Meenans by LiquorLand carrying on a great Dunedin tradition
EVEN more than a 150 years after its establishment, the name Meenan and Co remains an institution in Dunedin business.
The city’s oldest liquor store has been through some recent changes, but it remains true to a tradition stretching back to the Otago Gold Rush era.
Founded by Francis Meenan in
1865 on the site where the Otago Medical Library now is, Meenan and Co had one of the first wholesale liquor licences issued in the Dunedin area.
Over the first century of its existence, the business underwent various changes. The first came in 1905, when it relocated to the corner of Moray Place and George St.
Then in 1950, Meenan and Co was purchased by brothers Herman and Dan Eckhoff, and it moved again to the corner of Stuart St and Moray Place.
In 1970 the business came under the Lion Breweries umbrella. The Eckhoffs bought it back in 1974, and moved into the purposebuilt premises at 750 Great King St in
North Dunedin, where Meenan and Co has remained.
In December 2018, the torch was passed from the Eckhoff family to
Dunedin company SAMGAM Ltd, trading as Meenans by LiquorLand.
New owner Chris Hart purchased Meenan and Co with the intention of building on the business model and hard work that John Eckhoff and his brother Paul had put into the business.
Meenans by LiquorLand wanted to carry on with the same tradition, and the same product range where it was feasible, while giving the business a modern twist.
The new owners are continuing to work with the same international suppliers, while also constantly looking for more to add to the extensive range of unique products that you’ll find instore.
The vast range of products on offer includes over 130 single malt whiskies, international whiskies (Japanese, New Zealand, Irish, and others), American whiskeys, rums, New Zealand and international gins, New Zealand pinot noirs, Australian shiraz and other Australian wines, international beers and over 200 New Zealand craft beers, exclusive French and Chilean wine houses, and a range of exclusive ports, sherries, and Peyrat Cognac.
And Meenans by LiquorLand has its own genuine working onsite microbrewery, producing a range of beers under the banner of Great King Street Brewery (formerly MWS Brewery).
While Meenans by LiquorLand has undergone extensive renovations, the aim is to maintain the ‘‘Olde World’’ charm of the store while also offering a larger range.
With 100 years of liquorindustry experience across the team, Meenans by LiquorLand prides itself on its selection, range, and knowledge. They want all customers to be happy with their purchases, and to walk away having had an enjoyable shopping experience.
Browsing, tasting, talking, and reminiscing are all things that are encouraged at Meenans by LiquorLand. They now offer
Airpoints and Fly Buys, accept the Farmlands card, and they can take care of all your domestic shipping of gift items.
So come on in to Meenans by LiquorLand and be surprised. See what they have to offer, chat to one of the team, and discover the many hidden gems.
Meenans by LiquorLand:
750 Great King St, North Dunedin. Phone (03) 4772047.