Wanaka Gin
As we veered onto the Crown Range Road, the highest road in New Zealand (1121 meters), dad asked why I hadn’t opted for the safer, longer cut. Weaving back and forth along that narrow mountain road past shades of khaki, olive, and burnt umber, soon enough dad understood why I had chosen that breathtaking route.
Midway through the ride he spotted a sign along the side of the road. Distillery ahead. Quite curious especially given that all the major whiskey distilleries had closed in the late 90s. We had to check it out.
Pulling off the road we came upon a fence strewn with bras of every shape, size and color. A strange site indeed until I noticed a small pink box asking for donations for breast cancer awareness. I stuffed a few coins in the overflowing box and we drove down the driveway to the the distillery.
The distillery was near empty, save for a cute, blonde Kiwi gal stationed behind the front desk. Springing up she asked if we’d like to do a tasting and given her chipper attitude we couldn’t help but oblige. She explained that the Cardrona Distillery was relatively new having only opened three year prior. It was the same age as their single malt whiskey which we sampled along with their vodka, gin, orange and elderflower liqueurs.
Everything was quite good, but to my great surprise their gin, The Source, was a clear winner. Especially odd given I don’t fancy gin. In fact I don’t think I’ve bought a bottle of gin in my entire life. These days I mainly sip on mezcal and the occasional whiskey. But there was something truly special about their gin. Floral and smooth, and exquisitely refreshing. I snagged a bottle to bring back home.
Onward we drove to Wanaka. Best known for the instafamous Wanaka Tree. We ambled through the quaint, yet modern lakeside town. There were plenty of meat pies available at the local bakery, but dad and I were all pied out by that point. Happily we found respite at Big Fig where we chowed down on a variety veggie side dishes accompanied by luscious braised beef cheeks.
After a quick requisite photoshoot at the Wanaka Tree we continued out of town to peep the Outlet Track. Our fair maiden from the distillery, a Wanaka local, had recommended it. Driving past a new housing development, it seemed like an odd location until a dirt road delivered us to a picturesque tranquil bay. The place was nearly deserted, save for a few ducks, a fisherman, and a couple of sunbathing backpackers.
No time for a major hike, we strolled waterside for a while soaking it all in. Our time there was brief, but meditative nonetheless.
