6 New Zealand Gins Tasted, Judged, Confirmed.
Each issue, Tim Warren, our untamed reviewer of all things that make life wonderful, turns his attention to the bountiful New Zealand gin scene.
Awildian Manuka
Coromandel based Awildian has been making waves since their London Dry won “Best in the World” in 2022. This “Old Tom, new tricks” promises an updated 18th-century recipe with a touch of Coromandel wilderness.
On the nose, it’s immediately fresh and bright, a hint of honey and a touch of oak from its resting period. The first sip unfolds with a dusky floral character, alongside notes of chocolate and berry. The good measure of juniper doesn’t dominate while the sugarcane base brings a rum-like quality reflected in the rich colour and thicker pour.
Tonic is not needed – soda really brings forward the honey, allowing it to shine alongside floral notes. Cardamom and Vanilla bean add a lovely warmth.
No common Gin, it’s complex and layered and ideal for those who enjoy intricate spirits, like whiskey or Añejo rum.
What makes Awildian so good? The distiller doesn’t know, he seemed bemused yet grateful at the reception and awards his remarkable spirits have received.
Kakapo Rimurimu and Thyme
A unique spirit from an uncompromising distillery who are clearly not content to rest on tradition.
From the first pour, the beautiful appearance captivates and a bright, refreshing nose with subtle floral hints abound. Delicious on the palate, the initial neat taste reveals a delightful citrusy burst, with thyme adding a complex layer of hardwood and greenery to the flavor profile developed in their classic copper still.
Soda brings a different dimension to the spirit, allowing its character to shine. It incredibly versatile and powerful, with a robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with classic hearty dishes like barbecue chicken or rabbit stew.
Each sip of the Kakapo Rimirimu and Thyme Gin reveals fresh nuanced flavors, making it a fun drink and it excels in a martini. Its ability to stand up to mixers and the complex taste profile make it a standout spirit that keeps you intrigued from the first sip to the last.
Strange Nature – Premium Grape
Strange Nature completely transforms your understanding of what a gin can be. The moment you see the bottle, you are captivated by its stunning design, but it is the liquid inside that truly delivers.
Made from grape spirit extracted from ‘zero-alcohol’ wine, this gin defies traditional expectations, offering a flavor profile akin a wine tasting.
Neat, you are struck by the unique combination of classic juniper with vibrant wine-inspired notes. Bursting with pineapple, grapefruit, and tropical fruit, accompanied by a subtle peppery undertone – its complexity is unmatched – you could easily mistake it for a sophisticated wine at first sniff.
Over ice with soda it opens up like a carafed vino. The gin’s versatility became apparent as I matched it in a dry Martini, and like it’s base it mates well with a selection of cheeses. Not just another gin; it’s a conversation starter, a sensory experience that challenges everything you thought you knew about gin. Strange Nature has created something truly remarkable that will intrigue all.
1919 Classic
1919 Classic London Dry style
This sip consistently wins awards over the past several years. No surprise. I’m immediately won over by its light pour and bright, citrusy character with prominent juniper notes and hints of angelica.
Soda or a light tonic amplifies the flavor profile and it proves itself a versatile everyday pour with a quality presence that won’t be mistaken for a more subtle spirit. Created from a molasses base, it delivers a bright, citrusy initial taste with a strong juniper backbone, making it incredibly versatile for various cocktails.
A refined gin delivering a crisp classic drinking experience. Whether neat, with a simple mixer, or in a cocktail, 1919 Dry proves itself a standout, and the more I experimented, the more I warmed to this sip. I imagine this as a prominent feature of your spirits portfolio.
Sea Lovers
Made with oyster shell, kelp, and rosemary, here is a unique gin with a sensory experience that truly captures the essence of the sea.
A crystalline bright pour, when neat its complex profile and oyster shell minerality remarkable, bringing a depth unlike any other. It’s definitely not an everyday drink – this is a special occasion sip. Incredible layers of citrus spice make it truly memorable.
Soda makes it shine, no tonic. Experiments with rosemary bring out the botanical notes, yet this needs nothing to work – it’s magic as is.
Developing flavours remind you of the sea, with a taste that’s fresh and distinctive. Imagine enjoying this on a boat or cafe overlooking the ocean, it pairs well with savory food.
A gin that demands attention – not another standard pour, something special that tells a story of its maritime origins and a briney dirty martini works a treat.
Takapuna Gin – Aotearoa Dry
I’ve tasted my fair share of gins, yet Carbon Six distillery’s Takapuna Gin – Aotearoa Dry is something special. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill spirit, from the moment it hits the glass, you’re in for something different.
The pour is silky, the first nose pure juniper, sharp and classic, with something else hiding. There’s an earthiness here, a hint of coriander, and something distinctly New Zealand. I’m picking up notes that whisper of manuka, of native botanicals that make it unique. Drinking it neat is a treat, revealing layers of flavor. A touch of citrus peeks through. It’s complex without being complicated, refined without being pretentious.
With soda and ice the gin opens up and the complex botanicals really present themselves, the flavors expand. This is a gin that demands your attention but rewards your patience as it develops while you sip. This is a gin that stands proudly in a simple serve, yet made into a Martini and prepare for a unique experience.
Find more of Tim’s Reviews and Find his video reviews at @follow.tim.warren