The conversation around terroir and “sense of place” is one that we regularly have in the wine world. How the land, the climate and the biodiversity influence the taste of the wine. I’m increasingly seeing this conversation happen in the world of premium spirits and it’s a fascinating part of the journey and a good way to let people know what is just so special about your spirit that sets it apart - and why it commands a premium pricepoint.
I have rarely seen this so flawlessly executed than by Southland’s Auld with the release of their three new gin expressions. Immaculately presented with emotive story telling, traceability, heritage and a celebration of all the things that make Southland unique and beautiful.
This from Auld:
AULD DISTILLERY LAUNCHES UNIQUE RANGE OF THREE GIN EXPRESSIONS - CELEBRATING THE DEPTH, DIVERSITY AND SPIRIT OF SOUTHLAND, NEW ZEALAND
[Scotts Gap, Southland, New Zealand] Introducing Auld Gin, a range of three unique gins that celebrate the diversity and spirit of New Zealand’s rugged and picturesque Southland region, with a range of expressions that hero the depths of the Southern Ocean, the vastness of the Southland plains and the heights of the mountains in Fiordland.
Crafted on a family farm and distillery in the remote and pristine Scotts Gap, the small batch prestige Auld Gin range has been shaped seed-to-sip on land that has been tended to since 1883 by three generations. As one of the few sustainable distilleries in the world that grows its own grain to make the spirits, Auld Distillery also sources all the required ingredients from the family farm to provide a truly authentic farm-to-glass experience.
Each hand-crafted Auld Gin boasts a distinct flavour profile that references its botanical origin from the nearby ocean, mountain or plain, promising to take consumers on a sensory journey of flavour to cultivate their curiosity.
The broad palette of the range provides a gin-tasting experience unlike any other on the market. Ocean’s Keep is inspired by the Southern Ocean and is crafted with an oat base and a distillate of Bluff oysters and local botanicals. Expect notes of briny seawater and fresh shellfish notes, followed by a refreshing lingering citrus end.
Endless Fields takes cues from the Southern Plains and has a base of single malt barley. With hints of juniper first to greet taste buds, a bouquet of soft fresh notes of citrus, coriander and floral-seeded grasses follow.
Finally, Summit’s Reach will take consumers to the soaring peaks of the Southern Mountains. With a mighty wheat base, the gin offers a sturdy strength and a crisp alpine-like finish. With welcoming notes of juniper, a fresh burst of mountain botanicals comes next with kanuka, tussock, moss and lichens adding a welcome injection of spice.
“Over three generations we have worked the land in this isolated corner of New Zealand. Remote and beautiful, Southland is fertile country: perfect for crops and for cultivating curiosity. We wanted to discover more, to see what else we could produce right here at the bottom of the world. Our passion for grain and spirits is how we started, but it’s become bigger than that. We want to create a legacy. We are caretakers of the land and we want to ensure a sustainable future, not only for our family and farm, but for the community we live in too.” Rob Auld, Founder & Distiller, Auld Distillery.
Auld Gin is available in limited quantities from www.aulddistillery.co.nz at an RRP of $175 for a 700mL bottle, or $185 for a seasonal release gift box containing one 200mL bottle of each of the three Auld Gin expressions.
Commissioned artwork for the emotive 700mL labels for each of the three expressions is by New Zealand visual artist, Jane Blackmore.
Explore these unique gins neat on ice or enjoyed as a fresh new take on your favourite cocktails.