Waiheke Whisky Distillery
Waiheke Whisky Distillery

Waiheke Whisky Distillery

Auckland, Waiheke Island & Hauraki Gulf

Website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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Waiheke Whisky 'Honey & Rye'

Waiheke Whisky 'Honey & Rye'

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An indulgently sweet bourbon-style whisky made with a rich mash of corn, rye, and barley, infused with natural Manuka honey sourced right on Waiheke Island, offering spiced warmth with a honeyed balance.

Category Bourbon
ABV % 40%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls, 200mls
Price % $95.00, $35.00
Botanicals Used On the nose, the whisky greets with sweet caramel-bodied Manuka honey and gentle spice. The palate is layered with toasted oak, warm spice, vanilla and rich Manuka honey. The finish is unexpectedly dry, with lingering notes of pepper and phenolic honey character.
Recommended Mixers

Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of Waiheke Distilling Co mineral water to accentuate its honeyed character and nuanced spice profile.
Recommended Garnishers

A strip of orange zest or a drizzle of Manuka honey highlights the whisky’s natural sweetness and spice layers.
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Waiheke Whisky 'Oak & Rye'

Waiheke Whisky 'Oak & Rye'

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A robust American‑style whisky made with 51 % corn, 21 % rye, and 28 % malty barley, matured in Waiheke’s oceanside barrel house to develop toasty oak, creamy caramel, and a distinctive rye spice.

Category Bourbon
ABV % 40%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls, 200mls
Price % $89.00, $30.00
Botanicals Used The whisky opens with aromas of toasted oak, spice and vanilla. The palate offers lush cream corn sweetness and smooth caramel layers, balanced by soft grassy notes. The finish leaves a lingering spicy warmth and subtle rye bite.
Recommended Mixers

Best enjoyed neat or with a splash of Waiheke Distilling Co mineral water to open its richer layers.
Recommended Garnishers

An orange peel or a shard of dark chocolate brings out the whisky’s vanilla and caramel aspects.
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Fire In The Hole - Cinnamon Infused Whiskey

Fire In The Hole - Cinnamon Infused Whiskey

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A playful cinnamon-infused whiskey from Waiheke’s The Heke, combining warm spice and honey sweetness in a fun and festive spirit.

Category Whisky Liqueur
ABV % 35%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls, 200mls
Price % $70.00, $30.00
Botanicals Used Fire In The Hole delivers a bright burst of cinnamon warmth, gently balanced with honey sweetness. The finish is cozy and vibrant - like a spicy hug in a glass.
Recommended Mixers

Enjoy neat, or spice up a cocktail with East Imperial Ginger Beer for extra warmth and fizz.
Recommended Garnishers

A cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh orange peel enhances its warmly spiced and sweet aroma.
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Jardim ‘Garden’ Botanical Gin

Jardim ‘Garden’ Botanical Gin

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Jardim blends memories and dreams of green, golden, sandy summer days on Waiheke Island and is distilled by hand with eleven exotic and traditional botanicals, including produce from The Heke’s own garden.

Category London Dry
ABV % 40%
Bottle Size/s: 700mls, 200mls
Price % $95.00, $35.00
Botanicals Used This gin features a carefully curated blend of eleven botanicals, including juniper, chamomile flowers, citrus peel, cardamom and others sourced from The Heke’s own garden, giving it a fresh yet relaxed botanical elegance.
Recommended Mixers

Serve with East Imperial Tonic Water to let the delicate garden botanicals shine through.
Recommended Garnishers

A twist of lemon or a small sprig of fresh chamomile highlights the gin's floral and citrus layers.
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WODKA Premium Waiheke Vodka

WODKA Premium Waiheke Vodka

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A playful take on “Waiheke Vodka,” this triple‑distilled local grain vodka delights with citrus peel, almond, and black pepper notes for a warm, smooth, and generous finish.

Category Vodka
ABV % 40%
Bottle Size/s: 500mls, 200mls
Price % $25.00, $60.00
Botanicals Used This vodka features a bright citrus peel aroma with underlying almond and black pepper notes. On the palate, it is warm, smooth, and generous, culminating in a satisfying, lingering finish.
Recommended Mixers

Soda, tonic, neat over ice or in your favourite cocktail
Recommended Garnishers

A twist of lemon zest or a sliver of almond to accentuate its subtle nutty and citrus character.
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