Distil-Nation NZ

In Part 1 of our conversation with international spirits expert Sara-Jane Robertson, we take a look at the trends shaping the global drinks industry and what they mean for independent distilleries. Having worked with global brands including Diageo and International Beverage, Sara-Jane shares insights into emerging consumer trends, from the rise of the Dirty Spritz to the growing importance of crea...

This week on Distil-Nation, we look at what’s happening in New Zealand whisky right now — and why the top end has suddenly jumped from $200 to $400. Is this the new normal, or are we pushing past what consumers are willing to pay? We break down the shift toward ultra-premium releases, what’s driving it, and whether the value stacks up. Along the way, we taste: Reefton Distilling Co. Gold Seeker Ry...

This week on Distil-Nation, Tom, Cameron, and Ty dive into one of the most confusing parts of running a booze business in New Zealand - holiday trading laws. We unpack where these rules came from, why they’ve stuck around so long, and what’s just changed in time for Easter and ANZAC Day. If you’ve ever wondered when you can (and can’t) legally sell a drink, this one’s for you. Along the way, we cr...

Ever dreamed of finding a really good whisky under $100? Some say it’s impossible. Some say it’s closer than ever. In this episode, we break down the reality behind the $100 bottle: availability, quality, and whether the dream is alive—or slipping further away. Tune in and find out if your next bottle is worth the wait. distilnation.nz @distilnationnz on Insta & Facebook herrickcreek.co.nz  ⁨@...

We’re back! After a short hiatus, Distil-Nation NZ returns with a major upgrade. This week, Tom and Cameron officially introduce the third member of the team: Ty. We dive into how our new trio dynamic is going to shake up the show before getting stuck into the state of the industry.

Nestles in the heart of Southland you'll find Gore's Hokonui Moonshine Museum! New Zealand's dedicated museum to our illicit distilling history. Curator of the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Jim Geddes, shared plenty of stories about cat-and-mouse games between moonshiners and the police, smuggling spirits in-and-out of the dry Southland area, and the role the museum plays in the community today. First...

This week on Distil-Nation NZ, Tom and Cameron dive into a recent Stuff article spotlighting Parliament’s swanky new “Pint of Order” bar—and ask the obvious question: why are there zero New Zealand spirits on the shelf? Is it just an oversight, or a symptom of a bigger problem with supporting local producers in our own halls of power? We unpack the politics of pouring, the missed opportunities for...

We had a blast at Dramfest 2025 in Christchurch! It made us reflect on the state of the NZ Whisky industry - what actually makes NZ whisky unique? What style are we pushing for? Are we doing enough? @distilnationnz distilnationnz@gmail.com

Join us for a sit-down with Julien from No8 Distillery, one of New Zealand’s most unique and innovative spirit makers. We dive into the world of craft distilling, exploring their incredible range of gins, liqueurs, and more. Julien shares the journey behind No8, the inspiration for their flavors, and what it takes to create award-winning spirits. Whether you're a gin lover, a cocktail enthusiast,...

Welcome back to Season 3 of Distil-Nation NZ! In this episode we set the course for the season and update you on what's been going on in the world of spirits here in NZ. Check us out at distilnation.nz or @distilnationnz on socials, or email us at distilnationnz@gmail.com

As we bring Season 2 of Distil-Nation NZ to a close, join us for a short and sweet finale! In this episode, we reflect on the incredible journey we've had this season and give you a sneak peek of what's in store for Season 3. But that’s not all—we’ve got a fun, nerdy treat for our whisky enthusiasts! We dive into a side-by-side comparison of two batches of Waiheke Whisky Moss, dissecting the subtl...

In this episode of Distil-Nation, we sit down with Igor from Bayside Rum Co to explore the art of cocktail making. We'll uncover the secrets behind a great cocktail and discover how Bayside Rum is adding a unique flavor to the NZ spirits industry.

Ever wanted to host your own whisky or gin tasting at home but didn't know where to start? In this episode of Distil-Nation NZ, we provide a comprehensive guide to organizing a memorable tasting experience for you and your friends. We'll walk you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right spirits and glassware to setting the perfect ambiance and creating tasting notes. Discover...