A Q&A with Mark Neal, co-founder of Scapegrace Distillery.

Tell us the Scapegrace story.

My brother-in-law Daniel [McLaughlin] and I launched about eight years ago because we’d seen an opportunity in the market. Daniel and I would always catch up at Christmas. After everyone had gone to bed, we’d stay up late enjoying a gin, and we worked out that even though New Zealand produces great horticulture, agriculture, seafood and wine, there was no one here championing craft spirits. We wanted to create a premium luxury spirits brand from New Zealand that we could take to the world.

Our first product was gin because back then, there was only one other New Zealand gin (now it’s nearly 200!) and the category was quite traditional and a bit boring. We wanted to create both an inspirational brand and a world-class spirit. From there, it was a natural progression to start producing vodka, too. Our gin uses superior ingredients and techniques where we were actually voted the best London Dry Gin in 2018, beating 600+ gins from 90 countries – so we knew we had a good clean base spirit. Producing vodka uses similar techniques to producing gin, so we were confident we’d be able to make something outstanding. The other motivation was the fact 99 percent of vodka consumed in New Zealand is imported. We wanted to produce something locally for Kiwis, and also something we could export to the world. 

What’s special about Scapegrace vodka?

Many vodkas bill themselves as being “quadruple distilled” or “triple distilled” – but we just distil our vodka once in our 1953 Copper Pot still. The more you distil your vodka, the more you take away its unique characteristics, so it tastes like nothing. Our process keeps the character and texture of the spirit there and lets the quality wheat grain and purity of the water shine.

Scapegrace has recently launched a vodka RTD range. What was your vision for the new offering?

We wanted to make an RTD with actual handcrafted vodka. Most RTD brands simply dilute mass-produced neutral spirit or whey spirit (which is a by-product of the dairy industry) for their RTDs, then add flavour. We use actual handcrafted vodka in our RTDs, which means people don’t have to compromise on taste or quality.

The vodka which goes in our RTDs is the same vodka you would enjoy at your favourite cocktail bar. You can really taste the difference in our RTDs.

What’s available in the Scapegrace vodka RTD range and which is
your favourite?

We have three unique releases. First, we’ve got an RTD that’s seasonal and evokes harvest: that’s our vodka soda with Red Delicious apple and pear. Then we’ve got something tart – vodka with pomegranate and Doris plum. And finally, we’ve got the staple citrus RTD, which is a spin on vodka lime soda using Hawke’s Bay limes. All three are low in sugar and calories, and balanced perfectly with Scapegrace vodka. I honestly can't pick a favourite, they're all delicious!

Where do you see people drinking Scapegrace vodka RTDs this summer?

One of our goals is to ensure you can enjoy Scapegrace almost anywhere, anytime, at any occasion. With our latest RTD range, they are the perfect option for BBQs, beaches, parks, festivals or basically anywhere on the go where you don’t have time to mix that special Scapegrace cocktail.

Scapegrace premium vodka RTDs are actually produced with real, handcrafted vodka distilled her in New Zealand. You can taste the difference. Pick up a pack now from your local stockist. 

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