The trophy winners of the fourth New Zealand Spirits Awards were announced tonight at a gala dinner at Auckland’s Hilton hotel.
This year saw an increase in the number of categories from seven to 15; with whisky and gin expanding to reflect the complexities within the categories.
The number of entries from gin alone increased from 145 last year to 235, and of those, 185 were locally produced, according to organisers.
“This year has been the best awards yet,” says Dr Sue James, Chairperson of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa.
“We’ve seen the number of entries increase by 27% compared to last year, and because of this, we needed to more than double the number of judging categories and bring on more judging panels.
“We’ve had extraordinarily high calibre entrants, and it feels like this year has been the year that New Zealand distillers have really started to shine with regards to their innovation.
“Everything from truffles, wine, cinnamon, and seashore flavours are adding amazing complexity to our spirits.”
The awards’ judges – including The Shout NZ writer Tash McGill, Head Judge of the Dark Spirits Panel – said they were “impressed and inspired by the meticulous spirits presented and the adventurous exploration of flavour”.
The 2022 Champion Trophy Winners are:
Whiskey – North American
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Jack Daniels – Bottled in Bond (USA)
Whisky – Traditional (Scottish/Irish)
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Bruichladdich – Port Charlotte (Double Gold) (Scotland)
Whisky – World
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Waiheke Whisky – Bog Monster (NZ)
Gin – London Dry
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Taupo Distilling Co – 5 Mile Gin (NZ)
Gin – Contemporary/Navy Strength
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Vicar’s Son – Navy Strength (NZ)
Gin – Flavoured/Aged
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Kyoto Dry Gin – Ki No Tea (Double Gold) (Japan)
TROPHY FOR BEST NEW ZEALAND IN CATEGORY
1919 Distilling – Pineapple Bits
Rum
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
The Alchemist Distilling – Golden Rum (Double Gold) (NZ)
Rum – Spiced/Botanical
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Dead Man’s Fingers – Hemp (UK)
TROPHY FOR BEST NEW ZEALAND IN CATEGORY
Broken Heart Spirits – Broken Heart Spiced Rum (Double Gold)
Other – Liqueurs
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Barlovska – Blackberry (NZ)
Other – Botanical and Other Spirits
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Carpano – Antica Formula Vermouth (Italy)
TROPHY FOR BEST NEW ZEALAND IN CATEGORY
No8 Distillery – No8 Ouzo
Tequila/Agave Spirits
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Herradura – Herradura Plata (Double Gold) (Mexico)
Vodka – Varietal
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Gorilochka – Vodka Gorilochka Wheat (Ukraine)
TROPHY FOR BEST NEW ZEALAND IN CATEGORY
Broken Heart Spirits – Broken Heart Vodka (Double Gold)
Vodka – Flavoured/Aged
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Herrick Creek Distillery – Smokin’ Right Rear Cinnamon Moonshine (NZ)
Brandy – Brandy
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Rough Hands – ELSEWHEN Applejack
Innovation Award
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Strange Nature – Strange Nature Gin
Packaging Award
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Quick Brown Fox – Quick Brown Fox Coffee Liqueur
Emerging Product Award
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Rough Hands Ltd – Sorghum Spirit
Did you know?
There are six ways you can catch up with The Shout NZ?
Our print magazine – May issue out now! Subscribe here.
Online, updated daily with its own unique content and breaking news.
Our weekly newsletter – free to your inbox! Subscribe here.
Our digital magazines – the latest issues are online now.
We are also on Facebook and Instagram!
