Growing faster than the current gin segment at +83% vs YA* is a unique gin from New Zealand’s Scapegrace Distilling Co, Scapegrace Black.
Scapegrace Black uses a unique collection of natural extracts to achieve its deep black colour, which strikingly changes to shades of red and purple when mixed with tonic.
The natural botanicals include aronia berry, as well as saffron, pineapple, butterfly pea and sweet potato. Each of the extracts is distilled at precise temperatures in a defined sequence in order to create the unique colour spectrum of black.
Making for a truly impressive party trick, the unique blend of ingredients mean that Scapegrace Black actually changes colour from black to red when paired with tonic. The exact colour will be determined by the tonic and the PH reaction.
Trophy Winner of the 2018 Best London Dry Gin at the International Spirits Awards in London, the gin has a “full-bodied florality with a menthol-like crispiness, a balanced citrus freshness and a hint of spice with a candied sweet potato and pineapple finish.”
And we will also soon be able to visit Scapegrace Distilling Company, who have announced the development of a $22m distillery in Central Otago, said to become the country’s largest ever distillery. In time, the distillery will produce the full Scapegrace super premium gin and vodka portfolio, as well as a soon to be released single malt whisky, with further product expansion planned too.
Speaking of the 36-hectare property, Managing Director, Daniel McLaughlin, said: “The half way point between equator and south pole runs directly through our distillery site, giving us extremes in hot and cold temperatures – an optimum environment for aging whisky. Naturally, the pristine water quality is also ideal for distilling gin and vodka, pulling from glacial run-off from the Southern Alps.”
Construction has already commenced on the site, with sustainability at its forefront as Scapegrace sets out on a quest to eventually become carbon neutral. The distillery will be fully operational and open to the public with a substantial food and beverage offering by October 2023.
For more information on Scapegrace Distillery, contact your local SouthTrade representative. *IRI Projected AU retail; MAT to 17/07/22