A new range of locally produced liqueurs and spirits was launched at the Billfish Bar, Nuku'alofa, last night, September 20.

The new liquors and spirits was the first products to be released into the market by the newly established Billfish Spirits and Liqueurs Company owned by John and Liz Sullivan.

John, the former general manager of Tonga's Royal Beer company, said they identified a need for high quality yet reasonably priced spirits and liqueurs in Tonga, and so they formed a relationship with Kings Liquor, a well-known manufacturer in New Zealand.

John said that by utilizing the expertise and know-hows of Kings Liquor, Billfish Spirits and Liqueurs was able to produce a full selection of spirits such as vodka, gin, whisky, dark rum, bourbon, brandy and tequila all in one litre bottles with strengths ranging from 37% to 40% alcohol by volume.

With liqueurs there is a selection of Emerald Cream and Just Coffee liqueur in 750ml bottles. There are also Black Sumbucca, Coconut Mango, Triple Sec and five other flavours in 500ml bottles. The alcohol content of the liqueurs range from 14% to 40.

John said that all the Billfish spirits and Liqueurs can also be bought off the shelf in New Zealand. He said they were hopeful that one day they would be able to develop a liqueur brand unique only to Tonga.