La grande contradiction

I don't get it — unless it's a joke. Let me explain: manuka honey is one of the strongest tasting honeys I can think of; vodka is the most tasteless alcoholic beverage ever to have passed my lips; and I didn't think there was much love lost between France and New Zealand following French nuclear testing in the Pacific.

But look at what's happened: 42 BELOW Manuka Honey Vodka has won the gold medal at the 42nd World Selection 2004 of Spirits and Liqueurs, Monde Selectiona, and will be presented with the award at the Salon International de L'Alimentation (SIAL) International Food Exhibition in France later this year.

I think I need a strong drink.