Cardrona 'The Falcon' Single Malt Whisky

Cardrona ‘The Falcon’ is a limited New Zealand single malt, crafted in the high country of the Cardrona Valley. An artful marriage of a 7-year Oloroso sherry butt, a 7-year ex-bourbon barrel and a 5-year ex-Pinot noir barrique, it’s drawn from some of the distillery’s oldest stocks and bottled at a generous 52%—refined, expressive and gift-worthy.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Crème brûlée and vanilla cream rise with sun-scorched nectarine, orange peel and a dusting of pepper. The palate flows rich and silken—caramel, honeyed stone fruit and warm allspice—balanced by candied citrus and juicy apricot. A long, satisfying finish lingers on toasted oak, spice and ambered fruit, leaving a luxurious glow.

Key Details

• Distillery: Cardrona Distillery
• Region: Cardrona, New Zealand
• Type: Single Malt Whisky
• ABV: 52%
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: Trinity of casks—7yo ex-Oloroso sherry butt, 7yo ex-bourbon barrel, 5yo ex-Pinot noir barrique
• Release: Limited to 1,501 bottles; presented in an oak frame
• Serve: Neat or with a splash of water; large ice rock optional

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded with a singular vision to create world-class Kiwi single malt, Cardrona works with pristine alpine water, slow fermentation and carefully selected casks to build depth and texture. Extreme seasonal swings accelerate maturation, while meticulous cask management—honed with global expertise—shapes an elegant, fruit-forward house style.

Special Features

‘The Falcon’ stands out as a limited release crafted from a trinity of carefully chosen casks, each adding depth and individuality to the final whisky. Matured in the extremes of New Zealand’s alpine climate, it achieves an intensity of flavour rarely seen at this age. Bottled at a robust 52% ABV, it delivers both concentration and natural richness, perfect for slow appreciation. Presented in a striking oak frame, this release is not only an exceptional single malt but also a collector’s piece and a remarkable gift.

Recognition & Accolades

Praised for balance, texture and cask integration; highlights include:

• Double Gold (95/100) – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2025
• Gold – World Whiskies Awards, 2024 (Single Malt)
• Category Winner – World Whiskies Awards, 2024 (Small Batch Single Malt)
• NZ’s Best Small Batch Single Malt – World Whiskies Awards, 2024
• Silver – World Whiskies Awards, 2025

These results underscore ‘The Falcon’ as a standout modern Kiwi single malt—precise, characterful and beautifully matured.

Food Pairings

Dark chocolate (70–80%) amplifies cacao and toffee; dried apricots or figs echo nectarine and sherry richness; creamy cheeses (Brillat-Savarin, triple-cream Brie) accentuate vanilla silk and spice.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

A rare, presentation-ready release with layered fruit, spice and patisserie warmth—ideal for milestones, corporate occasions or the discerning home bar.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for trackable, protective shipping across New Zealand. Premium gift wrapping and personal messages available at checkout.