Tales from the Top Shelf

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

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

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

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

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