http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.ruapehudistillery.com en-us Thu, 10 Sep 2026 01:35:03 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/169802/from-volcanic-soil-to-award-winning-gin-the-journey-behind-straight-up-carrot-gin/ A carrot grown in the volcanic soils beneath Mt Ruapehu helped us take home two trophies at the New Zealand Spirits Awards.When you put it like that, it sounds a little unbelievable.But that's exactly where the story of Straight Up Carrot Gin begins. Not in the distillery, not in the bottle, and certainly not on awards night. It begins in the paddocks around Ohakune.... Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:37:33 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post169802 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/168112/things-to-do-ohakune-off-the-mountain/ The snow is here, Tūroa and Whakapapa are well  underway and winter in Ohakune is well and truly magical.For plenty of people, an Ohakune winter weekend means an early start, skis or boards in the car and a day on Mt Ruapehu. But there are plenty of things to do in Ohakune away from the ski slopes too.Maybe you've finished skiing early. Maybe your legs have decided they've done enough. Maybe skiing isn't your thing at all. Or perhaps the famous Ruapehu weather has made the decision for you... Fri, 31 Jul 2026 08:49:18 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post168112 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/167475/blog-why-is-craft-gin-so-expensive/ Ever picked up a bottle of craft gin, looked at the price tag, then glanced at the bottle sitting beside it that's half the price? Fair question. After all, they're both gin... aren't they?  Premium craft gin usually costs more because it is produced in smaller volumes, uses high quality ingredients, involves more manual work and carries substantial alcohol excise tax.The reality is that most people don't see what goes into making a bottle of craft gin made in a craft distillery . They see ... Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:55:28 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post167475 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/166661/t-url-https--www-ruapehudistillery-com-blog-post-post-number-why-does-gin-taste-like-gin-why-does-gin-taste-like-gin/ Take a sip of gin and you'll probably notice it straight away.That unmistakable piney, fresh, slightly citrusy flavour that somehow tastes like a walk through a forest and a cocktail bar at the same time.But have you ever stopped to wonder why gin tastes like gin?The answer lies in a fascinating combination of history, plants, chemistry and distillation. While every gin is different, there is one ingredient that gives gin its identity and sets it apart from every other spirit on the shelf.... Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:47:59 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post166661 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/165949/best-things-to-do-in-ohakune-winter/ Winter is one of the best times to visit Ohakune. Sitting at the foot of Mt Ruapehu and surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, the town offers much more than just skiing and snowboarding.Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer winter holiday, here are a few experiences worth adding to your itinerary.... Sat, 06 Jun 2026 07:37:31 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post165949 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/164605/how-gin-is-made-distillation-process/ When people think about distilling, it’s often imagined as a simple process. Heat a liquid, collect what comes out, and you have gin. In reality, it’s a far more deliberate and carefully controlled journey, where every stage plays a role in shaping the final spirit.At Ruapehu Distillery, that journey happens inside Nigella, our 500L copper pot still, and it begins well before the still is even switched on.... Fri, 15 May 2026 08:05:13 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post164605 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/164159/autumn-weekend-ohakune-adventure-food-gin/ Autumn is when Ohakune slows down but in the best way.The summer crowds have gone, the mountain air sharpens, and the landscape shifts into deep reds, golds, and burnt orange. It’s the kind of season where everything feels a little more relaxed… and a lot more memorable.  The last few weeks have seen clear skies, crisp mornings, and breathtaking views.If you’re looking for a weekend that blends adventure, good food, and something worth sipping slowly, this is it.Saturday Morning: Star... Mon, 04 May 2026 16:27:37 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post164159 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/164005/ruapehu-distillery-ruapehu-bulletin-carl-bates-ohakune/ We were proud to recently feature in the Ruapehu Bulletin following a visit from local MP Carl Bates. Susan welcomed Carl to Ruapehu Distillery a couple of weeks ago, where he toured the distillery, learned more about the story behind the business, and sampled our locally made Straight Up Carrot Gin.During the visit, Carl Bates shared strong support for the venture, recognising the value of locally owned businesses that bring new energy to the Ruapehu region economy. He also highlighted the impo... Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:45:50 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post164005 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/163668/how-to-drink-carrot-gin-4-easy-cocktails-to-try-this-weekend/ If you’ve picked up a bottle of Straight Up Carrot Gin, you’re already doing things a little differently.Made in Ohakune at the base of Mt Ruapehu, this small-batch New Zealand gin brings something unexpected to the glass.  A bright, clean gin, with a subtle earthy sweetness that changes depending on how you drink it.If you’re wondering how to drink carrot gin, here are four simple serves to get you started.... Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:34:39 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post163668 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/163321/ruapehu-distillery-featured-in-ruapehu-bulletin--taste-easter-ohakune--carrot-gin-nz/ Ruapehu Distillery was proud to be featured in the Ruapehu Bulletin over Easter, as part of the vibrant Taste festival in Ohakune.Easter in Ohakune is always a busy one, but Taste brings something extra. It’s where local food, drinks, and people come together.  A weekend that showcases exactly what makes this place tick.  Up at Kings the Beer Fest was in full swing, and the Junction Market was a hive of activity in the morning that featured about 20 stall holders and their local good... Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:06:46 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post163321