A wheat vodka flavoured with feijoa, manuka honey or kiwifruit. It started in a Wellington garage in 1999, is named for the latitude, and made New Zealand vodka an export category more or less single-handedly.
It is a commercial distillery’s product, and distilling spirits without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into it
- New Zealand wheat
- yeast
- spring water
- feijoa, manuka honey, kiwifruit or passionfruit for the flavoured range
How it is made
Wheat is fermented and distilled in a column still to a near-neutral spirit, filtered, and cut with spring water to bottling strength. The flavoured expressions have natural extracts blended in after distillation rather than being redistilled with them, which keeps the fruit character fresh.
How long it takes: days to ferment and distil; no ageing
How it is eaten
Ice cold in a shot, or in a martini and long drinks.
History
Started in a Wellington garage in 1999 and named for the latitude, it made New Zealand vodka an export category.
Frequently asked questions
What is 42 Below?
42 Below is a wine & spirit from New Zealand: wheat vodka flavoured with feijoa, manuka honey or kiwifruit. Started in a Wellington garage in 1999 and named for the latitude, it made New Zealand vodka an export category.
How is 42 Below made?
Wheat is fermented and distilled in a column still to a near-neutral spirit, filtered, and cut with spring water to bottling strength. The flavoured expressions have natural extracts blended in after distillation rather than being redistilled with them, which keeps the fruit character fresh. It takes days to ferment and distil; no ageing.
Can I make 42 Below at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. It is a commercial distillery’s product, and distilling spirits without a licence is a criminal offence.
What goes into 42 Below?
New Zealand wheat, yeast, spring water, feijoa, manuka honey, kiwifruit or passionfruit for the flavoured range.
How is 42 Below eaten?
Ice cold in a shot, or in a martini and long drinks.
