Presented by Spirits New Zealand Inc. and Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (NZ) Inc. the New Zealand Spirits Awards is a celebration of spirits in New Zealand.
As spirits become more popular, and New Zealand produced products grow in significance it is timely for a New Zealand based spirits awards to judge and award the best available products in the market, in a New Zealand context. To help New Zealand consumers select and enjoy the best spirits available to them and to measure how well the New Zealand produced products stand up against the best in the world available here.
“This is the fourth year of the New Zealand Spirits Awards, and it has been an outstanding success,” expressed Distilled Spirits Aotearoa and Spirits New Zealand.
“Both international and local distillers continue to recognise the value of New Zealand’s most comprehensive spirits competition, and as a result we have seen the number of entries increase by 27 percent since last year.”
Both local and international producers are recognised at the awards with the associations explain that international producers use the Awards to gain local recognition and support the awareness of the industry, thereby increasing sales. Meanwhile, local spirits can benchmark themselves against competitors and often get the first comprehensive feedback on their new products.
“Consumers benefit from knowing their favourite New Zealand-born spirit is aligned with global quality.”
2022 Champion Trophy Winners included Taupo Distilling Co, with their 5 Mile Gin taking out the trophy for best overall in the Gin – London Dry category, and The Alchemist Distillery, with their Golden Rum (Double Gold) winning the trophy for best overall in the Rum category.
“In the fourth year of the NZ Spirits Awards, we celebrate the ongoing growth of New Zealand-made spirits, including the continued growth and exploration of diverse spirit categories and the largest ever New Zealand whisky portfolio,” noted the head judges.
“We were once again impressed and inspired by the meticulous spirits presented and the adventurous exploration of flavour.”
For a full list of award winners head to www.spiritsawardsnz.nz
