Ask any local about Kissofire Hunter Valley Liqueurs and you’ll get a grin followed by a yarn about cinnamon warmth and late-night laughs. My first taste of their fiery drop came during a wine tour detour, and it hit me like a sweet punch — bold, warming and oddly comforting. Known as both Kiss Of Fire and Kissofire, this liqueur has cult status in Pokolbin and has won fans who want something beyond Semillon and Shiraz.
This article by Paul Beames takes you behind the scenes of this family-owned, family-run business, explores its quirky flavours like butterscotch liqueur and chilli-choc blends and tells you how to enjoy it at home or on tour.
Behind every great drop is a person bold enough to push the boundaries. For Kissofire, that’s Norm Giese. With years in the wine industry, Norm saw an opportunity to add something different to Hunter Valley’s lineup. Instead of another bottle of Shiraz, he bottled cinnamon warmth and created a drink that bridges the gap between spirit, liqueur and sweet treat.
As a family-run business, every bottle carries a personal touch. It’s not churned out in some faceless factory — it’s crafted with passion and often with customers’ stories in mind. That’s why many people order custom labels for weddings, anniversaries or any special day when they want to show their guests something unique from the Hunter.
The Hunter Valley is full of wines, but only one liqueur has this much character. Unlike generic bottles you’ll see at the back of a pub shelf, Kiss Of Fire has carved out a name for being warm, smooth and adaptable.
Here’s what makes it stand out:
There’s more than you’d expect. Yes, the original Cinnamon Kiss Of Fire is the most popular, but there’s a whole range to try.
| Flavour | Profile | Best Use | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon (Kiss Of Fire) | Sweet, spicy, warming | Neat, cocktails | Top seller |
| Butterscotch liqueur | Caramel, smooth, rich | Dessert drizzle, neat over ice | Growing favourite |
| Choc-Chilli | Spicy with cocoa depth | After-dinner sip, fiery martinis | Known as the Best Chilli Liqueur |
| Coffee | Bold, roasted | Affogato, tiramisu | Steady fanbase |
| Limited Editions | Seasonal experiments | Tastings & festivals | Collector appeal |
According to Hunter tasting surveys, over 70% of visitors buy at least one bottle after sampling, so this isn’t just a novelty — it’s a keeper.
One of Kissofire’s best ideas has been offering mini liqueur bottles. Perfect for wedding favours, party gifts or quirky souvenirs, they let people take home a taste without committing to a full bottle. Add custom labels, and suddenly your event drinks table has a personal touch.
Locals order these for weddings, engagement parties or milestone birthdays, creating a personalised timeline of their celebrations through custom labelled drops. Nothing says “Hunter Valley” like a favour-sized cinnamon kick that’ll show your guests you’ve thought outside the box.
Forget fancy pairings only sommeliers understand. Kissofire works because it’s simple.
Most wine tours pass cellar doors, cheese rooms and breweries — but don’t miss the liqueurs. On a 1 Day Hunter Valley Wine Tour, you’ll often see Kissofire at The Smelly Cheese Shop or in tasting rooms along McDonald’s Road and Broke Road.
The good news is you don’t have to wait for a Hunter trip. The range online means you can order from home and keep the fire going all year round. From standard 700ml bottles to mini liqueur bottles, the full range ships Australia-wide.
If you want to stay in the loop,you’ss alsosigng up for the mailing list. Regulars who sign up often get early access to seasonal releases, recipe ideas for creative cooking and notice of market stalls where you can stock up in person.
Yes — the liqueur is known as both Kiss Of Fire and Kiss O Fire, depending on the branding.
Local bloke Norm Giese has a wine industry background.
Yes — they’re popular as favours and souvenirs.
Definitely, many couples order personalised bottles for weddings and anniversaries.
Directly through their website, where signing up also gets you event updates and seasonal releases.
