Cardrona Full Flight Malt Whisky
Finally, the news everyone has been eagerly anticipating from Cardrona Distillery, New Zealand’s premier single malt producer, has reached the UK. Philip Day provides an insight into two new whiskies from New Zealand, Cardrona Full Flight Single Cask Release Sherry and Cardrona Full Flight Single Cask Release Bourbon.
The unveiling of two new ‘Full Flight’ expression single-cask whiskies to mark seven years of Cardrona new make spirit in resting in oak. Both expressions have been carefully hand-selected by Distillery Founder Desiree Reid from very special ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry casks.
Created to showcase the progress of Cardrona’s single malt, the new additions will join Cardrona’s expanding portfolio of award-winning single cask whiskies.
Founder Desiree Reid said:
“We’re thrilled to announce the arrival of ‘Full Flight’, taking us another step closer towards the release of our signature ten-year-old, and symbolising the last stage of our progress report journey.”
The results are two extraordinary drams from a New World Master. Here’s a closer look.
Cardrona Full Flight Single Cask Release Sherry
The rich Cardrona Full Flight Single Cask Release Sherry bottling was matured for seven years in a González Byass Oloroso sherry butt then transferred to a Pedro Ximénez butt for a decadent finish.
Bottled at 67.2% ABV, with flavours of spice-laden hot cross buns, combined with sun-scorched nectarine and a drizzle of Cardrona’s signature borage flower honey. It will retail in the UK at £125 for 350ml.
Cardrona Full Flight Single Cask Release Bourbon
The exquisite Cardrona Full Flight Single Cask Release Bourbon was matured in an ex-Breckenridge Bourbon cask for seven years.
With a 66.9% ABV, it has flavours of honeyed Central Otago apricots, seasoned with apple wood and vanilla, finished with a dollop of rich creamy custard. It will also retail in the UK at £125 for 350ml.
Just Hatched Cardona Single Malt Whisky
When their 3 year old ‘Just Hatched’ Cardrona Single Malt Whisky was released in 2018, the first cask sold out in three days. It went on to be awarded category winner of ‘Single Malt 12 years and under’ at the World Whiskies Award in February 2020 and was scored as one of the best 50 drams ever reviewed by Whisky Magazine.
Growing Wings
This success was followed by that of their five-year-old counterpart ‘Growing Wings’ and the four-year-old Special Release: 2022 Otago Pinot Cask.
For whisky lovers and collectors, Cardrona’s progress report series maps the spirit’s journey towards its future signature 10-year-old.
Cardrona’s whiskies start life as a single malt base spirit, made from barley, yeast and Cardrona Alpine water. The whisky is then distilled in the distillery’s two copper pot stills, from Forsyths of Rothes, Scotland.
Cardrona’s icon is named in honour of its guard, the New Zealand falcon – kārearea. It is often to be found perched at the end of the barrel house, and the bird famously stood on the neck of the wash still as it was craned into the distillery.
Cardrona is a unique brand, distilling hand-crafted luxury spirits in New Zealand’s stunning Southern Alps to share with the world. The Cardrona story is infused with the magic of the Cardrona Valley and the incredible vision and determination of founder, Desiree Reid, who sold her family farm to pursue her dream of building a modern, family-run distillery in her native New Zealand.
She chose the Cardrona Valley for its unspoilt tranquillity, crisp clean air and the availability of superb quality local ingredients, perfect for foraging across the seasons. Most importantly, it gave her access to the crystal-clear, mineral-rich Alpine waters of New Zealand’s highest mountain pass for production.
The philosophy of the company is to make things properly. Desiree has previously stated:
“Our sole focus is to make great whisky, with the very best ingredients and craftsmanship. In 50 years Cardrona will remain an artisan distillery dedicated to crafting one of the most sought-after malts in the world, from one of the world’s most pristine environments.”
“A great whisky is like a fine piece of art – it is built in layers, each one adding more colour and texture than the one before. But a masterpiece isn’t something you can make with a click of the fingers. It takes time, patience, and years of waiting.”
The Cardrona 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.
Their 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 that makes this one of the world’s most southerly distilleries.
For further information please visit the company’s UK website.
Availability:
Cardrona Full Flight Malt Whisky is available from specialist whisky shops and online merchants, including the company’s online shop (See website for details).
CONTACT DETAILS
Internet UK: https://www.cardronadistillery.co.uk
Internet NZ: https://www.cardronadistillery.co.nz
Facebook: @cardonadistillery
Instagram: @cardronadistillery
LinkedIn: @cardonadistillery