WHAT I’M DRINKING

Hit it out of the ballpark with this double distilled whisky, crisp gin, pale ale and thirst-quenching lager.

Thomson Whisky Rye and Barley

I have been on the hunt for a great local rye to use in a Manhattan and other classic stirred drinks. The search ended when I discovered this smooth and delicious double, distilled through hand-beaten copper pot stills before ageing in French oak octaves. Perfect over a single cube of ice and fantastic in a Manhattan.

RRP $105.

Mac’s Ballpark XPA, Auckland

Great colour and a familiar ale-scented bouquet. With aromas of toasted brown sugar, baked stone fruits and a saline note, its seam of mild to moderate hoppiness is persistent and frames the beer nicely. A flavour that mirrors fruit over hops, its satin textured mousse with light foaming frame ensures this one is fresh and ready. RRP $16.99 for 6.

Reid + Reid Rev. Dawson’s Gin, 42% abv.

A pure and precise bouquet with citrus then juniper, followed by a mix of botanicals and moments of dried coriander. Pure to the taste, a splash of mineral water brings out the citrus peel while the palate remains very silky, calm and seamless. Persistent flavours with a gentle burn on the finish, distiller Chris Reid suggests this gin for a martini. RRP $65.

Little Creatures Catalina: A Little Local Lager, Auckland

Calm, mild hoppy bouquet with aromas of brown sugar and apricot, baked apple and peach. Equally calm and mild on the palate with a smooth texture, fine mousse and persistent flavour package that matches the nose. An easy drinking, everyday lager, I tried this at 4°C which made for a perfect thirst-quencher. RRP $21.99 for 6.