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

Staff Reviews

JP

Jonathan Parnell

Jonathan Parnell

Review Date: 10/2026

Earth, roots, Sichuan pepper and fresh tarragon/dragoncello on the nose. Creamy palate reveals the warm spice botanicals. Amazing value!!

Notes

NDC’s Native Gin takes the distillery’s classical, juniper-driven foundation and gives it an unmistakably New Zealand accent. Produced in Ahuriri, Hawke’s Bay, it begins with a clean whey-derived neutral spirit and a traditional framework of juniper, citrus, roots, and warm spice. The defining botanicals are kawakawa and karamu, two native New Zealand plants chosen for their complementary personalities. Kawakawa contributes a fragrant, peppery lift, while karamu adds a softer, gently sweet herbal character. The result is not an aggressively exotic gin, but a thoughtful contemporary expression that remains recognizably dry and structured. At 44% ABV, it carries its aromatics with impressive clarity and enough body to stand up to tonic, citrus, or stirred cocktails. The combination of firm juniper, native botanicals, and careful copper distillation gives it a regional identity without sacrificing balance or versatility. This is precisely what locally inspired gin should be: expressive, distinctive, and still eminently useful behind the bar. Winner SFWSC GOLD MEDAL, GIN GUIDE BEST GIN 2022, LONDON SPIRITS COMPETITION GOLD MEDAL.