As used to be the case with fashion, the spring and summer months of white season drinking are giving way to the brown and reds of fall and winter. In one way I am thankful for that, as one of the most delicious of white commodity varietals (it's like drinking sunshine), New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, is no longer going to be something I purchase until things change.

This is the people of New Zealand? I used to have much more respect for them. Whenever they visited our wholesale house they were, to a man and woman, baller people. I used to love how they would slag on Aussies. What happened?

“The outbreak has infected 736 people"...."New Zealand has notched 19 days in lockdown, which began after the identification of one case on August 17".....A poll conducted by Kantar and published by the NZ Herald shows 85 per cent of Kiwis support the elimination goal, compared with 13 per cent who support "living with" the virus.”

https://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/editorial/opinion/20210902/strong-support-for-elimination-strategy/

Now for the red and brown part of this post. Deb and I had an opportunity to stop by the much cheaper New Hampshire State Liquor stores on our recent getaway to northern New England. Even when I paid pre tax, wholesale prices for wine and spirit as a wholesaler, my Connecticut price point was still higher then New Hampshire retail. So substantial savings. Case in point is the lovely Grand Marnier. In Connecticut the minimum bottle price for a 750 ml is $43.99. In New Hampshire it is $25.99. A 1.75 ml is $69.99 min. bottle in Connecticut and $43.99 in New Hampshire. Hence, the picture. One bottle is for my middle son, one bottle is for Christmas, and the big bottle is from now until we leave for Kodiak.

btw- I never met anyone from Grand Marnier while I was in the business. They did not need things like reps, or sales, or marketing. Imagine selling a product so good that you can not keep up supply?

ps- If this sounds interesting, please sip Grand Marnier slowly and drink it neat. Very little goes a long way. Like with absinthe, it is has a unique psychological effect on the human body. It is like drinking liquid heroin. Yummy. Enjoy.