The New Zealand Blue Duck (or Whio) is the fitting moniker of a New Zealand sustainable vodka brand gaining worldwide recognition. 

Blue Duck Rare Vodka has received one of the highest accolades at International Spirits Challenge 2022, winning Gold in the vodka category. It’s the first time a New Zealand vodka has received this award since 42 Below in 2008.   

The judges were impressed in a rigorous blind tasting, commenting the vodka has a “hint of creme caramel and butterscotch” with a “light, creamy note throughout”. They described the nose as “clean, slightly zesty and peppery’, with a “herbal palate” and “warm and long-lasting” finish.  

Blue Duck’s award-winning vodka is handcrafted in small batches at a distillery in the hills above Tauranga. It’s completely natural, free from additives, preservatives, sugars, or softeners. Distilled seven times to create the purest vodka possible, Blue Duck has a velvety smooth texture and a distinctive taste.  

Sustainability is integral to Blue Duck Rare Vodka’s ethos. The distillation process uses a 100% pure, natural whey spirit distillate, a sustainable and renewable by-product of the New Zealand dairy industry. The distillery has reduced its water usage and landfill waste, and minimised its carbon footprint by using hydroelectricity. Product packaging is renewable and recyclable, while responsible sourcing of ingredients is crucial to create a product that strives to be both sustainable and ethical.   

The brand is also committed to protecting its namesake, the Whio, with a portion of proceeds supporting its conservation.  

The distillery that produces Blue Duck Rare Vodka benefits from generations of knowledge and expertise dedicated to creating the finest spirits. Originally heralding from Germany, the Deinlein family has poured their passion into this family endeavour.  

Co-owner Irmengard Deinlein says, “We’re delighted to win Gold at the International Spirits Challenge for our vodka. Recognition of the time, dedication, and artistry required to produce a world-class spirit means so much coming from the most highly regarded global spirit competition”. 

She adds, “It’s wonderful to see Blue Duck take flight on an international stage. Blue Duck Rare Vodka depends on the purity of the water used, and the Whio is a beacon from mother nature that indicates a river’s health. If they’re present, the water is considered pristine. We’re pleased the growing success of Blue Duck Rare Vodka can continue to help protect the blue duck and its environment”. 

blueduckvodka.co.nz

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