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

There is no world in which I care to celebrate the demise of a promising new brand. The amount of energy and work that goes into building a craft distillery and creating products of genuine character and quality is simply enormous, and even when you do everything right, there is always a chance things will not work out. This was better than 90% of the craft gins on the market at $50, and even at half that price, it would easily the finest value in the category. At this simply unbelievable price, it's simply irresponsible of you financially not at least TRY a bottle. Many have already loaded up on cases based on the knowledge and trust K&L brings to the table. It will not last forever, but this is the anti-inflation play of 2026. You could downgrade your quality or buy industrial gin, much of which is still perfectly good to drink I supposed, but if you care about what and how you drink, there is simply nothing else that comes close in terms of handmade craft gin for the money. The wonderful National Distilling Company of New Zealand produced award-winning gins using time-honored traditions. Its incredible facility was built inside the beautiful Art Deco National Tobacco Company building. The dry gin begins with a base of high-quality neutral whey spirit and uses classic botanicals, deftly blended to create a harmonious, supple, and remarkably versatile spirit. It is a juniper-forward gin balanced by zesty Hawke’s Bay lemon peel and New Zealand orris root. Let’s give it a go. The color is perfectly clear (0.0). The nose is a balanced combination of earthy pine and sweet citrus oils, with hints of fresh mint, herbal tea, and burdock grounding the vibrant, high-toned aromatics. The palate is rich, textural, balanced, and drinkable even at room temperature. Juniper sings up front, followed by a bold, spicy pepper note through the mid-palate. The finish allows the citrus to reemerge beautifully. A truly stupendous and rightfully well-awarded gin. There is simply no reason it should be sold at this price, but here we are.