Scapegrace distillery

Introduction to Scapegrace

A distillery with passion for craft

Scapegrace is a New Zealand distillery that embodies the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation. Located in the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand’s South Island, Scapegrace has rapidly established itself as one of the most exciting craft spirits producers in the southern hemisphere.

Drawing pure water from the Southern Alps and combining it with carefully selected botanicals, Scapegrace creates spirits that capture the essence of New Zealand’s pristine environment.

The distillery’s commitment to quality has earned it numerous international awards, putting New Zealand firmly on the global spirits map.

Why we have a soft spot for Scapegrace

At Vault of Spirits, we’re drawn to distilleries that challenge conventions and create distinctive flavor profiles with strong identity. Scapegrace stands out for its uncompromising approach to quality and its willingness to experiment with local botanicals and innovative production methods.

Their spirits reflect both respect for traditional distilling techniques and a forward-thinking approach that results in truly unique products.

The balance they achieve between accessibility and complexity makes their range appealing to both newcomers and experienced spirits enthusiasts alike.

The history behind Scapegrace

Origin and development

Scapegrace was founded in 2014 by Mark Neal and Daniel McLaughlin, two friends with a shared vision of creating New Zealand’s most exceptional craft gin. The name “Scapegrace” – referring to a mischievous or wayward person – reflects their rebellious approach to spirit-making in a market dominated by established international brands.

Beginning with a focus on premium gin, the company quickly gained recognition for its quality and distinctive character. In 2018, their Black Gin made history by becoming the first New Zealand gin to win the prestigious “Best London Dry Gin” category at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

This success catapulted Scapegrace onto the international stage and enabled them to expand their product line and distribution network significantly.

The people behind

The distillery is still led by its passionate founders, Mark Neal and Daniel McLaughlin, who remain deeply involved in all aspects of production and brand development. They are supported by master distiller Anthony Lawry, whose technical expertise and creative approach have been instrumental in developing Scapegrace’s distinctive flavor profiles.

Together, this close-knit team continues to push boundaries while maintaining unwavering standards of quality and authenticity. Their combined knowledge and passion are evident in every bottle that leaves the distillery.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Scapegrace takes pride in sourcing the finest ingredients, including pure water from New Zealand’s Southern Alps. For their gins, they use a selection of carefully chosen botanicals – some traditional and others native to New Zealand – creating a perfect balance between classical gin profiles and local character.

The distillation process takes place in a 19th century John Dore copper pot still, allowing for precise control over the extraction of flavors. Each botanical is treated individually to extract its optimal flavor profile before being masterfully blended together.

For their newer whisky production, Scapegrace uses locally sourced grains and applies the same meticulous attention to detail that has made their gins so successful.

Maturation and storage

While Scapegrace is primarily known for their gin, they have expanded into whisky production with their ambitious project at their new distillery site in Central Otago. Their whisky is matured in a variety of casks, including ex-bourbon, sherry, and New Zealand wine barrels.

The alpine environment provides natural temperature fluctuations that enhance the maturation process, creating complexity and depth in the spirits.

Each batch is carefully monitored throughout the aging process to ensure that it reaches its full potential before bottling.

Selected products from Scapegrace

Scapegrace Classic – An introduction to the house style

This award-winning London Dry Gin showcases Scapegrace’s commitment to excellence. With notes of juniper, citrus, spice, and a subtle pepperiness, it delivers a clean, balanced flavor profile that works beautifully in classic cocktails or simply with tonic.

The smooth mouthfeel and crisp finish make it accessible to gin newcomers while offering enough complexity to satisfy experienced enthusiasts.

At 42.2% ABV, it strikes the perfect balance between boldness and drinkability.

Scapegrace Black – An experience for connoisseurs

A truly innovative creation, Scapegrace Black is the world’s first naturally black gin that changes color when mixed with tonic. Using a unique combination of botanicals including aronia berry, saffron, pineapple, and butterfly pea flower, it creates a magical drinking experience that delights all the senses.

Beyond the visual spectacle, it offers a complex flavor profile with sweet and floral notes complemented by earthy undertones and a smooth finish.

This is a gin for those who appreciate artistry and innovation in their spirits.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Scapegrace has recently opened a state-of-the-art distillery experience in Central Otago, nestled among breathtaking mountain landscapes. Visitors can tour the production facilities and learn about the distillation process from grain to glass.

The tasting experience typically includes 4-5 different expressions from their range, providing insight into the diversity and craftsmanship of Scapegrace spirits.

Advanced booking is recommended, especially during peak season, as tours are popular and spaces fill quickly.

Frequently asked questions

What is Scapegrace?

Scapegrace is a premium craft distillery from New Zealand that produces award-winning gins and is developing an exciting range of whiskies. They are known for their commitment to quality, innovative approach, and celebration of New Zealand’s natural resources. Their spirits combine traditional methods with modern techniques to create distinctive flavor profiles.

Where is Scapegrace located?

Scapegrace is located in Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island. Their new purpose-built distillery sits in the stunning landscape of the Southern Alps, with access to some of the world’s purest water. This location influences both their production methods and the character of their spirits.

What characterizes Scapegrace?

Scapegrace is characterized by its uncompromising commitment to quality, innovative use of botanicals, and distinctly New Zealand approach to spirit-making. Their gins are known for exceptional balance and purity, while their developing whisky program promises to bring the same dedication to this category. Authenticity and craftsmanship are at the heart of everything they create.

Where can I buy spirits from Scapegrace?

You can find selected bottles from Scapegrace at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate our selection to include both their core range and limited special releases, ensuring you have access to the best expressions from this exciting New Zealand distillery. Each bottle represents the pinnacle of Southern Hemisphere craft distilling.