The New Zealand Whisky Collection preserves the legacy of historic New Zealand whisky while producing a new generation of single malts distilled in Dunedin and matured by the sea in Oamaru.
The New Zealand Whisky Collection is dedicated to preserving and continuing New Zealand’s whisky-making heritage. Established in 2009, the collection began by safeguarding and releasing some of the last remaining casks from the former Willowbank Distillery in Dunedin, which ceased production in the 1990s.
A new chapter began in 2020 with the establishment of the Dunedin Distillery inside the historic Speight’s Brewery. Using Otago-grown barley and traditional copper pot stills, the distillery produces New Zealand single malt whisky with a strong connection to the South Island. Head Distiller Michael Byars works alongside Master Distiller Cyril Yates, a former distiller at Willowbank, combining contemporary production with knowledge carried forward from New Zealand’s earlier whisky industry.
The whisky is matured in the company’s historic bond store near Oamaru Harbour. The cool coastal climate and sea air contribute to the maturation environment, while a selection of bourbon, wine and other casks helps shape the character of individual releases.
The collection includes rare aged whiskies from historic stocks alongside newer single malts distilled in Dunedin. Visitors can explore the range at the New Zealand Whisky Cellar Door in Oamaru’s Victorian Precinct, where tasting flights, limited releases and cellar door-exclusive bottlings are available.
