The hotel's Kaimai Distillery has again been recognised for their craftsmanship, with a haul of 8 medals in the 2024 New Zealand Spirits Awards. From over 480 entries of the very best in local and internationally-available spirits, a team of 22 industry experts blind tasted 16 categories.
Kaimai Distillery received silver medals for their Victorias Vodka, Eliza's Claim Dry Gin, Agatha's Tears Dark Gin, Apple Pie Moonshine and their just-released Oracle Sugar Free Irish Cream Liqueur.
“We have only just released our Oracle range, the world’s first sugar-free liqueurs range, so we are absolutely chuffed to immediately receive a silver medal for one of the 11 varieties in the range,” says Kaimai Distillery owner and head distiller Wayne Chowles. “To also receive silver medals for our Victoria’s Vodka, Apple Pie Moonshine and Agatha’s Tears Dark Gin is also incredibly pleasing.”
The distillery also picked up bronze awards for Eliza's Claim Ruby Gin, Emily's Garden Gin and Oracle Sugar Free Hazelnut Liqueur.
“That makes two medals for our new Oracle range,” says Co-distiller Leah James. “We knew we were on to something pretty special with this range, and that it would complement our existing medal winning range of gins, vodka, rum and moonshine. Industry awards recognition makes the hard work all worthwhile...Being health nuts at heart, we wanted to create a range that gave people a break from sugar-packed drinks. Our Oracle Liqueurs are perfect whether you’re a health warrior, gluten-free guru, keto champion, or just on a health kick. We’ve compromised on sugar, not flavour, so that people can enjoy their favourite cocktail creation, guilt free.”
Flavours include raspberry, coconut, strawberry, lime, pineapple, coffee, chocolate, Irish crème, orange, black forest and hazelnut."
The publican of Waikino Hotel started Kaimai Brewing and Distilling Co.
Wayne has captured the early mining history of Waikino and surrounding area in his gin.
The bottle label has a surveyors' map of the local mining claims. "Eliza" was believed to be a prominent mining figure in those early days and a mine was named after her.
Each gin batch is made with signature flecks of edible gold flakes, giving bottles a "snow globe" effect. Wayne describes his gin as having earthy, spicy flavours with rosemary and honey. The gold brand is the signature gin.
After pick-up(s) we will travel North from Tauranga to the historic Waikino Hotel in the picturesque Karangahake Gorge
During your visit you will receive a presentation about the history of the business & will taste at least 4 made-on-site distilled products ranging from beautiful gins: Eliza's Claim: Gold, Dry, Ruby, Agatha's Tears and Sirius Find (Truffle gin). One of the latest gins produced is a garden gin, so everything in the gin, apart from the juniper, is grown in the venue's garden.It's a herbal gin with distinct notes of thyme, basil, rosemary and oreganum underpinned with kaffir lime and horopito. Other choices are Apple Pie Moonshine, Spiced Rum & the sugar-free liqueurs.
This tour can be done on a date of your choice if you have a group of 6 or more.
DURATION Approx 5 hours
A CASUAL LUNCH
We can recommend the food!
BAR SNACKS
Garlic herb baguette -Half baguette, garlic & herb butter & house aioli $9.00
Bread & dips - Toasted ciabatta, olive oil, basil, pesto & onion jam $13.00
Steak fries Chunky fries with house-made aioli $8.00
Wedges - Seasoned wedges topped with lashings of sour cream & sweet chilli sauce -
Add crispy bacon - or not $16.00
Nachos - Beef or bean. Tortilla chips, served on your choice of Nacho mix, fresh salsa,
avocado, sour cream & chilli sauce $16.00
LIGHT BITES
Spinach Arancini - Homemade Spinach Arancini, Tomato & Basil Sauce, Parmesan
cheese $18.00
Steamed Mussels - NZ Green-lipped mussels infused with Thai green curry, coconut
cream & toasted Ciabatta $19
Seafood Chowder - cream based with smoked fish, mussels, shrimps, scallops & toasted
Ciabatta $20.00
Fish & Chips - Beer battered gurnard fillets, garden salad, fries & house-made tartare
sauce $24.00
Cheese board - Selection of cheese (2 or 3) served with house chutney, fresh fruit &
crackers $24.00
Cold Meat Platter - Selection of smoked & cured meats: venison, salami, pastrami,
chorizo, prosciutto, sered with house chutney, ciabatta bread $35
BURGERS
All served with fries, Gluten Free buns available ($2.00)
Beef - 150 gram Angus beef patty, smoked bacon & cheese, salad, onion jam $19.00
Chicken - Tarragon-infused chicken breasr, tomato relish, camembert salad $19.00
Venison - House-made venison patty, salad, smoked plum sauce $19.00
Vegetarian - Black-bean patty, avocado, sour cream, salad $18.00
PIZZAS All pizzas can be served on gluten-free bases ($2.00)
Smoked Chicken - Chicken, spinach, sun dried tomato, olives, basil, pesto, & parmesan
cheese $24.00
Smoked salmon - Salmon, shrimps, spinach, capers, red onions & cream cheese $24.00
Game - Venison salami, chorizo, smoked bacon, mushroom & onion jam $24.00
Vegetarian - Roaste peppers, mushroom, red onion, sun dried tomato & camembert $22.00
DESSERTS
Belgian Waffles - Served with caramelised apple & vanilla bean ice-cream $12.00
Bread & Butter Pudding - Baileys & Double Chocolate Bread & butter pudding & vanilla
bean ice-cream $12.00
BE QUICK TO BOOK YOUR GROUP FOR AN ENJOYABLE DAY!
COST: $85.00pp. - Return transport (within Tauranga, Mt Maunganui or early Papamoa) & tasting. Lunch is at your own cost from the menu.) Payment for transport/tasting can be made, at the beginning of the day, in an envelope with your name & the amount paid written on the envelope. Or payment can be made prior to the day to account: 01 0322 021 4423 00
TAURANGA TASTING TOURS & CHARTERS
Ph: 0275 224607 tgatastingtours@xtra.co.nz www.tastingtours.co.nz