Lighthouse Gin: New Zealand's First Female Head Distiller and Spring Water from an Ancient Aquifer
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Lighthouse Gin is a Contemporary gin made by Lighthouse Gin Distillery in New Zealand. ABV: 42% ABV. Key botanicals include juniper, Yen Ben lemon, navel orange, coriander, almond. Our expert rating is 8/10.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Subtle citrus of hand-zested Yen Ben lemon and navel orange — clean pine from juniper, hints of herbaceous coriander, bright and fresh, the ancient aquifer water giving mineral clarity
Palate
Initial brightness of lemon zest with juniper and coriander accents — spicy mid-palate of cinnamon and cassia bark building warmth, clean and vibrant, citrus-forward but with enough juniper backbone to hold its ground
Finish
Soft and lingering — cinnamon, liquorice root and almond providing a gentle sweetness, composed and confident, remarkably smooth, the kind of gin that rewards slow sipping
Expert Review
8/10Handmade in small batches by Rachel Hall — New Zealand's first female Head Distiller — using natural spring water from the Remutaka Range's ancient aquifer. Inspired by the Cape Palliser Lighthouse at the southernmost tip of the North Island. Nine botanicals including hand-zested Yen Ben lemons. NZ Spirit of the Year 2025, 95 points gold medal IWSC. Bright lemon-forward nose, spicy cinnamon mid-palate, soft lingering almond finish.
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