The trophy winners for for 2023 NZ Spirits Awards were announced at a gala dinner in Auckland last Friday, June 9.
Now in its fifth year, the awards showcase New Zealand’s exceptional spirits to the world and the world’s exceptional spirits to New Zealand.
This year, 426 entries from 24 different countries were received, with 281 being products from New Zealand.
The entries were assessed by 30 judges from both New Zealand and Australia, including Tash McGill who says it’s a privilege to be involved in judging the awards.
“The growth in the number of entries reflects the ongoing growth of the sector,” she says.
“The awards are a great opportunity to consider what we are striving for by way of premium international standards and to encourage those in the local producer industry to continually improve, take on board feedback from judges and continue to elevate the game.”
The Champion Trophy Winners are…
Whiskey – North American
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Jim Beam Black (USA)
Whisky – Traditional (Scottish/Irish)
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Tallisker 10 (Scotland)
Whisky – World
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Wemyss Peat Chimney Blended Malt (Wales)
TROPHY FOR BEST NEW ZEALAND IN CATEGORY
Waiheke Whisky Cantankerous (Double Gold) (NZ)
Gin – London Dry
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Clarity 2023 Gin (NZ)
Gin – Contemporary/Navy Strength
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Roots Norwester Navy Strength Gin (NZ)
Gin – Flavoured/Aged
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Good George Distiller’s Series – Taurus – Orange Blossom and Manuka Honey (NZ)
Rum
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Bacardi Oro (Puerto Rico)
TROPHY FOR BEST NEW ZEALAND IN CATEGORY
National Distillery Company Golden Rum (NZ)
Rum – Spiced/Botanical
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Plunders Original Caribbean Rum 700ml (UK)
TROPHY FOR BEST NEW ZEALAND IN CATEGORY
Broken Heart Spirits – Broken Heart Spiced Rum
Other – Liqueurs
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Barlovska – Blackberry (NZ)
Other – Botanical and Other Spirits
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Hastings Distillers Rubis Rouge Vermouth (Double Gold) (NZ)
Other – Agave Spirits
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Del Maguey Chichicapa (Mexico)
Vodka – Varietal
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
ZOA Vodka (NZ)
Vodka – Flavoured/Aged
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Black Collar Chocolate Vodka (Double Gold) (NZ)
Brandy – Cognac
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Lheraud Cognac Vsop Limited Edition No 2 (France)
Brandy – Brandy
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Rough Hands – Elsewhen Singularity (NZ)
Emerging Product Award
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
NZ Gin Day – Souvenir Gin
Packaging Award
TROPHY FOR BEST OVERALL IN CATEGORY
Strange Nature Gin
For the full list of results for the NZ Spirits Awards 2023, click here.
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