Introducing Lighthouse Gin: A Citrus-Forward Offering From New Zealand’s 1st Female Head Distiller
Lighthouse Gin spotlights the Yen Ben lemon, a variety of exceptionally acidic citrus that originated in Queensland, Australia, and later migrated to New Zealand in the 1930s. (Photo: Benny Cuppini)
In a recent announcement, Foley Family Wines unveiled the return of Lighthouse Gin to the U.S. market. Boasting a modern, citrus-forward profile, the gin originates from the rugged Cape Palliser region of New Zealand and stands as the brainchild of Rachel Hall, the country’s inaugural female head distiller.
Reentering the market with a new bottle design, Lighthouse Gin aligns itself with the current surge in super-premium offerings. The 40%-ABV spirit is now available in select retailers across California, Florida, Nevada and online, with a nationwide release poised for January 2024.
Lighthouse Gin’s narrative begins in 2005 along New Zealand’s southern coast, where it gained acclaim for its take on a non-London dry gin, which notably features Yen Ben lemons (regarded as a “true” lemon).
“It’s important to everyone at the Lighthouse Distillery that we include a botanical that is so intrinsic to everyday life in New Zealand, capturing every Kiwi’s zesty lust for life,” said Hall in a press release. “Yen Ben lemons are the perfect foundation for a bright, engaging New World gin and make such a unique calling card for Lighthouse.”
Crafted with Australian grain and spring water, Lighthouse Gin also includes navel oranges, coriander seeds, almonds, cassia bark, cinnamon quills, juniper, licorice root and orris root.
In 2010, Hall became part of the Lighthouse Gin team, initially in a managerial role. Intrigued by the captivating world of gin production, she underwent an apprenticeship under the company’s founder, Neil Catherall. Catherall’s mentorship fueled her passion, and by 2014, Hall had ascended to the role of head distiller. Hall eventually developed her unique approach, embracing what she playfully calls her “accidental purist” nature.
New Zealand’s first female head distiller, Rachel Hall, holds a martini made using her hand-crafted creation, Lighthouse Gin. (Photo: Sam Cameron Photography)
“I grew up around spirits culture at an early age when my family moved to Greytown, New Zealand, and purchased the historic Greytown Hotel (also known as the Top Pub),” Hall added in the press release.
“Helping around the pub – and eventually behind the bar – I learned how to cook from my parents, and later developed an appreciation for wine and, as I like to call them, ‘well poured drinks.’ This inadvertently made me a bit of a purist when it came to fresh flavors and engaging dining and drinking occasions.”
As part of her hands-on approach, Hall personally drives her 2018 Toyota Hilux pickup over 30 miles each way to collect spring water for Lighthouse Gin. This water, sourced from the Remutaka Range aquifer near Palliser Bay, has naturally filtered through rocks for thousands of years. According to the brand, choosing this water over commercially available distilled water was driven by a desire to impart more body, texture and refined crispness to the spirit.
Once Hall gathers the spring water and selects the botanicals, including the hand-zested Yen Ben lemons, they undergo an overnight maceration in a copper pot still. A double distillation process results in a smoother spirit ideal for sipping, per Lighthouse Gin.
“Lighthouse Gin yields subtle flavors of citrus, clean pine and herbaceous notes,” the brand explained. “On the palate, the initial brightness from the lemon zest, juniper and coriander gives way to a spicy mid-palate of cinnamon and cassia root. The soft lingering finish hints at almonds, cinnamon and cassia root.”
Named after the Cape Palliser Lighthouse, Lighthouse Gin pays homage to its roots through a custom-designed bottle reminiscent of the Fresnel lens, a composite compact lens commonly used in lighthouses.
To enhance its citrus brightness, the gin is recommended to be enjoyed with lemons and served in signature cocktails like the French 75, a classic martini or a traditional gin and tonic. Alternatively, try Lighthouse Gin in “Kiwi Dreams,” a bespoke cocktail crafted by Natalie Bovis.
Kiwi Dreams by Natalie Bovis
(Photo: Benny Cuppini)
- 1.5 ounces Lighthouse Gin
- 2 ounces Sparkling wine
- .5 ounce Aperol
- 2 to 3 Strawberries
- 1 tablespoon Peeled and diced kiwi
- Garnish: Kiwi slices
Pour sparkling wine into a coupe or martini glass. Set aside. Muddle strawberries and kiwi in a shaker tin. Add Lighthouse Gin and Aperol. Shake with ice. Strain the mixture into the sparkling wine, and enjoy!
For more details, visit lighthousegin.us and explore the brand on Instagram @lighthousegin.us.
Read next:
Monthly Roundup: The 10 Top Gins Released in October 2023
New Zealand Distillery Golden Bay Releases 2 Special Edition Gins With Charitable Twists
Here at Gin Raiders, we do more than write about current events in gin and spirits. We are the only media property reviewing gins and aggregating the scores and reviews of other significant voices in the gin world in one place. If you’re interested in getting a shot of gin in your morning email, sign up for our Deal of the Day newsletter.
Follow The Daily Pour:
About The Daily Pour
Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.
