Reefton Distilling Co. opens new distillery

Reefton Distilling Co. has opened its new distillery on the West Coast and laid down its first Moonlight Creek Single Malt Whisky.

The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, iwi, Reefton Distilling Co. shareholders, staff and the Board. The opening comes two years after the business purchased land and existing buildings on the edge of Reefton in early 2020, setting its plans for expansion in motion.

The new distillery sits on a 1.6ha site and has three large copper stills, brewing equipment and spirit tanks, a bottling room and warehouses. Plans are also in place to add a visitor centre and bonded stores for whisky maturation in future.

Reefton Distilling Co. uses locally sourced ingredients for its Little Biddy Gin, Wild Rain Vodka and Reefton Distilling Co. Liqueurs, and will use New Zealand-grown and malted grain and West Coast spring water to craft its Moonlight Creek Single Malt Whisky.

The opening ceremony also marked the laying down of the first Moonlight Creek Single Malt Whisky, accompanied by bagpipes.

Patsy Bass, Founder and Chief Executive Reefton Distilling Co. spoke of her 100-year vision for the distillery and its positive impact on the local economy. “This business is not about gin and spirits, it’s about helping to regenerate a town, providing jobs for the next generation, so that they might have a future on the Coast, stay here, raise their own families and keep the community alive and vibrant.” 

The small heritage building in the heart of Reefton, where Reefton Distilling Co. first opened in 2018 will remain as the cellar door and for visitor tours and tastings.