Rifters Original Dry Gin

Rifters Original Dry Gin captures the rugged beauty of Central Otago in every pour, blending hand-foraged native botanicals with pristine glacier-fed water from New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Crafted in small batches in Arrowtown, this award-winning dry gin delivers remarkable purity, vibrant citrus brightness, and a distinctly alpine freshness. Elegant yet adventurous, it is a contemporary New Zealand gin shaped by wilderness, craftsmanship, and sustainable spirit-making.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Crisp alpine air meets a bold juniper backbone in this exceptionally clean, New Zealand-crafted dry gin. Hand-foraged botanicals deliver an immediate, vibrant burst of bright citrus zest and earthy native flora upon the first pour. The palate is beautifully rounded, revealing layers of warm spice and sweet pine. Pristine, glacier-fed water creates a remarkably smooth, velvety mouthfeel that carries the complex botanical notes effortlessly.

Key Details

• Distillery: Rifters
• Type: Dry Gin
• Region: Arrowtown, New Zealand
• ABV: 42%
• Volume: 700ml
• Botanicals: Juniper, wild thyme, mānuka, Douglas fir, mint tips, citrus and native New Zealand botanicals
• Signature Serve: Yuzu premium tonic with ice, an orange slice and a sprig of mint

Cocktail Pairings

Rifters Original Dry Gin shines in bright, refreshing serves that highlight its alpine purity and citrus lift. A Glacier Martini showcases its crisp botanical clarity, while a Central Otago Gin Sour reveals silky texture and warming spice. The Alpine Forest Bramble layers berry richness against piney freshness, while a South Island Negroni draws out earthy depth and lingering pepper notes. For lighter occasions, a Yuzu Collins or Clover Club delivers vibrant, fruit-driven elegance.

Craftsmanship & Story

Founded in Arrowtown by friends Stuart Clark and Hamish Bourke, Rifters began as a small passion project inspired by Central Otago’s untamed landscape and gold-mining heritage. Every batch is distilled using pristine glacier-fed artesian water and carefully foraged native botanicals gathered from the surrounding hills. Sustainability sits at the heart of the distillery, from recycled glass bottles to plastic-free operations and environmentally conscious packaging.

Special Features

Rifters Original Dry Gin stands apart through its remarkable purity and connection to New Zealand’s alpine wilderness. Distilled in small batches using glacier-fed water and hand-foraged botanicals, it balances classic juniper structure with native herbal freshness and vibrant citrus. Eco-conscious production, recycled glass packaging, and award-winning craftsmanship further elevate this distinctive Central Otago spirit.

Recognition & Accolades

Rifters Original Dry Gin has quickly established itself among New Zealand’s most exciting premium gins, earning recognition from both local and international spirits competitions.

• Gold – World Drinks Awards, 2025
• Gold – World Gin Awards, 2025
• Champion London Dry – New Zealand Small Batch Gin Awards, 2025
• Gold – Super Spirits Awards, 2025
• Silver – New Zealand Spirits Awards, 2024
• Silver – New Zealand Spirits Awards, 2022
• Gold – New Zealand Spirits Awards, 2020
• Bronze – World Gin Awards, 2026

These accolades reinforce Rifters’ reputation for crafting clean, expressive gins that capture the spirit of New Zealand’s rugged South Island landscape.

Food Pairing

Rifters Original Dry Gin pairs beautifully with fresh seafood and bright, herbaceous dishes. Its citrus lift and crisp juniper backbone cut effortlessly through oysters, kingfish ceviche, or grilled prawns, while earthy native botanicals complement creamy goat’s cheese and soft alpine cheeses. For dessert, a lemon meringue tart or citrus sorbet beautifully mirrors the gin’s vibrant oils and refreshing finish.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

With its refined alpine character, award-winning pedigree, and sustainable New Zealand craftsmanship, Rifters Original Dry Gin makes an exceptional gift for gin enthusiasts or an elegant addition to any premium home bar.

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.