Latest news
Going dark
Think you know dark beers? Michael Donaldson invites you to meet the new arrivals…
Check your compliance
With changes ahead for alcohol licensing, lawyer Pervinder Kaur explains what it could mean and has some helpful advice.…
The Paris of the Middle East
Great new vintages from Lebanon’s Chateau Musar are ripe for discovery, as Joelle Thomson explains…
The alcohol law FAQs
Alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur answers the questions she hears most often around liquor and the law…
Letter from Martinborough
A small town with big successes, Joelle Thomson explains why Martinborough is such a special spot for Pinot Noir devotees…
Year of the underdog
Michael Donaldson takes us behind the scenes of the New World Beer & Cider Awards 2023…
Totally Superdelic
Michael Donaldson looks at the ongoing pursuit of newness and the latest exciting addition to the NZ Hops portfolio…
Vintage reflections
Why does the word ‘vintage’ carry such cachet – and is it valid? Joelle Thomson examines this and writes about vintage 2023 for the North Island…
Open all hours?
Alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur explains the key areas for consideration when it comes to trading hours for your business…
Give it some gas
Michael Donaldson examines the CO2 shortage and what could lie ahead for brewers and consumers...
Fabulous Felton’s first 25 years
Joelle Thomson raises a glass to Felton Road’s milestone and samples a very special new release...
Plan for your special licence
It’s festival season and alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur has some useful tips on what to know about applying for a special licence…
Cabernet comeback
Some exceptional local releases are shining a new light on Cabernet Sauvignon, says Joelle Thomson…
Cold IPA 101
Michael Donaldson breaks down what’s behind the new Cold IPAs we’ll be seeing a lot more of over summer…
Liquor rules in the spotlight
The Government has pledged to “fix” alcohol legislation – alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur looks at what that will mean in practice…
Fabulous fortifieds
Let’s hear it for the most forgotten wines on Earth, says Joelle Thomson…
I’d love a lager
Michael Donaldson explains the joy that can be found in a finely made lager…
Changes are afoot
Alcohol licensing lawyer Pervinder Kaur looks at The Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Harm Minimisation) Amendment Bill…
Battle lines drawn over whisky
There are rumblings in the whisky world as innovation meets tradition – Dominic Roskrow explains…
Two ends of the spectrum
From big, beasty high ABV beers to ‘better for you’ brews, Michael Donaldson finds the two trends are both on the rise…