From the wild, salt-kissed edges of the Coromandel Peninsula, Awildian emerges as one of New Zealand’s most distinctive gin producers — a fusion of scientific clarity, artisanal spirit, and the untamed character of place. Created by the Coromandel Distilling Company in the coastal town of Thames, Awildian is a testament to small-batch precision and an intimate connection to landscape.

Founded by scientists Daniela Suess and Paul Schneider, the distillery is rooted in a philosophy of experimentation grounded in integrity. The name Awildian, drawn from the idea of one who lives in harmony with the wild, reflects their ethos — to distill spirits that capture nature’s quiet complexity, shaped by intellect but led by instinct.

At the heart of the distillery is a 150L Carl still from Germany — custom-designed for micro-batch production. This allows for meticulous attention at every step, from botanical selection to final distillation. Local ingredients are central to the identity of Awildian gins: native flora such as mānuka, citrus, wild herbs, and sea spray lend their aromatic voices to a spirit that feels deeply of its place. Each release is an aromatic portrait of the Coromandel — wild, pure, and precise.

The flagship Coromandel Dry Gin is an elegant study in balance: bright citrus, fine juniper, and a clean mineral spine, with a subtle lift of native botanicals. Awarded “World’s Best Classic Gin” at the World Gin Awards in 2022, it has become an international ambassador for New Zealand’s distilling excellence. Seasonal and limited releases — including spiced, coastal, and festive expressions — explore broader flavor territory while maintaining the house’s unmistakable clarity and restraint.

Beyond the glass, Awildian champions sustainability, with a commitment to environmental stewardship reflected in every element of production. As members of 1% for the Planet, the distillery contributes meaningfully to conservation, grounding its success in reciprocity with the natural world.

Awildian is more than a gin — it is an encounter with a region, a climate, a craft. Distilled with scientific rigour and poetic intent, it offers a taste not only of Coromandel, but of a deeper, quieter New Zealand.

In every drop, Awildian speaks of the wild — not in noise, but in nuance.