LifestyleGood things brewing in the BayHawkes Bay is famous for several things, including wine and great weather, but now we can add beer to the list.07 Jan 04:30 PM
LifestyleBecome a master of mixology in the comfort of homeIt's hard to beat a good cocktail and with more people entertaining at home these days, they're not just making a comeback in the bars.17 Dec 09:00 PM
LifestyleGetting reaquainted with some old friendsThis warm weather has been a bit of mixed blessing for me. On one hand, it's a great incentive to bask in the sun with a few beers, but then I start worrying about melanoma.11 Dec 04:30 PM
LifestyleThrills, spills and a lovely bribe to bootTrickery, veiled threats and sly insults aren't what you'd normally expect at a tasting, but malt whisky tastings in Auckland do tend to be different.04 Dec 04:30 PM
LifestyleAs long as I can see the light ... beerThere is a school of thought that says that low-alcohol and light beer isn't really beer at all and, in all honesty, I would tend to subscribe to that view, more often than not.27 Nov 04:30 PM
LifestyleVersatile rum punches above its weightSun, sex and sand - is there anything that encapsulates them as well as rum? While rum is made around the world - even in countries notably bereft of sugar plantations such as Austria - it has become firmly linked to the Caribbean.20 Nov 04:30 PM
LifestyleShamelessly getting yourself in a fizzThere is something almost naughtily decadent about drinking bubbles. 12 Nov 04:30 PM
LifestyleSupport your local bartenderThe Christchurch earthquake back in September caused plenty of grief down there, but it also had a rather nasty effect on this particular Aucklander.05 Nov 04:30 PM
LifestyleHappy days of summer nearly here a ginWhether as the basis for a classic cocktail like the martini, with soda water and fresh lime juice, or simply mixed with its spiritual partner tonic water, gin just screams summer.30 Oct 04:30 PM
LifestyleA little of what you fancy does you goodI'm often struck by the snobbery I encounter in our country when it comes to drinks. Talk about how you'd love a nice, cold lager and someone will pipe up and say: "Oh you don't drink that muck do you?25 Oct 04:30 PM
LifestyleDon't turn your nose up at rosé give it a tryI once had an appalling wine experience, when I watched a man make a rosé.17 Oct 04:30 PM
LifestyleBourbon an example of American beautyBourbon is the great American whiskey. It was named for Bourbon County in Kentucky and 95 per cent of it is still made in that state.11 Oct 04:30 PM
LifestyleThe clear favouriteIn a world of spirits that aim to be the biggest tasting and most highly flavoured, vodka has always been something of an enigma.28 Sep 04:30 PM
LifestyleBar manners go a long way in a busy pubMany years ago I was sitting with a friend at a pub in Ireland when an American tourist came in and began studying the menu. He approached the bar and asked the barmaid for "a quicky".19 Sep 05:30 PM
LifestyleBeer o'clock and the sky light theoryAs you may have noticed, the daylight hours are lengthening and there are rumours spring is upon us.07 Sep 05:30 PM
LifestyleHappy days of cheap wine a chance to stock up your cellarWe are swimming in a wine glut at the moment and though that's not good news for the producers and growers, it's very good news for the canny consumer.27 Aug 05:30 PM
LifestyleWhisky, you're the devil - but I love you anywayFew spirits have the romance, the history and the sheer brilliance of whisky.22 Aug 05:30 PM
LifestyleGo west, young man, to seek new beerI had a wonderful experience recently when I attended a tasting of Hallertau's beers at a rather salubrious Mt Eden hostelry.15 Aug 05:30 PM
