New Zealand Distillery Golden Bay Releases 2 Special Edition Gins With Charitable Twists
Golden Bay Distillery is set to raise funds for charitable organizations with the release of two special edition Championz Gin bottlings. (Photo: Championz Gin)
New Zealand-based spirits producer Golden Bay Distillery has recently introduced two new fundraising offerings to its award-winning Championz Gin brand: Ron Guidry Limited Edition and Fallen Officers Special Edition.
Ron Guidry Limited Edition Gin
Seeking to embody “the essence of perseverance, excellence and inspiration,” the Ron Guidry Limited Edition gin is named after baseball icon Ron “Louisiana Lightning” Guidry, known for his skill, passion and dedication.
Ron Guidry Limited Edition gin offers a botanical mix of juniper, coriander, cardamom, licorice, black pepper, almonds and angelica, resulting in what the brand describes as a smooth and subtly complex flavor profile. The exclusivity of the Ron Guidry Limited Edition lies in its limited number of bottles, 2549, and a collectible-worthy label paying homage to Guidry’s legacy.
Furthermore, Championz Gin will be donating a percentage of the proceeds from each bottle sale to the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, an organization that uses the power of sports to promote inclusivity and break down barriers.
Celebrating the launch, Championz Gin will be hosting a private fundraiser on October 25 with Guidry himself in attendance. The first 150 guests to make a $100 donation to the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center will be able to meet and mingle with the baseball star. The event runs from 6-7:30 p.m. at Tierney’s Tavern in Montclair, New Jersey, with all attendees receiving an autographed, limited-edition bottle of Guidry’s Championz Gin.
Sign up for the event here.
Fallen Officers Special Edition
Meanwhile, the Fallen Officers Special Edition gin was made in collaboration with Brothers Before Others (BBO), a not-for-profit charity comprising both active and retired law enforcement officers. BBO’s mission entails supporting fallen officers by providing floral arrangements to honor their sacrifice and ensure their families and departments are recognized.
The Fallen Officers Special Edition also features a blend of juniper, coriander, cardamom, licorice, black pepper, almonds and angelica. Proceeds from the sale of this gin will be donated to the National Flower Fund, an initiative by BBO, ensuring that every fallen officer’s department and family receive a floral arrangement as a gesture of appreciation and remembrance.
“We are deeply honored to collaborate with Brothers Before Others and contribute to their mission of recognizing the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers and providing solace to their families,” said PJ Andersson, co-founder of Championz Gin.
“The Fallen Officers Special Edition is more than just a product; it is a symbol of gratitude, unity, and our shared commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those who protect and serve.”
About Championz Gin
(Photo: Championz Gin)
Behind these two special edition gins is a brand that aims to redefine the world of distilled spirits with its carefully crafted flavors and continuous efforts to give back to communities and organizations.
At the helm of the enterprise is Sue Bensemann, a culinary maestro hailing from New Zealand’s Golden Bay. Bensemann, a former chef turned master distiller, melds her culinary expertise into distillation, forging the brand’s identity. Over 15 years, she has honed her craft, culminating in the creation of Championz Gin, where she serves as the genius behind the recipe, distillation and driving force behind the brand’s success.
According to Championz Gin, it sets itself apart through a different approach to juniper, which seeks to subdue the berry’s piney potency.
“By taming the juniper’s intensity, it offers a unique drinking experience that is far from the overpowering sensation of ‘eating a Christmas tree,’ often associated with traditional, juniper-heavy gins,” the brand shared.
“The ability to balance flavors and craft an exceptionally smooth and easy-sipping gin is a testament to Sue Bensemann’s artistry.”
The gin’s base spirit is an award-winning wheat-based vodka, celebrated for its subtle vanilla sweetness and citrus notes. Building upon this foundation, Bensemann blends seven botanicals — juniper, coriander, cardamom, licorice, black pepper, almonds and angelica — to craft the brand’s flagship flavor.
Additionally, Championz Gin boasts a bevy of recognitions and awards, with accolades like a double gold medal at the China Wine and Spirits Awards. The Tasting Institute even described it as a “lovely floral gin with a solid earthy herbal backbone.” Championz Gin has also been recognized at events such as San Francisco and New York competitions, as well as the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Find out more about Championz Gin — and buy a bottle or two — here.
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