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.

Ginger beer is a fabulous drink isn't it? It's a soft-drink with attitude. Something with a personality and some kick.

As much as I love Auckland, there is something great about heading off to Wellington.

I find myself in the strange position, at the moment, of feeling vaguely homesick for a place that isn't really my home.

Beer and spirits are also great accompaniments to a meal, observes Don Kavanagh.

Lion's new boss in New Zealand says cheap wine is changing this country's liquor market.

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.

The Christchurch earthquake is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to small tragedies.

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.

Fads and fashions have affected many different drinks over the years, but few have been as hard-hit by changing tastes as brandy.

It's always good to drink in a place with a little bit of history around it.

Most of the tall tales told over a chilled glass are no more than romantic fancies. By Don Kavanagh.

Don Kavanagh is the editor of Thirst magazine.

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...

We're not worthy I'd better get Galbraith's out of the way early.

Mandatory closing times is not necessarily the answer to society's drinking problems, says Don Kavanagh.

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.

This meticulously renovated 1876 pub attracts the crowds - some arriving by boat to tie up at the jetty.