The National Distilling Company (NDC) New Zealand Dry Gin (750ml)

Staff Reviews

CD

Carlo Delgado

Carlo Delgado

Review Date: 10/2026

Local ingredients in this gin are called Kawakawa and Horopito. Two words that are so fun to say, but this gin is even more fun to drink. Bright citrus, fresh sliced cucumbers, black peppercorns, a touch of bay leaf and a hint of coriander. Super refreshing, with a nice, long spicy finish. The best quality to price ratio bottle in the store right now.

JP

Jonathan Parnell

Jonathan Parnell

Review Date: 10/2026

Bright, fresh citrus nose. Beautifully balanced palate with a pleasant finish. Superb for the price!!

Notes

The National Distillery Company brings a distinctly New Zealand identity to the classic London Dry model from its home in Ahuriri, the historic maritime district of Napier in Hawke’s Bay. Founded by hospitality veterans Blair Nicholl and Ricardo Reis, NDC approached its core gin as bartenders might, emphasizing intensity, structure, and versatility rather than novelty for its own sake. The New Zealand Dry Gin is built around a clean neutral spirit derived from whey sourced from grass-fed New Zealand dairy production. Juniper remains firmly in command, supported by coriander, Hawke’s Bay lemon peel, angelica, cardamom, cassia, and orris root. The distillery uses substantially more botanicals than most commercial gin producers, creating a concentrated profile of pine, bright citrus, warm spice, and earthy depth. Bottled at 44% ABV, it has enough weight and aromatic force for a serious Martini or Negroni while remaining beautifully composed in a simple gin and tonic. This is a proper, full-flavored dry gin with a clear sense of place and purpose. WINNER SFWSC GOLD MEDAL, THE GIN GUIDE FINALIST 2022, SIP AWARDS GOLD.