What Scapegrace Distilling Co. does

Scapegrace Distilling Co. is a New Zealand-based premium spirits producer operating as the country's largest independent distillery. Founded circa 2014–2015 by co-founders Daniel McLaughlin (Managing Director) and Mark Neal, the company produces and sells super-premium gin, vodka, single malt whisky, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, and flavoured whisky under multiple brands including Scapegrace, Rogue Society, and ThunderDonk. The company serves discerning spirits consumers, whisky enthusiasts, private cask investors, and contract distilling clients across 42+ international markets with an 11–50 employee base.

The company's core technology centers on a Grain to Glass production philosophy, vertically integrating from Canterbury plains barley through to bottling, anchored by a restored 1952 John Dore copper pot still and one of the few electrode boilers in global distilling for reduced carbon emissions. Its flagship facility on the 45th parallel in Central Otago ($27 million completed 2024–2025) leverages extreme climate temperature swings to accelerate whisky maturation, producing award-winning spirits that have earned World's Best London Dry Gin (IWSC 2018) and multiple World Whiskies Awards. Additional differentiators include direct access to glacial water from the Clutha River and the use of Manuka-smoked malt for distinctive New World whisky character.

Scapegrace generates revenue through multiple streams: direct-to-consumer e-commerce, three-tier retail distribution across 42+ countries, a private cask investment programme (NZD $5,995–$18,995 per cask with 3–10 year maturation), contract distilling services for third-party brands, and a premium RTD product line. The company has brought Australian and UK distribution in-house, with Waitrose (230+ stores), Dan Murphy's, and Air New Zealand among its named enterprise accounts.

Name

Scapegrace Distilling Co.

Legal name

Rogue Society Gin

Website

https://scapegracedistillery.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Scapegrace Distilling Co. is New Zealand's largest independent premium spirits company, producing award-winning gin, vodka, single malt whisky, RTDs, and flavoured whisky across 42+ international markets from a $27M Central Otago distillery.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Craft Spirits (Distilled Beverages)

NAICS

Distilleries (31214)

SIC

Beverages (2080)

akta.pro primary industry

Spirits Distilling & Brands (CRADAIAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Alcohol Subscription & Wine Clubs (Retail) (CRANABAF), Alcoholic Beverage Blending, Bottling & Private Label (Non-Distilling) (AFAFAAAH), Fine Wine & Luxury Spirits Retail (CRANABAE)

Keywords

• Craft spirits distillery
• Premium gin vodka whisky
• Ready to drink cocktails
• Private cask whisky
• Contract distilling services

Headquarters

HQ city

Georgetown

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Spirits Product Sales: Direct sales of premium gin, vodka, single malt whisky, and flavoured whisky products through e-commerce storefront and retail partners globally. Products sold include Scapegrace Classic, Gold, Black, Blood Moon gins; Scapegrace Vodka; Single Malt Vanguard and Anthem; and ThunderDonk flavoured whisky.
2. RTD (Ready-to-Drink) Products: Sales of pre-mixed RTD beverages including Gin Soda variants (Ruby Red Grapefruit & Hibiscus, Yuzu Lemon, Boysenberry & Lemon), Vodka Soda variants (Hawke's Bay Lime, Pomegranate & Doris Plum, Red Delicious Apple & Pear), and Gin & Tonic with Hawke's Bay Lemon.
3. Private Cask Investment Programme: Sale of private casks for whisky maturation investment. Cask owners pay for the spirit and cask, with maturation periods of 3-10 years. Options include 50L casks at $5,995 and 200L casks at $18,995 (excluding excise tax at bottling). Owners receive annual tasting opportunities and custom bottle labels.
4. Contract Distilling Services: Bulk supply, spirit development, and bottling services offered to other brands from the cutting-edge Central Otago facility. Services include contract production of gin, vodka, and whisky; custom spirit development; flexible bulk formats; and end-to-end bottling and packaging with export-ready logistics.
5. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including glassware sets (Crystal Glassware Tumbler and Rocks), Boston Shaker Sets, Jumbo Ice Molds, Jiggers, Bar Blades, T-shirts, crewneck jumpers, and e-gift cards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Scapegrace Distilling Co. manufactures and sells premium New Zealand gin, vodka, and single malt whisky under the Scapegrace flagship range plus Rogue Society and ThunderDonk sub-brands, alongside ready-to-drink canned cocktails. Beyond bottled spirits, it offers Private Cask Club whisky investment casks, contract distilling and bottling services for third-party brands, branded merchandise and gift packs, and an exclusive Club Scapegrace membership. Distribution spans direct e-commerce, domestic retail, major international supermarket and duty-free chains, and an airline partnership with Air New Zealand.

Product overview

Scapegrace Distilling Co. is New Zealand's largest independent spirits company offering a portfolio of super-premium alcoholic beverages and related services. The core product portfolio includes: (1) Scapegrace-branded spirits under four categories: Gins (Classic, Black, Gold, Blood Moon), Vodkas (Classic, Yuzu limited release), and Single Malt Whiskies (Vanguard, Anthem, Ephemeral single cask expressions); (2) Ready-to-drink (RTD) products including Gin Sodas and Vodka Sodas in various fruit flavours; (3) ThunderDonk flavoured whisky sub-brand (Spiced Maple, Salted Caramel); (4) Rogue Society premium gin and vodka sub-brand; (5) Scapegrace x Prophets Rock vermouth collaboration; (6) Private Cask Club investment program; (7) Contract distilling B2B services for third-party spirit production; (8) Club Scapegrace membership; and (9) Merchandise including glassware, bar tools, and apparel. The company operates its flagship distillery in Central Otago and exports to 42+ international markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Rogue Society Liquor: Premium gin and vodka brand sold under the Rogue Society name.
• ThunderDonk Whisky
• Scapegrace RTD
• Exclusive Cask Club
• Club Scapegrace

Products and services

• Scapegrace Classic Gin Flagship Scapegrace gin with 12 botanicals, predominantly citrus and orange peel. 42.2% ABV. 750ml bottle at NZD $79.99.
• Scapegrace Black Gin World's first naturally black, colour-changing gin that transforms from deep black to vivid purple-pink when combined with tonic. Crafted with aronia berry, saffron, pineapple and sweet potato. 41.6% ABV.
• Scapegrace Gold Gin Navy Strength gin at 57.2% ABV with three layers of citrus (orange, lemon, tangerine). Voted World's Best London Dry Gin at IWSC 2018 and Double Gold at San Francisco 2018.
• Scapegrace Blood Moon Gin Distilled with New Zealand blood oranges, fresh raspberries and makrut lime. 41.6% ABV.
• Scapegrace Vodka Super premium vodka with velvety texture, super clean and balanced profile. 40.6% ABV. 750ml bottle at NZD $69.99.
• Scapegrace Yuzu Vodka Limited release vodka with eternal freshness, sharp floral scent, savoury and bright with bright aromatic citrus flavour. 40.6% ABV.
• Scapegrace Single Malt Vanguard Whisky New world single malt whisky aged in Virgin French Oak 200L casks. Tasting notes of poached pears, vanilla custard and Anzac biscuits. 40% ABV. 750ml at NZD $89.99. Won Gold at IWSC 2025 and Silver at 2024 World Whisky Masters.
• Scapegrace Single Malt Anthem Whisky Single malt whisky using New Zealand smoked Manuka malt. Tasting notes of spiced walnuts, cider, apples and sweet hay. 40% ABV. 750ml at NZD $89.99. Category Winner Gold at World Whiskies Awards 2026.
• Scapegrace Single Cask Ephemeral (Sherry) Whisky Exclusive single cask expression aged 5 years in Virgin French Oak and finished in Oloroso Sherry Cask. 57% ABV. Limited to 218 bottles. 700ml at NZD $199.99. Gold Category Winner at World Whiskies Awards 2024.
• Rogue Society Signature Gin Premium gin with juniper upfront, fresh coriander, citrus, floral angelica and creamy preserved grapefruit. 40% ABV. Sold under Rogue Society sub-brand, served in Air New Zealand Economy and Premium Economy cabins.
• Rogue Society Signature Vodka Premium vodka with creamy upfront wheat, apple and mint complexity. Dry and long finish with buttery mouthful. 37.5% ABV. Sold under the Rogue Society sub-brand.
• ThunderDonk Spiced Maple Whisky Bold New Zealand flavoured whisky delivering maple sweetness backed by warming spice. Deep caramelised maple notes meet toasted oak and cinnamon. 33% ABV. 750ml at NZD $54.99. Gold and Country Winner at World Drinks Awards 2025 and 2026.
• ThunderDonk Salted Caramel Whisky Unapologetic New Zealand flavoured whisky with rich caramel, hint of sea salt and soft vanilla undertones. Won Gold and Country Winner at World Drinks Awards 2026.
• ThunderDonk Whisky Gift Box Ultimate gift box featuring Spiced Maple or Salted Caramel Whisky paired with two 30ml branded shot glasses, presented in premium packaging. NZD $64.99.
• Scapegrace Gin, Soda with Ruby Red Grapefruit & Hibiscus (RTD) Ready-to-drink gin soda with sweet yet tangy profile. 5% ABV. Sold as 10-pack at NZD $29.99 (RTD range).
• Scapegrace Single Malt Whisky Highball RTDs Scapegrace Single Malt Whisky Highball RTDs in two flavours. First New Zealand-made Single Malt Whisky RTD, aged in Virgin French Oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years. Limited release of 1500 cases per flavour.
• Scapegrace Private Cask Investment Programme Multi-year private cask investment programme at the new Central Otago distillery. 50L casks at NZD $5,995 and 200L casks at NZD $18,995 (inc GST, excluding bottling excise). Maturation 3-10 years. Choice of Manuka Smoked or Classic Distillers Malt. Owners receive annual tasting opportunities and custom bottle labels.
• Contract Distilling Services B2B services including contract production of gin, vodka and whisky; custom spirit development; flexible bulk formats; and end-to-end bottling and packaging with export-ready logistics at the Central Otago facility.
• Scapegrace x Prophets Rock Vermouth Vintage vermouth collaboration with Prophet's Rock winemakers in red and white varieties, made with ingredients from Central Otago including foraged botanicals. Limited to 3,000 bottles. RRP NZD $72.00.
• Scapegrace E-Gift Card Electronic gift card at NZD $50.00 denomination, valid for 12 months after activation date, usable for online store purchases.

Quantifiable outcome

• World's Best London Dry Gin - Scapegrace Gold at IWSC 2018
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and strategic.

• Palmer Bar (Auckland)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 September 2024Launched 'The Rogue Studio' exclusive six-week bar takeover featuring Rogue Society Gin and Vodka cocktails. Included stunning artwork by Auckland muralist Harris Kennan and lighting design by New Zealand light artist Angus Muir.
• Air New ZealandcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 12 July 2024Strategic partnership with New Zealand's national carrier. Scapegrace's Single Malt Whisky and Gin served inflight and in national/domestic lounges for Business Premium customers. Rogue Society spirits available for Economy and Premium Economy customers. Co-founder Mark Neal called it 'the stuff dreams are made of' after an 8-year pursuit.
• WaitrosecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 27 March 2024Major UK supermarket distribution deal. Waitrose stocks Scapegrace Black Gin, Vodka, and Single Malt 'DIMENSION VIII' in over 230 stores nationwide. Gold Gin offered online through Waitrose Cellar.
• Prophet's RockstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 2024Collaboration with world-renowned winemakers to create Scapegrace + Prophet's Rock Vermouth in red and white variants. Base wine from Prophet's Rock single vineyard parcels of Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, barrel aged 10 months in French oak, infused with Central Otago foraged botanicals (rosemary, thyme, kanuka, elderflower). Only 3,000 bottles at RRP $72.00.
• New Zealand OpencoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 February 2024Partnership with New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport for 103rd edition of the tournament. Scapegrace shared range of NZ distilled spirits including full-strength options and RTDs with players and attendees at Millbrook Resort, Queenstown.
• TortugastrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLong-term logistics partnership with Tortuga supporting Scapegrace's direct market approach in the UK, enabling closer customer relationships and greater operational agility.
• Craftwork (UK Distributor)strategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUK distribution partner Mark Dawkins of Craftwork, described as having 'long-admired Scapegrace the company, the brand and the products' and noting the brand is 'on a very strong trajectory in the UK market.'
• Electric Avenue FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerServing cocktails in exclusive VIP area at Electric Avenue 2026 music festival in Christchurch (February 27-28). Festival features Split Enz, Becky Hill, Basement Jaxx, Dom Dolla, and other international acts.
• Ripe Wanaka Wine & Food FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting the Glendhu Social Club at Ripe Festival, serving Scapegrace cocktails and RTDs at Glendhu Station, Wanaka (March 21, 2026).
• Tussock Country Music FestivalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsorship and presence at Tussock Country Music Festival in Gore, New Zealand (May 22-31, 2026).
• Cheshire ArchitectsstrategicImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAward-winning architectural firm designed the Scapegrace Distillery with two 'long-house' buildings shaped by the land itself in the Bendigo mountains.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hendrick's Gin: Hendrick's is a super-premium gin (William Grant & Sons) sold globally on a craft/botanical-led brand story and a cucumber-and-rose flavour signature. It is the most direct competitor to Scapegrace's super-premium gin positioning, competing for the same premium on-trade and retail shelf in UK, Australia, and globally.
• Sipsmith Gin: Sipsmith is a London craft gin (Beam Suntory) built on a copper-pot-still heritage story at a similar price point to Scapegrace. Comparable because both position on craft provenance, premium pricing, and design-led bottles targeting the same UK and Australian premium accounts.
• Monkey 47 Schwarzwald Dry Gin: Monkey 47 is a German craft gin (Pernod Ricard) famous for regional terroir and high botanical count, marketed at super-premium price points. Directly comparable to Scapegrace on craft-terroir gin narrative, gift/specialty occasion positioning, and global on-trade presence.
• Aviation American Gin: Aviation is a craft American gin sold globally through on-premise and retail channels, with celebrity-driven brand-building and a super-premium bottle design. Comparable to Scapegrace on craft-positioned gin targeting millennial premium spirits consumers and similar global distribution ambitions.
• The Botanist Islay Dry Gin: The Botanist is a craft gin from Bruichladdich Distillery (Rémy Cointreau) built on 31 native Islay botanicals. Directly comparable to Scapegrace on terroir-led gin storytelling, premium pricing, and being a craft sibling to a single malt whisky portfolio.
• Four Pillars Gin: Four Pillars is a leading Australian craft distillery producing premium gins and a growing whisky range, with strong domestic retail and export presence (including Asia). Direct regional peer to Scapegrace on craft premium gin, trans-Tasman category leadership, and Asian export ambitions.
• Starward Whisky: Starward is a Melbourne-based new-world single malt whisky distillery (owned by Proximo/Beam Suntory minority), famous for Australian red-wine-cask maturation. Directly comparable to Scapegrace's Vanguard/Anthem single malt as a southern-hemisphere new-world whisky peer competing for the same on-trade lists and awards.
• Cardrona Distillery: Cardrona is a New Zealand craft distillery based in Central Otago producing single malt whisky, gin, vodka, and liqueurs from a purpose-built facility. Most direct NZ craft peer to Scapegrace — competing for the same NZ consumers, tourism traffic, and international new-world-spirits positioning.

Broad incumbents

• Diageo: Diageo is the world's largest premium spirits company with portfolios spanning gin (Tanqueray, Gordon's), vodka, and single malt whisky (Talisker, Lagavulin). Broad incumbent competing with Scapegrace for premium on-premise listings, retail shelf space, and global duty-free travel retail across the same 42+ markets.
• Pernod Ricard: Pernod Ricard is a global premium spirits major (Jameson, The Glenlivet, Beefeater, Absolut, Monkey 47). Comparable as a broad incumbent whose premium gin and single malt brands compete head-to-head with Scapegrace on international shelves and in travel retail.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/scapegrace
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/scapegrace-distilling-co

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Scapegrace Distilling Co.