Waiheke Island’s newest distillery is set to opens its doors on Saturday, 23 January 2021.
Waiheke Distilling Co. – located on the ridge above Cowes Bay – is the creation of Liz Scott and Glen Cadwallader.
The pair chose the site on the eastern side of Waiheke Island for its breathtaking beauty and have constructed the distillery so it blends and reflects the farming history of the area.
“We were captivated by the heritage and soul of the area around Cowes Bay and were instantly drawn to this side of the island,” says Scott.
“A big part of Waiheke Distilling Co.’s story is that we want to honour not only the history of this place but hero the local produce and botanicals that grow here.
“Creating one of New Zealand’s only gin distilleries that people can visit and be part of the crafting experience.”
With it’s opening coinciding with the inaugural New Zealand Gin Day, Waiheke Distilling Co. will showcase its first batch of spirits – Spirit of Waiheke, London Dry and Red Ruby Gin.
Distiller and Co-founder Glen Cadwallader says botanicals are the heart and soul of Waiheke Distilling Co.’s gins and each variety has their own “curated blend of ingredients”.
“Our signature product is the Spirit of Waiheke which is built on the mantra of embracing the land, wind and sea,” he says. “This is a classic dry gin that pays homage to the Island.”
“The London Dry is our take on a time-honoured classic with a cheeky lemon note. The introduction of macadamia provides an enriching mouth feel, pink peppercorn adds spice and an earthy current to our version of this spirit cabinet staple,” he says.
“Red Ruby Gin is the jewel in our collection, an infusion of ripe New Zealand cherries sweetening our otherwise dry gin structure, resulting in a truly special drop that is the perfect tipple on a hot summer day.”
Waiheke Distilling Co. gins are available in 200ml and 500ml individual bottles and a 3 x 200ml pack, available to purchase from the distillery and at www.waihekedistilling.co.nz from late January 2021.
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