Cardrona Distillery celebrates its 10th anniversary on November 5, marking a decade of single malt whisky production in New Zealand’s Cardrona Valley. The milestone coincides with founder and managing director Desiree Reid’s departure to become global sales director at International Beverage, with chief financial officer Henry Caulton stepping up as acting managing director.
Reid will relocate to Scotland to drive international growth for International Beverage’s portfolio of spirits brands.
Caulton, a chartered accountant who joined Cardrona as Chief Financial Officer in 2022, has been instrumental in securing the distillery’s long-term partnership with International Beverage.
“Desiree founded Cardrona Distillery with the dream of creating a single malt whisky that would stand tall on the world stage. In only a decade, she has achieved that and more,” said Caulton.
“I’m honored to be taking the reins from such an inspiring founder and look forward to the next decade as we continue to bring a touch of Cardrona magic to the world.”
Master distiller Sarah Elsom retains full responsibility for production and operations at the distillery.
“It has been an incredible experience working alongside Desiree over the past ten years to build Cardrona Distillery into what it is today,” said Elsom.
“As we celebrate our 10th birthday, we feel immense pride in all we’ve accomplished and excitement for what lies ahead as we continue to bring our extraordinary spirits to the world stage.”
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Since opening in 2015, Cardrona has established itself as one of New Zealand’s premier whisky producers, gaining international recognition for its traditional production methods.
The distillery will host a private anniversary celebration for private cask owners who supported Reid’s vision from the beginning.
Looking ahead, Cardrona plans to release its first 10-year-old single malt whisky in 2026.
The same year will see the launch of an expansion project including new whisky warehousing, an enhanced cellar door experience, and a restaurant at the Cardrona Valley site.
International Beverage’s portfolio includes brands such as Speyburn, Old Pulteney, and Balblair single malt Scotch whiskies.
