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Everything you need to know about Cardrona Distillery
Most popular bottles from the distillery
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Cardrona 2018 Otago Pinot Cask New Zealand Whisky 2022£184.99 Inc VAT -
Cardrona The Falcon Single Malt Whisky£169.99 Inc VAT -
Cardrona Growing Wings New Zealand Whisky 35cl£69.98 Inc VAT
A brief History
Cardrona, New Zealand. Founded in 2015.
Cardrona Distillery: Alpine Crafted Single Malt from NewZealand
Nestled in the pristine Cardrona Valley between Queenstown and Wanaka in New Zealand, Cardrona Distillery brings a fresh take on craft single malt whisky. Founded in the mid‑2010s and built with care in the snow‑dusted alpine landscape, the distillery uses pure mountain water, locally grown barley and a deep respect for traditional whisky‑making methods.
If you’re a UK whisky lover looking to explore something beyond Scotland, Cardrona offers a compelling story — rugged high‑country setting, hands‑on production, and modern expressions with flavour. While still young in whisky terms, their commitment to quality and place makes them one to watch.
Flavour Profile:
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 |
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| Oaky / Woody |
Fruity |
Malty / Cereal |
At Cardrona you’ll often find a clean, crisp malt character rooted in grain and high‑country alpine clarity. Expect orchard fruits like apple or pear up front, followed by honeyed sweetness and a foundation of malt biscuit. The oak influence brings wood spice and subtle richness without overwhelming the spirit’s clarity. These whiskies feel fresh, refined and accessible — perfect for those who appreciate malt rather than bold peat or heavy sherry.
Top 4 Flavour Profile Ingredients
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Oak / Wood Spice |
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Apple / Pear |
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Vanilla |
 |
Honey |
Popular Bottles & Releases
Here are some of the noteworthy expressions from Cardrona:
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Cardrona “Growing Wings” Single Cask Release – A small‑batch whisky matured in ex‑bourbon casks, showing elegant flavour.
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Cardrona “Just Hatched” Solera / Single Malt – Celebratory releases from early barrels, interesting for early adopters.
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Cardrona “The Falcon” Single Malt – A more premium or limited release showcasing the distillery’s evolving style.
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The Distillery
The Distiller: Cardrona Distillery
Address: 2125 Cardrona Valley Road, Cardrona Valley, 9382, Otago Region, New Zealand
 Open in maps |
 cardronadistillery.co.uk |
 +64 (0)3 443 1393 |
Visitor Centre & Tours
Yes — Cardrona Distillery provides visitor tours and a visitor centre experience. You can explore the distillation process, taste their spirits, and enjoy food and cocktails in a mountain‑valley setting. Tours are offered daily (usually on the hour between 10am and 3pm) and the site typically opens at 9:30am with visitor centre hours until around 7pm. (Check locally for current hours.)
Ownership & History
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Founded: Spirit production began in 2015 (site founded 2013).
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Founder / Key Person: Desiree Reid (later known as Desiree Whitaker) initiated the project, leaving her farming background to build the distillery.
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Ownership: Family‑owned and operated craft distillery in New Zealand.
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Highlights:
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2013: Site secured in Cardrona Valley and first barrels laid by November.
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2015: The first spirit flowed.
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Ongoing: Emphasis on local ingredients, alpine water, and distinctive New Zealand high‑country maturation conditions.
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Distillery Facts
Overview
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Located in the Southern Alps of New Zealand, between Queenstown and Wanaka.
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Founded in 2015 by entrepreneur Desiree Whitaker.
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Known for producing premium small-batch spirits, including single malt whisky, gin, vodka and liqueurs.
Whisky Production
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Produces single malt whisky using Scottish-style traditional methods.
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Uses locally grown barley and pure alpine water from the Cardrona Valley.
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Fermentation times are long to create deeper, fruit-driven flavour development.
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Distillation is done in Forsyths copper pot stills imported from Scotland.
Style & Flavour
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New and developing distillery, so whiskies are still relatively young.
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Typical notes: honey, apricot, vanilla, malt sweetness, orchard fruit, and gentle oak spice.
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Cask types include bourbon, sherry, pinot noir and other wine-seasoned casks.
Key Releases
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Just Hatched – early-release single malt showing young but complex spirit.
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Just Hatched Bourbon Cask / Sherry Cask variants – exploring different maturation styles.
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Growing Wings – a more mature series showing richer, more rounded flavour.
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Full Flight – older, limited releases showcasing deeper maturity.
Other Spirits
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Rose Rabbit Liqueurs (popular internationally).
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The Source Gin – award-winning alpine gin.
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Cardrona Vodka – clean, soft, grain-based spirit.
Significance
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One of New Zealand’s most prominent new whisky distilleries.
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Rapidly gaining global recognition for high-quality early releases.
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Represents the emerging New World whisky movement.
Cardrona Whisky to Buy
Carefully Packed
& Protected
Every bottle is securely packed to ensure it arrives safely.
Free UK Delivery
Over £99
Secure delivery across the UK. Excludes Highlands & Islands.
Expert Whisky
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