Waiheke Whisky Sweatwater Single Malt Whisky

Waiheke Whisky Sweetwater is a non-peated NZ single malt from Waiheke Island, crafted from Cryer NZ Ale Malt and distilled in copper pot stills. Aged five years—primarily in STR French oak before a bourbon-cask finish—it’s bottled at 41% ABV, non-chill filtered and naturally coloured. Bright, elegant and easy-drinking, it’s a refined everyday sip and a handsome gift.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Inviting aromas of honey, orange zest and vanilla lead to a supple palate of candied orange, ripe apricot and honeycomb. Silky oak tones frame the fruit before a dry, peppery finish with lemon pith and gentle tannin. Balanced, approachable and quietly complex.

Key Details

• Distillery: Waiheke Whisky
• Region: Waiheke Island, New Zealand
• Type: Single Malt Whisky (Non-Peated)
• ABV: 41%
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: Five years in STR French oak; finished in ex-bourbon barrels; natural colour; non-chill filtered
• Serve: Neat, with a splash of water, over ice, or in refined citrus-led cocktails

Craftsmanship & Story

Made by a small island team blending brewing know-how with innovative distillation, Sweetwater reflects Waiheke’s maritime climate and sustainable ethos. Local malt, careful STR (shaved, toasted, re-charred) cask selection and patient ageing by the sea shape a spirit with luminous fruit, gentle oak and effortless drinkability.

Special Features

Selective STR French oak maturation adds honeyed citrus, vanilla and satin texture, while a bourbon-cask finish polishes the palate with creamy toffee. Bottled at a welcoming 41% ABV, non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, Sweetwater showcases purity of grain and cask without heaviness.

Recognition & Accolades

Sweetwater’s approachable elegance has earned consistent praise:

• Gold – NZ Spirits Awards, 2023
• Silver – NZ Whisk(e)y Awards, 2023
• Silver – NZ Spirits Awards, 2022
• Bronze – The Drammys, 2021
• Bronze – NZ Spirits Awards, 2020
• Bronze – NZ Whisk(e)y Awards, 2022

Award-winning proof that New Zealand single malt can be bright, modern and beautifully balanced.

Cocktail Pairings

Orange Old Fashioned (demerara & orange bitters); Whisky Sour (lemon & honey syrup); Sweetwater Highball (soda & expressed orange peel); Ginger Highball (dry ginger ale & lemon); New York Sour (red wine float for a plush, fruit-forward twist).

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Presented in a stylish blue box, Sweetwater is an easy choice for house-warmings, thank-yous and modern whisky lovers seeking a graceful, fruit-led dram.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Carefully packed with premium gift options and an optional personal message to complete the perfect present.