By Kurt Maitland
Cardrona Distillery’s double set of copper pots(Credit: Cardrona Distillery)
Cardrona Spirits is the umbrella under which New Zealand’s Cardrona Distillery has been building its identity since its opening in 2015. The distillery sits in the Cardrona Valley of New Zealand’s South Island. This location was deliberately chosen for the extreme temperature, altitude, and water quality and how those features would shape the spirits that could be created.
The “Cardrona Spirits” current portfolio includes:
- Single malt whisky (such as Just Hatched and the “Growing Wings” bottlings)
- Gin (The Source)
- Vodka (The Reid)
- Cream liqueurs (Rose Rabbit series)
The distillery was founded by Desiree Reid-Whitaker, who spent years researching and visiting Scottish and American distilleries, leading to the creation of the current distillery. Cardrona’s distilling process leans heavily on:
- High-altitude snowmelt water
- Long fermentation times
- Traditional copper pot distillation
In 2023, Cardrona was acquired by International Beverage, which will boost the brand’s global distribution and resources and will make it easier for you to get your hands on these releases.
I’ve been able to get samples of some of Cardrona’s lineup and here is a bit of what to what to expect when the wares of this New Zealand distillery eventualy come to your local shelves:
Cardrona Single Malt Whisky – Just Hatched
Rating – B+
Color – Yellow Gold
Nose – Small town bakery with fresh bread and cake with hints of lemon citrus. As hot as this release is, you can’t smell the proof.
Proof – 128.4
Taste – This is one of the best 3-year-old releases I’ve tasted. It’s full bodied with beautiful beginning, a solid middle and a nice, long finish.
Notes – Not at all what I expected. Just Hatched is matured beyond its age statement and if this is the quality of their first release, I’m looking forward to revisiting them when they get to 7 yrs old and up.
Price – In the US, this should run around $120 to $135. This release isn’t cheap but you’ll taste what you are paying for.
Cardrona Single Malt Whisky – Growing Wings
Rating – B –
Color – Amber
Nose – Cherry cough drops (without the Mentholyptus)
Proof – 127.8
Taste – Just as full bodied as its younger sibling. You can see the resemblance but the sherry and bourbon casks are not as well integrated here. It feels like they are still getting to know each other while they seem to be fast friends in the Just Hatched release.
Notes – This is a good release and it is nice to see that the 5-year-old is definitely showing the “Cardrona” house style. It’s only really getting dinged because I think it needed more time to fully develop. I still like the growth path and I want to see what a 7 or 9 yr old will taste like.
Price – This release isn’t yet available in the US but keep your eyes out. It could make an appearance next year.
