This week on Distil-Nation, we look at what’s happening in New Zealand whisky right now — and why the top end has suddenly jumped from $200 to $400. Is this the new normal, or are we pushing past what consumers are willing to pay?

We break down the shift toward ultra-premium releases, what’s driving it, and whether the value stacks up.

Along the way, we taste:

• Reefton Distilling Co. Gold Seeker Rye
• Divergence Whisky Sloe Gin Finished Single Malt

Plus, a look ahead to an upcoming usquebaugh release, and a few genuinely great NZ whiskies that still deliver serious value without the $400 price tag.

This week on Distil-Nation, Tom, Cameron, and Ty dive into one of the most confusing parts of running a booze business in New Zealand - holiday trading laws.

We unpack where these rules came from, why they’ve stuck around so long, and what’s just changed in time for Easter and ANZAC Day. If you’ve ever wondered when you can (and can’t) legally sell a drink, this one’s for you.

Along the way, we crack into something special from Dunedin Craft Distillers - the Arctic Convoy Navy Strength Gin - and give it a proper taste test.

It’s equal parts history lesson, industry chat, and good yarn. Expect a few laughs, a bit of confusion, and a clearer picture of the rules than most of us have ever had.

Ever dreamed of finding a really good whisky under $100? Some say it’s impossible. Some say it’s closer than ever. In this episode, we break down the reality behind the $100 bottle: availability, quality, and whether the dream is alive—or slipping further away. Tune in and find out if your next bottle is worth the wait. distilnation.nz @distilnationnz on Insta & Facebook herrickcreek.co.nz  ⁨@DiscoveringDrams⁩   ⁨@herrickcreek⁩ 

We’re back! After a short hiatus, Distil-Nation NZ returns with a major upgrade. This week, Tom and Cameron officially introduce the third member of the team: Ty. We dive into how our new trio dynamic is going to shake up the show before getting stuck into the state of the industry.

Nestles in the heart of Southland you'll find Gore's Hokonui Moonshine Museum! New Zealand's dedicated museum to our illicit distilling history. Curator of the Hokonui Moonshine Museum, Jim Geddes, shared plenty of stories about cat-and-mouse games between moonshiners and the police, smuggling spirits in-and-out of the dry Southland area, and the role the museum plays in the community today. Firstly, apologies YouTube viewers. We tried troubleshooting for ages to get Jim's camera to work. So instead, enjoy these pictures from the museum, highlighting the issues we're talking about. If you love stories about New Zealand history, championing New Zealand spirits, and tales of illicit moonshiners, please like and subscribe to the Distil-Nation NZ Podcast. We also recommend visiting the Hokonui Moonshine Museum if you're traveling around Southland. #nzhistory #supportlocal #historypodcast

This week on Distil-Nation NZ, Tom and Cameron dive into a recent Stuff article spotlighting Parliament’s swanky new “Pint of Order” bar—and ask the obvious question: why are there zero New Zealand spirits on the shelf? Is it just an oversight, or a symptom of a bigger problem with supporting local producers in our own halls of power? We unpack the politics of pouring, the missed opportunities for Kiwi distillers, and what needs to change for New Zealand spirits to take their rightful place at the heart of our capital. Plus, we rant (just a little), share some industry gossip, and, as always, have a dram or two while we do it.