Six Local Kiwi Gins You Need On Your Shelf Right Now
Rakiura | Third Island Gin
Third Island Gin hails from Stewart Island, New Zealand’s southernmost distillery. This small-batch London Dry spirit arrives in a beautiful and unique bottle. Each unique batch showcases exceptional craftsmanship.
The nose presents bright juniper and citrus alongside remarkable New Zealand natives. Aromas of Rimu and Manuka create an enticing profile. Upon tasting, the gin impresses the palate from front to back. It maintains a classic dry style while adding depth through ingredients such as Horopito and other local botanicals.
A mixer expands the flavour, making the profile bigger and more accessible without masking the quality. While this gin suits mixing, the superior balance makes it perfect to enjoy solo, on ice, or just with soda. Lemon or lime pairings complement the vibrant notes. This gin delivers a fine, impressive experience – a delicious, high-quality spirit that stands out in the New Zealand gin scene.
Little Biddy | Classic Gin
Reefton Distilling presents Classic Little Biddy in gorgeous updated bottle designs. This New Zealand gin offers a fine pour with distinct texture. The nose provides a fresh botanical scent. Balance defines the aromatic profile. The spirit follows a classic London Dry style. Juniper leads the palate and other botanicals provide support. Production involves fresh rainwater and hand-foraged native plants for a New Zealand lilt. The taste includes citrus notes and a warm finish. This gin provides an exceptional foundation for cocktails. A soda mix reveals a clean and distinct character. The mid-palate experience offers brightness with a smooth finish concluding the drink. This versatile gin suits a Martini or a Negroni. Little Biddy maintains a high standard with this release – no wonder they are a respected name for quality gin.
Clarity | Classic Dry
Clarity Gin distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to quality, with founders Stephanie Downer and George White handling every aspect of production, from hand-designed labels to individually distilling each botanical. Avoiding additives or artificial flavourings, their commitment to quality embraces sustainable practices by using a whey-based spirit that is a by-product of cheese production. This meticulous approach makes them a highlight in New Zealand’s vibrant gin scene.
Their Classic Dry gin offers a clear pour and a balanced botanical nose. Juniper is present, not overpowering, with hints of cassia. The palate delivers a powerful botanical profile that evolves with each sip. Its botanicals, including licorice, angelica, and peppercorn, create a complex spirit. The individual flavours are distinct yet form a cohesive blend. This spirit is bright, delicious, and holds its own with any mixer. It is a delicious, complex, well-crafted drink for any true gin-lover and it can easily become your every day pour.
Simply Pure | Black Robin Rare Gin
Black Robin Rare Gin represents a classic of the New Zealand gin scene. This boutique spirit has remained a favourite for over a decade. Arriving in beautiful packaging, honouring the black robin, a species saved from extinction within the lifetime of most people drinking this.
The nose offers light juniper notes without excess. The blend includes botanicals, Angelica and Orris root provide an earthy foundation. The flavour intensifies upon tasting. It delivers a potent, organic alcohol note that commands attention. Mixers release further botanical complexity, making the spirit feel stronger rather than diluted. The profile balances vibrant citrus and spice against deep earthy elements. This refined gin has a punch though, offering a point of view that stands up to any tonic or cocktail. The balanced blend provides a delicious drinking experience making it a top recommendation for those seeking a vibrant, local gin with presence.
Besos | Margarita
Can a pre-made margarita truly rival one crafted fresh before your eyes? Besos – Spanish for kisses – is the brainchild of chef-bartender Luis Cabrera who confidently says yes. Their bottled margarita has reportedly bested freshly made versions in blind taste tests. A bold claim we had to investigate.
The preparation is simple: a vigorous 15-second shake with ice is all it takes. The result is genuinely superb and indistinguishable from the bar-made classic. It delivers everything you desire in a margarita: a tangy citrus bite from real lemons, balanced sweetness, and the authentic punch of a quality agave spirit. I love a margarita and I found this exceptionally drinkable and moreish. It’s a perfect solution for ease, consistency and speed without sacrificing quality. It’s going to star at my next Mexican dinner party!
Besos | Habanero Margarita
How do you elevate an already superb batched margarita? Besos answers with a fiery twist : their Habanero Chili version. Just a 15 second vigorous shake with ice and this variant introduces a new layer of complexity. For the full experience, we used their accompanying chili-paprika salt rim, which adds a delicious sweet and spicy edge.
The drink itself is delicious, matching the quality of the original with a pleasant, well-balanced warmth from the habanero. The heat is present but not overpowering, making it accessible for most palates. This spicy kiss is a uniquely delicious and memorable cocktail that makes it easy enough to be a regular.
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