It was the best of times…

Dang, its been busier than a child labourer in sneaker season. My clients seemed to have all gotten together and decided that now is the time to try and get as much word done as possible. "Send it all to print" they chorus!

Heres a bit of a boozy roundup of the year, which saw me move even more towards the finer Craft beers. I Got back into white wines after a bit of a spell on the red's, I also sampled many wonderful cocktails. Props to fouriiiis for the idea.

Best Craft BeerEmersons Pilsner

This wee gem of a beer has lovely malts perfectly balanced against some distinctive Saaz hops. NZ's first organic Pilsner too.

Most Disappointing Craft BeerHawkes Bay Independent Breweries Special Reserve

Supposedly honey sweetened and infused with cinnamon, this beer has a watery body, and is overly sweet. Rather unpleasant.

Best New/Seasonal

Macs Sundance

Monteiths had this corner of the market nailed for a long time, but Macs go one-better with this sublty spiced wee gem. I can see a great few of these being sampled over the holiday break.

Worst New/Seasonal

Steinlager Pure

Steiny had it right - their recipe could use some improving on. Unfortunately this isn't it. Flavourless, and dull. I guess I shouldn't have expected different from a 2nd rate Heineken knock off, but the marketing was so good.

Best of the Supermarket Six-ersMacs Hop Rocker

Packed with flavour this outstanding brew has been a staple of 2007. Hopsy, great body, and a touch bitter this is a fantastic beer.

Worst of the Supermarket Six-ers
Pirate Beer

Although not strictly a 6-er (Comes as singles or in a 4 pack) Pirate beer is easily the worst beer around. At 8%abv You expect something robust and with character. Instead you get a watery slop that makes Ranfurly draft seem good.

Best Wine

Cable Bay 2005 Savignon Blanc

Newly opened on Waiheke, but grown in Marlborough, this distinctive Sav offers the best of NZ's whites. Fruity but with a reasonable body.

Worst Wine

So I don't hate any wine enough not to drink it, but Mcguigan Estate N/V Semilion is particularly nasty. Cooking Wine Only. Someone's booze-hag mum is probably thinking its the business, but she's a goddam booze hag who thinks nothing of drinking the cooking sherry when the Country Dry White cask runs out.

Best Cocktail

Old Fashioned

Recently usurping the title from an extra dry Vodka martini, straight up with a twist. Classy, Strong, Manly and damn fine. Props to Mea Culpa on Ponsonby for making a shit-hot Chocatini. Only place I'll drink one.

Worst Cocktail

Aussie Mozzie

Once again, I'll pretty much drink it if its got alcohol in it, but this is just nasty. 1 Part Creme De Menthe, 4 Parts OJ. Tastes like a cup of Raro after you've brushed your teeth.

I'm pretty interested in cocktails at the moment so if you've got any you'd like to share...