Wellington is full of small, artisan food and drink concerns, making all sorts of things from peanut butter (Fix and Fogg) to special coffee roasts (Caffe L’Affare). This weekend I went up to Auckland to see friends and go to the ballet, so when I was thinking about what to take as gifts, I decided to get some local products. The friend I am visiting is pregnant, and had been complaining about finding nice things to drink instead of water, so I got her a bottle of Six Barrel Soda in raspberry and lemon. They make small batches of soda syrups from natural ingredients which are supposed to be excellent, though I haven’t tried one myself.
A bottle of soda syrup with a picture painted by my Mum in the background
I’m also taking a bottle of beer from Garage Project, mainly, I have to admit, chosen for its label.
Pils ‘n’ Thrills
My third gift is two bars from the Wellington Chocolate Factory who make organic, ethically sourced chocolate bars. The two I chose were coconut milk chocolate and something that sounds intriguing, craft beer bar, a 70% cacao blended with Nelson Sauvin flowers (type of hop) and Gladfield toffee malt.
Footnote: The coconut milk chocolate got rave reviews. The craft beer bar looked like this on opening. Review forthcoming!
Thistles and Kiwis 
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