An excellent blend of rums aged for up to 8 years in white oak casks that previously held scotch whisky and bourbon. Dried fruit and spice on the nose leads to a plate of further dried fruits and vanilla.

The daddy of cherry brandies, made to a recipe dating from 1818 and matured for three years before bottling. One of the original ingredients in the first Singapore Sling created at the Raffles Hotel.source: thewhiskyexchange.com

IMAGINATION - Rhubarb and Raspberry gin is inspired by the New Zealand summer which is when both of these ingredients are at their best.  We gently extract the juice from the rhubarb and raspberries and blend of it with a dry gin designed specifically for this recipe.  The floral aroma of orris root is prominent on the nose with juniper, coriander and manuka maintaining the delicate piney heart of this gin.  Whole New Zealand navel oranges and lemons create a citrus complement to the fruity base with cinnamon, licorice and the orris root ensuring a surprisingly sweet spice finish.

Each label tells the story of the ingredients, the place or the people behind what's in the bottle.  This label was inked by the hugely talented Kapiti Coast Tattoo designer and illustrator Sam Philips.  You can check out his work at sampphilipsillustration.com

The first tipple to come from Edinburgh's Port of Leith Distillery has arrived in the shape of Lind & Lime Gin! The name is inspired by Dr. James Lind of Edinburgh, who conducted one of the first clinical trials aboard the HMS Salisbury. In these trials, he noted that the scurvy patients eating citrus fruits were showing good signs. Hence the addition of lime within this gin. To balance the powerful citrus freshness, the distillers also used pink peppercorn alongside five other botanicals (including juniper) to create the recipe.

Disaronno Originale unbeknownst to most is not actually amaretto which is why it has been removed from it’s label. It is amaretto flavored, with a characteristic bittersweet almond taste. Disaronno claims its “originale” amaretto’s “secret formula” is unchanged from the year 1525, and claims the Luini tale as its own particular history. Its production remains in Saronno, but the product is sold worldwide. The company describes its amaretto as an infusion of “apricot kernel oil” with “absolute alcohol, burnt sugar, and the pure essence of seventeen selected herbs and fruits”; the product does not contain any almonds or other nuts. The amber liqueur is

Ten-year-old ARARAT Akhtamar is the most emotional and artistic of the brandies. Its elegant bouquet is dominated by seductive notes of plum, complemented by hints of beeswax and walnut

Chris and Elliot spent the good part of 18 months searching for the perfect oak aged Caribbean rum. Many taste tests were conducted with friends and family before finally settling on their first cask.

They then started tinkering with spicing the rum right here in New Zealand, blending the rich history of the Caribbean with the adventurous spirit of New Zealand. 

The subtle caramel sweetness of the rum with a vanilla back bone allowed the beautiful spices to come through, highlighting local citrus, nutmeg and clove.

The infusion became more refined and complex, through out lock down. And by the end they were happy with the result. Let the bottling begin!

Refined rum, spiced by rascals, inspired by Russell.