Canterbury gin lovers have another reason to sip and celebrate – there’s a new boutique distillery on the scene.

Akaroa Craft Distillery’s first gin varietal is a stunning dry style that tells tales of its home – Akaroa Harbour – through local botanicals and a subtle seaside saltiness.

The distillery is proudly local. It's named its first release, Hector’s Long Harbour Ocean Wash Gin, after Akaroa Harbour’s famous Hector’s dolphins, and the ingredients are all lovingly foraged from around Banks Peninsula. A portion of sales from each bottle of Hector’s Gin goes to the New Zealand Whale and Dolphin Trust, to support the preservation and protection of these lovable ocean locals.

The Akaroa Craft Distillery Tasting House recently opened in Rue Lavaud, and the Hector’s Gin is the star of the show. Pop in to sample the magnificent citrusy hit with beautiful herbaceous notes of mānuka, thyme and lavender, and a unique briney undertone courtesy of kelp from over in Wainui.

akaroacraftdistillery.com