Description:

Waiheke Whisky Distillery and Brewery is situated at The Heke on Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island. Founded in early 2010 by Mark Izzard, a cancer surgeon, and Richard Evatt, a beekeeper, the distillery began as a passion project that has since flourished into a full-fledged operation.

Located just 100 metres from the sea in the Onetangi valley, the distillery benefits from a maritime climate that enhances the maturation of the spirits.

The concept originated from the desire to enhance The Heke Bar and Restaurant by incorporating a distillery, an essential element in creating and sharing exceptional whisky experiences. We planned and constructed the distillery from scratch, ensuring every detail contributed to our vision.

Our bespoke distillery features a dedicated boilermaker tasting room, a spacious barrel room, and state-of-the-art distillation facilities. These versatile spaces serve not only as functional areas for production but also as integral components of our immersive tasting and brewing tours.

Visitors can explore the intricacies of whisky production firsthand, from the initial stages of distillation to the maturation process in the carefully curated barrels. Each area within the distillery is designed to educate and engage, offering a comprehensive journey into the art and science of crafting fine whisky.

Creating the distillery was a meticulous process. On the eastern facade, a striking view unfolds. Custom built copper stills rise elegantly from the centre of the structure. The design incorporates dormer windows that position the condensers outside, optimising the cooling process and offering whisky enthusiasts a distinctive immersion.

The recessed angled soffit, crafted in concrete plaster, provides a striking contrast to the charred shou sugi ban timber cladding that adorns the building's front. Even the chimney plays a role, featuring a small window that mirrors the distillery's branding, adding a thoughtful touch to the architectural composition.

Inspired by the iconic "W" of Waiheke, the joinery and cabinet fronts at Waiheke Distillery and Brewery showcase craftsmanship with mitred joints and 45-degree angles, crafted from richly stained oak timber. Each cabinet front is uniquely tailored, reflecting our commitment to artisanal detail.

Intimate tasting nooks are adorned with glass displays, ideal for presenting product and curated memorabilia. Custom-designed barrel racking transforms the barrel-making area into a veritable art gallery for brewing enthusiasts.

The display of aging barrels is integral to the whisky maturation process, where each barrel develops its distinctive colour and flavour characteristics over time. Each barrel stands as a testament to craftsmanship, elegantly showcased to highlight its individuality and contribution to the exceptional whisky.