The spirits have been tasted, the judging is done, and the medal winners for the 6th annual NZ Spirits Awards have been released.

If there is one story the results show it’s that New Zealand spirits are improving in quality year on year.

“There are more gold and double gold medals awarded to New Zealand distilled product than ever before,” says Spirits New Zealand Chief Executive, Robert Brewer.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RESULTS CATALOGUE

Out of the 79 gold and double golds awarded, 48 were to New Zealand distilled product, which is an increase of 19 per cent on the previous year.

“When you consider that one entire category is for Scotch and Irish Traditional whiskey, then the result is even more pronounced,” says Robert.

The judging for the Awards took place just over a week ago in Wellington. Twenty-two judges tasted and graded 451 entries. Overall there were 79 double-gold and gold medallists, 201 silver and 120 bronze medals awarded.

The Awards are hosted by industry bodies Spirits New Zealand and Distilled Spirits  Aotearoa. Trophies for the best of the best in each category will be awarded at a gala dinner to be held in Auckland on 13 September.

FROM THE JUDGES

In a tough climate for international and domestic producers, it was rewarding to see such a high number of entries and a diversification across categories with growth in agave, vermouth, liqueurs and rum categories. 

As ever, it's a privilege to be trusted to offer consideration and feedback to products made with such passion and dedication to excellence, and not one we ever take lightly.