Cardrona Spirits – the Source Gin
Continuing his examination of Cardrona Spirits, Philip Day looks at the Source Gin. In his article, he looks at the manufacturing process and provides his personal tasting notes.
Introduction
The Cardrona Distillery range of exquisite hand-crafted spirits is now available in the UK, hailing from one of the world’s most remarkable distilleries: Cardrona Distillery in New Zealand.
Cardrona’s luxurious single malt whisky, gin, vodka and liqueurs all perfectly capture the purity and beauty of their home in the Cardrona Valley, set within the spectacular snow-capped Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island – a location which makes this one of the world’s most southerly distilleries.
Each Cardrona spirit is born of integrity, meticulous attention to detail and Desiree’s respect for the great traditions of single malt spirit making, combined with the ingenuity and innovation you would expect from a modern, New World producer.
With the opportunity to start the distilling process from scratch, she has settled for nothing but the very best in every aspect of production. The barley varietal was carefully chosen, as was the mill used to grind it. The five copper stills were imported from specialist suppliers around the world. A particular pick of seasoned oak casks were selected for maturation: ex-Pinot noir from New Zealand, ex-Oloroso from Jerez and ex-Bourbon from Kentucky. Each spirit is lovingly hand-bottled and labelled, designed and packaged with originality and luxury in mind.
Paramount has been building Cardrona’s highly skilled, passionate distilling team, led by Head Distiller Sarah Elsom and presently made up of three talented female distillers. Cardrona is also built on a foundation of sustainability, and a commitment to preserve and better the environment for future generations. The distillery building’s world class design includes the use of earth-wool insulation, a circular heating system and efficient use of the co-products of production as animal feed for neighbouring farms.
Over 95% of water used at Cardrona is ‘borrowed’ from the distillery’s aquifer and returned to nature in pristine condition, and as the spirits are sent out into the world to be enjoyed, they are ocean shipped to reduce Cardrona’s carbon footprint.
Cardrona Distillery has been created as an ambitious family business with a commitment to developing its people, processes and brands for the long term. The award-winning products it has released so far confirm that this is a very special range of hand-crafted spirits with huge potential, thoughtfully made and emanating unique Cardona quality, character and charm.
The Source Gin
Multi award winning ‘The Source’ Gin is forged by the four seasons that blow through the Cardrona Valley, Southern Alps, New Zealand.
A natural mix of locally foraged rosehip, together with traditional juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, lemon and orange zest. All botanicals are vapour-distilled into our Single Malt Spirit.
Personal tasting notes (Official sample kindly provided by Cardrona Distillery, New Zealand through Burt Greener Communications)
NOSE: Intense fresh pine notes emanating from the juniper, seductive floral sweetness and citrus.
PALATE: A dry but smooth mouth feel. Powerful juniper, provides a menthol freshness, with distinctive fragrant and oily citrus zest supported by rose hip sweet floral notes. There’s also a hint of vanilla together with a biscuity note followed by a white pepper warmth that provides a spicier element.
FINISH: A lengthy smooth zesty and citrus peel-fresh drying citrus finish.
A sipping gin, to be savoured on ice or perfect for mixing long drinks or gin-based cocktails. Either way, this gin won’t disappoint.
It is worth noting that the spirit clouds with dilution or when cold, this happens because it is a non-chill filtered spirit, which allows Cardrona Distillery to deliver the full flavour and character – a mark of distinction for this very special drop.
ABV: 47% Non-chill filtered, 700ml.
AVAILABILITY: From specialist whisky shops and on-line merchants.
RRP: £56
(See website for further information.)
Contact details:
Internet: https://www.cardronadistillery.co.uk
https://www.cardronadistillery.co.nz
Facebook: @cardonadistillery
Instagram: @cardronadistillery
LinkedIn: @cardonadistillery
References:
- https://www.cardronadistillery.co.uk
- On-line video tasting 09/03/2022
- Biographical information and press release materials kindly provided through Burt Greener Communications
Images:
Kindly provided by the company through Burt Greener Communications
(Official sample kindly provided through Burt Greener Communications)