Peter’s top picks ....

LIGHTHOUSE (MARTINBOROUGH, NZ) HAWTHORN EDITION GIN

A great example of a bartender seeing a gap in supply and telling a producer about it over impromptu drinks in Greytown. Said bartender then turning up to work to find a new Navy Strength Gin ready to go. In the tradition of its conception, a naval-style ‘pink gin cocktail’ is the perfect way to enjoy the Hawthorn Edition.

FOUR PILLARS (YARRA VALLEY, AUSTRALIA) BLOODY SHIRAZ GIN

A wonderful gin variant is sloe gin, a Victorian-style gin made with rather odd little sloe berries. An excellent example of a regional expression is the Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz. No sloe berries in the Yarra Valley but there sure are Shiraz grapes. The substitute of choice provides a deep red colour and juicy flavour. Makes a great gin fizz.

REID + REID (MARTINBOROUGH, NZ) REV. DAWSON’S GIN

Juniper, juniper! Selfconfessed grumpy distiller Chris Reid states his main complaint with ‘modern’ gins is a lack of core juniper. The Rev. Dawson’s (named after his temperance-movement activist grandfather – ironic much) has bountiful juniper. This gin makes any gin classic cocktail well and makes it Kiwi as bro!

DANCING SANDS DISTILLERY (NELSON, NZ) SACRED SPRINGS SUN KISSED GIN

Sacred Springs are not shy when it comes to experimentation. A wasabi gin and chocolate gin attest to that. The Library gin of the summer has been their rhubarb and strawberry imbued offering. As they say, “It’s a sipping gin.” Pour over ice with seasonal fruit and sip.

PLYMOUTH GIN (PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND) ORIGINAL GIN

An old-world style gin of near perfect softness, balance and heritage. I love it because for me it is the gin of memories and joy. My girlfriend (now wife) used to sell me Plymouth Gin and I used to make her Plymouth Martinis –three parts gin to one part vermouth with a drop of orange bitters. Love gin.