At the foot of Mount Ruapehu, Ruapehu Distillery is redefining what New Zealand gin can be. Set in the heart of the Central Plateau, this emerging craft distillery is turning heads with a spirit that’s as distinctive as its location; Straight Up Carrot Gin.

In a region famous for its carrot-growing heritage, Ruapehu Distillery has transformed a local icon into a premium craft gin that delivers both originality and depth of flavour. Straight Up Carrot Gin is juniper-forward, layered with bright citrus notes, balanced by earthy carrot character, and finished with a subtle peppery lift. It’s a modern New Zealand gin that speaks directly to provenance, innovation, and place.

Built from the ground up beneath an active volcano, Ruapehu Distillery draws on pure mountain water, adventurous surroundings, and a hands-on distilling approach to create spirits that stand apart in a crowded market. The result is a product that captures the essence of the region while offering something genuinely new for bartenders, retailers, and gin enthusiasts alike.

Featuring in the latest Drinksbiz magazine you can read more on page 72-73 here: https://www.drinksbiz.co.nz/latest-issue