Episode Playlist
Mat Thomson | Thomson Whisky Creating a Truly New Zealand Whisky( 0:40:40)
Episode Information
What happens when you decide not to copy tradition, but create something uniquely New Zealand instead?
In this episode of Tales from the Top Shelf, Suzie Carrig from the NZ Spirit Guide sits down with Mat Thomson, founder and head distiller of Thomson Whisky, to hear the story behind one of New Zealand's most respected whisky distilleries.
From experimenting with mānuka-smoked malt to creating a distinctly Kiwi style of single malt whisky, Mat shares the journey of building Thomson Whisky from the ground up. We chat about the inspiration behind the distillery, what makes New Zealand whisky so unique, the creative process behind the Victor Gin range, and the moments that have made him most proud along the way.
And of course, we couldn't finish without finding out what Mat pours himself at the end of a working week.
Whether you're a whisky enthusiast, a gin lover, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind New Zealand's craft spirits, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 4/08/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Bluff Distillery - The Gin Putting Bluff on the Map( 0:21:56)
Episode Information
This week on Tales from the Top Shelf, Suzie Carrig chats with Chris Fraser from Bluff Distillery, the deep south distillery behind Bluff Gin. They talk about life before gin, the story behind that striking bottle, the decision to make just one London Dry, and what it feels like to see a small Bluff distillery win big on the international stage.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 21/07/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Lunatic & Lover / Sea Lovers Gin - The Story Behind One Distillery with Two Distinct Brands( 0:32:5)
Episode Information
This week on Tales from the Top Shelf, Suzie Carrig sits down with Matt Bridge, the distiller behind two innovative New Zealand spirits brands – Lunatic & Lover Rum and Sea Lovers Gin. Matt shares the remarkable journey from sailing the world and falling in love with rum, to returning home and creating New Zealand's first botanical rum. He talks about the inspiration behind the distinctive name Lunatic & Lover, his philosophy of "Imagination Distilled," and the creative process behind crafting unique spirits that challenge tradition. The conversation also explores the story behind Sea Lovers Gin – a brand inspired by the ocean, featuring coastal botanicals and a commitment to supporting marine conservation. Matt explains what goes into creating a gin that truly captures the essence of the sea and why giving back to our oceans is central to the brand. With the interview recorded on 1 July, Suzie also talks to Matt about New Zealand's latest excise tax increase and what it means for local craft distillers, using a simple visual example that's sure to surprise many listeners.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 7/07/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Winslow Distillery - From Saturn's Moons to Martinborough's Vines( 0:21:51)
Episode Information
This journey takes us to the beautiful wine village of Martinborough, where Linz Taring is writing a new chapter at Winslow Distillery - a producer with roots stretching back to 1985 and a name once borrowed from one of Saturn's icy moons. Suzie chats with Linz about the move from Wellington to Martinborough, the decision to produce their own base spirit from scratch, and how a winemaking heritage shapes everything from fermentation to flavour. From their People's Choice Award-winning Astra Gin to the seasonal Navy strength Eclipse and the Christmas-in-a-bottle Tiger Lily liqueur, we explore what it means to build a truly distinctive New Zealand distillery - one that honours its legacy while keeping an eye on the future, including whisky barrels quietly ageing in the wings.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 23/06/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Dynamic Distilling - Dabblers Gin( 0:19:26)
Episode Information
This journey takes us to Tauranga in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, where we meet Samuel from Dynamic Distilling, the creators of Dabbler's Gin. What started as lockdown experimentation between two food technologists has grown into one of New Zealand's most innovative gin brands. We explore the science behind their naturally infused flavours, the challenges of working with real fruit, and the passion for experimentation that continues to drive every bottle. From hot cross bun gin to lime and mint favourites, discover how curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to dabble have helped shape a uniquely Kiwi success story.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 9/06/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Strange Nature Gin - Turning Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc Into Gin( 0:28:38)
Episode Information
This journey takes us into the wonderfully unconventional world of Strange Nature, where Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is transformed into a uniquely New Zealand gin. Suzie chats with Rhys about the surprising origins of the brand, the process behind creating gin from recovered wine spirit, balancing bold Sauvignon Blanc character with juniper, and building one of New Zealand’s most distinctive spirit brands. From export success to eye-catching bottle design, this episode explores innovation, flavour and the stories behind a truly different kind of gin.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 26/05/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Dr Beak - Growing Gin from the Ground Up( 0:21:22)
Episode Information
This journey takes us to Martinborough to sit down with Lacey from Dr Beak - a distillery redefining what it means to make gin in New Zealand. What started as backyard experiments and a simple “should we make gin?” message has grown into a brand driven by curiosity, creativity and a deep connection to the land. From garden-grown botanicals to bold experiments like their umeshu and juniper-forward exploration series, we dive into how Doctor Baek is pushing boundaries while staying true to gin. Lacey shares the story behind their distinctive name, their commitment to locally sourced ingredients, and their long-term vision of creating a true single-site botanical gin. We also explore the challenges of growing your own ingredients, the resurgence of juniper in New Zealand, and what it means to build a flavour profile that reflects place, patience and experimentation.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 12/05/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Pōkeno Whisky - Crafting New Zealand’s Single Malt Story( 0:22:55)
Episode Information
This journey takes us just south of Auckland to Pōkeno, home to one of New Zealand’s most distinctive whisky distilleries. Susie speaks with Matt about the passion, patience and no-compromise philosophy behind crafting a truly local single malt. From locally sourced ingredients to their rare in-house cooperage, discover how climate, culture and innovation are shaping a uniquely New Zealand flavour profile. We explore the importance of provenance, experimentation with native woods, and what it takes to build a distillery from the ground up.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 28/04/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Prophecy Distilling - From Kitchen Experiments to Award-Winning Spirits( 0:29:42)
Episode Information
This journey takes us to Central Otago, where Prophecy Distilling is creating distinctive spirits inspired by landscape, curiosity and collaboration. Georgia shares the story behind the emerging distillery, formed by eight friends and family members who transformed a small kitchen experiment into an award-winning gin and vodka brand, crafted from their unique surroundings. From foraged botanicals like speargrass root and horopito to the creative vision behind their bold bottle design, discover how Prophecy Distilling blends science, storytelling and a strong sense of place. With early success at the New Zealand Spirit Awards and a passion for doing things their own way, this is a story of innovation, community and crafting something special from the Central Otago hills.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 14/04/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Ruapehu Distillery - Straight Up Carrot Gin and a Spirit of Innovation( 0:26:47)
Episode Information
This journey takes us to the foothills of Mt Ruapehu, where Ruapehu Distillery is creating something truly unexpected. Founder Susan Delaney shares the story behind her Straight Up Carrot Gin, inspired by Ōhakune’s famous giant carrot and the region’s volcanic soil. From experimenting with unusual botanicals to building a distillery from the ground up, discover how bold ideas and local influence can shape a distinctive new spirit.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 31/03/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Sum Yum Soju - A Kiwi Twist on a Global Favourite( 0:30:32)
Episode Information
This journey takes us into the world of Sum Yum, a New Zealand-made soju bringing a fresh local perspective to one of the world’s most widely enjoyed spirits. Founders Alex and Brian share how inspiration from Korean drinking culture and Brian’s connection to Korea led to the idea of crafting a smooth, shareable spirit distilled from New Zealand kumara and South Island water. From innovative flavour profiles to a focus on connection and community, discover how Sum Yum blends tradition with a distinctly Kiwi approach.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 17/03/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Dancing Sands Distillery - From Golden Bay to the World( 0:20:29)
Episode Information
This journey takes us to Golden Bay at the top of New Zealand’s South Island, where Dancing Sands Distillery creates distinctive spirits inspired by place, people and botanicals. Co-founder Sarah Bonema shares the story behind the award-winning gin brand, the leap from corporate careers to craft distilling, and how a remote coastal community helped shape a globally recognised spirits producer. From wasabi gin to aged rum and fruit-driven vodka, discover how Dancing Sands blends innovation with a deep sense of location.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 3/03/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Broken Heart Distillery - Pure Water and Pure Award-Winning Spirits( 0:23:30)
Episode Information
This journey, we venture to the South Island of New Zealand, visiting Joreg. Distilled in Queenstown, New Zealand, Broken Hearts award-winning spirits are created with the purest water sourced directly from Paradise in the Mt Aspiring National Park. Their range of natural fruit macerated gins are all born from the Original Gin and are made using locally sourced organic fruit, and these are bottles you'll want on the shelf!
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 17/02/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
The Art of the Shimmer: Shimmer Gin with Sip Distilling( 0:27:58)
Episode Information
This time, Suzie sits around the table with Caci to chat about Sip Distilling and their Shimmer gins.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 3/02/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Built on Family, Bottled with Flavour: Wills Cameron of Remarkable Cream( 0:19:41)
Episode Information
Suzie uncovers the remarkable journey of Wills Cameron and the family-led brand Remarkable Cream. From childhood memories on the bottling line to building a flavour-forward liqueur range loved across Aotearoa, Wills reflects on standing out in a crowded market, embracing natural ingredients, and creating New Zealand’s most talked-about seasonal eggnog. A rich, personable conversation for anyone who loves craft spirits and Kiwi creativity.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 20/01/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
Quick Brown Fox Distillery - Crafting Coffee Liqueur( 0:26:33)
Episode Information
Suzie talks with Arjun about Quick Brown Fox (the distillery not the phrase using every letter!) and coffee liqueurs!
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 6/01/2026 10:00:00 p.m.
People’s Choice and the Rise of Unlikely Companions( 0:27:10)
Episode Information
Suzie sits down with Alice McKinley, co-founder and creative mind behind Unlikely Companions, a striking new Hawke’s Bay gin brand already making waves in the distilling world. From perfume-inspired design to daring flavour pairings like Rose & Sichuan and Sea Salt & Kelp, Alice reveals how creativity, curiosity, and Kiwi ingenuity shaped their signature spirits. Fresh off winning the NZ Spirit Guide People’s Choice Award at GinDulgence Tauranga, Alice shares the story of how the brand began, why they embraced a saturated market, and how their modern, minimalist bottle design became an instant shelf-worthy icon. Plus, get a first look at what’s next, from upcoming releases to their new tasting room in Ahuriri.
Whether you’re a gin explorer or simply love a good origin story, this episode uncovers the unexpected harmony behind Unlikely Companions. Sip slow, stay curious, and enjoy this peek into one of NZ’s most exciting new distilleries.
This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz
Published: 23/12/2025 10:00:00 p.m.
Tales from the Top Shelf - Luis Cabrera( 0:27:53)
Episode Information
Susie talks to Luis Cabrera from Besos about the Margarita's he's developed
Join host Suzie Carrig as she "travels" the country talking to passionate and knowledgeable craftspeople about their unique stories in the fascinating world of distilling.
Published: 6/12/2025 10:00:00 p.m.
Tales from the Top Shelf - with Anthony from Spirit Workshop( 0:27:57)
Episode Information
Susie talks to Anthony about the story of Spirits Workshop Whisky and Gins
Join host Suzie Carrig as she "travels" the country talking to passionate and knowledgeable craftspeople about their unique stories in the fascinating world of distilling.
Published: 25/11/2025 10:00:00 p.m.
Tales from the Top Shelf - with Andrew from Humdinger Gin( 0:28:1)
Episode Information
Join host Suzie Carrig as she "travels" the country talking to passionate and knowledgeable craftspeople about their unique stories in the fascinating world of distilling. This week, we travel to Humdinger Gin to catch up with Andrew.
Published: 28/10/2025 10:00:00 p.m.
Tales from the top shelf - with guest 5 Mile Gin( 0:20:9)
Episode Information
Join host Suzie Carrig as she "travels" the country talking to passionate and knowledgeable craftspeople about their unique stories in the fascinating world of distilling.
Published: 15/02/2025 10:30:00 p.m.
Tales from the top shelf - with Guest Jo Davy from Mothers Ruined( 0:27:45)
Episode Information
Guest Jo Davy talks to Susie about Mothers Ruined and being the first NZ spirit in a paper bottle
Join host Suzie Carrig as she "travels" the country talking to passionate and knowledgeable craftspeople about their unique stories in the fascinating world of distilling.
Published: 23/11/2024 12:20:28 p.m.