Arrowtown Distillery
Arrowtown Distillery

Arrowtown Distillery

(Rifters )

Otago, Arrowtown

About

Rifters Distillery is a boutique producer of handcrafted, small-batch gins and spirits, located in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown. Drawing inspiration from the region’s rich heritage and natural beauty, Rifters crafts award-winning spirits using locally sourced botanicals and pure artesian water.

Nestled in the historic gold mining town of Arrowtown, Rifters Distillery—also known as Arrowtown Distillery—is a celebration of Central Otago’s natural beauty and rich heritage. Located within the charming and historic Dudley’s Cottage, this boutique distillery offers more than just premium spirits—it provides an immersive destination for lovers of handcrafted gin.

Rifters is dedicated to crafting small-batch gins that reflect the essence of the region. Every bottle is meticulously made using locally foraged botanicals such as wild thyme, mānuka, Douglas fir, and the essential crisp juniper. These ingredients are paired with pure artesian water to create gins that are both distinctive and expressive of the Central Otago landscape.

Founded by local craftsmen, Rifters combines traditional copper pot distillation with a modern commitment to sustainability and quality. The team sources ingredients responsibly, ensuring each element supports both flavour integrity and environmental care.

Visitors to the Rifters tasting room are invited on a journey of flavour and discovery. Whether partaking in a casual tasting or a bespoke private session, guests can explore the full range of spirits in a warm and informative setting. The knowledgeable staff are always on hand to share insights into the distillation process and the stories behind each unique spirit.

Rifters Distillery is where passion, innovation, and tradition meet. For gin enthusiasts and curious explorers alike, it offers a taste of Central Otago in every sip.

Details

Region Arrowtown, Otago
Address Historic Dudley’s Cottage, 4 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown, Otago, New Zealand
Has Cellar Door? Yes
Has Distillery Tours? No
Website www.riftersgin.com

Not yet reviewed

A premium New Zealand vodka crafted in Arrowtown, distilled from crisp glacial waters and filtered through natural quartz for exceptional purity and a smooth, clean taste.

Category Vodka
ABV % 40%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls
Price % $79.95
Botanicals Used Clean and crisp with a smooth, soft mouthfeel; subtle mineral undertones reflecting its glacial water source; exceptionally pure finish.
Recommended Mixers

Soda water, Tonic water

Recommended Garnishers N/A

Not yet reviewed

A small-batch floral gin inspired by Wanaka's Lavender Farm, distilled with Pacific Blue Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Fresh Chamomile, Elderflower, and Gorse Flower.

Category Contemporary
ABV % 42%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls
Price % $89.95
Botanicals Used Pacific Blue Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Fresh Chamomile, Elderflower, Gorse Flower.
Recommended Mixers

Premium tonic or soda water

Recommended Garnishers

Lemon twist, Edible flowers

(5.0/5) Based on 1 reviews

A limited-edition gin from Arrowtown, infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime, Szechuan pepper, and butterfly pea flower, offering a bold botanical profile and a striking blue hue.

Category Contemporary
ABV % 40.20%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls
Price % $89.95
Botanicals Used Lemon Grass, Kaffir Lime, Szechuan Pepper & Butterfly Pea Flower.
Recommended Mixers

Alchemy & Tonic Tonic

Alchemy & Tonic Sonic

Alchemy & Tonic Hibiscus Lemonade 

Recommended Garnishers

A sprig of thyme and a wedge of grapefruit

Not yet reviewed

A classic dry gin handcrafted in Arrowtown, New Zealand, featuring a balanced blend of juniper, citrus, and earthy botanicals, delivering a pure and clean finish.

Category London Dry
ABV % 42%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls
Price % $89.95
Botanicals Used Juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, orris root, liquorice, cardamom, orange peel, lemon peel.
Tasting Notes: A bright and balanced profile with warm earthy undertones, citrus highlights, and a clean, dry finish.
Recommended Mixers

Alchemy & Tonic Tonic

Alchemy & Tonic Sonic

Recommended Garnishers

A sprig of thyme & a slice of Lemon

Not yet reviewed

A contemporary gin from Arrowtown, New Zealand, infused with elderberries, mint tips, and locally foraged botanicals, offering eucalypt and citrus high notes with a smooth, herbaceous finish.

Category Contemporary
ABV % 42%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls
Price % $89.95
Botanicals Used Wild Thyme, Manuka, Mint Tips, Douglas Fir and Elderberries.


Recommended Mixers

Alchemy & Tonic Tonic

Alchemy & Tonic Sonic

Recommended Garnishers

A Sprig of Thyme with a wedge Lime

Rifters Royalburn Single Malt Whisky

Not yet reviewed

A limited-release single malt whisky from Arrowtown, New Zealand, crafted from Royalburn barley and aged in ex-bourbon barrels, offering rich, smooth complexity and a deep, warming character.

Category Single Malt
ABV % 46%
Bottle Size/s: 350mls
Price % $124.95
Botanicals Used Rich and smooth with complex layers; notes of vanilla and honey from ex-bourbon barrel ageing; a deep, warming character reflecting Central Otago's rugged spirit.
Recommended Mixers N/A
Recommended Garnishers N/A

(5.0/5) Based on 1 reviews

A Navy Strength gin from Arrowtown, New Zealand, offering bold citrus notes, subtle sweetness, and a refined herbal finish.

Category Navy Strength
ABV % 57.70%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls
Price % $124.95
Botanicals Used liquorice and grapefruit, bayleaf
Recommended Mixers N/A
Recommended Garnishers

Sprig of Thyme & wedge of Grapefruit