Latest fromBrewing and Liquor Industry
Don Kavanagh: Conspicuous by absinthe
Be wary of extra-strong booze or wear the consequences, says Don Kavanagh.
<I>Don Kavanagh:</I> Hold off the hops, please
Brewers should be seeking balance - not attention, writes Don Kavanagh.
Artisans: Beer for a healthy addiction
Ginger beer is a fabulous drink isn't it? It's a soft-drink with attitude. Something with a personality and some kick.
Pub spy: The Malthouse, Wellington
As much as I love Auckland, there is something great about heading off to Wellington.
A home away from home
I find myself in the strange position, at the moment, of feeling vaguely homesick for a place that isn't really my home.
Don Kavanagh: Striking the perfect match
Beer and spirits are also great accompaniments to a meal, observes Don Kavanagh.
Cheap wine changing Kiwis' drinking purchases
Lion's new boss in New Zealand says cheap wine is changing this country's liquor market.
Rebirth and renewal - Renaissance
It had been a while since I'd tried any Renaissance beers, until I was prompted to do so by the results of a recent brewing competition in Australia.
Mexico: Head to Tequila but forget about shots
Tracie Cone visits Mexico's tequila heartland and finds some historic distilling techniques still in play.
<i>Don Kavanagh:</i> Home, sweet homebrew
Many successful brewers started off making a few gallons in their back yards, writes Don Kavanagh.
Out of the black
The Christchurch earthquake is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to small tragedies.
Pub spy: The Clare Inn
Whenever I walk into this pub I'm reminded that all the great bars I've ever drunk in didn't rest their reputations on looking flashy.
Grape expectations for cognac
Fads and fashions have affected many different drinks over the years, but few have been as hard-hit by changing tastes as brandy.
Pub spy: Empire Tavern
It's always good to drink in a place with a little bit of history around it.
<i>Don Kavanagh</i>: Did you myth me?
Most of the tall tales told over a chilled glass are no more than romantic fancies. By Don Kavanagh.
The great World Cup beer swindle
Beer prices have gone up and glass size has gone down, less than 80 days out from the Rugby World Cup. Close to 100 bars nationwide now have smaller 400ml glasses as a replacement for their 425ml Heineken tap beer glasses...
Pub spy: Galbraith's Alehouse
We're not worthy I'd better get Galbraith's out of the way early.
<i>Don Kavanagh</i>: Open all hours
Mandatory closing times is not necessarily the answer to society's drinking problems, says Don Kavanagh.
Re-thinking a summer favourite
I had an interesting morning recently, one of those days you think is going to be dishwater-dull, but turns into something much more exciting.
Four of the best: Country pubs
This meticulously renovated 1876 pub attracts the crowds - some arriving by boat to tie up at the jetty.
Pub spy: Cardrona Speight's Ale House
There is something simultaneously endearing and depressing about the Speights Southern Man schtick.
<i>Don Kavanagh</i>: The cup that cannot be named
The World Cup is more about the after-match function says Don Kavanagh.
In the spirit of friendly rivalry
I have a friend, you'll be surprised to hear, who likes a drink.