Cardrona Distillery: Celebrating 10 Years of Extraordinary Spirits as Founder Desiree Reid Departs for Global Sales Role
Cardrona Distillery celebrates a milestone 10th birthday on Wednesday, 5 November, marking a decade of crafting extraordinary single malt spirits in the Cardrona Valley.
This celebration coincides with a leadership change that positions the business for its next chapter of international growth.
Desiree Reid, Founder and Managing Director, is moving into the role of Global Sales Director with International Beverage, relocating to Scotland to focus on driving global growth for all International Beverage brands.
Henry Caulton, Cardrona Distillery Chief Financial Officer since 2022, will take over from Reid, moving into the role of Acting Managing Director. Caulton is a fully qualified Chartered Accountant and brings to the role extensive strategic and financial experience to guide the next decade of growth.
Caulton’s leadership has been instrumental in securing Cardrona Distillery’s long-term future with International Beverage, positioning Cardrona alongside some of the world’s most respected spirits brands.
Honouring A Founder’s Vision
“Desiree founded Cardrona Distillery with the dream of creating a single malt whisky that would stand tall on the world stage. In only a decade, she has achieved that and more,” says Caulton. “I’m honoured to be taking the reins from such an inspiring founder and look forward to the next decade as we continue to bring a touch of Cardrona magic to the world.”
Sarah Elsom, Master Distiller, now has full responsibility for all production and operations. Elsom continues to honour Reid’s founding vision for Cardrona Distillery by crafting world class spirits that speak to their raw ingredients and to the environment in which they are forged.
“It has been an incredible experience working alongside Desiree the past ten years to build Cardrona Distillery into what it is today,” says Elsom. “As we celebrate our 10th birthday, we have an immense sense of pride for all we have accomplished and excitement for what lies ahead as we continue to bring our extraordinary spirits to the world stage.”
A Decade of Extraordinary Spirits
Since its establishment in 2015, Cardrona Distillery has grown from a founder’s dream into one of New Zealand’s leading distilleries, recognised internationally for its dedication to traditional methods and exceptional quality.
To mark the anniversary, Cardrona Distillery will host a private celebration, bringing together private cask owners from around the world to honour those who believed in Reid’s dream from the very beginning.
Looking ahead, 2026 will see the highly anticipated release of Cardrona Distillery’s first 10-year-old single malt whisky, along with the start of an ambitious expansion project that includes new whisky warehousing, cellar door and restaurant at the Distillery’s home in the beautiful Cardrona Valley.
