Scapegrace enters liqueurs with ThunderDonk
New Zealand-based Scapegrace Distilling has unveiled ThunderDonk, a new flavoured whisky liqueur distilled in Central Otago.
ThunderDonk is the result of 18 months of development by the Scapegrace team, and represents the brand’s first foray into the liqueur category.
Made with single malt whisky from Scapegrace’s newly opened distillery on the banks of Lake Dunstan in Central Otago, ThunderDonk sees the brand tapping into the growing demand for flavoured whisky spirits, with the global flavoured whisky market projected to grow from US$10.32 billion in 2023 to US$18.81bn by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of roughly approximately 6.9% between 2024 and 2032.
Scapegrace co-founder Daniel McLaughlin explained the name ThunderDonk reflects the brand’s playful and boundary-pushing spirit: “ThunderDonk is bringing an independent, bold, and locally made flavoured whisky to the market. This is a drink that’s made to share and unite, and we wanted a name which encapsulated that.
“We don’t take ourselves too seriously, but we’re serious about what’s in the bottle, especially when it comes to our flavour profiles.”
ThunderDonk debuts with two flavours, Spiced Maple and Salted Caramel, delivering a ‘playful and premium’ drinking experience, with a balance of sweet, savoury, and spice notes, ideal for using in cocktails, serving neat or as a chilled shot.
ThunderDonk Spiced Maple is said to be a bold New Zealand flavoured whisky that delivers a hit of maple sweetness, backed by warming spice. It also offers deep caramelised maple notes that meet toasted oak and a subtle kick of cinnamon.
Meanwhile the Salted Caramel expression has been crafted for those who like their pours ‘smooth yet full of character’, with rich caramel coating the palate, balanced by a hint of sea salt that enhances the natural warmth of the whisky. Soft vanilla undertones round out the finish.
Both are bottled at 33% ABV.
“This is a product that really stands out, whether it’s on the back bar or your shelf at home. The flavours have been meticulously developed and it’s the perfect drink to enjoy with friends,” said McLaughlin.
“Flavoured whisky is exploding in popularity and we’re really excited about the potential for this product.”
ThunderDonk is available across all the main retail banners and targeted on premise in New Zealand for an RRP of NZD$59.99 (US$33.50). It will launch in Australia, the UK and other selected markets later this year.
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