Dancing Sands Sauvignon Blanc Gin - 70cl/37.5%

Distillery History:
Dancing Sands is in Tākaka, Golden Bay, New Zealand. Ben and Sarah Bonoma left corporate jobs and founded the distillery in 2016, using aquifer water filtered through local marble and limestone, copper stills and real botanicals for gin, rum and vodka. The site sits near Te Waikoropupu Springs. No artificial flavour, recycled glass and small batches are the rule; manuka leaf marks the house Dry Gin.

Spirit Introduction:
Billed as the first gin made from vacuum-distilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc: low-pressure distillation keeps passionfruit, lime and gooseberry, then the spirit is layered with juniper, coriander and manuka from the Dry Gin recipe. Bottled at 37.5%, sugar-free and vegan. It drinks lighter and more wine-like than a classic dry gin—built for a spritz, tonic or sangria. Gold at the London Spirits Competition 2022; Novel Food Trophy at the New Zealand Food Awards 2021.

Tasting Notes:
Nosing: Passionfruit, lime zest, gooseberry and soft spice.
Palate: Tropical fruit, juniper and a hint of almond, with a vinous snap.
Finish: Crisp and dry, with a botanical, mineral edge.