Scapegrace Distilling Co has unveiled New Zealand’s largest and most advanced distillery on the shores of Lake Dunstan in Central Otago.

The $30-million distillery, spanning 3,000 square metres, took eight years to come to fruition and features a head office, bottling facility, warehouse, barrel hall, and a state-of-the-art distilling facility for single malt whisky, gin, and vodka production.

The new facilities are set to transform Scapegrace’s production capacity, with the ability to produce 160,000 cases of single malt whisky annually, alongside its popular gin and vodka lines, positioning the brand for global expansion.

“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.

Celebrating a decade in business this year, McLaughlin said the new distillery represents the culmination of years of growth and achievement since the brand started in a small Grey Lynn office in Auckland.

“We began our journey in a small Grey Lynn office in Auckland in 2014, and it’s been an incredible adventure since, where this new facility is an end product of our commitment towards the future,” he said.

“Over the years, we’ve achieved global recognition, winning major international awards, and last year we hit a major milestone as we sold more than 100,000 cases of product. We’re New Zealand’s largest spirits producer and we’re proud to be putting New Zealand spirits on the global map.”

The new whisky production facilities include a 5,000L wash still and a 3,500L spirits still imported from Speyside Copperworks in Scotland, ensuring traditional grain-to-glass production. The distillery’s white spirits still, a restored 3,500L John Dore Copper Pot Still from 1959, adds a unique heritage element to the operation.

Sustainability has been a guiding principle in the distillery’s development. Over 7,000 native bushes have been planted on the site to enhance biodiversity and offset carbon. The facility is also one of the few distilleries worldwide to use hydroelectric power for its boiler, instead of diesel, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

McLaughlin underscored the distillery’s focus on single malt whisky, which is expected 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,” he said. “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.”

The distillery is also set to boost the local economy, creating new jobs, with plans for a hospitality venue on the horizon. “The Scapegrace journey is only just beginning. We’re looking forward to creating a truly remarkable hospitality destination in years to come, so everyone can experience the brand and products on this stunning site,” said McLaughlin.

Designed by Nat Cheshire, Ascinda Stark, and Emily Doll of Cheshire Architects, the Scapegrace Distillery balances urban design with a rugged rural setting, offering visitors sweeping views of Lake Dunstan and Mt Pisa. The site promises an immersive experience that blends modern design with the natural beauty of Central Otago.