PAIRING PERFECTION

Cardrona Distillery makes great spirits. Now it welcomes you to enjoy its great food onsite, too.

Founded in 2015, the family-owned Cardrona Distillery is nestled in the beautiful Cardrona Valley, in the Southern Alps of the South Island. All Cardrona single malt spirits are made from grain to glass onsite and start with just three ingredients: pure Cardrona alpine water, malted barley, and distillers’ yeast. As well as running distillery tours, Cardrona Distillery has now launched an exciting new food offering, crafted by chef Kim Kuruvilla. Kuruvilla’s experience across a breadth of cuisines – with a focus on contemporary, native and seasonal produce, influenced by French, Indian and Asian flavours – results in a reative offering of small plates, perfect for sharing or indulging alone. The menu changes daily and dishes are perfectly matched with delicious cocktails by Kenny Vaugh. MiNDFOOD’S Master Sommelier Cameron Douglas recommends The Cardrona Single Malt Whisky ‘Growing Wings’ Solera. He says: “Nosing cask strength whisky requires a little practice, but if your approach is calm and measured, then after experiencing a few drams you’ll be pleased you began the journey. After tasting the spirit neat first, try it once more diluted a little with mineral water. Recently released by Cardrona distillery under the careful eye (and nose) of head distiller Sarah Elsom, this spirit is elegant, sophisticated and fills the palate with aromas of apple and spice, a gently sweet-malt-note and salty air scents. After the initial cask strength power subsides, the flavours of apple and pear, cereal and stone fruit emerge. Diluted, the spirit releases flavours of flowers and spice, a fine sweetness and very long finish.” RRP $153. cardronadistillery.com