Nestled in the heart of Marlborough’s central valley vineyards sits a brand-new boutique distillery with a creative difference. Constructed out of three upcycled shipping containers clad in New Zealand cedar, the Elemental Distillery is surrounded on two sides by pinot noir grapes and boasts a first-floor gin balcony and tasting room with a floor-to-ceiling window perched over the Wairau Valley.

“It’s basically Lego for big kids,” describes co-owner and distiller Ben Leggett. “We’ve been fascinated by the potential for container construction since seeing Christchurch utilise their potential after the 2011 earthquake. While we are proud to be supporting upcycled materials, containers also bring a modular, cost-effective and creative aspect.”

Precision production

Ben’s vision for the distillery began when he returned to Marlborough after 14 years spent in the UK spirits industry as ambassador for some of the biggest names in liquor. It wasn’t until Ben was introduced to Simon Kelly, his future business partner, that the project really took root. With his own successful background within the wine industry, Simon began working with Ben to develop their plans for the distillery while also working on a new premium gin recipe and launching New Zealand’s first range of cocktail bitters, Elemental Bitters. Four years, two children (each) and a collection of international bitters awards later, Elemental Distillers coincided the opening of their distillery doors with the release of their new premium gin.

Roots Marlborough Dry Gin is a London Dry-style gin comprising of six core botanicals sourced direct from either wild, organic, native or family-owned farms and co-operatives. With a bold 45% abv, the gin complements almost any mixer, whether tonic or in a cocktail, while not being bullied by the additional dilution. This comes not only from the higher alcoholic strength but also the freshness of the botanicals, which means directly importing a wild juniper from the highlands of North Macedonia, hand-peeling more than 600 kilograms of Gisborne grapefruit, and foraging twice a year for local gorse flowers. Yes, you heard right – gorse flowers. Best to let them explain.

“We noticed all of our favourite gin brands were derived from a small number of botanicals, which were all well balanced and perceptible in the final recipe. We wanted the same for Roots and so spent three years sourcing and testing ingredients that were not only unique, but could be harvested seasonally and at peak freshness.”

Reading like an exotic journey from the bush to the beach, Roots Marlborough Dry Gin consists of wild Northern Macedonian juniper, Hawke’s Bay coriander seed, Gisborne grapefruit zest, organic Motueka hops, wild Kaikoura kawakawa berries and wild Marlborough gorse flower.

“We are passionate about sustainability and traceability,” says Simon. “As such, every process is transparent and every botanical fully traceable, from root to cup.”

Sustainably sourced

Even their base alcohol is a sustainable by-product of the dairy industry, produced from the fermented whey remaining after the manufacture of cheese and yoghurt. “The whey ethanol has been stripped of any perceptible flavour, aroma or texture. This ensures that only the botanicals are expressed through the gin,” explains Ben.

Elemental Distillery is open for tours. See more at elementaldistillery.com