In 2010, founder Greg Ramsay discovered and purchased the last 443 barrels of cask-strength whisky from Dunedin's legendary Willowbank Distillery. High Wheeler is a masterblend of 70% single malt and 30% premium grain whisky (made from unmalted barley) sourced from that discovery — a rare window into New Zealand's distilling heritage, which traces back to Scottish settlers who arrived in Otago during the 1830s.

The blend spent 21 years maturing in American ex-bourbon casks. This extended maturation has given it considerable refinement without overwhelming the characterful malt-grain balance.