Scapegrace unveils NZ’s largest distillery

Scapegrace Distilling Co. has revealed its new state-of-the-art distillery in Central Otago – a NZD$30-million-dollar project that opens as the brand marks a decade.

The distillery, which is New Zealand’s largest, sits on a 36-hectare property on the shores of Lake Dunstan and with views to Mt Pisa and was designed by Nat Cheshire, Ascinda Stark and Emily Doll of Cheshire Architects.

The 3,000-square metre project comprises a head office, bottling facility, warehousing, barrel hall and distillery for production of single malt whisky, gin and vodka.

“Throughout our distillery design, there has been no corner cut and no stone unturned to ensure that we are following authentic and traditional methods, while also showcasing the very best of our distinct Scapegrace portfolio,” said Scapegrace co-founder Daniel McLaughlin.

The new Scapegrace distillery in Central Otago. (photo by Samuel Hartnett)

He says the new distillery will allow it to produce 160,000 cases of single malt whisky per annum and enough gin and vodka to meet its long-term forecasts.

McLaughlin notes that Scapegrace’s single malt whisky alone is projected to generate an annual wholesale value of $33 million when running at full capacity. “Our aim is to elevate New Zealand’s global profile as a producer of world-class spirits. Over the past 40 years we’ve seen New Zealand’s wine industry experience huge growth and that’s what we’re working to create for our spirits industry.”

Whisky production facilities at the new distillery include a purpose designed 5,000L wash still and a 3,500L spirits still from Scotland’s Speyside Copperworks. The production will follow the full traditional method from grain to glass.

The white spirits still is a 3,500L John Dore Copper Pot Still from London that was built in 1959 and has been fully restored.

McLaughlin says sustainability has been at the forefront of the distillery’s construction. Over 7,000 native bushes have been planted on-site and the distillery will be one of the few in the world to use hydro electricity to power its boiler instead of diesel.

Scapegrace celebrates a decade of being in business in 2024, and McLaughlin says opening the distillery is the perfect way to celebrate 10 years of achievements.

A hospitality offering is the next step and Scapegrace says the distillery will open for public tours from late 2025.