Start ‘em young!
Becoming the head distiller of an award-winning spirits business at just 25 is highly unusual, but Reefton Distilling Co’s Nick Secker cut his OE short to leap at the chance. He took a palate-development tour around Scotland’s whisky producers and London’s gin bars before zooming home. On landing, he headed into the bush with Reefton ambassadors and water prospectors the Mackay Twins to forage for botanicals like horopito, kahikatea, rimu, tarata and snow moss that contribute to the spirits’ distinct West Coast flavour. Nick, who hails from Blackball, is a young’un in an age-old industry, yet he’s already making an impression on his home turf with this exciting brand.
For the first time in dish history, our Tasting Panel has surveyed the local whisky industry and picked out the finest drops for you to warm your cockles (see page 114). I also spoke to Jack Potter, Scotch Whisky Ambassador for Pernod-ricard (@jackpotscotch on Instagram), who shared two of his favourite whisky cocktails:
Whisky Tea
Add 5 grams of tea leaves per 100ml of cold water to a large jug. Leave to infuse for 4-12 hours. Add a few cubes of ice to a highball glass. Add tea, vanilla syrup and a glug of Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve. Top with soda, stir and garnish with pear.
Spiced Spey Coffee
Warm a small wine glass with boiling water. Pour out the hot water. Mix 15ml liquid chocolate, 40ml The Glenlivet 12 year old whisky, 75ml Americano or strong filter coffee, 10ml simple syrup, and a small pinch of cayenne pepper together in a heated glass. Gently pour 40ml lightly whipped double cream over the back of a spoon to create a creamy layer. Garnish with chocolate shavings, adding another small pinch of cayenne pepper.
SIPPAGE TO INDIA
One of India’s best known wine brands is now available in NZ. Grover Zampa was founded in 1988 by ex-space and defence procurement specialist Kanwal Grover. Since launching in the 90s they’ve gone on to win buckets of awards. Now we’re lucky to be able to get our hands on the ‘Art Collection’ shiraz, cabernet shiraz and Reserve blend.