A New Chapter for an Old Friend

July 1, 2026

NZ Whisky Company opens its new tasting room

Three Bottles of NZ Whisky on the <nobr>Pen-y-bryn</nobr> Bar — Three of the NZ Whisky Company’s whiskies–including our private bottling–on our bar

From 3 July, the New Zealand Whisky Company moves into a new tasting room here in Oamaru — and we couldn’t be prouder to see them mark the occasion.

We’ve been long-time supporters of theirs, not just as fans of a very good dram, but as neighbours who believe in what they’re doing: reviving a South Island whisky tradition that very nearly disappeared. A few years ago we took that support a step further, filling a barrel with their spirit to create our own private-label whisky — two batches, made exclusively for Pen-y-bryn, that we’re delighted to share with guests staying with us.

If you’ve stayed at the lodge, you may already have tried a dram by the fire. If you haven’t, there’s no better reason to visit — settle in with a glass of something rare, and once you’ve enjoyed it here, take the short trip into town at 4 Wansbeck Street to see the New Zealand Whisky Company’s beautiful new tasting room for yourself.

Here’s to new spaces, old friendships, and the whisky that connects them.