Seize This Opportunity: $11.99 Award-Winning Artisan Gins From Shuttered NZ Craft Distillery

The National Distilling Company (NDC) New Zealand Dry Gin (750ml) (Pre-Arrival, Elsewhere $40) ($11.99)

K&L Notes: The National Distillery Company brings a distinctly New Zealand identity to the classic London Dry model from its home in Ahuriri, the historic maritime district of Napier in Hawke’s Bay. Founded by hospitality veterans Blair Nicholl and Ricardo Reis, NDC approached its core gin as bartenders might, emphasizing intensity, structure, and versatility rather than novelty for its own sake. The New Zealand Dry Gin is built around a clean neutral spirit derived from whey sourced from grass-fed New Zealand dairy production. Juniper remains firmly in command, supported by coriander, Hawke’s Bay lemon peel, angelica, cardamom, cassia, and orris root. The distillery uses substantially more botanicals than most commercial gin producers, creating a concentrated profile of pine, bright citrus, warm spice, and earthy depth. Bottled at 44% ABV, it has enough weight and aromatic force for a serious Martini or Negroni while remaining beautifully composed in a simple gin and tonic. This is a proper, full-flavored dry gin with a clear sense of place and purpose. *WINNER: SFWSC GOLD MEDAL, THE GIN GUIDE FINALIST 2022, SIP AWARDS GOLD.*

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 14, 2026

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 suppose, 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.

The National Distilling Company (NDC) "Navy Strength" New Zealand Dry Gin (750ml) (Pre-Arrival, Elsewhere $60) ($11.99)

K&L Notes: NDC’s Old Navy takes the distillery’s juniper-led style into far more powerful territory without abandoning balance or precision. Bottled at a formidable 58% ABV, this is genuine navy-strength gin designed to retain its aromatic presence through dilution, ice, tonic, vermouth, and strongly flavored cocktail ingredients. The recipe begins with a clean whey-derived neutral spirit and a traditional botanical core, with juniper and lemon peel supported by native New Zealand flaxseed and the earthy structure of New Zealand orris root. The higher proof amplifies the pine, citrus, root, and spice elements while producing the broad, weighty texture that distinguishes serious navy-strength gin from an ordinary recipe bottled a few points stronger. It is a natural choice for a concentrated Martini, a forceful Gimlet, or a Negroni in which the gin must remain the central voice. Despite its considerable strength, Old Navy is composed rather than merely aggressive, combining classical London Dry architecture with ingredients that firmly anchor it in New Zealand.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 15, 2026

Of the three NDC products currently available at ridiculously reduced prices, this might be the best of the bunch. It is undoubtedly the best deal. Like most navy-strength gins, it normally commands a premium over its siblings, and this is not simply a higher-proof version of the standard Dry Gin. I cannot tell you exactly what is different about the production, because the distillery has been rather cagey about the recipe. Needless to say, this is an obvious slam dunk for any bar professional. While I cannot explain exactly why the brand failed to gain traction in the States, I can tell you that at one-third of its original MSRP, this stuff is tasting pretty righteous.

Shall we? The nose is a heady mixture of dense citrus oil, bright flashy juniper and earthy orris root. There is some of the sweet almost fruity character, perhaps from karamu peeking through, or perhaps simply the result of the distillerys tendency to use botanicals generously. Beautiful juniper emerges on the palate, offering dense fresh pine and cracked black pepper. Huge notes of angelica and coriander finish the package nicely. A fabulous gin that loves dilution and simply should not be this cheap, but hey, I am not complaining. This is one of those things that should be stashed for the long haul if at twice the price.

The National Distilling Company (NDC) "Native" New Zealand Botanical Dry Gin (750ml) (Pre-Arrival, Elsewhere $60) ($11.99)

K&L 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.

David Othenin-Girard | K&L Staff Member | Review Date: July 14, 2026

This unusual and delicious expression is truly unique, utilizing native botanicals found only in New Zealand. The result is still unmistakably gin, with juniper firmly present, but it tastes unlike anything else on the market. How many gins can you name that bring peppery kawakawa and sweet karamu together? Unbelievable.

Let’s have at it. The color is perfectly clear (0.0). The nose is pungent and opulent all at once. Juniper takes a back seat, allowing the more unusual aromatics to explode from the glass. The kawakawa, presumably responsible for some of the peppery character, reads more as a subtle earthiness than overt black pepper. Instead, there is rich, dark-toned berry fruit coupled with freshly roasted light Colombian coffee. It is simultaneously floral and earthy, offering notes of honeysuckle, sage flower, chamomile, and angelica root. I honestly have no clue how all of these elements come together, but I absolutely love the nose. The palate remains rooted in juniper, with a perfect pinch of pepper peeking through the mid-palate. It is framed by an upfront sweetness that is distinctive without becoming saccharine. There is obviously no sugar added here, but the natural sweetness of the spirit is undeniable, and that makes it extremely delicious. While the flavor profile is different, it never feels strange or off-putting. If you love experimenting and layering flavors, this is the perfect gin for you, but it will also delight any G&T drinker who does not want to be bludgeoned by juniper. There is simply nothing more to say except that, at this price, this product is unprecedented.