Scapegrace Classic Dry Gin 700mL

Scapegrace Classic Dry Gin delivers a punchy, juniper-forward profile that’s built for cocktails but stands confidently on its own. Distilled at the foot of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, this small-batch gin has earned a 92-point rating from independent reviewers and a 90-point score from Wine Enthusiast, signalling genuine craft credentials at an accessible price point. It’s clean, bright, and expertly balanced—a gin that respects tradition while showcasing New Zealand provenance.

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This gin is crafted using 12 botanicals including juniper, coriander, nutmeg, cardamom, lemon peel, orange peel, and orris root, blended with pure glacial water from the Southern Alps. The botanical bill is extensive but never cluttered, with each element working in harmony rather than competing for attention. At 42.2% ABV, it sits in the sweet spot for both neat sipping and mixing, offering enough strength to hold its character in a cocktail without overwhelming delicate ingredients.

Nose: Clean floral notes lead, followed by bright citrus and a hint of elderflower sweetness. Juniper is present but not dominating, allowing subtle almond and cardamom warmth to emerge.

Palate: The first sip is mild and sweet, settling gently on the tongue with lemon peel and juniper building into a mellow almond roundness. Orange and coriander contribute mid-palate complexity, while the texture remains smooth and vibrant. The juniper is the star, but it allows the supporting botanicals to shine rather than drowning them out.

Finish: Clean and warming, with a soft initial entry that radiates gentle heat towards the close. There’s a lingering citrus brightness and a slight herbal dryness that invites another sip.

Scapegrace Classic Dry Gin excels in a classic gin and tonic, where its botanical complexity shines through premium tonic water and a citrus garnish. It’s equally at home in a Martini, where the juniper backbone and smooth texture hold their own against dry vermouth, or in a Negroni, where the gin’s punchy character balances bitter Campari and sweet vermouth. For those exploring longer serves, try it in a Tom Collins or French 75—the citrus botanicals marry beautifully with fresh lemon juice and sparkling wine.

This is a gin for cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate a versatile, well-structured base spirit, home bartenders building a curated collection, and anyone seeking a New Zealand gin that punches well above its price point. A thoughtful gift for the gin lover who values craft, provenance, and genuine flavour depth over flashy marketing.