Cardrona

Nestled in the Cardrona Valley near Wanaka in New Zealand's Southern Alps, this boutique distillery produces single malt whisky and other spirits at an altitude of 390 meters. Founded by Desiree Reid and Sarah Elsom, Cardrona uses Scottish-style copper pot stills (made by Forsyths) and ages its whisky in a combination of ex-bourbon, ex-sherry, and New Zealand wine casks. The dramatic alpine climate -- hot dry summers, cold frosty winters -- creates significant temperature cycling that drives interaction between spirit and wood. Their 'Growing Wings' and 'Full Flight' single malts have received strong reviews. The distillery and its striking modern architecture have become a tourism destination in Central Otago. Represents New Zealand's emergence as a serious whisky-producing nation alongside established Kiwi distillery Thomson.