The following write-up appeared in 'Hard News', the weblog of Russell Brown. Russell is a well-respected New Zealand journalist, columnist and media commentator:
Another highly agreeable element of the [Christchurch] boutiquery is Whisky Galore, on Colombo St, just by the corner with Kilmore. I think this is the best whisky shop I have ever seen, and certainly one of the more reasonable in terms of price. I departed for the airport on Thursday with a bottle of the Finlaggan ($55) and the glow of a wee dram and a most pleasant conversation with the owner, Michael Fraser Milne. There are ways for me to be happy, and that is one of them.
The Whisky Galore shop receives many emails from satisfied customers - the following are a few we thought we would share with you:
Hi Andy and Michael
I just want to say thank you so much for getting me just the right gift for my brother's birthday. Your service is second to none and having the gift delivered to the hotel made my life much easier than it could have been.
Thanks again
Regards JF
Good Morning. My General manager recieved the bottle of Laphraoig, which I ordered yesterday, this morning. Your service is very prompt. I was recommended to purchase through Whisky Galore by CP and I will definately be recommending you to all the whiskey lovers that I know - and their friends/family. Thank you
Regards, TP, Electrical Proprietor, HN, Timaru
On each of her two most recent business trips to Christchurch my partner Sheri has purchased from you for me a particularly fine malt. She has on each occasion accepted and acted on your recommendation--to my great benefit and still greater pleasure. I want to take this opportunity of thanking you for looking after us so well, and to say how much I am looking forward to accompanying Sheri south so that we might together enjoy and avail ourselves of Whisky Galore ’s superb service. (Visitor from Auckland)
Many thanks for the prompt delivery of the Charles Maclean Whisky book I ordered, as always i left buying my Dad's b'day present to the last minute, but thanks to your prompt and helpful service, this was delivered overnight and in time. Once again, Many Thanks (Auckland)
Hi Andy,
I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful service.
I ordered some gorgeous whisky glasses via the website on Friday and received them today (Monday), Christmas wrapped and with a lovely personal note. Much appreciated especially given the time of the year!
Thank you and rest assured that they will be put to very good use!
I'll keep you in mind when it comes to replenishing the single malt supply! R H.
Dear Andy,
Just a quick note to say THANK YOU so much for sending another bottle of Midletons Whiskey so quickly, when the first one was damaged. It made a great 50th birthday present.
Thanks again, C G.
PS: I have recommended you & your store to ALL my whisky drinking friends.
The following comments arrived in an email from the US base in Antarctica. The Whisky Galore shop has developed quite a following with those passing through Christchurch on their way to the ice!
Fun web-site. We're having a tasting down here in Antarctica @ McMurdo station. Thanks, Scooter
We receive many comments from visitors from overseas, overseas customers using our website, or from locals sending gifts overseas:
My husband stopped in your shop a few weeks back and chatted with Michael Fraser Milne ... Michael made a wonderful suggestion for him to buy a scotch whisky that his wife would like, nice and peaty. I say well done! First time I have ever tried Ardbeg and its beautiful; what a pleasure to drink! Thank you so much for the wonderful suggestion, and next time I travel down to NZ, I will stop in to shake Michael's hand.
Best regards, Jenn (Visitor from the US)
As aye indeed! Many thanks for all your help - I shall certainly recommend you to my Kiwi whisky buying friends!
Best wishes, Liz (London)
And finally we have this gem from Tony, just to show that single malt is good for you:Hi Whisky Galore,
Just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for the excellent service and product I ordered online recently. It was so easy and you did all the work for me, sending it to Aussie without any hassle. My Dad was thrilled with his Chivas 'Royal Salute' and it was a fantastic 65th birthday and retirement gift. Thanks so much for the fantastic service! Will definitely be back in the future!
Cheers Debbie P (Wellington, NZ)
On Saturday, my wife and I went to visit an elderly relative of hers. After an hour of chat, the rellie asked, "Would you like a drink?" Yes. She said "I'm having a Glenlivet - what are you having?" So she poured a couple of stiff ones and said "Cheers!" And she's 94 .....