As it turns out, Kazakhstan is more than just a developmentally awkward muse for egregious Eastern European caricatures – it’s also home to Snow Queen Vodka, the 80-proof organic wheat vodka, winner of the Double Gold Medal and Top Vodka awards at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Previously only distributed in the US, UK and Europe, Snow Queen’s August debut in Hong Kong means it’s now available at Zinc (35 D’Aguilar Street, Lan Kwai Fong, 2868 3448) and at W Hotel’s W Hong Kong (1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, 3717 2222). But look for it at your favourite outlet soon, signature Snow Queen cocktails include the Godfather, Cucumber, Ginger Leaf and Rouge and after a recent taste test in Zinc we’ve added those to our preferred drinks list.

If your curiosity about new beverages takes you into Zinc, take a glance at their new wine by the glass list. Their very drinkable whites include New Zealand’s Tohu Reisling (55/75), Italy’s Bolla Pinot Grigio (45/65) and Villeria, a Sauvignon blanc (45/65). The two new reds are Stella Bella, a shiraz, (80/60) and Sanctuary, a pinot noir (58/78). It’s good to see a bar offering more than just cheap plonk by the glass and hopefully more outlets will follow this example.

Foresight and beer swigging don’t usually pair up, but this year, King Parrot Group’s Oktoberfest extends a month in advance. Since September 1 the King Parrot Group started acclimating guests of their 23 beverage venues to prominent beers from around the world with a $330 for 24 glasses of beer promotion. Brands covered include San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Boddingtons, Lowenbrau, Lowen Weisse Munich, Stella Artois, Leffe and Hoegaarden white beer. Visit www.kingparrot.com for details and locations. Beer passport holders will also get a 25% discount on food from several King Parrot outlets.

Devil’s Advocate (48-50 Lockhart Rd, Wanchai, 2865 7271) has resurfaced from its August renovations with a new look, higher ceilings, improved aircon and a raised area featuring high tables. Drop in and take a look.

To compliment its Canadian influenced menu Canucck (31 Elgin Street, Soho, 2524 4123) has added a range of Canadian craft beers and vintage wines to their drinks menu.

The Hong Kong leg of the 12th Annual Stella Artois World Draught Masters takes place at Inside Out (10 Sunning Road, Causeway Bay, 2895 2900) on the 20 September. In a contest that rewards and encourages improved bartending skills - glass cleaning, bottle and draught pouring skills and table serving protocols - local bar tenders will vie for the chance to go to Belgium and compete for the world title.