Island Original Gin

Island Original Gin captures the wild purity of Great Barrier Island, distilled off-grid with mānuka and bush honey, organic Macedonian juniper and pure rainwater. Bright, citrus-led and gently floral with a delicate honeyed thread, it is crafted in small copper pot stills and encased in its award-winning kina-inspired bottle—an exquisite New Zealand gin made for gifting and savouring.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Citrus and juniper lead with lively freshness, lifted by coriander, lemon myrtle and a subtle ginger warmth. Floral hints and a soft thread of mānuka honey add poise. The palate is smooth, layered and refreshing, balancing bright citrus with gentle spice, finishing crisp and clean with a herbaceous lift that lingers elegantly.

Key Details

• Producer: Madame Distiller (Island Gin)
• Type: London Dry Gin
• Region: Great Barrier Island (Aotea), New Zealand
• ABV: 43.2%
• Volume: 700ml
• Botanicals: Juniper, coriander seed, citrus peel, mānuka & bush honey, selected spices
• Other: Sustainable NZ glass; organically certified Macedonian juniper
• Signature Serve: Classic G&T over ice with premium tonic and a slice of fresh orange or lemon

Cocktail Pairings

Bright citrus and soft honeyed notes shine in a crisp G&T with orange or lemon. A Gimlet heightens its zesty core, while a Negroni plays beautifully with its herbal depth. A French 75 adds celebratory lift with lemon and bubbles, a Tom Collins offers refreshing length, and a Southside folds mint and lime around its botanical backbone for an elegant, garden-fresh finish.

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded by Andi Ross—affectionately known as “Madame Distiller”—this off-grid micro-distillery draws on Great Barrier Island’s pristine environment. Distilled in small copper pot stills using triple-filtered rainwater, island honey and hand-selected botanicals, Island Original Gin honours both traditional London Dry techniques and the island’s wild character. Solar-powered production and reusable bottle initiatives reflect a deep commitment to sustainability and craft.

Special Features

Island Original Gin’s kina-inspired bottle is crafted in New Zealand from sustainable recycled glass, its sculpted form celebrating oceanic heritage and exceptional design. The gin’s blend of mānuka honey, citrus and spice offers both mixability and sipping appeal, while its off-grid, solar-powered distillation underscores a rare combination of authenticity, artistry and environmentally conscious craft.

Recognition & Accolades

• Platinum – SIP Awards USA, 2024
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2022
• Gold – World Gin Awards London, 2025
• Winner – NZ London Dry Gin, World Gin Awards London, 2025
• Silver – SIP Awards, 2022
• Silver – Pentawards London (Bottle Design)
• Silver – Best Design Awards (Kina Bottle)
• Bronze – NZ Spirits Awards, 2023, 2022 & 2020

Island Gin has also been celebrated for sustainability and innovation, with multiple design honours, media features, and collaborations that highlight its unique island provenance and exceptional craftsmanship.

Food Pairing

Bright citrus, juniper and a delicate thread of mānuka honey make Island Original Gin superb with seafood—think oysters, smoked salmon blinis or ginger-lime prawns. Its herbal depth complements fragrant Thai curries, grilled fish or creamy cheeses like aged cheddar and blue. For dessert, a lemon tart or seasonal berry crumble mirrors its citrus lift and gentle sweetness beautifully.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Striking, sustainable and deeply evocative of Great Barrier Island, Island Original Gin is a luxurious choice for gifting or personal enjoyment. Its award-winning bottle brings sculptural beauty to any bar cart, while the gin’s bright, honey-kissed profile makes it ideal for elegant cocktails and relaxed island-inspired sipping.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.