Cardrona 'Just Hatched' Single Malt Whisky 375mL

Cardrona 'Just Hatched' Single Malt Whisky is the moment a New Zealand distillery's first spirit legally became whisky — a 3-year-old single malt bottled at natural cask strength, 64.4% ABV (128.8 proof), in a 375mL decanter. A solera-style marriage of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks, it was made entirely from locally grown grain at the woman-owned Cardrona Distillery in the Cardrona Valley on New Zealand's South Island. It is the youngest expression in the range and the predecessor to the 5-year-old "Growing Wings." Order it online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV: 64.4% (128.8 proof), cask strength — 375mL (confirm printed ABV on bottle)
• Age: 3 years — the distillery's first legal whisky, "just hatched"
• Casks: solera-style marriage of ex-bourbon and ex-Oloroso sherry casks
• Origin: Cardrona Valley, South Island, New Zealand — single malt from locally grown grain
• Range: youngest of Cardrona's 3, 5, and 7-year US releases; predecessor to "Growing Wings"

Three Years Old, Already a Statement

Cardrona celebrated its tenth anniversary by bringing its whiskies to the US at three stages of maturity — and Just Hatched is the opening act: bottled the moment the spirit turned three, at the strength the casks gave it, no dilution. For a 3-year-old it is remarkably developed — gingerbread and butterscotch, honey and lemon, tobacco and dark chocolate — proof that the Cardrona Valley's climate and casks work fast. See more from Cardrona Distillery or browse whiskey at Del Mesa.

Tasting Notes

Gingerbread, butterscotch, and vanilla with heat on the nose; honey, lemon tea, and anise on the palate with dried ginger and clove; a dark, earthy finish of tobacco, stewed cherries, and sea-salt dark chocolate (per trade reviews).

How to Enjoy

Add water — at 128.8 proof this is built for it. A few drops open the honey and lemon; take it slow in a Glencairn. Not a cocktail whisky at this strength and price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called "Just Hatched"?
It was bottled at three years old — the moment the spirit legally became whisky — the distillery's first.

What is the ABV?
Cask strength, around 64.4% ABV (128.8 proof); confirm the printed ABV on your bottle.

Who makes Cardrona whisky?
Cardrona Distillery in the Cardrona Valley, New Zealand — a woman-owned distillery making single malt from locally grown grain.

New Zealand's first three years in a glass — order Cardrona Just Hatched online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.