Introducing Cardrona Spirits: Unveiling the Essence of New Zealand's Remarkable Distillery

Cardrona Distillery, located in the breathtaking Cardrona Valley nestled amidst the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand's South Island, has officially launched its range of exquisite hand-crafted spirits in the UK. Renowned for its luxurious single malt whisky, gin, vodka, and liqueurs, Cardrona Spirits encapsulate the purity and beauty of their homeland, making it one of the world's most southerly distilleries.

The tale behind Cardrona is one of enchantment, stemming from the extraordinary vision and unwavering determination of its founder, Desiree Reid, a former farmer. In 2011, Desiree sold her farming business to pursue her dream of establishing a contemporary, family-run distillery in her native New Zealand. Her ambition was to create exceptional, locally-crafted spirits that would be cherished and enjoyed by discerning drinkers worldwide.

Selecting a site at the base of Mount Cardrona, Desiree was captivated by its untouched serenity, crisp clean air, and access to remarkable local ingredients that could be foraged throughout the seasons. The paramount feature of this location was the crystal clear, mineral-rich waters flowing from New Zealand's highest alpine pass, lending their essence to Cardrona's production process.

Following years of meticulous planning, research, and a quest to learn from the world's most esteemed masters, the Cardrona Distillery officially commenced operations in October 2015, with the first cask being laid down the subsequent month. Each Cardrona spirit embodies integrity, meticulous attention to detail, and a profound respect for the venerable traditions of single malt spirit making. These qualities are complemented by the ingenuity and innovation befitting a modern, New World producer.

Having the opportunity to embark on the distilling process from scratch, Desiree spared no expense in ensuring excellence in every facet of production. From the carefully selected barley varietal to the choice of mill for grinding, every decision was driven by a pursuit of perfection. The five copper stills, sourced from specialist suppliers around the globe, were chosen with great care. For maturation, Cardrona handpicked seasoned oak casks, including ex-Pinot Noir from New Zealand, ex-Oloroso from Jerez, and ex-Bourbon from Kentucky. Each spirit is lovingly hand-bottled and labeled, boasting a design and packaging that exude originality and luxury.

At the heart of Cardrona Distillery lies a highly skilled, passionate team of distillers, led by the esteemed Head Distiller Sarah Elsom. Comprising three talented female distillers, this team embodies the commitment to craftsmanship and quality that defines Cardrona. Moreover, the distillery is built upon a foundation of sustainability, with a steadfast dedication to preserving and enhancing the environment for future generations. The distillery building itself showcases world-class design elements, including earth-wool insulation, a circular heating system, and efficient utilisation of production by-products as animal feed for neighbouring farms. Over 95% of the water used at Cardrona is sourced from the distillery's aquifer, which is then returned to nature in its pristine state. To further reduce its carbon footprint, Cardrona Spirits are transported via ocean shipping as they venture out into the world for enthusiasts to savour.

Cardrona Distillery stands as an ambitious family enterprise, driven by a commitment to the long-term development of its people, processes, and brands. The already acclaimed products released by Cardrona attest to the exceptional nature of this range of hand-crafted spirits, embodying immense potential and thoughtfully crafted with the distinct Cardrona quality, character, and allure.

The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky takes centre stage in this extraordinary lineup:

• 'Just Hatched Solera': A momentous bottling, marking the occasion of reaching three years old. This special release is a natural cask strength whisky, marrying ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks to reveal Cardrona's underlying character of borage flower honey, vanilla, and spice. Presented in a 350ml bottle, with an ABV of 64.4%.

• 'Growing Wings Solera': Celebrating five years in oak, this natural cask strength expression brings together whisky matured in carefully selected ex-Oloroso Sherry butts and ex-bourbon barrels. Expect tantalising notes of pecan pie, laden with treacle and vanilla bean clotted cream. Presented in a 350ml bottle, with an ABV of 65.6% at natural cask strength.

With an unwavering focus on whisky, Cardrona Distillery invites aficionados and enthusiasts alike to embark on a sensory journey unlike any other. Experience the essence of New Zealand's remarkable distillery and indulge in the distinctive flavours and craftsmanship of Cardrona Spirits.