Bart Burgers is the proprietor of the Whisky Shop in the heart of Auckland City, specialising in single malt whisky.

Imagine pressing a needle into a young walnut, feeling for the gentle release that signifies the nut is just green enough to be put to use in an old Italian recipe ...

The country's two major breweries say the tournament has been a boon for sales so far.

I was looking forward to the opening of this pub: one that offers good beer at a fair price and honest pub food. We need more bars like that.

Don't be shy to buy a round, lest your mates don't forget it, warns Don Kavanagh.

Someone asked me recently if I reviewed only good bars and I said no, I review whatever bars take my fancy and I'm very lucky that most of the time there is something to like about the places I pop into.

You'll be amazed at the reds the Aussies are churning out, notes Don Kavanagh.

It's fun watching singles from both genders out on the town, writes Don Kavanagh.

Feeling parched? Auckland's North Shore offers up some atmospheric places for a cold one and a bite to eat.

There are some partnerships that simply cannot be torn apart: Starsky and Hutch, gin and tonic, roast lamb and mint sauce and, definitely, pirates and rum.

Provincial pubs serve up a wealth of character and laughter with the ale and food, finds Don Kavanagh.

Master brewer Ian Williams has spent the better part of a decade perfecting the art of home beer-making.

After searching for a decent drop, Kiwi decided to produce his own spirits.

There is something definitely odd about Ponsonby Rd that confuses me.

Hoodwinking diners into buying pricey wines puts Don Kavanagh's hackles right up.

The identity of the yeast that made cold refreshing beer possible has been a long-standing mystery.

The first time I entered what is now the Zookeeper's Son it was an Irish bar called Finnegan's or Flaherty's or something. And it wasn't a great visit.

Be wary of extra-strong booze or wear the consequences, says Don Kavanagh.

Brewers should be seeking balance - not attention, writes Don Kavanagh.