Many North Shore locals are going dry this July to raise funds to support people with cancer. Channel Mag's Liz Cannon chats with Saumil Shah, owner of Liquid Experience, who stocks the most incredible range of non-alcoholic beverages for Dry July and beyond. He's a big supporter of those embarking on abstinence this month to support the Dry July Foundation, and is proud to supply those looking for an impressive range of healthier and extremely tasty alternatives to regular alcoholic tipples.  

The sheer expanse of options on offer is testimony to Saumil's expertise, and along with his insightful advice and guidance, there's something for every palette. The non-alcoholic range is quite simply, extensive!  Just a few ideas for your Dry July supply are:

• Wine - alcohol-free wine from Germany, including cabernet sauvignon, sauvignon blanc and a red wine blend
• Pals - Hawke's Bay lemon, cucumber and soda; Central Otago peach, passionfruit and soda, with more flavours to come
• Gin - Brunswick Aces from Australia; Wildjac Wild and Botanical from the UK, perfectly matched with Barker and Quin tonics and mixers
• Mocktails - Kiwi brand Elta Ego's low sugar raspberry and yuzu G&Ts; mojitos, with more options on the way
• Beers - Garage Project Tiny Hazy IPA and XPA; Bare Beer Hazy IPA and Pale Ale; Brothers Beer 'Fill Yer Boots' IPA; Deep Creek Zero; Birra Moretti LA Zero; Rinkuskiai IPA and lager; Baltika refreshing grapefruit beer drink and premium lager. 
  (Check labels for 0% or 0.5% alcohol content.)

Since 2011, Saumil has been the owner/operator of Liquid Experience, a boutique, independent store specialising in a wide, varied and impressive array of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Saumil is passionate about the entire drink creation process, from fruit or grains to glass, and with his solid  business acumen and experience, is proud to be able to offer a unique, bespoke service to his clients. He says, "The best and most rewarding aspect of what I do is getting to know each individual customer well. It's my knowledge of their individual preferences and tastes that enables me to provide such a unique and insightful service for them." 

For those not jumping on the wagon this July, Saumil stocks a huge variety of alcoholic options too. He specialises in single malt Irish whiskey and Scottish, Indian and Japanese whiskys, rums for delicious winter hot toddies, a wide range of gins and matching tonics, and an extensive selection of both New Zealand and International wines, plus special occasion champagnes and bubbles. 

Saumil is on hand to serve, advise and inspire you with all your drink purchases, and invites you to keep an eye on his socials to find out about the regular tasting evenings held in store. Cheers! 

Liquid Experience
1 Barry's Point Road, Takapuna
09 489 2464
021 270 9191
liquidexperience2011@gmail.com
FB & Insta @LiquidExperienceTakapuna