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Kaimai Distilling has once again placed Waikino on the international stage, with its Eliza’s Claim Dry Gin being awarded Gold and named New Zealand’s Best Classic Gin at the World Gin Awards.
This latest win follows last year’s success, where Kaimai’s Eliza’s Claim Gold Gin took out New Zealand’s Best Contemporary Gin, cementing the small Waikino distillery’s growing reputation for producing world-class spirits from the heart of the Karangahake Gorge.
For owner and distiller Wayne Chowles, the award is particularly satisfying because the Dry Gin represents a very different style of gin.
“Last year’s Gold Gin is bold and contemporary, with a unique botanical profile and gold flakes,” he said.
“The Dry Gin is the opposite approach. It’s clean, classic and precise. There’s nowhere to hide in a classic gin, so to see it recognised internationally is incredibly rewarding.”
Produced in small batches using carefully selected botanicals, the Dry Gin was designed to showcase balance, structure and purity of flavour, qualities highly valued in international judging.
Kaimai Distilling has developed a loyal following through its cellar door experiences, online sales and appearances at food and gin festivals around New Zealand.
Wayne said the awards are not just recognition for the distillery, but for the wider Waikino community.
“We’re a small local business doing things by hand, in a small town, and competing against some of the best distilleries in the world. That’s something the whole region can be proud of.”
There’s a story in every glass.
DETAILS: Eliza’s Claim Dry Gin is distilled at the Waikino Tavern, 8541 State Highway 2, Waikino. Ph: 07 863 8381 or E-mail info@waikinohotel.nz
