The Best Whisky in New Zealand You Can’t Buy... Yet

Waiheke Whisky continues to rack up the awards ahead of the release of its first full-size bottles. 

It’s one thing to fly under the radar, but to do it while being touted as one of the best drops in the country? That’s unheard of. For over a decade, Waiheke Whisky have been making their single malt whisky, using just three ingredients. But until last month, you couldn’t even buy it. And even now it’s only available as a tasting set in 50ml bottles.  

Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped Waiheke Whisky from accumulating a treasure trove of awards. Since 2018, when they won a silver medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition, Waiheke Whisky have been picking up awards like loose change found underneath the couch, most recently receiving three golds and the trophy for best overall in the ‘Whisky - World’ category at the New Zealand Spirits Awards. That brings their total to ten awards so far in 2022, and 18 altogether. Not bad for a product that you can’t even buy at the bottle shop.   

The trophy winner is their Bog Monster, a heavily peated single malt whisky. Distilled in 2015, the whisky is non-chill filtered, contains no added colour and is bottled at 46%. The judges commented that “Smoke reveals itself amid toffee-like sweetness rather than stealing centre stage. Flavours evolved across tasting, creating interest and absolute delight.” 

Winning such praise was of course a huge achievement for owners Roanne and Mark Izzard but, initially, they were thrilled simply to be permitted entry into the awards “We were really lucky to even be allowed to enter the awards since we’re not available in bottle shops, or anywhere except the tasting room, yet, and we were excited enough at that. Winning the overall trophy is beyond our wildest dreams,” says Roanne.  

“Obviously whisky doesn’t age overnight,” says Roanne. “So, you have this product you’ve poured your heart and soul into for over a decade and you just have to be patient and wait for the good things to come. This kind of recognition in our journey is such a boost after a tough couple of years.” 

It’s quite the confidence booster ahead of the release of their first full-size bottles on July 1st. And with their new multi-million-dollar distillery and brewery set to open on Waiheke Island this summer, the buzz around their award-winning whisky is certain to grow. The site for their new distillery, which they share with Waiheke Brewing Co-owners Mark and Vivian Hindmarsh, will open at The Heke restaurant and bar. Dubbed ‘The Mashery,’ the 300m2 site will offer a tasting room and bar called the Boilermaker, as well as a function room and tours. Whisky enthusiasts can learn all about the brewing and distillery process, and sample the award-winning Waiheke whisky and Heke Lager in addition to a growing number of craft beers and spirits created on site.  

To learn more about Waiheke Whisky including the launch of their new distillery, visit waihekewhisky.com

Facebook: @waihekewhisky

Instagram: @waihekewhisky