Scapegrace Vanguard Single Malt 700ml

Scapegrace Vanguard is a New Zealand single malt whisky from Scapegrace Distilling Co, made at the company’s distillery in Tarras, Central Otago. It is distilled from locally grown barley and matured in French oak, and it carries no age statement.

Buy Scapegrace Vanguard Single Malt Online in New Zealand

Vanguard is one of the core single malts from the Scapegrace whisky distillery in the Central Otago high country. The brand says the spirit is made with glacial water from the Southern Alps and New Zealand Laureate malted barley, then aged in French oak barrels rather than the ex-bourbon casks most single malts use. French oak tends to bring more spice and a drier grip than American oak, so expect a malt that leans towards orchard fruit, honey and warming spice rather than heavy vanilla.

It sits alongside Anthem in the Scapegrace whisky line-up, and it is a handy way to taste how a young New Zealand distillery approaches single malt compared with familiar Scotch styles. It suits a whisky drinker who likes fruit and spice, or anyone curious about local malt.

Pour it neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass at room temperature, then try a few drops of water to open it up. A large ice cube works on a warm evening. For food, try it with a cheeseboard, roast pork with apple, or a spiced fruit dessert.