Podcast

S3 Episode 2: Patsy Bass – Reefton Distilling Company 🍸

5 Mar 2026

In this episode of the Bold Company Podcast, Tim McInnes chats with Patsy Bass, the driving force behind Reefton Distilling Company. Patsy shares the story of a business where tradition meets innovation and every bottle carries the spirit of the West Coast.

From the inspiration behind their flagship gin to the care taken in packaging, marketing, and local hiring, this is a rare, behind‑the‑scenes look at a brand built on authenticity, community, and pride in place. Patsy talks about bringing local talent on board, crafting flavour profiles inspired by the rainforest, and creating employment opportunities for young people in a small town.

“You’ve captured my childhood in the bottle… this is the smell I remember walking in the West Coast forest.”

🎧 Listen to Season 3, Episode 2 to hear a heartfelt kōrero about building a brand with purpose, connecting to community, and capturing the essence of a region in every drop of gin and whisky.

The third season of the podcast is sponsored by Christchurch Airport – growing the engine room for Canterbury businesses and The University of Canterbury - one of New Zealand's leading learning institutes. And the lovely people at Ruffells, one of Christchurch’s leading creative studios, are helping us make this happen by recording and post-producing the series and bringing the good vibes.

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