The medal winners for for 2023 NZ Spirits Awards have been announced with nine of the highest accolade – the Double Gold medal – awarded.
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 The Shout NZ’s spirits expert, Tash McGill.
“The Awards not only offer international producers a chance to gain recognition in the local
market, but also provide an opportunity for New Zealand products to stand up whilst pitched against some of the world’s best,” say organisers.
“As for consumers, the awards provide a sense of comfort in knowing that their beloved spirits have received the recognition they deserve and a guide to the ever growing spirit categories to be confident of quality.”
The following spirits received the Double Gold award which will then be rejudged for the trophies, which will be awarded in Auckland in June.
Vodka
Black Collar – Black Collar Chocolate Vodka
Good George Distilling – Bacon Vodka
National Distillers Company – Aquifer
Whisky
Basil Hayden’s – Basil Hayden’s
Waiheke Whisky – Cantankerous
Gin
Island Gin – Island Gin Navy Strength
Southward Distilling – Smoked Rosemary
Ukiyo – Japanese Blossom Gin
Botanical and Other Spirit
Hasting Distillers – Rubis Rouge
Brandies
Lheraud – Lheraud Cognac Vsop Limited Edition No 2
As well as the nine Double Gold medals awarded, 52 Gold medals were handed out – with the largest categories for Gold medals being gin with 21 and whisky with 15.
“This year it was exciting to see continued expansion in the New Zealand Whisky category and a more diverse selection of unique liqueurs and spirits than ever before,” said the Head Judges.
“We continue to do our best to showcase the very best and celebrate the growth this year.”
For a full list of medal winners, click here.
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