The International Wine & Spirits Competition has announced its spirits results (with the exception of Scotch whisky).
Three New Zealand distilleries were awarded Gold Medals for their gin entries: Hastings Distillers for its Albertine Gin, Lighthouse Distillers for its Batch Distilled Gin and Scapegrace Distilling for its Classic Gin.
Gins were split into two main categories: London Dry and Contemporary and a record number was entered this year.
Producers from the UK to Singapore created “top quality examples across an array of increasingly innovative styles”, according to organisers.
New Zealand distillers were also awarded seven bronze medals and three silvers for a range of entries including gin, limoncello and vodka liqueur.
“We’re really thrilled with the recent medals at the IWSC, including a Gold Medal for Scapegrace Classic,” Scapegrace’s Daniel Mclaughlin told TheShout NZ.
“All of our spirits are handcrafted with care and attention, so it’s fantastic to be recognised on the world stage out of 600 gins, from 90 different countries.
“There are many competitions around the world but the IWSC is definitely the most prestigious and relevant competition”
Kate Galloway from Hastings Distillers told TheShout NZ that as a small, family run business, its an honour to be recognised so highly with a Gold Medal.
“But for us, it’s bigger than the brand,” she says. “It proudly shows the world that gins from New Zealand are strong global competitors.
“All our products are certified organic and most of our ingredients are sourced locally. We think this award also acknowledges our dedicated organic growers throughout Hawke’s Bay and New Zealand and will help put New Zealand on the world map for spirits as well as wine.”
Other categories judged in the awards included worldwide whisky, which saw examples from Scandinavia, Taiwan and India, and the US; Mezcal and Tequila, which continued their upward quality curve with a diverse array of styles; and Cognacs and Armagnacs, which received multiple Gold Outstanding Medals.
“Despite all that is happening in the world at the moment, experienced industry professionals can still be wowed by incredible spirits,” says Joel Harrison, IWSC panel chair.
On the last day of judging, panel chairs re-tasted the top performers from each category to settle on an overall category champion. The trophy results will be announced in September.
For a full list of medal winners, click here.
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