Did you know New Zealand makes whisky too?

When people think of whisky, Scotland, Ireland, Japan or America usually come to mind. But did you know New Zealand makes whisky too? In fact, New Zealand is fast emerging as an exciting whisky destination for drinkers who love to discover something new. Time to dive in.

With pristine water, a cool climate and a strong tradition of craft production, New Zealand has everything it needs to create whiskies with their own identity. The country even boasts a rich history that we highlight here in part through a remarkable collection.

Take the Willowbank Distillery in Dunedin, which opened in 1974. In the 1980s the distillery was sold to Seagram’s, a name many whisky lovers will recognize. Seagram’s later sold the brand to the Foster’s Group, which ultimately let the operation wither.

The stills were shipped to Fiji for rum production, so a relaunch of the distillery was off the cards. And yet, Willowbank whisky is still available today.

In 2010 the last remaining casks from Willowbank were rescued by The New Zealand Whisky Company. The whisky from these casks has since been released under the name The New Zealand Whisky Collection.

This collection bottles the old stocks so enthusiasts can still taste Willowbank’s historic whisky today, preserving an important chapter of New Zealand’s whisky story. But the collection offers more than just history.

In 2020 a new distillery was established within the iconic Speight’s Brewery in Dunedin, where the first new-make spirit ran in February 2021.

For whisky fans eager to venture off the beaten path, New Zealand whisky might not be the most obvious pick, there’s so much to explore around the globe. So what sets it apart?

The climate, geography and local influences create a flavor profile distinct from classic Scotch or Irish whisky. Barrel choices further set it apart from whiskies made elsewhere.

The New Zealand Whisky Collection showcases this beautifully. Within the range you’ll find expressions such as South Island Single Malt, Dunedin DoubleCask, DoubleWood and The Oamaruvian. Together they reveal just how versatile New Zealand whisky can be, from approachable and gentle to bold, complex and characterful.

For example, The Oamaruvian matures in ex-bourbon casks and New Zealand pinot noir barrels, with a finish in an ex-merlot/syrah cask. Expect rich notes of Christmas cake, spice and Madeira.

Curious to try New Zealand whisky, or exploring world whiskies more broadly? The New Zealand Whisky Collection deserves a spot on your list. The bottles are readily available in the Netherlands, for instance at Gall & Gall.

The only question is: which one will you start with?