
Scapegrace Classic New Zealand Dry Gin
Scapegrace · Scapegrace Distillery
Scapegrace Classic proves that Southern Hemisphere distillers can match — and sometimes surpass — their London counterparts in the dry gin arena. The botanical balance here is tight and purposeful, with nothing competing for attention. It's a gin that works equally well in a Martini or a simple G&T, which is the highest compliment a classic-style gin can receive.
Nose
Crisp juniper pine leads, immediately joined by lemon zest, orange blossom, and a subtle floral lift. Coriander seed and a whisper of nutmeg develop beneath.
Palate
Clean and precise, with juniper and citrus in close harmony. A soft peppery spice emerges mid-palate, balanced by a gentle sweetness reminiscent of angelica root. The texture is smooth without being oily.
Finish
Medium, with lingering juniper, citrus pith, and a dry, peppery close.
- Style
- Dry Gin
- Botanicals
- Juniper, coriander seed, angelica root, orange peel, lemon peel, nutmeg, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, star anise, liquorice root, Szechuan pepper
- Base Spirit
- Neutral grain spirit
- Distillation
- Single-shot distillation in a copper pot still
Cocktail Suggestion
Southern Alps Martini — 2.5 oz Scapegrace Classic Gin · 0.5 oz dry vermouth · 1 dash orange bitters · Stir with ice for 30 seconds, strain into a chilled coupe, garnish with a lemon twist.
Food Pairing
Smoked salmon blini with crème fraîche and dill
Distilled in the Canterbury Plains of New Zealand's South Island, Scapegrace uses locally sourced water from the Southern Alps and a carefully curated selection of twelve botanicals to create a gin rooted in precision and place.
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