit brings the glow, and a splash of hibiscus turns up the brightness. Tart, juicy, and refreshing.

Utenos Cherry Beer

4.6% ABV, 568ml RRP $5.50

Q Liquid

Utenos Alus is a brewery headquartered in Utena, Lithuania. Their Cherry Beer is a fruit-infused ale that opens with ripe cherry aroma and a soft sweetness. Light-bodied and gently sparkling, it blends cherry with a touch of elderberry for added depth. Easy-going, refreshing and pleasantly fruity.

Altitude The Garston Handshake Hazy

Pale Ale

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.49 – also in keg Altitude

Brewed to honour the high-country hop harvest, The Garston Handshake is a co-production between Altitude and Mountain Culture brewery out of Katoomba, New South Wales and showcases the unique and intense profiles of Garston’s signature hops. The result is a hazy that feels rooted in place – Nelson Sauvin and Motueka from single origin fields deliver bright gooseberry, tropical flavours and a squeeze of lime, all wrapped in a soft, pillowy haze. It’s a beer that reflects the rugged landscape it comes from: crisp mountain air, wide skies and hops grown under the big sky. Gentle, expressive and quietly complex.

Altitude co-sponsors the Routeburn Classic and Race Pace Pale Ale was designed as the ultimate post-adventure refresher.

Duncan’s x Apostle San Isidore Fruited Sour

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

Duncan’s

Duncan’s have teamed up with fellow Kāpiti Coast locals and hot sauce masters Apostle for this brew inspired by Saint Isidore – a Spanish saint honoured as the patron saint of farmers. Passionfruit and pineapple add a tropical party, habanero throws the heat, and a hint of mint keeps it fresh, all on top of a smooth corn and barley base. Tangy, vibrant, with just the right kick. Serving it alongside Apostle’s Saint Isidore Tropical Charred Sweetcorn Salsa.

Duncan’s Mango Grapefruju Ice Cream Sour

5% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.99

Duncan’s

Sometimes you just need a juicy throwback. To quench that craving, Duncan’s has created Mango Grapefruju – an ice cream sour inspired by the classic treat. Bursting with refreshing mango, grapefruit and lime, and rounded out with a soft touch of vanilla for a creamy, frosty finish. Hang on to that summer feeling as long as you can...

8-Wired’s Nostalgia Trip is a time capsule of West Coast IPA’s glory days: crystal clear, boldly bitter and packed with pine, grapefruit and resin.

Garage Project Skinny Dipper

5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $18.99

Garage Project

Skinny Dipper is a breezy, fruit-forward hazy brewed with fresh Nelson Lakes hops. Motueka, Cascade and Nelson Sauvin bring juicy stonefruit and citrus over a soft, silky base. Lighthearted, refreshing and a little bit cheeky.

Sprig + Fern Hops for Hospice Fresh Hop Hazy

5.2% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.49 and 888ml RRP $14.49

Sprig + Fern

More than just a beer, Hops For Hospice is a collaborative project between Sprig + Fern Brewing Co, Sprig + Fern Taverns, Little Sprigs, Gladfield Malt, NZ Hops, Label & Litho and VISY coming together to support Hospice and the vital work it does in New Zealand communities. $1 from every pint, can and bottle sold, and a portion of every keg price will go directly to Hospice. The vibrant hazy IPA is an easy-drinking seasonal release brewed with freshly harvested Nelson Sauvin and Nectaron hops, showcasing the very best of the hop harvest. Bright tropical fruit, passionfruit and citrus lead the way, supported by subtle white wine and gooseberry notes.

Sprig + Fern Resin Ridge

5.4% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99 and 888ml RRP $13.99available 13 May

Sprig + Fern

Resin Ridge is just the ticket as the chillier weather sets in: a hoppy brown ale built on a rich and rewarding malt backbone. Layers of chocolate, caramel and toasted malt rise first, before climbing into a burst of Simcoe and Sabro hops delivering bright citrus, pine resin and tropical fruit aromas. Medium-bodied and full-flavoured, Resin Ridge balances smooth malt richness with a lively hop edge, finishing crisp, resinous and moreish.

8-Wired Rogue & Villain ESB

5.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $8.99

8-Wired

Rogue & Villain pours a deep amber and leans into vintage Extra Special Bitter comfort with toffee sweetness, toasted malt and a flicker of orange peel. In the classic English style, a firm, earthy bitterness reins everything in, giving the beer a grounded, balanced finish. Traditional in spirit, polished in execution.

Renaissance Voyager IPA

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Brandhouse

An old school British-style IPA: malty, delicious and aromatic. Pouring light amber, it has hints of lime, pine, citrus and caramel. A rich malt backbone and restrained use of hops.

8-Wired Nostalgia Trip

6.2% ABV, 500ml RRP $10.99

8-Wired

Nostalgia Trip is a time capsule of West Coast IPA’s glory days: crystal clear, boldly bitter and packed with pine, grapefruit and resin. Columbus, Centennial, Amarillo and Simcoe hops deliver a punchy profile that refuses to fade into the background. A loud, confident IPA with old-school swagger.

McLeod’s Harvest Fresh Hop Cold IPA

6.3% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

McLeod’s

This Cold IPA showcases freshly picked Rhapzody hops in a crisp, streamlined frame. High impact aromatics leap from the glass: bright citrus, tropical hints and a touch of hop-driven passionfruit and guava lift, while the lean base keeps the finish snappy and refreshing. A clean, modern expression of fresh hop character.

McLeod’s 1947 Shortcut Double Dry

Hopped IPA

6.5% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

McLeod’s

Bold and hop-forward, 1947 Shortcut layers citrus and tropical notes across a smooth, full palate. Double dry hopping gives it plenty of aromatic punch, while the structure remains balanced and assured. Possibly the only beer inspired by a footbridge: the historic Whananaki footbridge, which was built in 1947 and is the longest in the Southern Hemisphere, offering the ultimate shortcut. It’s a beer that connects big flavour with easy drinkability.

Garage Project Bine Mind

6.6% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.50

Garage Project

Bine Mind is a fresh hop IPA built for those who can’t stop thinking about hops. Nectaron and Rakau hops bring layers of pine, stone fruit and citrus aromatics, creating a punchy, expressive beer. Brewed in collaboration with Catalonian brewery DosKiwis for a meeting of minds and a mountain of hops.

Garage Project Harvest Home Saison

6.7% ABV, 440ml RRP $10.50

Garage Project

Harvest Home blends spicy Saison character with the brightness of wet hops. Organic wheat, pilsner malt, coriander seed and Yen Ben lemon create a lively, rustic base, while freshly picked Southern Cross and Nelson Sauvin add green hop vibrancy. A joyful, farmhouse-style celebration of the harvest.

McLeod’s 802 #75

6.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

McLeod’s

The latest in McLeod’s rolling 802 series (802 is the area code for Vermont) this is a fresh unfiltered IPA that leans into soft citrus and tropical nuance. Amarillo hops bring mellow orange, Motueka adds a clean lime thread, and Galaxy contributes smooth passionfruit depth. The result is a hazy IPA that feels composed and unhurried, expressive but never brash, layered yet wonderfully drinkable.

McLeod’s 1947 Shortcut Double Dry Hopped IPA is possibly the only beer inspired by a footbridge: the historic Whananaki footbridge, built in 1947.

McLeod’s Forty Acre Fresh Hop

Unfiltered IPA

6.8% ABV, 440ml RRP $11.99

McLeod’s

Forty Acre is McLeod’s annual love letter to fresh Nelson Sauvin. The hops arrive at the brewhouse within hours of harvest, delivering a vivid burst of passionfruit, resin and green hop intensity. Unfiltered and full-bodied, it’s a lush, oily IPA that captures the raw energy of harvest season in every sip. A serious IPA for serious hop lovers.

Svyturys Porteris

6.9% ABV, 500ml RRP $5.99

Q Liquid

A rich, velvety porter from Lithuania’s second oldest brewery, Švyturys in Klaipėda. Dark chocolate, roasted coffee and subtle dried fruit notes build into a smooth, warming finish, lifted by a hint of caramel sweetness.

Garage Project Resin Head

7% ABV, 440ml RRP $9

Garage Project

Resin Head is a West Coast IPA dialled up with distilled hop oil for extra impact. Chinook, Centennial, Nelson Sauvin and Simcoe combine for a rush of tropical fruit, citrus and sticky resin. Crisp, bright and unapologetically hopdriven – a beer that lives up to its name.

Renaissance Stonecutter Scotch Ale

7% ABV, 440ml RRP $9.99

Brandhouse

One of the best-known brews from Renaissance, Stonecutter is the perfect winter drop. Malty, rich and full-bodied, it’s a complex and warming ale. Nine malts are blended to produce layers of caramel, toffee, liquorice, chocolate and roasty flavours, balanced by a tart, raisiny fruitiness that gives way to a lingering dry finish.

Duncan’s Maple Peanut Crunch

Imperial Pastry Stout

9% ABV, 440ml RRP $13.99

Duncan’s

A rich, dessert-inspired brew that leans fully into the cooler season. Layers of roasted peanut crumble dunked in sticky maple syrup are cranked up into a rich, velvety Imperial Pastry Stout. A decadent, full-bodied experience. Contains real nuts.

Duncan’s Marshmallow Egg Imperial

Pastry Stout

10% ABV, 440ml RRP $13.99

Duncan’s

Originally created for the season of chocolatecovered marshmallow eggs, this Imperial Pastry Stout is set to be a winter winner as well. A decadent drop that captures layers of rich chocolate and soft, sweet marshmallow in every sip.

Peckham’s Spiced Apple Cider has notes of cinnamon, star anise and orange zest, and can be served chilled or warm.

CIDER

Funk Estate Purple Rain

4.5% ABV, 330ml 6-pack RRP $24.99 Brandhouse

This blackcurrant cider from Funk Estate is fruity and sweet with a tangy side.

Peckham’s Ginger Tom

5% ABV, 330ml RRP $6.49

Peckham’s

Tangy, fiery and refreshing, this rich apple cider with ginger has been made by wild-fermenting Tom Putt heritage apples grown in Peckham’s own orchards and then infusing the cider with aromatic ginger. A zesty, medium cider with a soft texture and lingering spicy twist. Glutenfree and vegan-friendly.

Peckham’s Spiced Apple Cider

5% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99 - out late May

Peckham’s

A medley of exotic spices and orange zest is infused into a traditional barrel-aged cider from craft cidery Peckham’s. With notes of cinnamon, star anise and orange zest, this seasonal release can be served chilled or warm. Medium in style with a refreshing finish. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Peckham’s Roasted Apple Cider

5.7% ABV, 330ml RRP $5.99

Peckham’s

This unique seasonal cider has been crafted by roasting apple juice over flames to create delicious baked apple and smoky flavours. The concentrated caramelised juice is then fermented to create an intense fire cider and blended with one of Peckham’s traditional barrel-aged ciders. The resulting cider is full of roasted apple flavour alongside caramel and orange notes, maple, baked apricot and hints of ripe peach. Gluten-free and vegan-friendly.

Morningcider Fresh Hop Cider

6% ABV, 440ml RRP $7.99

Hancocks

Morningcider’s Fresh Hop Cider takes their classic apple cider style and infuses it with the vibrancy of new season hops. Nelson Sauvin and Riwaka add gooseberry, white wine lift and a savoury herbal edge, giving the cider a refreshing twist that feels distinctly Kiwi. Bright, aromatic and full of Morningside personality – this is a playful seasonal release with freshness at its core.

Michael Donaldson Beer Writer of the Year, journalist and author hoppiness.co.nz

Better together

Michael Donaldson looks at the benefits of consolidation in the local brewing industry...

THERE’S A lot of change and consolidation happening in the New Zealand beer industry right now as economic pressures continue to put breweries under the pump.

Two major moves – DNA’s acquisition of Hop Federation, and Three Sisters buying Gisborne’s Sunshine Brewing –are a signal that New Zealand is slowly catching up with the rest of the world when it comes to putting multiple brands under one umbrella.

This has been happening in America and Australia for some time, with consolidation a critical part of the landscape in those countries. It’s been tried here in the past but at a small-scale level, including Brandhouse producing both Renaissance and Funk Estate from their new base in Kaiapoi, previously home to ChinChiller, and before that the ill-fated Eagle Brewing.

And there’s opportunity for further acquisitions and mergers with two other breweries on the market, both of which offer the chance to add brands to a portfolio.

David Nicholls, co-founder of Blenheim’s DNA deliberately went for a brewery with extra capacity when he set up five years ago. Initially he wanted added space to do contract work for other breweries while he slowly built the DNA brand. But that capacity created the opportunity to buy Hop Federation when the popular Motueka-based brewery was destined for closure by previous owner Kono last September.

Nicholls sees consolidation as necessary in New Zealand. “I can see the market changing, with more mergers and acquisitions – consolidation rather than breweries just shutting up shop. I do think there’s too much stainless steel in the country and this will be a way of making things more efficient for everyone.”

There’s also huge efficiency coming for New Plymouth’s Three Sisters after their bold move to buy Sunshine Brewing.

New Zealand is slowly catching up with the rest of the world when it comes to putting multiple brands under one umbrella.

Sunshine had been on the market for about a year and, without an obvious buyer, was close to being liquidated because the owners wanted to free up capital as they eyed retirement. Buoyed by a decent crowd-funding campaign, Three Sisters pulled off an audacious move to secure the business and they now own two breweries: a big one (2,500L) in Gisborne and a little one (600L) in New Plymouth, as well as three taprooms thanks to their recent Wellington opening.

The Gisborne brewery will be used to do large-volume core range beers for both breweries, particularly the flagship Gisborne Gold, and it allows Three Sisters

to keep up with export demand, which they struggled to do in New Plymouth. They’ll do small-batch brews for both brands in New Plymouth.

There’s risk attached to this, particularly as export markets are never guaranteed, but there’s huge upside and potential to further grow the iconic Gizzy Gold brand, which is now on tap at Three Sisters brewpub in New Plymouth.

Also on the market now is Kaikōura’s Emporium Brewing. Owner-brewer Paul Finney has decided it’s time to move on after almost 10 years. The brewery is profitable thanks to the associated minigolf and escape room businesses, and there’s plenty of room to grow.

It’s perfect for a brewer who wants to go from employee to owner-operator. The built-in capacity means, for example, an incoming brewer could produce Emporium beers while they built their own brand.

It’s a similar situation in Auckland where Black Sands is for sale. The strong west Auckland brand has been a family-run business for 13 years – Ian Hebblethwaite started it and his son Craig is now running it – and it’s profitable. They are only selling because personal circumstances changed for the family.

Again, the brewery has capacity to grow having previously produced two brands (the other was Weezledog) under one roof.

So with consolidation now firmly on the local industry’s radar, the question isn’t whether more deals will happen –but who will be next to make a move.

Peckham’s acquires Capital Cider Co.

LOIS AND Jody Scott, owners of Peckham’s Cidery & Orchard in Upper Moutere, have acquired Nelson cidery Capital Cider Co.

The husband-and-wife team have been producing Capital Cider under contract for the past three years. Founded in 2018, Capital Cider Co. has four ciders in its core range.

“We’ve been working closely with Capital for a while now, so this feels like a very natural next step,” says Lois Scott. “It’s a brand we understand and value, and it has a really clear place in the market as cider produced from freshly juiced apples.”

Peckham’s is known for its focus on traditional cider apple varieties grown on-site and crafted into premium, orchard-led cider with complex flavour profiles. Capital Cider Co. is made using freshly juiced culinary apples to create crisp and refreshing styles for different consumer tastes and occasions.

Countdown on to 2026 NZ Beer Awards

THE COUNTRY’S biggest celebration of beer and brewing is back for 2026 with the Brewers Guild of New Zealand gearing up for the New Zealand Beer Awards.

Entries opened on May 4 and close again June 10. The Awards evening will be held in Dunedin on 25 July.

The Scotts say it is the perfect complement to their range. “We’re excited that as a business (NZBEV Limited), we’re now in a position to offer the full spectrum of quality cider across all styles and tastes,” says Lois Scott. “From a product point of view, nothing is changing. It’s still made by the same team, it’s really just the ownership that’s evolved.”

She says they can see export potential for Capital Cider given its accessible style and broad appeal. “It sits in a really approachable style category that travels well, and it opens up more opportunities with regards to the Cider Apples New

Three Sisters buys Sunshine

NEW PLYMOUTH brewery Three Sisters has acquired Gisborne’s Sunshine Brewing – including its iconic Gisborne Gold brand.

Zealand project, and the development of a New Zealand cider specific apple.”

Peckham’s is also in the running for the Innovation Trophy at the International Brewing & Cider Awards. Its alcoholfree cider Apple Zero took the top spot, winning the Gold Medal in the Innovation Category for Low & No Alcohol Cider & Perry, while Major Black won the Bronze Medal in the Classic Dry category, placing both ciders among the best in their classes in the world.

Trophy winners were due to be announced at The Guildhall in London on 20 May.

This year’s event also marks the 20th anniversary of the Brewers Guild, an important milestone for New Zealand’s brewing community.

Brewers Guild Executive Director Melanie Kees says the 2026 awards will be particularly meaningful. “With the Brewers Guild marking its 20th anniversary in 2026, there is so much to celebrateour history, our people, and the exceptional quality beer consistently crafted throughout New Zealand.

“The NZ Beer Awards are a testament to the innovation, collaboration, and passion that define our industry, and we’re excited to showcase the very best that New Zealand brewing has to offer.”

For entry details visit brewersguild.org.nz/ nz-beer-awards-2026

Sunshine is New Zealand’s oldest independent craft brewery and was founded in 1989.

Three Sisters has been brewing commercially since 2017 and expanded from its Taranaki base earlier this year, opening a bar in Wellington.

Three Sisters founder Joe Emans told RNZ that the plan is to keep Sunshine as a Gisborne brewery with its own identity, retaining the core brands and tap room. He said it was likely higher volume production for

both brands would take place in Gisborne while New Plymouth would focus on small-batch seasonal beers.

Three Sisters was planning to reopen its recent crowdfunding campaign on PledgeMe to offer ownership perks for Sunshine fans. A launch date for the campaign was yet to be confirmed when Drinksbiz went to print.

Brewers and hospo call for 50% cut to draught beer excise

HOSPITALITY NEW Zealand, the Brewers Guild of New Zealand, and the Brewers Association, are urging the Government to introduce a 50% reduction in excise tax on draught beer sold for on-premise consumption.

The organisations say this targeted change would lower a major input cost, improve the viability of businesses and support the regional communities that rely on pubs, bars, and taprooms for jobs, connection, and local economic activity.

The 2026 alcohol excise rate is due to be announced in late May/early June and will take effect from 1 July.

Over the past ten years, the market share of on-premises sales, and therefore that of draught beer, has collapsed from around 40% to about 15%, as New Zealanders

have steadily shifted toward drinking at home.

Because current settings treat packaged and draught beer the same, the industry groups say a reduction in excise tax on draught beer is a common-sense approach to rebalancing the market share of on-premise environments.

Hospitality NZ Chief Executive, Kristy Phillips says: “More than 160,000 New Zealanders work in hospitality, many in regional areas. This is about keeping beer in supervised community spaces and keeping both hospitality venues and breweries not just surviving but thriving.

“With a modest, targeted change, we can lift regional economies, protect jobs, and sustain industries like brewing and hospitality without compromising public health goals.”

Executive Director of the Brewers Guild of New Zealand, Melanie Kees, says:

“Breweries, especially our small and regional operators, are already under pressure from rising production and compliance costs, and current excise settings increase that burden.

“Reducing excise on beer served from kegs would not only support their ability to do business but also strengthen the entire value chain while protecting the community infrastructure and social spaces that pubs, bars, and taprooms provide.”

The industry groups point out that the UK and Australia already apply a differentiated and reduced tax rate on draught rates to back their hospitality sectors. They say aligning with these models would recognise the higher economic and social value created by on-premise consumption.

Lion completes $7.2M project at Speight’s with 3MW electric boiler

LION HAS commissioned a 3MW electric boiler at Speight’s Brewery in Dunedin, completing a $7.2 million project that is expected to slash the historic brewery’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 85%.

Officially commissioned by Dunedin MP Rachel Brooking, the project upgrades the brewery’s primary energy source for steam production from LPG to electricity. It is projected to deliver lifetime emissions savings of 18,500 tonnes – equivalent to 708 tonnes per year – and represents around 6% of Lion’s total New Zealand emissions.

Lion’s Chief Operating Officer and NZ Country Director Craig Baldie said the investment reflected the company’s long-term sustainability ambitions.

“Founded in 1876, Speight’s is Lion’s second largest brewery and a much-loved tourism attraction. This project is a clear example of our ambition to be a force for good and a force for growth.”

The project was funded through a shared investment

model, with Lion contributing $4.1 million, EECA providing $1.6 million in co-funding, and Aurora Energy investing $1.5 million in associated lines upgrades. Aurora upgraded and installed 480 metres of 11kV cable along Rattray Street, improving electricity transfer capacity across central Dunedin and supporting future electrification projects in the area.

EECA’s Manager Regional & Sector Partnerships Paul Bull said the project demonstrated what strong collaboration could achieve. “Lion has shown real leadership - this was a complex project, and it will provide inspiration and lessons for others considering electrification.”

Originally conceived in 2021, the project took just over four years to deliver.

Engineers had to navigate Dunedin’s ageing central city infrastructure and the constraints of the 150-yearold brewery’s architecture. As a certified B Corporation, Lion says the Speight’s boiler project exemplified its commitment to partnerships that deliver wider community and environmental benefits alongside commercial outcomes.

Distilled gold

From versatile drams to luxurious whiskies for connoisseurs – explore the diverse range of Scotch available in New Zealand…

Note: Products listed as ‘POA’ appear alphabetically at the end of their indicative price category.

RRP $40 - $69.99

Whyte & Mackay Special Blend

40% ABV, 1L RRP $49.99

Hancocks

A smooth whisky from the Lowland region with flavours of tropical fruits, rose hip syrup, caramelised orange and macaroons. Finishes with peaches in syrup, liquorice and Seville marmalade.

Highland Bird

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $54.99

Brandhouse

A three-year-old blended whisky combining Highland and Speyside single malts chosen to complement the Lowland grain whisky. Aromas of vanilla lead to rich, deep flavours with a mellow sweetness.

Grant’s Triple Wood

40% ABV, 1L RRP $62.99

Federal

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

Chivas Regal 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $64.99

Pernod Ricard

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

The Famous Grouse

40% ABV, 1L RRP $64.99

Federal

A balanced and versatile whisky with aromas of candied fruits, buttery shortbread, and citrus peel. It has soft, warm depth of flavour with bright fruity notes.

The Glen Grant Arboralis

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Campari NZ

“Arboralis” comes from the Latin for “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.

Grant’s Triple Wood Rum Cask Edition is where traditional Scotch meets the exotic flavours of the

Caribbean.

Grant’s Triple Wood Rum Cask Edition

40% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99

Federal

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.

Grant’s Triple Wood Smoky

40% ABV, 1L RRP $69.99

Federal

A blend of grain and malt whiskies matured in three distinct woods; it is 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.

Johnnie Walker Double Black

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Lion

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 smoke.

Spey River Bourbon Cask Finish

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Brandhouse

Matured in traditional American oak casks and then transferred into first-fill American bourbon casks, this whisky has a rich, malty aroma with hints of cooked fruits. Crisp and fresh on the palate with malty sweetness, delicate oak, subtle spice and hints of toasted almonds.

Spey River Sherry Cask Finish

40% ABV, 700ml RRP

$69.99

Brandhouse

This whisky is aged in traditional American oak casks and then ex-sherry casks, adding subtle notes of dried fruit, cinnamon and oak to the aroma. The palate is rich and spicy with layers of sweet oak, raisins, apricots and fresh oak.

Tamnavulin Port Cask Edition

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Hancocks

This whisky brings the rich flavours of tawny port to Tamnavulin’s signature Speyside single malt whisky. Like all Tamnavulin, it starts life in American ex-bourbon casks and is then finished in port casks for flavours of dark chocolate and berry compote alongside the fruity house style.

Tamnavulin Red Wine Cask Edition

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Hancocks

This whisky is matured in American oak barrels and finished in German Pinot Noir casks to complement Tamnavulin’s sweet, mellow character.

Tamnavulin Sherry Cask Single Malt

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Hancocks

After maturing in American oak barrels, this whisky is finessed in three different sherry casks. It has aromas of vanilla pod, banana, caramelised orange and fresh ginger, with a warm palate of glazed nectarines and frangipane, sticky toffee pudding, and Seville oranges. The finish is complex and rich.

Tamnavulin Speyside Double Cask

Single Malt

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $69.99

Hancocks

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

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.

The recipe for Hankey Bannister ‘Heritage Blend’ is an inspired recreation of an original bottling of Hankey Bannister made between 1924 and 1928.

Hankey Bannister ‘Heritage Blend’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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.

Hankey Bannister 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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

Speyburn 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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

Speyburn ‘Bradan Orach’

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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 whiff of smoke in the background.

RRP $70 - $99.99

The Deacon

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

Pernod Ricard

The Deacon is a blend of smoky Speyside and peaty Islay malt whiskies. In Scots, the term ‘Deacon’ refers to an adept and proficient master tradesman. The whisky has aromas of charred orange, sweet malty biscuits and woodsmoke. There is juicy orange on the palate along with delicate spice, and tangy peat. The finish is sweet and smoky.

Glen Grant 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $74.99

Campari NZ

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.

The Glenlivet Caribbean Reserve

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

Pernod Ricard

A portion of this whisky is finished in barrels that previously held Caribbean rum, creating a whisky with a tropical twist. Sweet pear, red apple and ripe banana on the nose, with a rich palate of caramel toffee and tropical fruit.

Johnnie Walker Black Label

40% ABV, 1L RRP $79.99

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.

From the Woven studio in Leith, Homemade takes inspiration from iconic blends that cemented the area’s reputation as a hub for whisky and wine merchants.

Laphroaig Oak Select

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

Suntory Global

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, aged for a decade. A complex, deep whisky with notes of smoky peat, spicy oak, and sweetness.

Woven Homemade

46.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $79.99

Highland Fern

From the Woven studio in Leith, this whisky takes inspiration from iconic blends that cemented the area’s reputation as a hub for whisky and wine merchants. It blends two eight-year-old Speyside single malts with Lowland single grain whisky and a double act of sherry seasoned cask finishes to create a full and vibrant profile. Bright grassy flavours up front and layers of nutty, fruity, and spiced complexity.

The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $82.99

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 alongside flavours of pear and toffee apple.

Aerstone Land Cask 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Federal

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.

Aerstone Sea Cask 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Federal

Maturation in seaside warehouses adds a sea salt character to this smooth Speyside-style 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 $84.99

Suntory Global

Aged in bourbon barrels, this single malt has aromas of bourbon-infused vanilla and coconut with layers of zesty citrus fruit. The palate features vanilla cream, coconut, and white peach, with a crisp, spiced finish.

Glen Grant 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Campari NZ

Layers of apple pie, toffee, caramel and almonds emerge on the palate of this single malt. On the finish, soft summer fruits linger with honey and hints of spice.

The Glenlivet 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Pernod Ricard

This 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 and creamy.

Glenmorangie The Original 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Moët Hennessy

Glenmorangie’s signature single malt has been reimagined in this 12-year-old release. The Original is aged for 12 years in bourbon casks and has flavours of creamy vanilla and citrus, layered with honey and peach.

Monkey Shoulder

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $84.99

Federal

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.

Glenfiddich 12YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Federal

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

Jura Bourbon Cask

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $89.99

Hancocks

Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, this whisky showcases Jura’s bright and fruity character. The ex-bourbon cask maturation provides aromas of vanilla and coconut, followed by apricot and creamy toffee with a touch of poached pear, cinnamon and cocoa to finish.

The Ardmore Legacy

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99

Suntory Global

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 lingering smoke and spice.

Auchentoshan 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $94.99

Suntory Global

Matured in American white

oak ex-bourbon casks, Jura

Bourbon Cask showcases Jura’s bright and fruity character.

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.

Arran Barrel Reserve

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $95

Tickety-Boo

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.

Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $99

Hancocks

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

Lindores MCDXCIV (1494)

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $99

Highland Fern

Lindores Abbey in Fife is regarded as the spiritual home of Scotch whisky, as it was here that records first show that whisky (aqua vitae) was made by a monk in 1494. This whisky features one of the longest wash fermentation periods in the Scotch Whisky industry coupled with an unconventional sister spirit stills set up – the result is an award-winning new make spirit, enhanced by maturation in a selection of bourbon barrels, wine barriques and sherry butts. Elegant and soft on the nose with mellow vanilla, caramel, orchard fruits and sweet pear drops. Smooth with a creamy texture and a perfect balance of mellow vanilla, dried fruits, citrus and a hint of spice. The finish is delicate but long.

Ardbeg Wee Beastie 5YO

47.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Moët Hennessy

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.

Chivas Regal XV

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Pernod Ricard

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

Deanston Virgin Oak Highland

Single Malt

46.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

EuroVintage

Part of Deanston’s core range, this single malt has flavours of candied fruits and vanilla toffee balanced with heather honey and a lightly spiced oaky finish.

Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Lion

A creamy blend of Speyside and Highland whiskies. An initial delicate sweetness and gentle smoke on the palate develops into sweet fruit and deeper velvety, honeyed tones followed by subtle smoke and oak 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 stone fruit, ginger and freshly ground coffee.

Laphroaig 10YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $99.99

Suntory Global

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. Full-bodied with a long finish.

An Cnoc 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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.

Ardnamurchan ‘AD/’

46.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Produced at one of the most remote distilleries in Scotland, this is the core release from Ardnamurchan. It retains the distillery’s signature lightly peated style and starts with apricots and zesty oranges, chocolate and Brazil nuts. The palate offers salty taffy, lemonade, Christmas cake and a warming bonfire on the finish.

Ben Nevis ‘Core Leis’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Named after the natural rock formation below the peak of Ben Nevis, Coire Leis is a brand-new expression from the celebrated Ben Nevis distillery. An initial confectionery note of humbugs and barley sugars leads to honeyed vanilla, freshly picked pears and a biscuity, malty character. A more drying tone of grapefruit marmalade builds up, with earthy spice (clove) and a fleeting whiff of smoke. A quintessential West-Coast style.

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.

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 straightneck and swan-neck 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.

Lochlea ‘Our Barley’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This is the first core single malt whisky from South Ayrshire distillery Lochlea. It has aromas of pear syrup, fruit bonbons, warm cut grass and marmalade, leading to a palate of golden syrup, pepper, rye bread, macadamia nuts and cream soda. A long finish with a lasting orange beeswax note.

Maclean’s Nose

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

A high malt content of 70% and a significant presence of ex-sherry casks imparts a rich depth of flavour to this whisky. It has an interplay of burnt citrus peel, invigorating sea salt, white chocolate and the smoky essence of a bonfire by the beach.

Old Pulteney 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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.

RRP $100 - $129.99

Benriach 10YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99

Hancocks

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

The Glenlivet Captain’s Reserve

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $104.99

Pernod Ricard

The Captain’s Reserve is aged in bourbon and sherry casks before selective finishing in Cognac casks. Sweet, fruity aromas and a palate full of mandarins in syrup, poached pears, raisins and chocolate, leading to a smooth finish.

Bowmore 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $105.99

Suntory Global

This whisky is matured in Bowmore’s historic No.1 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.

Aberlour 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Pernod Ricard

Ageing in traditional oak and seasoned sherry butts gives this whisky a soft, mellow character. Aromas of red apple persist on the palate with rich chocolate and a sherried character. The long finish is sweet and spicy.

Fettercairn 12YO Single Malt

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Hancocks

A honeyed aroma leads to flavours of vanilla and pear with soft spices. Notes of nectarine and tropical fruit with subtle roasted coffee, clove, and ginger. Lingering finish of sultanas and black toffee.

The Glendronach 12YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

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.

Jura 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $109.99

Hancocks

Aged in American white oak ex-bourbon casks, this whisky has aromas of dried apricot, toasted walnut and ripe citrus alongside honeyed cereal and hints of ginger spice. Flavours of dark chocolate, dried apricot and bright citrus join roasted coffee notes and sherry-soaked raisins, drifting into cinnamon, liquorice and a subtle hint of coastal freshness.

The Arran Malt 10YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $110

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. As the malt opens, the Arran hallmarks of citrus and sweet fruit emerge. The finish is clean and fresh with a lingering creamy sweetness.

Lagg Kilmory Peated Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $110

Tickety-Boo

This is the flagship single malt and was the first core range expression to be released from Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran. This expression is described as embodying “the house style of Lagg”, which centres around the use of bourbon barrels with its peated spirit. Aromas of heather smoke and charred citrus lead to an initial burst of fruit on the palate, giving way to subtle bonfire smoke and a lingering finish of citrus, smoke and vanilla.

Glenglassaugh 12YO

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $112.99

Hancocks

This whisky embodies the signature coastal style of Glenglassaugh. It’s aged in bourbon, sherry and red wine casks for aromas of ripe apricot, fig and vanilla, with flavours of candied pistachio, date, fig, morello cherry and whipped cream with an infusion of fresh coastal air.

Lagg Kilmory Peated Single Malt is the flagship single malt and was the first core range expression to be released from Lagg Distillery on the Isle of Arran.

Highland Park 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $114.99

Hancocks

Matured predominantly in European and American sherry seasoned oak casks, this 12YO expression has flavours of heather honey, rich fruitcake, winter spices, Seville oranges and smoky peat.

Bunnahabhain Stiùireadair Single Malt

46.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $116.99

EuroVintage

This whisky from Islay distillery Bunnahabhain is pronounced “Stew-rah-dur” and means “helmsman” in Scots Gaelic. This sherried malt has a brackish, coastal tinge with a smattering of sea spray and dried fruit.

Ardbeg 10YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

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

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

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.

Jura 14YO American Rye Cask

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Hancocks

Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon and hand-selected American Rye barrels, the casks deliver layered depth and complexity to this 14-year-old single malt. It has toffee apple richness and flavours of pecan pie with cinnamon, vanilla, honey, cacao and hazelnut. A warm, nutty finish with soft wood spices.

Glenfiddich Fire & Cane

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $119.99

Federal

The fourth release in Glenfiddich’s ‘Experiment’ series, 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.

The classic Ardbeg 10YO expression is renowned as one of the peatiest, smokiest, most complex single malts around.

Talisker 10YO

45.8% ABV, 750ml RRP $119.99

Lion

The classic expression from the oldest distillery on Skye has powerful peat smoke aromas with a hint of briny 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.

Benriach The Twelve

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99

Hancocks

To make this whisky, Benriach spirit is threecask 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, and with a lingering sultana and spiced mocha finish.

Glenglassaugh Sandend

50.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99

Hancocks

This whisky was inspired by the crescent beach of Sandend Bay on the Moray coast where the Glenglassaugh distillery is based. Aged in bourbon, sherry and manzanilla casks, it has aromas of buttery vanilla, tropical fruit, chocolate and sea salt. There is salted caramel on the palate with bursts of pineapple, cherry and grapefruit, and a kick of sea salt.

Glenmorangie The Lasanta 12YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $124.99

Moët Hennessy

“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.

Isle of Raasay ‘The Draam’ Single Malt

46.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $125

Highland Fern

Isle of Raasay’s signature single malt is lightly peated with rich, dark fruit flavours. Peated and unpeated spirit made with 100% Scottish barley are matured separately in ex-American Rye whiskey, virgin Chinkapin oak and ex-Bordeaux red wine casks. Aromas of wood smoke, apricots, candied fruit, and glacé cherries lead to a palate of sweet spice, cinnamon, black pepper, blackcurrant, wood smoke, heather, honey, salted caramel, sweet and salted popcorn and black cherry. The finish is dry with a hint of saltiness, faint wood smoke and dried fruit.

Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10YO

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.95 Hancocks

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.

Benriach The Smoky Twelve

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Hancocks

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. A smooth, creamy single malt, layered with flavours of ripe fruit, smoky sweetness and warming oak spice.

Chivas Regal 18YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $129.99

Pernod Ricard

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, mellow smokiness and a lingering finish.

Ardnamurchan ‘Cask Strength’

58.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This release of Ardnamurchan’s cask strength expression has aromas of orchard fruits and eucalyptus, moving to a savoury, salty character. To taste, rich butterscotch covers wooded tones of cigar boxes, with a hay-like earthiness and briney note. A lingering tangy spice of galangal and soft peat smoke embers round out the finish.

Balblair 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Matured in American oak ex-bourbon casks, this whisky 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.

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.

Bladnoch ‘Vinaya’

46.7% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

The latest release from the Bladnoch distillery was created by master distiller Dr. Nick Savage from a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks. The nose shows the sweet floral and buttery profile of the distillery, with a green apple freshness and touch of chocolate on the palate. A light and uplifting 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

‘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 even a hint of coastal, farmyard aromas. A standout example of the non-Islay peated style.

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 Ximénez sherry casks. The nose combines rich fudge, fresh orchard fruit and an earthy note. 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.

Glenfarclas 12YO 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

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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.

Glenturret 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

The heart of Glenturret’s core range, the 12-year-old is aged in a range of American oak hogsheads as well as a selection of European oak casks and is beautifully presented in Glenturret’s signature Lalique-style decanter bottle. The whisky has aromas of creamy vanilla custard, sweet baking spices and sweet oak. This is complemented by notes of cinnamondusted baked apples, vanilla, cherry pie, and sweet spicy oak on the palate. A lingering dry spice and sweet oaky finish.

Glenturret Peat Smoked 10YO

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Peated whiskies from the Highlands of Scotland remain rare, and this expression from Glenturret shows the style very well: a mingling of earthy peat smoke, vanilla, and fruity sweetness combined in a unique way. The oak spices and mild smoke are balanced together alongside a slightly salty and heather-herbal tang.

Glenturret Triple Wood

45% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

The Glenturret Triple Wood is a sweet, spicy yet soft whisky that builds on the distinctive fruity flavours of the new make spirit with ageing in American and European oak sherry seasoned casks alongside bourbon barrels. Notes of toffee apple, citrus and freshly cut oak alongside gentle wood spices, ginger and vanilla.

The Hearach

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This was the first-ever whisky from the Isle of Harris Distillery. The aroma evokes a curing smokehouse, joined by fragrant hillside heather and smoky dried prunes. A creamy sweetness joins crisp apple tones, with a lingering sea-salt tang. Subtle smoke returns in the finish.

Kilchoman ‘Machir Bay’

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.

Kilkerran 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This Glengyle distillery has been making a traditional Campbeltown style of whisky for over 17 years since its founding by the owners of the Springbank distillery. The nose and palate are both distinctly ‘Campbeltown’: slightly ‘foosty’ (dusty old warehouses) and spiced to start, with hints of dried fruit, malt biscuits and a lemon/citric note. Throughout there is a gentle waft of peat smoke from the barley, and a seaside saltiness that comes and goes. A distinctive style of whisky that is oldfashioned but timeless.

Loch Lomond 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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.

Meikle Toir ‘The

Original’

50% ABV, 700ml RRP

$POA

Whisky Galore

A rare example of peated whisky made in the heart of Speyside, produced by the team at the GlenAllachie distillery. Taking peated barley, long-fermentation and select casks, this expression marries the sweet, fruity and honeyed heart of GlenAllachie with fragrant, warming smoke. Heather honey and rich chocolate flavours can be found alongside baking spices and toasted almonds, lingering on an enveloping rich, peaty smoke.

Meikle Toir ‘The Sherry

One’ 5YO

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Made from heavily peated barley (35ppm), the Meikle Toir series from GlenAllachie introduces the distillery’s new expressions, marrying together peated spirit and selected and intriguing combinations of casks. Originally matured in ex-bourbon barrels, the whisky was given a final maturation in ex-Pedro Ximénez and Oloroso sherry casks. The wood delivers a treacle and chocolate flavour, giving way to fragrant cedarwood and richly smoked barley. There is a honeyed tone at the heart of each sip, with butterscotch, peat and mocha throughout.

Nc’Nean Organic Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Nc’Nean distillery (pronounced “nook-nee-an”) is situated in one of the most isolated locations on the rugged west coast of Scotland. Founded in 2017 by Annabel Thomas, this is one of the only certified organic whiskies made in the world. Matured in a combination of ex-American oak, ex-STR wine casks and a touch of ex-Oloroso sherry butts, there is an abundance of fruity tones like apricot, peach and a delicate citrus quality. A creamy, toasted brioche flavour joins in, giving way to a warming, spiced finish.

Old Pulteney ‘Huddart’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Finished in ex-peated casks after an initial maturation in ex-bourbon barrels, this expression from Old Pulteney wafts fragrant mellow wood smoke 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. Rich salted caramel on the finish.

Port Askaig 8YO

45.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

The Port Askaig range is a selection of single malt whiskies from undisclosed distilleries on the Island of Islay, curated by Elixir Distillers. This eight-year-old expression is matured entirely in refill American oak and is fresh and vibrant on the nose with lemon oil, salty sea spray and a soft ashy smoke. More citrus on the palate with smoked fish and that classic Islay peat reek. A delicate herbal note joins a seaside salty finish.

Torabhaig ‘Allt Gleann’ Legacy

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This new arrival hails from the Torabhaig distillery on Scotland’s Isle of Skye. A bracing note of harbourside sea spray and brine leads the aroma, moving to sweet and citric tones of limoncello, with a raging beachside bonfire smokiness throughout. To taste, it is nutty and sweet with a toasted character, offering coconut and freshly-made muesli. The peat flavour remains with thick and plentiful smoke that lingers.

Torabhaig ‘Sound of Sleat’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

The latest release from Torabhaig (“sleat” is pronounced “slate”), is aged solely in heavily toasted American oak casks and made with the distillery’s strongly peated 78ppm barley. In the glass, it opens with rich bonfire smoke carried on a base of sweet barley, with touches of perfumed orange and honey. There is a nutty and rubbery touch with roasted nuts and more savoury notes with salty seaweed emerging. Carried on a weighty and oily mouthfeel thick with peat smoke, tart apricot and white pepper come through in the finish.

Wolfburn ‘Aurora’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This is the second expression from Wolfburn distillery, founded in 2013 in the seaside village of Thurso on the northern edges of mainland Scotland. Matured in a mixture of American oak and ex-sherry casks, the latter bringing more nutty, orchard fruity flavours. The malty, maritime flavour comes from slow fermentation and seaside maturing.

Wolfburn ‘Langskip’

58% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

“Langskip” is a Norse word for “longship”. This is the first high-strength whisky from Wolfburn, offering aromatic notes of dried apple, raisins and dates and rich fruit cake. The palate has maple syrup, dark chocolate and fruit and nut mix. A fading vanilla-sweet finish.

Wolfburn ‘Northland’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Founded in Thurso in 2013, Wolfburn is the most northerly distillery in Scotland. This expression is a traditional coastal Highland style, made with unpeated malt and aged in quarter casks that formerly held peaty whisky. Softly fruity and sweet to start, with buttery, fruity (pears, ripe banana), nutty flavours that drift towards a subtle and lingering peat smoke finish.

RRP $130 - $199.99

Glenglassaugh Portsoy

49.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $139.99

Hancocks

Inspired by the harbour village of Portsoy near the Glenglassaugh distillery, this richly peated whisky has been aged in sherry, bourbon and port casks. Aromas of tropical fruit roll into sherried dark soy, liquorice and sea kelp. On the palate there is dark chocolate, fermented soy and charred mango with treacle and a crack of sea salt.

The Glenlivet 15YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $139.99

Pernod Ricard

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.

Arran Quarter Cask

56.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $140

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.

Lagg Corriecravie Sherry Cask Finish

55% ABV, 700ml RRP $140

Tickety-Boo

This is the second of the core range single malts to be released from Lagg Distillery. The spirit for the Corriecravie edition is matured initially in bourbon barrels before being finished for approximately six months in Oloroso sherry hogsheads sourced directly from producer Miguel Martin in Jerez, Spain. The taste profile is slightly richer than Lagg’s Kilmory expression, bringing to the fore notes of sweeter spices and rich fruits.

Bunnahabhain 12YO Islay Single Malt

46.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $140.99

EuroVintage

The first release in the Bunnahabhain range, this 12YO whisky has a fresh fruity floral aroma with hints of dried fruit and subtle smoke. Light on the palate with fruit notes, nutty flavours with a sweetness and slight hints of vanilla and caramel. A rich and lingering finish.

Arran Sherry Cask

55.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $145

Tickety-Boo

This cask-strength blend of Arran Sherry Cask is 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.

Ardbeg An Oa

46.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Moët Hennessy

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.

Auchentoshan Three Wood

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Suntory Global

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

The Balvenie DoubleWood 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Federal

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, Oloroso sherry, honey and vanilla. Smooth and mellow on the palate with nutty sweetness, cinnamon spice, a delicate layer of sherry and a long finish.

The Dalmore 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Hancocks

Initial ageing in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels gives this whisky a base of soft vanilla and honey notes. A proportion of the spirit is then transferred into sherry casks, some of which have previously held rare and aged Oloroso Sherry. The finished whisky has aromas of citrus, chocolate, and aromatic spices with Seville oranges, dried fruits, and hints of vanilla pod in the mouth. The finish brings roasted coffee and dark chocolate.

The Dalmore 12YO Sherry Cask

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Hancocks

Aromas of caramelised orange, ginger and sultanas laced with honey open this whisky, leading to flavours of dark chocolate and crushed almonds with a dusting of cinnamon. Sweet mango, panna cotta and lemon sponge cake on the finish.

The cask-strength blend of Arran Sherry Cask is 100% matured in sherry casks for eight years, rather than being sherry-finished.

Glenfiddich 15YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Federal

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. Aromas of heather honey, vanilla fudge and rich dark fruit lead to full-bodied flavours of sherry oak, marzipan, cinnamon, ginger and a lingering sweetness.

Glenfiddich Project XX

47% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Federal

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.

The Macallan Double Cask 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $149.99

Hancocks

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.

Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $155

Hancocks

A celebration of pure terroir from Islay distillery Bruichladdich. Creamy vanilla and lemon are immediate on the palate, with a peppery nutmeg spice giving way to sweet malt, warm porridge and popcorn. The depth of flavour and creamy, viscous texture is typical of the Islay barley style, with the natural oils from the barley enhanced with layers of sweet citrus, tropical fruit and fragrant peach. The combination of American and French oak makes for a beautifully balanced expression, with a drop of water bringing out subtle marine notes.

Isle of Raasay Cask Strength

Single Malt

61.6% ABV, 700ml RRP $155

Highland Fern

This is the same unique six cask recipe as Isle of Raasay’s The Draam (see page 51), but bottled at a natural cask strength. Aromatic smoke, ripe cherries, apricots, cinnamon and butterscotch on the nose, with candied ginger, black pepper, vanilla and sea salt on the palate. The finish features vanilla, soft smoke, butterscotch, sandalwood and a touch of sea salt.

The Glendronach

Ode to the Valley

46.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $159.99

Hancocks

This special release from Glendronach is matured in a combination of ruby port casks from the Douro Valley in Portugal, and the distillery’s signature sherry casks. It presents sweet floral and berry notes on the nose, leading to flavours of blackberry and roasted apple crumble with freshly baked gingerbread and sweet damson plum.

Laphroaig 10YO Cask Strength

56.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $159.99

Suntory Global

A bracing, full-bodied cask strength whisky with aromas of smoke, vanilla, pipe tobacco and leather. Toffee, fudge and cinnamon emerge on the palate; adding a couple drops of water draws out additional peat smoke and notes of sea salt.

Isle

of

Raasay ‘Dùn Cana’ Second

Edition 2024

52% ABV, 700ml RRP $160

Highland Fern

This whisky was created to capture the majesty of Raasay’s highest peak – a mountain of volcanic origins. This second release is first matured in ex-American Rye Whiskey casks, followed by a second maturation in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry quarter casks. The whisky exudes peppery spice, rich dried fruit, roasted nuts, and hints of vanilla with a finish of lingering salty chocolate and spicy wood smoke.

Aberlour 14YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $160.99

Pernod Ricard

An individual batch release featuring sherry and American oak cask ageing. It has aromas of vanilla and ripe cherry and a rounded palate of soft caramel, blackcurrant, blackberry jam and subtle spice.

Bowmore 15YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99

Suntory Global

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 persist on the palate along cedar wood and rich treacle toffee.

The Glendronach Ode to the Dark

50.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99

Hancocks

Matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, this dark-hued whisky has aromas of mocha, black cherry and dark chocolate with créme brûlée with raisin, brown sugar and ginger. Velvety on the palate with layers of smooth espresso and crème caramel folded into black grape and mint chocolate ganache.

The Glendronach Ode to the Embers

48.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $164.99

Hancocks

A richly aromatic expression of The Glendronach, presenting intertwined notes of peat smoke, with a dominance of Oloroso sherry casks for spiced complexity, enriched with the distillery’s signature Pedro Ximénez casks. Aromas of cinnamon spiced toffee and subtle smoke lead to flavours of raisin and honeyed walnut, melding with smoked chocolate fudge.

The GlenDronach 15YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99

Hancocks

A luxuriously sherried Highland single malt Scotch whisky with sumptuous notes of dark fruit, rich chocolate and honey with a lingering finish.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $169.99

Suntory Global

Double maturation in two American oak casks give this whisky an intense flavour. Stillmaturing 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. A long finish with sweetness and smoke.

Port Charlotte Cask Exploration

SYC:01 2013

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $170

Hancocks

Matured in Syrah casks, this expression is a first for Port Charlotte’s cask exploration series and pushes the heavily peated spirit to a new level. The heady influence of the wine works exceptionally well with the elegant peat smoke of the single malt, bringing succulent berries, sweet strawberry notes, and hints of warm citrus.

Matured in Syrah casks, the SYC:01 2013 is a first for Port Charlotte’s cask exploration series and pushes the heavily peated spirit to a new level.

Aberlour A’bunadh

59.9% ABV, 700ml RRP $170.99

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.

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2014

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $173

Hancocks

This whisky is a showcase of Islay-grown barley. Bottled at 50% ABV and peated to 40 ppm, it holds fruit and smoke in perfect balance. The maturation profile consists of 84% in first fill bourbon casks, 8% in second fill virgin oak and 8% in second fill Bordeaux wine casks. Notes of malty digestive biscuits and peat pave the way for a sweet medley of apricot, peach and ripe melon.

Ardbeg Uigeadail

54.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99

Moët Hennessy

‘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.

Jura 18YO

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99

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.

The Macallan Sherry Cask 12YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $179.99

Hancocks

This release is part of the Sherry Oak range from The Macallan, which features a series of single malt whiskies matured in exceptional sherry seasoned oak casks from Jerez. The 12YO expression delivers rich wood spice and dried fruits.

Glenmorangie A Tale of Tokyo

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $189.99

Moët Hennessy

This Tokyo-inspired whisky combines bright, bold flavours with soft sweetness. In his first experiment with Japanese mizunara oak casks, Glenmorangie’s Director of Distilling, Dr Bill Lumsden, created a blend of Glenmorangie part-aged in mizunara with whisky aged in both sherry and bourbon casks. The resulting limited edition whisky fuses notes of pepper with bitter cherries and orange zest with incense and sweet oak.

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $194.99

Federal

Matured in traditional oak whisky casks for 14 years, this whisky is 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.

Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2013

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $199

Hancocks

This expression from Bruichladdich is a showcase for the complex and robust flavour of Bere – a heritage barley varietal. It is delicately balanced with hints of fresh green fruits and lightly spiced gingerbread.On the palate, the presence of the malted grain is unmistakable with notes of popcorn, brown sugar and warm porridge. The Bere barley provides a soft, rounded mouthfeel, complementing the sweet, stone fruit notes. Apricot, peach, melon and candied orange are balanced with the gentle influence of the oak.

Benriach The 16

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Hancocks

Sixteen years of maturation shows a richly balanced evolution of Benriach’s signature Speyside style. Three cask maturation in bourbon, sherry and virgin oak brings layers of stone fruit, smooth creamy malt, wild honey and nutty oak spice.

The Dalmore Port Wood

46.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Hancocks

This release marries Dalmore’s weighty whisky with thick port cask fruit and spice. Matured first in American white oak bourbon casks, then finished in port pipes from WJ Graham.

Fettercairn 16YO

46.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Hancocks

The body of this Highland single malt offers notes of grilled pineapple and Madagascan vanilla, giving way to passionfruit, rich honey and fragrant rose petal. The finish is a flourish of mandarin, cacao and slow-baked ginger.

Glen Grant 18YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Campari NZ

A whisky with a rich and floral aroma, 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.

Highland Park 15YO

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Hancocks

This whisky’s heavily embossed ceramic bottle was inspired by the ancient earthenware vessels in which the spirit was stored centuries ago. This 15-year-old single malt is rich with sweet spices and crème brûlée, balanced with a tropical zest.

The Macallan A Night on Earth

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $199.99

Hancocks

This seasonal release tells the story of Scotland’s world-famous Hogmanay festivities celebrated annually on 31st December. A Night on Earth is created from a selection of The Macallan’s American and European oak sherry seasoned casks, along with American ex-bourbon barrels. It has a rich, sweet shortbread-like character, referencing the Scottish delicacy traditionally gifted and eaten at Hogmanay, punctuated by festive notes of dried orange and spice.

Ardnahoe ‘Bholsa’

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Bruichladdich Bere Barley 2013 is a showcase for the complex and robust flavour of Bere – a heritage barley varietal.

Produced at Islay’s newest distillery, Ardnahoe, Bholsa (pronounced ‘volsa’) is an exciting addition to the distillery’s core range. Predominantly matured in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, the rich Islay peat has contrast from the wood, with red fruits, walnuts and orange zest flavours intertwined with earthy smoke.

Ben Nevis 10YO is a wonderfully old-fashioned style of whisky, complete with an earthy touch of peat smoke faintly wafting through.

Ardnahoe ‘Infinite Loch’

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Founded in 2018, Ardnahoe sits on the northern coast of Islay, looking out across Caol Ìle to Jura. Though a new distillery, its production techniques are time-honoured, featuring traditional worm-tub condensers not commonly seen on the island since the 1960s. Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, there is no mistaking this whisky’s origins: salty sea-spray, thick peat smoke and dark chocolate give way to fresh fruits, with wet bonfire notes lingering; smoky and zesty to finish.

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.

Ben Nevis 10YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Ben Nevis is a classic west coast Highland dram from Fort William, right below the Ben (mountain) itself. Very rich and deep to start with a medley of golden syrup, orange marmalade and a thread of mocha-chocolate in the background. A wonderfully old-fashioned style of whisky, complete with an earthy touch of peat smoke faintly wafting through.

Benromach 15YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This expression from Speyside’s smallest distillery is 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.

Edradour ‘Caledonia’ 12YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Selected by Scottish musician Dougie MacLean, in conjunction with Andrew Symington at Edradour Distillery, this 12-year-old Edradour carries rich notes of Oloroso sherry casks (dried fruit), peppermint chocolate creme and a hint of sulphur from the casks. A deeper and more robust expression of the distillery style.

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

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.

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 touch of peat smoke.

Glen Scotia 15YO

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.

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.

The Hearach ‘Oloroso Cask Matured’

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Fully matured from a parcel of first-fill, ex-Oloroso sherry casks, this was the second release from the Isle of Harris distillery, made from lightly peated spirit aged in hand-selected sherry casks from Bodegas Miguel Martin in Spain. A rich medley of spices, orange peel and walnut swirl around a herbal smokiness. The palate is initially creamy and full, carrying dried fruit mix and more orange, finishing with a salty edge that leads to a warming, gently smoky finish.

Kilchoman Batch Strength

57% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This new expression from Kilchoman has been matured in a combination of re-charred ex-red wine casks, Oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels. A few drops of Kilchoman spring water has been added post-maturation to achieve a batch strength of 57%. It has aromas of red fruits, fresh cherries, heather blossom and intense peat smoke. On the palate is white grapes, fudge, salted caramel and tobacco leaves with waves of rich smoke, followed with a finish of toffee, rich spices, vanilla and lasting peat 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.

Kilchoman ‘Sanaig’ Cask Strength

57.8% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

This release from Kilchoman sees the much loved ‘Sanaig’ turned up to 10. Using the same cask recipe as the standard bottling, it is bottled without dilution and at the combined natural strength of the casks. Toffee sweetness and rich, dark fruit aromas leap out of the glass with background notes of red berries and smoked oak. The palate has intense sweet notes of spiced chocolate, raisins, liquorice and sweet peat smoke, which linger throughout the finish alongside sweet spiced fruit.

Port Askaig Cask Strength

59.1% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Selecting no more than 60 barrels for each batch from an undisclosed distillery on Islay, Port Askaig’s Cask Strength series captures the distinctive flavour of rich peat smoke and Islay’s bracing ocean influence. Bursts of zesty citrus and black pepper evolve to toasted bread, marmalade, and smoke. The palate is fresh with salt, lime, and spices, while the finish lingers with spice, smoke, and toffee-like richness.

RRP $200 - $299.99

The Glenlivet 18YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $209.99

Pernod Ricard

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.

The Dalmore 15YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $219.99

Hancocks

The team at The Dalmore describe this whisky as the epitome of the 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.

Glenfiddich 18YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $219.99

Federal

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.

The new release Kilchoman Batch Strength has been matured in a combination of re-charred ex-red wine casks, Oloroso sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels.

Glenmorangie 18YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $224.99

Moët Hennessy

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.

Laphroaig The Cask Lore

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $234.99

Suntory Global

This Scotch is named for the “lore”, or traditions and knowledge held by generations of distillers and blenders at Laphroaig 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.

Deanston

15YO Tequila Cask Finish

Single Malt

52.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $241.99

EuroVintage

An experimental limited-edition release, this whisky was finished in hand-selected casks that once held agave. It has aromas of ripe pineapple, crème brûlée, mixed nuts and light oak. It’s rich, yet dry on the palate with flavours of caramelised agave, toasted almonds, baked apples with custard and warming spice. A long finish with brown spice and sweet citrus.

The Dalmore Cigar Malt

44% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99

Hancocks

This whisky was created as the perfect single malt to enjoy with the world’s finest cigars. It has been matured in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels, and finessed in Cabernet Sauvignon red wine barriques and González Byass sherry casks that have previously contained 30-year-old Matusalem Oloroso sherry. Aromas of cinnamon, vanilla, and red fruits lead to flavours of tropical fruits, toffee, and vanilla ice cream with a finish of orange zest, dark chocolate, and crushed spices.

The Macallan Classic Cut 2022

52.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99

Hancocks

The Macallan Classic Cut is a series of higherstrength single malts designed to deliver a different flavour experience each year. Matured in a unique combination of casks with two distinctive wood types, this release exudes flavours of European and American oak. Fresh fruit on the nose with light spice and almonds leads to a palate of grapefruit, caramel, a wisp of chocolate, lemon sponge, nuts, oak and light spice. The finish is sweet and creamy with warming spice.

The Macallan Classic Cut 2023

50.3% ABV, 700ml RRP $249.99 Hancocks

The 2023 Edition of The Macallan Classic Cut has been matured in a union of ex-bourbon American oak and sherry seasoned European oak casks. At full strength (50.3%) the prominent character of the spirit is pear, but when ‘one cut’ of water is added, the strength is reduced to 40%, and almond biscotti steps forward.

Bruichladdich Micro Provenance 2014

62.9% ABV, 700ml RRP $250

Hancocks

This unique release was bottled exclusively for New Zealand (and features the map on the label) as part of an ongoing exploratory series of single cask whisky from Bruichladdich. A careful blend of Concerto and Propino barley, it has been matured for eight years in secondfill French oak barrels. The result is a whisky that beautifully balances the influence of the wood with the natural character of the barley. Bottled at cask strength, this whisky delivers a powerful punch, but the robust fruity flavours are well-balanced.

Bowmore 18YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $254.99

Suntory Global

The signature Bowmore distillery style shines bright and bold in this 18 year aged release. Sweet and complex, it features aromas of candied orange, peat and caramel with flavours of toasted almond, nutmeg, fennel, dark chocolate and maple syrup. The finish is wood and spice with a light smoke.

Laphroaig 10YO Sherry Oak Cask Finish

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $254.99

Suntory Global

Laphroaig’s classic 10 Year Old is finished in Oloroso sherry oak casks to layer aromatic honey onto Laphroaig’s famous peat smoke. Sweet, complex and full-bodied.

Highland Park 18YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $259.99

Hancocks

This whisky is matured in a high proportion of first fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks. It has flavours of ripe cherries, bittersweet cocoa, honeycomb and candied orange peel with a touch of sea spray and peat smoke.

Johnnie Walker Blue Label

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $279.99

Lion

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 lingering finish of soft smoke.

The Macallan 15YO Double Cask

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $299.99

Hancocks

A balanced single malt whisky created by combining two oaks: sherry-seasoned American oak adds delicate vanilla to the subtle spice of European oak, delivering a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

GlenAllachie 18YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Created from small batches of casks matured for 18 years, the GlenAllachie 18 has a rich and complex wood-driven flavour, with toffee, brown muscovado sugar and dark chocolate taking the lead. The distillery’s heart of heather honey remains, with layers of fruitcake, nutty tones and spices galore from the oak.

Glenfarclas 105 16YO

60% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Launched in 1968 as the first distillery expression of cask strength whisky, Glenfarclas’ 105 has always been made by balancing a selection of ex-sherry casks, whose combined natural strength is exactly 60% ABV (105 British proof). This limited edition 105 has been made from casks matured for 16 years, with the classic Glenfarclas flavours of butterscotch, lashings of Christmas spices and rich, longlasting dried fruit and woody tones.

Loch Lomond 21YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Loch Lomond’s 21YO offers a malty, fruity and lightly smoky Highland style, chosen from a mixture of casks married together for a final maturation. A great all-rounder whisky, with sweet fudge, fruits and cinnamon spice, fading away to oak and mild peat smoke in the finish.

RRP $300 - $499.99

Arran 18YO Single Malt

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $300 Tickety-Boo

The Arran 18 year-old Scotch has aromas of orchard fruits with syrup and toasted oak, and flavours of caramelised citrus, dark chocolate and baked peaches. This fully mature expression of Arran Single Malt is intense and well-rounded.

The Macallan Harmony Collection

Amber Meadow

44.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $319.99 Hancocks

The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the epitome of Bruichladdich’s signature unpeated house style.

This is the third release in The Macallan Harmony Collection – a limited series using innovative packaging created with organic by-products. Amber Meadow was created in collaboration with sisters Stella and Mary McCartney, drawing on their memories of time spent at their family farm in Scotland. Discarded meadow cuttings have been used in the packaging, which features photography by Mary McCartney. The whisky was made using a combination of sherry seasoned oak and bourbon casks. It has rich citrus aromas, alongside honeysuckle, vanilla, coconut and ripe barley fields. On the palate there is rich oak, lemon, melon, classic scone, almond and green tea.

Bruichladdich 18YO

50% ABV, 700ml RRP $350 Hancocks

Matured exclusively on Islay, primarily in ex-bourbon casks and a small number of wine casks, The Bruichladdich Eighteen is the epitome of Bruichladdich’s signature unpeated house style. Full-bodied and fragrant with notes of honey, butterscotch, and citrus orange, and a medley of tropical fruits and toasted mellow oak lingering on the palate.

Port Charlotte 18YO

51.5% ABV, 700ml RRP $416

Hancocks

A limited release of 8,000 bottles, this expression from Bruichladdich Distillery showcases Port Charlotte’s signature 40ppm dry peat smoke character in the most refined way. Honey, hazelnut and salted caramel mingle with peat smoke and finish with a subtle minerality thanks to the spirit’s all Islay maturation.

Glenfiddich 21YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $450

Federal

A traditional Speyside whisky matured for 21 years on-site 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.

The GlenDronach 21YO

48% ABV, 700ml RRP $474.99

Hancocks

Matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for a minimum of 21 years, this is a rich and refined Highland single malt. It has aromas of ripe autumn fruits and flavours of fine Oloroso sherry, bitter chocolate and plum pudding with notes of cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg. Full-bodied with smooth tannins.

The Dalmore 18YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $499.99

Hancocks

Matured in American white oak ex-bourbon casks and aged Matusalem Oloroso Sherry casks, this release has sumptuous flavours of chocolate raisins, citrus, rich coffee, nutmeg and spice and a finish of stewed fruits and toffee.

The Dalmore King Alexander III

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $499.99

Hancocks

A unique assemblage of six cask finishes: small batch bourbon, Matusalem Oloroso Sherry, Madeira, Marsala, Port pipes and Cabernet Sauvignon wine barriques. Married together, the resulting whisky has red berry fruits and hints of passionfruit on the nose, leading to flavours of citrus zest, vanilla pod, crème caramel, and crushed almonds with a finish of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Benromach 21YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

Part of Benromach’s core range, this whisky delivers sweet sherry aromas with notes of citrus and ginger and the signature hint of smoke. Sweet to taste, with spicy notes of cracked black pepper leading to Seville oranges, raspberry and baked apples, finishing with a soft smokiness.

Glenfarclas 25YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $POA

Whisky Galore

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.

Matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for a minimum of 21 years, The GlenDronach 21YO is a rich and refined Highland single malt.

RRP $500 and above

Fettercairn 22YO

46.4% ABV, 700ml RRP $524.99

Hancocks

Matured for 22 years in first-fill American ex-bourbon casks, this single malt showcases the signature tropical character derived from Fettercairn’s copper cooling ring distillation. It has aromas of banana, citrus, raisin and fig leading to a palate of spiced pear, caramelised orange, coffee and a hint of liquorice.

Ardbeg 19YO

46.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $599.99

Moët Hennessy

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, sugarcoated walnuts and gentle spices. The long finish has bitter almonds, linseed oil, clove, pepper and soot.

Benriach The Twenty-Five

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $599.99

Hancocks

A richly sumptuous single malt made from unpeated and peated spirit and four caskmatured for at least 25 years in sherry casks, bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks and Madeira Island wine casks. It has layers of baked fruit, honey malt and toasted oak spice with a long, rich, caramelised smoke finish.

The Balvenie PortWood 21YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $649

Federal

First released 30 years ago, this award-winning whisky is considered one of the finest creations by The Balvenie Malt Master David C. Stewart MBE. It is a combination of rare Balvenie transferred to casks that have held fine port wines. The perfumed aroma of fruity and ripe raisin notes is backed by a nutty dryness. The refined palate is creamy and silky with fruit, honey and spice notes leading to a long, gentle finish.

The Macallan 18YO Double Cask

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $649.99

Hancocks

Matured for 18 years in both American and European sherry seasoned oak casks, this expression of The Macallan features delicate vanilla and subtle spice in a whisky with a sweeter, warmer taste and character.

Glenfiddich Grand Cru 23YO

40% ABV, 700ml RRP $699.99

Federal

This rich and intense whisky is matured for 23 years in American and European oak and finished in French cuvée casks. 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.

Bruichladdich Black Art 11

44.2% ABV, 700ml RRP $750 Hancocks

Black Art 11 is a limited edition release created using pre-2001 casks from Bruichladdich Distillery, which have been maturing on Islay for 24 years. The whisky is made in secret, with the recipe known only to Master Blender Adam Hannett. The palate opens with dried fruits, barley sugar, leather and oak followed by butterscotch sweetness, praline and hints of coconut and fresh citrus. Sweet apple and pear marry with toasted oak, warming wood spice, dark plums and marzipan, with layers of depth in each sip.

Arran 25YO

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $950 Tickety-Boo

This is the oldest core range statement from Arran Distillery and has been matured in ex-sherry and bourbon casks. It has aromas of rich oak, nutmeg, baked figs, sultanas and black cherries. On the palate there is fruit cake with toasted almonds and cinnamon, zesty orange and mandarin, a honeyed sweetness and a white pepper note. The finish is creamy and spicy with dark chocolate, walnuts and dark fruit.

Benriach The Thirty

46% ABV, 700ml RRP $1,139.99 Hancocks

This special single malt has been crafted from peated spirit and four cask-matured for at least 30 years in sherry casks, bourbon barrels, virgin oak casks and port casks from the Douro Valley. It has layers of dark fruits, rich walnut and velvety oak spice with a long, complex, smoked honey finish.

Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $1,499.99

Federal

Described as “the epitome of opulence” this 26-year-old release from Glenfiddich undergoes an extended finish in rare French cognac casks. Aromas of buttery French pastries lead to lavishly layered flavours of café crème with soft brown sugar and a hint of spice. The finish is long, sweet and rich.

Bruichladdich 30YO

43% ABV, 700ml RRP $3,000

Hancocks

The Bruichladdich Thirty has spent the entirety of its maturation life in handpicked, exceptionally rare ex-bourbon casks. A limited and refined single malt Scotch whisky, the sweetness of toasted oak, honey and soft vanilla is at the fore. Delicate yet complex, a hint of dark chocolate complements the spirit’s elegant floral profile with a hint of sea air from the whisky’s all Islay maturation.

Sarah Miller Spirits writer, judge & consultant ginadingding.com

Hanky Panky once a year?

Sarah Miller joins in the latest drinks awareness day and mulls the benefits of similar global celebrations...

HAVE YOU ever considered scheduling your hanky panky? Spontaneity is all very well, but it’s important to carve out time for special moments too...

That’s certainly the opinion of the organisers behind the inaugural World Hanky Panky Day, held on March 25 this year to celebrate the classic Hanky Panky cocktail and its creator Ada Coleman, and to recognise women in the drinks industry. Coleman was Head Bartender at The Savoy’s American Bar in London from 1903 to 1926.

World Hanky Panky Day may be new, but awareness days are not. Within the drinks industry alone there are now over 100 themed days cluttering our calendars and newsfeeds, spanning everything from the serious Alcohol Awareness Week in July to the sillier International Pineapple Martini Day (June 26), alongside four weeks’ worth of days dedicated to whisk(e)y and my own month-long social media challenge #GinADayMay.

But what is the point of all these days? And can anyone really benefit from them?

“Drinks days work best when they are supported and driven by a united community within an industry, and facilitated by people who are passionate, understanding of the industry, and have genuine intentions,” says Paul Jackson, editor/founder of The Gin Guide and founder of World Rum Day and Australian Gin Day.

“This can take a great amount of time to establish and coordinate... but it is the route to developing an event with authenticity, meaning, longevity and real benefit to the industry. Some drinks days

were set up with the aim of commercial gain, and naturally these have largely not gained traction and have since fallen by the wayside.”

Jackson is also the current custodian of International Gin & Tonic Day (October 19), which was created in honour of Mary Edith Keyburn who passed away in 2010 aged 95 with a G&T at her side that had been smuggled into the hospital in a water bottle and served in a teacup.

World Gin Day (second Saturday in June) came about in a similarly organic way, founded by Neil Houston in 2009 simply to bring his friends together to drink gin. Now in the hands of ‘Gin Monkey’ (aka Emma Stokes) since 2013, it has evolved into a truly global celebration with events in over 30 countries worldwide and a social media reach surpassing 200 million.

According to Stokes, successful days have a clear purpose and should be free of financial motivation, as she notes: “...they lose their spirit if making money becomes the sole purpose”.

Timing is key too. World Martini Day, which launched in 2020, takes place a week after World Gin Day, and brands often choose to focus on just one. “If they were at different times of the year, there would be two ‘hooks’ to take advantage of,” points out Stokes.

Regardless of the specific day, it’s essential that any activation feels authentic and aligns with a brand’s identity. As key components of classic cocktails, it makes sense for Campari to partner with Negroni Week (September) and for Cointreau to embrace National

Margarita Day (February 22) and both can expect a corresponding boost in sales. Similarly, it’s crucial that engagement isn’t tokenistic or performative – a complaint often levelled at whisky brands on International Women’s Day – and reaches beyond the limits of social media to achieve real impact. To this end, English Whisky Week (18-26 April) encourages supporters to visit distilleries and attend in-person events.

World Hanky Panky Day may be new, but awareness days are not.

Only time will tell whether or not World Hanky Panky Day becomes a firm fixture in our drinks diaries, but it’s certainly in capable hands with global drinks industry community Celebrate Her, and British brands Asterley Bros and Cygnet Gin at the helm. It got off to a cracking start this year with multiple events across the UK, including the official launch at The Savoy’s American Bar, where the story of the legendary cocktail started.

With the day also scheduled to coincide with Women’s History Month, World Hanky Panky Day promises to not only be an annual tribute to the past and the cocktail’s trailblazing creator, but an opportunity to look towards the future of women in the drinks industry too.

Woven now at Highland Fern

THE CORE range of renowned whisky brand Woven is now available in New Zealand through Christchurch-based distributor Highland Fern.

Woven was founded in 2020 by Kiwi Nick Ravenhall and friends Pete Allison and Duncan McRae and operates from a small studio in the old Biscuit Factory in Leith, Edinburgh’s historic whisky blending district.

Woven sources individual casks from distilleries across Scotland, Taiwan, India, Australia, the Nordics and New Zealand, with whisky maker Allison working in small batches to blend and marry components to create the award-winning range.

In just five years, Woven has received World Whisky Awards ‘Best in Category’ for blended whisky; multiple IWSC gold and silver medals across its portfolio; scored above 90/100 at the IWSC for every release from Collections Two and Three; and just three years after launching was ranked #35 on the World’s Most Admired Whiskies 2023, making it the youngest brand ever to appear on the list.

Woven co-founder Nick Ravenhall was in New Zealand in March to showcase the

brand to local trade and media, alongside Highland Fern’s Louis Deremaux and Ewan Macarthur.

The Woven range in New Zealand includes:

• House Pour Blended World Whisky – a whisky designed for highballs using whiskies from South Africa, Canada,

Ireland and Scotland.

• Homemade Blended Scotch Whisky – a “love letter” to Leith and a Scotch blend made in the old Leith whiskymaking style.

• WXC Woven x Coffee Infused Whisky – a Category Award winner at this year’s World Whisky Awards and a collaboration between Woven and the UK’s top barista, Claire Wallace.

• Hemispheres Blended World Whisky –a blended world whisky that marries Thomson Whisky’s mānuka-smoked single malt (distilled at their site just outside Auckland) with Scottish single grain from one of Scotland’s largest distilleries.

Highland Fern

Don’t miss the 2026 NZ Spirits Awards

ENTRIES FOR the 2026 New Zealand Spirits Awards are open until mid-June with the Awards dinner to be held in August.

The spirits categories for 2026 include Whisky, Gin, Rum, Agave, Vodka, Brandy, Liqueurs, Aperitif/Digestif & Other Spirits.

An initial decision not to separate New World and Old World whisky styles for 2026 was reversed after feedback from the distilling community. This year’s Whisky category is therefore divided into Scotch/ Irish, World Whisky, and North American.

Organisers say that the committee has reviewed and adjusted the categories to ensure the judging process remains impartial, reflects the current market, and ensures spirits are evaluated alongside directly comparable products. Medals will be awarded at gold, silver and bronze levels. Trophies will be presented for Best in Category at an awards ceremony on Friday 14 August, in Auckland. Awards will also be presented for Innovation, Design & Packaging, and Emerging

Product. Industry awards include Best Cocktail Bar, and Bartender of the Year.

Additional awards will be made for Best Pairing and PreBatched Cocktail. After a trial run last year, the Pre-Batched Cocktail Award has now been confirmed as a permanent fixture with categories for Classic Cocktail (commonly known and established cocktail recipes) and Modern Cocktail (a completely new cocktail recipe or a twist on an already established cocktail). Entries for the 2026 NZ Spirits Awards will close on 16 June and

each entry will be evaluated through a blind tasting by a panel of industry judges.

Key Dates

Entries close: 16 June

Final day to receive judging samples: 23 June

Judging: 15 - 17 July

Medal winners announced: 30 July

Trophy winners announced: 14 August 2026 - Awards Dinner

Find entry details at spiritsawardsnz.nz

Kiwi makes Top 10 in global bartender competition

AUCKLAND COCKTAIL bartender PJ Renaud has been selected as a Top 10 Finalist in the Jameson Black Barrel Bartender Series 2026 competition.

The global bartender competition and mentorship programme is dedicated to championing creativity, community and local culture and drew 432 entries from 60 countries worldwide.

Entrants were asked to submit a short video showcasing an original Jameson Black Barrel cocktail, inspired by their personal story and local community. Renaud’s entry, ‘Pavlovaboy’, saw him selected as a Regional Champion and from there a Top 10 finalist.

The Top 10 will compete at a Grand Final at the Jameson HOSTS Global Summit in Ireland in September, where they will present their cocktails in a blind taste test to two separate panels of industry judges and mentors. The top three highest scores will be crowned

SHOWCASE

Coruba goes back to the future!

NEW ZEALAND’S favourite mainstream rum brand, Coruba has unveiled a refreshed packaging identity that celebrates the brand’s rich Jamaican heritage while strengthening its presence on shelf.

The relaunch represents a forward step into the past rather than a reinvention, staying true to Coruba’s unmistakable character while delivering a brighter, more vibrant visual impact for today’s rum drinker with a dialled up focus on the iconic sunset – a real favourite beacon for New Zealand’s rum drinkers.

Focus on fun with Coruba

At the heart of the new design is a renewed focus on Coruba’s fun, playful personality. The iconic sunset remains front and centre, now given more space on pack to enhance brand recognition and shelf standout. Updates to fonts, colours and overall balance deliver a cleaner, more approachable look, without losing the authenticity that loyal Coruba drinkers know and expect.

The updated packaging has been designed to work harder in-store. Clearer hierarchies and bolder brand cues ensure

Global Champions, receiving a €5,000 cash prize each, along with exclusive access to Jameson’s mentorship programme which will be led by industry experts.

Organisers say that entries were evaluated on a combination of creativity, execution and storytelling. Finalists stood out for smooth delivery of well-

developed concepts, demonstrating strong production quality across their video submissions, and bringing their ideas to life through multiple locations, while integrating the Jameson Black Barrel brand seamlessly throughout.

Top 10 Finalists

1. Ellen Xu – China “SHAKEGGMATO”

2. Mariya Goncharova – Kazakhstan. “KARA KÜY”

3. Wayan Irawan – Indonesia. “Black Barrel of the Spice Isles”

4. Luka Mihaljev – Serbia. “Black Danube”

5. Christos Paraskeva – Lost + Found Drinkery, Nicosia, Cyprus. “Port of Gold”

6. Taynah de Paula – Elena Horto, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil “O ENCONTRO”

7. PJ Renaud – Auckland, New Zealand. “THE PAVLOVABOY”

8. Eray Hakan Evcil – Twins Cocktail Lab, Istanbul, Turkey. “Hoşlaf”

9. Lewis Kay – Barcelona, Spain. “La Boqueria”

10. Darragh Connely – Galway, Ireland. “Serpent’s Dance”

the Coruba name and variants are instantly recognisable in an increasingly competitive rum category, helping consumers navigate the range quickly and confidently. The result is packaging that feels familiar yet fresher, modernising the brand while reinforcing its established credentials.

Importantly, the relaunch reflects Coruba’s role as a brand rooted in social occasions and shared moments around the sundown occasion. The new look retains the warmth, energy and depth that have long defined Coruba, designed to resonate with existing fans while inviting new consumers to discover the brand.

RTD range refined

Alongside the packaging update, the Coruba ready-to-drink range has also been refined.

The 7% Sugar Free Cola 330ml cans have transitioned to a 4.8% Sugar

Free 330ml format, while the 5% Cola 250ml cans have been updated to 4.8% Cola 330ml cans. All existing RTD SKUs have moved from 5% to 4.8% ABV, better aligning the range with consumer expectations within the dark spirits readyto-drink category. The 7% ABV ready-todrink range has stayed the same.

Ultimately, the new packaging is about sharpening what already makes Coruba distinctive. It honours the brand’s heritage, amplifies its attitude and ensures Coruba stands tall in a crowded category. Bold, unapologetic and instantly recognisable, the refreshed look signals Coruba’s confidence in its past and its ambition for the future.

Coruba Rum is available across a range of spirit and ready-to-drink formats.

For details contact your local Campari Territory Manager.

Clase Azul México expands into NZ with Tickety-Boo

CLASE AZUL México

has announced its official entry into the New Zealand market through a strategic partnership with Tickety-Boo Liquor.

This expansion marks an important milestone in Clase Azul’s continued global growth, bringing its ultrapremium tequila and mezcal portfolio to New Zealand’s evolving luxury spirits landscape.

Known for its handcrafted decanters and commitment to Mexican artistry, Clase Azul has built a strong international presence rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship, and elevated consumer experiences.

Through this partnership, Tickety-Boo Liquor will lead the brand’s routeto-market across New Zealand, focusing on premium on-premise accounts and select retail partners. The collaboration is designed to establish a strong and sustainable foundation for the brand, with a focus on long-term brand equity and controlled distribution.

“We are very pleased to officially introduce Clase

Azul to New Zealand,” said Mandy Zetariuk, Regional Manager, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. “Tickety-Boo’s expertise and understanding of the premium spirits landscape make them an ideal partner as we continue to grow our global footprint.”

“It is great to have Clase Azul join our Premium Spirit Portfolio as we continue to focus on offering the New Zealand liquor industry unique and premium handcrafted spirits,” adds Kevin Rowe, Tickety-Boo Managing Director. “Clase Azul have already made an impressive impact internally in the Super Premium sector. They have a very strong following across social platforms and collectors.”

The initial rollout will include Clase Azul’s core tequila expressions and mezcal offerings, with plans to introduce select limited editions as the market develops and allocations are made available for New Zealand.

This launch reinforces Clase Azul’s commitment to expanding within key international markets while maintaining the exclusivity and craftsmanship that define the brand.

For trade inquiries contact Tickety-Boo on 09 377 7597 or sales@tickety-boo. co.nz

Good George Queen of Mums Lime & Yuzu

THIS SEASONAL gin re-release from Good George’s distilling team is bright, crisp, and citrus-forward with vibrant lime and yuzu flavours. Fresh lime is added directly into the gin basket for vapour infusion, creating a spirit layered with clean juniper, native botanicals, bold citrus and a subtle sweetness to round it out.

Good George Queen of Mums Lime & Yuzu Gin (40% ABV) 700ml, RRP $69.

Good George

New 12 Tides Vodka / Tidal-inspired vodka

NEW FROM Waiheke Distilling Co. is 12 Tides – a vodka inspired by the tidal rhythms of the distillery’s island location.

“On Waiheke Island, there’s two magical hours when the tide changes. Locals believe this is when the island’s mana is strongest –when the land and sea exchange their deepest secrets,” says lead distiller Glen Cadwallader.

Every drop of 12 Tides passes through 12 carefully crafted plates in the distillery’s copper column still to produce a refined spirit: clean, silky, and smooth, with a lingering finish that evokes sea spray on the breeze.

Waiheke Distilling has released 12 Tides in a 700ml and 5 litre format.

12 Tides Vodka (40% ABV) 700ml RRP $75

Waiheke Distilling Co.

A sour note for Gemini season

GOOD GEORGE is changing things up for the latest release in their popular Zodiac Spirits Series with pre-made cocktail Gemini Doris Plum Gin Sour. Once shaken, it pours ruby-pink with a cloud of delicate foam. It has a lively aroma of fresh plum and ripe stone fruit, followed by juniper and citrus zest and, like the best Geminis, it has two sides: balancing tart citrus with the soft sweetness of Doris plum.

Doris Plum Gin Sour (13.5% ABV) 500ml RRP $50.

Good George

Pōkeno among world’s best whiskies

PŌKENO DISTILLERY is celebrating after two of its whiskies were selected as global finalists at the World Whiskies Awards.

Regarded as the most comprehensive whisky competition in the world, the World Whiskies Awards are judged by an independent international panel of industry experts who assess entries blind across categories spanning Scotch, Irish, American, Japanese, and world whisky. The 2026 competition received more than 9,000 entries from 52 whisky regions.

Pōkeno Alchemy was named one of the top five Small Batch Single Malt whiskies in the world, and Pōkeno Port Cask selected as one of the top five Single Cask Single Malts. While the whiskies didn’t win their categories when the final awards were announced in late March, it was a major achievement for Pōkeno, which was the only New Zealand distillery to make it to the global finals.

worldwhiskiesawards.com

New from Q Liquid

DISTRIBUTOR Q Liquid has added three new products from India to its portfolio. ICONiQ White is a blend of imported Scotch malts aged in bourbon oak casks, with select matured malt and Indian grain spirits. Sterling Reserve whisky combines imported Scotch malts and Indian grain spirits aged in charred oak barrels, and Class 21 Vodka is a grain vodka with a delicate, clean and crisp profile.

Available in 180ml, 750ml and 1L formats.

Q Liquid

New Whisked Chocolate Brownie Whiskey

MEET WHISKED – a luscious new chocolate brownie whiskey flavoured liqueur, now available in New Zealand exclusively through Federal.

Whisked’s flavour profile is defined by an authentic, oven-fresh brownie character. On the nose, it leads with heavy dark cocoa and hints of toasted hazelnuts, transitioning into a palate of fudgy chocolate and smooth vanilla. The finish is balanced by the distinct warmth of its Kentucky-inspired whiskey base, ensuring the sweetness remains refined and punchy.

Whisked’s flavour profile is defined by an authentic, oven-fresh brownie character.

Its higher alcohol volume (30% ABV) makes it exceptionally well-suited to high-end dessert cocktails, as it retains its character even when shaken with ice or mixed into creamy espresso martinis. Whisked is also ideal for serving straight or over ice.

To stock Whisked contact your Federal representative or call 09 578 1823.

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

Altitude Brewing beerplease@altitudebrewing.co.nz altitudebrewing.co.nz

Astrolabe Wines 03 577 6794 astrolabewines.co.nz

Balvonie hello@balvonie.nz balvonie.nz

Brandhouse 0508 468 688 brandhouse.co.nz

Campari NZ 0800 844 778 camparigroup.com

DB Breweries 0800 746 432 db.co.nz

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

EuroVintage 0800 388 766 eurovintage.co.nz

Federal 09 578 1823 federalmerchants.co.nz

Fistonich Family Vineyards sales@fistonichfamilyvineyards.com  cuvarwinery.com

Fresh Finds sales@drinkvera.co.nz drinkvera.co.nz

Garage Project sales@garageproject.co.nz garageproject.co.nz

Good George 07 846 9364 goodgeorge.co.nz

Distributors

Hancocks 0800 699 463 hancocks.co.nz

Highland Fern info@highlandfern.co.nz highlandfern.co.nz

Lion 0800 107 272 lionco.com

Marisco 09 522 9684 marisco.co.nz

Matahiwi Estate 06 370 1000 matahiwi.co.nz

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

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

Moët Hennessy 0800 226 650 moethennessy.com

Negociants 0800 634 624 negociantsnz.com

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

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

Pōkeno Whisky contact@pokenowhisky.co.nz pokenowhisky.com

Q Liquid 09 636 7730 qll.co.nz

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

Saverglass 09 522 2990 saverglass.com

Sprig + Fern 03 544 8675 sprigandfern.co.nz

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

Suntory Global 0800 69 23 37 suntoryglobalspirits.com

Taylor Brown 09 447 3801 taylorbrown.co.nz

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

Tohu Wines 0800 864 894 tohuwines.co.nz

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

Villa Maria 0800 505 656 villamaria.co.nz

Vinarchy vinarchy.com

Vintners 0800 687 9463 vintners.co.nz

Waiheke Distilling Co. info@waihekedistilling.co.nz waihekedistilling.co.nz

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

Whitehaven 021 738 315 whitehaven.co.nz

NEW LOOK NEW LOOK