http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.ruapehudistillery.com en-us Sat, 30 May 2026 07:13:33 +1200 Rocketspark 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 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/163162/on-air-tales-from-the-top-shelf/ Ruapehu Distillery was recently featured on Tales from the Top Shelf, hosted by Suzie Carrig on Coast Access Radio 104.7FM, sharing the story behind one of New Zealand’s most unique craft spirits; Straight Up Carrot Gin.  It was a good, honest conversation about the journey behind Ruapehu Distillery.  From the early idea, to building the distillery in Ohakune, through to creating Straight Up Carrot Gin.Based in Ohakune, beneath Mt Ruapehu, our distillery is built on local ingred... Mon, 06 Apr 2026 17:07:01 +1200 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post163162 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/162640/ruapehu-distillery-carrot-gin-new-zealand/ 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 ... Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:34 +1300 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post162640 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/162373/from-carrot-paddocks-to-straight-up-carrot-gin/ Anyone who has driven through Ohakune has probably seen the giant carrot standing proudly beside the road at Carrot Park. It’s a quirky landmark, but it represents something very real about the town’s history.Why carrots grow so well in OhakuneFor decades the fertile volcanic soils around Ohakune produced some of the best carrots in New Zealand. Fields across the Waimarino plains supplied markets throughout the North Island, helping earn the town its reputation as the country’s carrot capi... Sun, 22 Mar 2026 14:05:12 +1300 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post162373 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/161926/how-gin-is-made-ohakune/ Most people walk into a distillery thinking it’s just about tasting a few spirits. But behind the scenes there’s far more going on. Distilling is a mix of science, maths, raw ingredients, botanicals, careful measuring, and a fair bit of patience.It’s also full of stories. Every piece of equipment, every ingredient, and every batch has a journey behind it.At Ruapehu Distillery in Ohakune, those stories begin right here beneath Mt Ruapehu. It’s a pretty good place to make gin.Meet Nigella,... Thu, 12 Mar 2026 20:59:21 +1300 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post161926 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/post/161448/ruapehudistillery-com-ruapehu-distillery-ruapehu-bulletin/ Recently we invited a group of local Ohakune businesses in for a behind-the-scenes visit to say thank you and to share a taste of Straight Up Carrot Gin. The visit was covered in the Ruapehu Bulletin, and we’ve shared the article below.... Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:20:10 +1300 http://www.ruapehudistillery.com/blog/#post161448