GDC Unveils Dark Sky Reserve Gin – A Celestial Celebration in a Flask

 Greytown Distilling Company has raised the bar for craft spirits with the launch of Dark Sky Reserve Gin, an ultra-premium release honouring Wairarapa’s official Dark Sky status.  

Limited to just 1,000 collector’s cases, this gin pays tribute to the starlit skies that inspired it. 

“The release of Dark Sky Reserve Gin comes alongside the announcement by Lonely Planet of Wairarapa’s stargazing, food and wine as being one of the world’s top experiences on their prestigious Best In Travel list for 2026; an incredible acknowledgement by one of the most respected and consulted travel brands,” says Gavin Hodder, Co-Founder of Greytown Distilling Company. 

Design for the gin began late last year when Master Distiller Peter Warren, globally recognized for his award-winning gin creations, teamed up with distillery manager John Goss to craft something extraordinary. Their mission: a gin that captures the essence of Wairarapa’s Dark Sky reserve. The result is a recipe unlike any other, enhanced by an innovative filtering process using stones from the Waiohine River, which flows from the Tararua Ranges past Greytown. 

Dark Sky Reserve is a refined London Dry gin, layered with vibrant yuzu, local lemons, grains of paradise, star anise, and pure Tararua mountain water. 

“When we tasted the final iteration, the room fell silent,” recalls Adam Blackwell, GDC Co-Founder. “It was a real moment of excitement. We knew this would be a landmark release for our little distillery.” 

The packaging is as spectacular as the spirit inside. Each collector’s case opens to reveal a 750ml stainless steel flask nestled in a light-up night sky display, including the Matariki  Pleiades star cluster. Every case includes a numbered certificate signed by Peter Warren, underscoring its exclusivity. A limited run of 375ml flasks will follow, but the focus remains on this extraordinary flagship edition. 

“Our goal was to create a gin that mirrors the awe we feel when we look up at Wairarapa’s night sky,” says Adam. “This isn’t just another gin in our range —it’s a celebration of the natural beauty of our region.” 

With only 1,000 cases available, Dark Sky Reserve Gin is destined to become a collector’s treasure—and a toast to the magic above.