The site was designed around traditional single malt production, using South Island barley, Cardrona alpine water, a semi-lauter mash tun, stainless steel washbacks and small bespoke Forsyths copper pot stills named Roaring Meg and Gentle Annie. Its remote alpine location brings arid conditions and a wide seasonal temperature swing, both of which play an important role in maturation.
Cardrona was acquired by International Beverage in 2023, bringing the New Zealand distillery into the same wider drinks group as Old Pulteney, Speyburn, Balblair and Caorunn Gin.