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Waiheke Whisky Distillery

Auckland, Waiheke Island & Hauraki Gulf

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About

Waiheke Whisky is a craft single malt distillery on Waiheke Island, focusing on premium, locally‑sourced barley and peat, matured in coastal conditions at The Heke property.

Established in 2010 by Mark Izzard and beekeeper Richard Evatt, Waiheke Whisky began as a passion project and has since developed into an award‑winning single malt producer. With just three core ingredients - New Zealand‑grown barley, local peat and volcanic spring water. The distillery crafts spirits that reflect Waiheke’s maritime climate and terroir.

Located on an 8‑acre coastal site known as The Heke, the distillery features copper geodesic stills, a Barrel Room, and the Boilermaker tasting bar alongside the Onetangi Brewing Co. Guests can enjoy cultural and educational tours, tastings, wood‑fired food, and boutique beers, all in a family‑friendly setting with a play area and panoramic garden.

Throughout Waiheke’s warm, dry summers and mild maritime winters, the whisky matures at a pace influenced by unique island conditions. One of many factors that gives Waiheke Whisky its distinctive character!

Details

Region	Waiheke Island & Hauraki Gulf, Auckland
Address	64 Onetangi Road, Onetangi Valley, Waiheke Island 1971, New Zealand
Has Cellar Door?	Yes
Has Distillery Tours?	Yes
Website	waihekewhisky.com/

Dyad – Chardonnay

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Dyad is Waiheke Whisky’s inaugural wine barrel-finished expression, aged predominantly in ex-bourbon then finished in French oak Chardonnay barrels for a creamy, citrusy complexity.

Category	Single Malt Whisky
ABV %	41%
Bottle Size/s:	700mls
Price %	$219.00
Botanicals Used	The nose offers melting butter, sherbet lemons and honey, while the palate reveals umami-rich sweet miso, lemon and butter with an oily mouthfeel. The finish is long, showcasing toasted hazelnuts, bready malt and a salty Waiheke edge.
Recommended Mixers	N/A
Recommended Garnishers	Toasted hazelnuts or a lemon twist to enhance its nutty and citrus layers.

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Dyad II – Peat & Port

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Dyad II – Peat & Port is a 5‑year‑old peated single malt from Waiheke, double distilled and finished in house‑made Petit Verdot port barrels for a rich wine‑influenced depth.

Category	Single Malt Whisky
ABV %	46%
Bottle Size/s:	700 ml
Price %	$219.00
Botanicals Used	The aroma delivers dark berry fruits, dried dates, orange peel, vanilla and peat smoke. The palate is rich and mouth-filling with red fruits, deep caramel and gentle smoke, culminating in a sweet, subtle oak finish.
Recommended Mixers	N/A
Recommended Garnishers	A twist of orange peel to accentuate the port-barrel layers and fresh blackberry for deeper fruit synergy.

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Fairlight – International Blend

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Fairlight is Waiheke Whisky’s world‑first blend, combining the distillery’s peated single malt with selected premium unpeated whiskies from global distillers.

Category	Blended Whisky
ABV %	40%
Bottle Size/s:	700mls
Price %	$119.00
Botanicals Used	Aromas of heather honey, vanilla and light peat lead into a richly layered palate of malted grain, apple, pear, warming spice and chocolate, finishing with smoky oak and lingering dried fruit.
Recommended Mixers	N/A
Recommended Garnishers	Dark chocolate shards or a slice of poached pear.

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Moss Batch 2

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Moss Batch 2 is a full‑bodied peated New Zealand single malt aged in American oak casks, offering a gateway into the character of Aotearoa peat.

Category	Single Malt Whisky
ABV %	44%
Bottle Size/s:	700mls
Price %	$179.00
Botanicals Used	The nose presents floral jasmine, honey, liquorice and vanilla bean with a hint of medicinal sweetness. On the palate, toffee, mossy earth, allspice and stewed fruit meld together, leading into a long finish of spice, sweet fruit and gentle smoke.
Recommended Mixers	N/A
Recommended Garnishers	N/A

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Seris 2

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Seris 2 is a lightly peated New Zealand single malt finished in Australian PX sherry casks, offering rich, glazed orange and savoury spice notes.

Category	Single Malt Whisky
ABV %	42%
Bottle Size/s:	700mls
Price %	$199.00
Botanicals Used	On the nose, Seris 2 greets with floral STR oak influence, glazed orange peel, citrus, spiced apple and sandalwood. The palate is opulent and enveloping, rich butterscotch, raisins, fruitcake and cereal grains blend with a subtle peat smoke. A savoury spice finish adds depth and balance.
Recommended Mixers	N/A
Recommended Garnishers	Twist of orange or a sliver of dark chocolate to complement the PX sherry notes.

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The Sweetwater

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A refined and easy‑drinking non‑peated single malt, The Sweetwater offers a gentle introduction to Waiheke's unadulterated whisky style.

Category	Single Malt Whisky
ABV %	41%
Bottle Size/s:	700mls
Price %	$179.00
Botanicals Used	The Sweetwater opens with a sweet honey, orange and vanilla nose before transitioning to a palate rich with candied orange, apricot and honeycomb. The finish is dry and peppery, accented by lemon and pip notes, with subtle tannins carried through from French oak ageing
Recommended Mixers	N/A
Recommended Garnishers	A fresh citrus twist (orange or lemon) to complement the whisky's bright fruit notes.

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