Awesome Japanese cult drink coming to Australia

Having never travelled to the Land of the Rising Sun, I’m told on good authority that Beam Suntory’s Strong Zero is all the rage over there (you can pick tinnies up in camera shops and convenience stores) and, after a few sips, it’s easy to see why.

Debuting with a brand new flavour known as Minus 196, it’s made by shoving a whole lemon frozen in liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196°C, then pulverised and soaked in alcohol – creating a wildly delicious lemon drink.

It’s pretty strong too (6 per cent) so go easy tiger.

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It should be available in liquor stores in the coming months and in some independent retailers as of right now. A four-pack will set you back $22 RRP while a 10-pack is priced at $47 RRP.

China now makes gin

Suntory isn’t the only Asian drinks player taking the market by storm this month as China’s first ever batch of craft gin is now available in Australia.

China may have blocked Australian booze amid rising trade tensions, but that doesn’t mean we should turn down decent gin, and Peddlers Rare Shanghai Gin is a winner.

It’s allegedly infused with botanicals that are found only in China like Sichuan pepper, Buddha’s Hand, Lotus Flower, Chinese Mint, Guangdong Liquorice, and Coriander Seeds.

Simply put, it’s tasty as with some tonic water and ice and it has a unique taste.

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“A little over five years ago, we embarked on this wild journey to create China’s first craft gin. Since the launch, the industry support and public uptake has been phenomenal, and I’m thrilled we can now bring Peddlers Gin to Australia,” said founding member of Peddlers, Ryan McLeod.

“It’s like nothing you’ve tasted before – powerful and earthy. Perfectly paired with tonic, Peddlers also makes for an exceptional negroni or martini. Ultimately, it’s a gin that’s going to give your drink a real kick.”

Aussie Gin explodes

If you love gin but prefer something made closer to home, there is a ridiculous number of Australian creations on the market.

Dan Murphy’s has just added 42 new homegrown gins to its range and now has an impressive 400 Aussie gins to choose from.

“We are seeing a huge trend of customers wanting to support local, Australian-made drinks across all drinks categories, but it’s most noticeable in gin,” said Endeavour Group’s Glass Spirits Category Manager Elise McNeil.

“The majority of our gin range is now made up of homegrown gins. A couple of years ago, imported gins – especially from the UK – used to rule the gin shelves,” she added.

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In the past 12 months alone, Endeavour Group – the parent company of BWS and Dan Murphy’s – has seen Australian-made craft and premium gin sales grow by more than 50 per cent across both Dan Murphy’s and BWS.

“Australian-made craft gin has been growing rapidly in the last five years, and we are seeing the segment surpass vodka, which used to be the best-selling white spirit,” Elise said.

The 42 new gins – which include boutique gins like Bass & Flinders Distillery’s Heartbreak Pinot Noir Gin, Heathcote Smokin’ Chilli Gin,Knocklofty Garden Party Gin and Never Never Ginache – are already ranged online, and are now landing in selected stores around the same time.