Denzien Urban Distillery - Te Aro Dry

I've returned, what transpired during my absence? Well, a lengthy and challenging 24-hour hiatus from alcohol has concluded, and I've persevered through the rigorous period of abstention... this break officially ends on New Year's Day, so I felt it would be impolite not to share a couple more reviews beforehand. I was heading out for a family dinner and happened upon a new urban gin distillery. The establishment is charming, featuring a small space with a large glass window beside the tables showcasing a beautiful copper still. They've earned several awards, and I can understand why. This was my preferred among their three offerings. It's a classic London Dry style Gin infused with Horopito, Kawakawa, and nine additional botanicals. It possessed a delightful mouth-warming peppery taste from the Horopito, complemented by a citrus foundation. Horopito has a long history of use among the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand, both internally and externally, for various purposes. Records from as early as 1848 document its use in treating skin conditions like ringworm, venereal diseases, or currently, athlete's foot. On a less serious note, it's also been used for toothaches and stomachaches. Fortunately, I'm free of any such ailments, but I do appreciate the fiery pepper flavor (derived from the leaves) and can see why it's also known as the Pepper tree. I considered purchasing a bottle but was hesitant to finish 700ml before January 1st, wanting to avoid temptation.