Cardrona Distillery
Building an Icon
In early 2011, craftswoman, Desiree Reid-Whitaker, decided to pursue her dream of making a New Zealand single malt whisky that would stand tall on the international stage.
In May 2013, Desiree sold her farming business to move to Wanaka, ultimately finding the distillery site, which is nestled in the beautiful Cardrona Valley, in the Southern Alps of New Zealand. On 23 October 2015, the spirit flowed for the first time and on 5 November, the first cask was laid.
The very best equipment has been sourced from the four corners of the earth, to make great handcrafted Single Malt Whisky, Gin, Vodka and limited edition Liqueurs.
Cardrona does not cut corners. From the barley varietal, the grind of the mill and the size of the mash tun to the temperature of the pure Cardrona Valley alpine water, every step of the process is integral to forming the character of the spirit and has been meticulously thought out.
The Distillery has designed its grain to glass craft process around the deep single malt traditions, starting from scratch with malted barley to create a genuine artisan premium spirit, a rarity in the spirits industry.
Our Distillery
“Every distillery has a unique and identifiable character,” says Desiree, “and Cardrona’s character is extraordinary. A Whisky’s character is a result of the distillery, itself. Every nuance, every small decision and design moment builds the character that altogether is recognisable as a specific Whisky. Whisky is like a fine oil painting, built up layer upon layer upon layer”.
Desiree attributes Cardrona’s success to Master Distiller, Sarah Elsom, whose small team of distillers is dedicated to crafting an extraordinary dram. “Their attention to detail and quality is the secret behind Cardrona’s excellence”.
Sarah’s team capture the distillery character. Then the spirit laid to mature in seasoned oak casks, again sourced from the best producers in the world. Ex-Oloroso sherry butts from Jerez in the south of Spain, Ex-Bourbon barrels from Kentucky, in the US, Ex-Pinot noir barriques from Central Otago, NZ.
“Our sole focus is to make great Whisky, with the very best in ingredients and craftsmanship. In 50 years Cardrona will remain an artisan distillery dedicated to crafting one of the most sought-after malts in the world, from some of the world’s most pristine environments.” Desiree Reid-Whitaker.
The character is magnificent, a weighted creamy spirit on the palate offering notes of honey, vanilla and spice, and then a layering of the seasoned oak, bringing nuances of roasted stone fruit, and buttered almonds. All of Cardrona’s bottlings are released at cask strength, which is a signature of this iconic distillery.
Cardrona looks idyllic in its surroundings, perched on the foot of South Island’s most impressive alpine roads. One of the world’s most legendary drives has an added purpose – to secure a rare gem of the Whisky world.
www.cardronadistillery.co.uk