New Zealand Whisky partners with Lion NZ to boost capacity

The New Zealand Whisky Co has entered into a lease agreement with the alcohol beverage company Lion NZ to establish a manufacturing unit within Dunedin’s Speight’s Brewery.

Currently, works underway at the historic brewery’s millhouse to accommodate the whisky company’s new distillery.

The New Zealand Whisky Co founder Greg Ramsay said: “Both the whisky category, and new world whisky, in particular, are experiencing fabulous demand.

“We believe that by working with Speight’s to unlock the enormous potential around the Speight’s Brewery property, we can go a long way to creating more world-class whisky, and deliver a distillery destination of international acclaim.

“While we also have grand plans for our new Oamaru Bondstore and Bar, which will remain a key cellar-door and maturation warehouse, it’s great to be moving the physical distilling into such a diverse large-scale property.”

Works at Speight’s brewery should see completion in May, with Speight’s team aiming to begin production of the first distillation in June.

The New Zealand Whisky Co has been boosting its presence in the global market with its offerings that include Dunedin DoubleWood, South Island Single Malt, and The Oamaruvian.

Ramsay explained that they are looking forward to working with Lion to help take their production to the next level.

As part of the lease agreement, the New Zealand Whisky Co. will also source several key production inputs direct from Speight’s.

Speight’s brewery manager Arron Goodwin said: “Now in its 10th year, the resurrection and ongoing expansion of New Zealand’s whisky industry is a real Kiwi success story that we don’t expect will be slowing down anytime soon.

“We’re incredibly proud to be hosting and supplying the New Zealand Whisky Co for this next stage of their journey.”