Overview
Located in the depths of the South Island's Marlborough region is Elemental Distillers, an award-winning Blenheim gin distillery producing the award-winning Roots Marlborough Dry Gin, anointed the Worlds Best London Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards in 2023.
And now, Elemental Distillers are letting gin-drinkers try before they buy with the opening of its Gin Shack tasting room.
The rustic space, right next to the distillery in Blenheim's Vine Village, has been converted from a farmhouse into the Gin Shack, where you'll be served some of the country's best gin while relaxing in the distillery's lush gin garden.
Indulge in a gin flight before picking up your favourite bottle to take home, or sip the house negroni and the gin and tonic, served on tap. Guests can wash their tasting flights down with one of the distillery kitchen's rotating snacks, prepared on a hibachi grill.
Elemental Distiller's newest drop will also be available to try. The Roots Rosso Vintage Pinot Noir Gin is a mix of two of Marlborough's best exports: gin and wine. The taste is similar to a sweet vermouth, with notes of strawberry and spice, while the gin itself smells like a strong pinot noir filled with dark fruits. Elemental's master distiller and co-founder Ben Leggett recommends it served neat over ice with a slice of orange, or mixed with an Indian or Mediterranean tonic water.
For those who are looking to really get stuck into all the gins, you can go straight from the Gin Shack to sleep it off at Elemental's Distillers Cottage. Once a rundown bungalow, the bespoke accommodation completes the Roots Marlborough Dry Gin experience, with guests treated to a luxurious outdoor bath while enjoying their complimentary gin flight. Dreamy.
Elemental Distillery's Gin Shack is open seven days a week during the summer period, from 11am–7pm. The shack will reduce its hours to five days in the winter, with opening times yet to be announced. You can find the Gin Shack Vines Village, 195 Rapaura Road, Marlborough, with more information on the shack's website.