Business North July / August 2021

| 15 “Cardrona’s character is extraordinary”. A Touch of Cardrona Magic c a rdronad i s t i l ler y.com T he stalwart of the Rose Rabbit collection, named in homage to the two most successful colonists of the richly historic Cardrona Valley, Chinese gold miners brought roses with them which enrich our valley to this day, and the valley is overrun with rabbits. Rose Rabbit Orange Liqueur is a small batch, big flavour liqueur, hand made by our team using New Zealand orange peel which is carefully married with rich Cardrona un-aged single malt spirit. Lovingly handcrafted in this family run distillery. A zesty, bold and delicious flavour profile, leaving a lingering sweetness, this beautiful liqueur is versatile, adding an elegant zing to a cocktail, a richness of flavour to a dessert and works wonderfully as a languorous and decadent sipping liqueur. Order online to have a bottle delivered to your door, or pick one up from your local liquor store. New Zealand craftswoman Desiree Whitaker decided in 2011 to pursue her dream of making a New Zealand single malt whisky that would stand tall on the international stage. from the four corners of the earth, to make e very best equipment has been sourced exquisitely hand-crafted Single Malt Whisky, Gin, Single Malt Vodka and Liqueurs. Cardrona does not cut corners. From the barley varietal, the grind of the mill and the size of the mash tun to the temperature of the Cardrona Valley alpine water, every step of the process is integral to forming the character of the spirit and has been meticulously thought out. around the deep single malt traditions, e Distillery has designed its craft process starting from scratch with rich malted barley to create a genuine artisan premium spirit, a rarity in the spirits industry. “Every distillery has a unique and identi able character,” says Desiree, “and Cardrona’s character is extraordinary”. “A Whisky’s character is a result of the distillery, itself ”. Every nuance, every small decision and design moment builds the character that altogether is recognisable as a speci c Whisky. “Whisky is like a ne oil painting, built up layer upon layer upon layer”. With Whisky the character starts with the water, the malt variety, and the grind of the mill. It is then added to with the mash tun design, the yeast, and construction of the washbacks. Finally, the character is cemented with length of ferment, the shape of the copper pot the spirit safe. “A great Whisky requires stills, and nally the speci c cut points at great ingredients, equipment, and, above all, experience.” Desiree attributes Cardrona’s success to Master Distiller, Sarah Elsom, whose small team of distillers is dedicated to crafting an extraordinary dram. the secret behind Cardrona’s excellence”. “ eir attention to detail and quality is Sarah’s team capture the distillery in seasoned oak casks, again sourced from character. en the spirit laid to mature the best producers in the world. Ex-Oloroso sherry butts from the South of Spain, ex-Bourbon barrels from Kentucky, and ex-Pinot noir casks from Central Otago, New Zealand. carefully selected and married together, e spirit is aged into Whisky and then or, on occasion, released as a single cask expression. Desiree. A weighted creamy spirit on the “ e character is magni cent,” says spice, and then a layering of the seasoned oak, bringing nuances of roasted stone fruit, and buttered almonds. palate o ering notes of honey, vanilla and All of Cardrona’s bottlings are released at cask strength, which is a signature of this iconic distillery. Available from all good bottle stores and from www.cardronadistillery.com