Skip to main content
Our Story

The Laughing Owl’s New Voice

Drawing inspiration from Sceloglaux Albifacies — the extinct Laughing Owl that once ruled New Zealand’s night skies — our whisky revives its spirit, giving it a new voice and reawakening a legacy lost to time.

One of the last sightings of the Laughing Owl was in the Ōpihi River region — joker and thief in the night, it once foraged throughout New Zealand. Long gone, its story lingers at Owl Rock, inscribed in stone.

When not hunting, this owl asserted its dominance over the forest with a haunting call, described by some as eerily resembling maniacal laughter.

Inspired by this untamed spirit, “Live by Laughter” is more than a motto—it’s a way of life. It’s about enjoying the company of those close to us, cherishing shared experiences, and embracing the moments that bring us together.

Laughing Owl Whisky is crafted for sharing, for laughter, and living in the moment—celebrating the past while eagerly anticipating what’s next.

Explore our journey

Could New Zealand’s laughing owl have survived? Our guess? It’s still out there… Raising a glass and having the last laugh.