Tales from the Top Shelf

Can you capture the memories of your childhood in a bottle of gin? Richard Wilson from Sandymount Distillery certainly thinks so! This week on Tales from the Top Shelf, Suzie heads to the spectacular Otago Peninsula to discover how Richard has turned his love of the land into an award-winning, sustainably focused distillery. From using native New Zealand botanicals and pure spring water to creating limited-edition gins inspired by childhood memories, Sandymount is a distillery with a real sense of place. We explore Richard's fascinating journey into distilling, his commitment to sustainability, becoming New Zealand's first carbon-neutral certified distillery and why this beautiful corner of Dunedin is attracting international attention.

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

There's much more to Juno Spirits than making exceptional gin! In Part 2 of our conversation on *Tales from the Top Shelf*, Suzie and Jo James explore the stories and passions behind this much-loved Taranaki distillery. From the fascinating Great New Zealand Juniper Hunt and the dream of creating gin from locally grown botanicals to championing women in distilling, Jo shares her vision for the future of New Zealand spirits. We also dive into her work advocating for fairer excise tax for small distilleries, the importance of looking after the Juno team and what's next for this award-winning New Plymouth business.

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

From childhood friends in Taranaki to the creators of one of New Zealand's celebrated craft distilleries, Jo and Dave James have quite a story to tell! In Part 1 of our Juno Spirits interview on Tales from the Top Shelf, Suzie chats with Jo about their journey home to New Plymouth and the creation of Juno Spirits. We explore the story behind their signature Extra Fine Gin, their ever-changing seasonal releases and the beautiful artwork that makes each bottle something special. Plus, we venture beyond gin to discover their award-winning Vesta Coffee Vodka and the creativity that continues to drive this innovative Taranaki distillery.

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

What do aviation and gin have in common? Quite a lot, as it turns out! This week on *Tales from the Top Shelf*, Suzie chats with Chris Gear from 4 Bars Distillery in the heart of Christchurch. From a career spent in aviation to creating his award-winning Gin Clear Day, Chris shares the inspiration behind his distillery, the aviation connections woven throughout the brand and the journey of turning a passion into a successful business. We explore the creation of his juniper-forward gin, the Flight Lounge tasting experience and the excitement of taking home Gold and the Packaging & Design Award at the New Zealand Spirits Awards. Buckle up, it's a story worth raising a glass to!

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

What happens when you combine a farm in Pukekohe, a passion for traditional distilling and a rather extraordinary outdoor wood-fired still? You get Harrier Springs Distillery! This week on Tales from the Top Shelf, Suzie chats with Matt and Alicia about building their own unique distillery, bringing old-fashioned distilling methods back to life and creating their spirits from grain to glass. From their delicious Apple Pie Liqueur to the remarkably smooth Ice Wolf Whisky, we explore the stories behind their creations, their early success at the New Zealand Spirits Awards and what the future holds for this innovative couple.

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