Entries open for NZ Spirits Awards
Entries for the 2026 New Zealand Spirits Awards have opened with the revised categories now confirmed.
The spirits categories include Whisky, Gin, Rum, Agave, Vodka, Brandy, Liqueurs, Aperitif/Digestif & Other Spirits.
Organisers say that the committee has reviewed and adjusted the categories to ensure the judging process remains impartial, reflects the current market, and ensures spirits are evaluated alongside directly comparable products.
Feedback from the distilling community meant that an initial decision not to separate New World and Old World whisky styles for 2026 has been reversed. This year’s Whisky category is therefore divided into Scotch/Irish, World Whisky, and North American.
Medals will be awarded at gold, silver and bronze levels. Trophies will be presented for Best in Category at an awards ceremony on Friday 14 August, in Auckland.
Awards will also be presented for Innovation, Design & Packaging, and Emerging Product. Industry awards include Best Cocktail Bar, and Bartender of the Year.
Additional awards will be made for Best Pairing and Pre-Batched Cocktail. After a trial run last year, the Pre-Batched Cocktail Award has now been confirmed as a permanent fixture with categories for Classic Cocktail (commonly known and established cocktail recipes) and Modern Cocktail (a completely new cocktail recipe or a twist on an already established cocktail).
Entries for the 2026 NZ Spirits Awards will close on 16 June and each entry will be evaluated through a blind tasting by a panel of industry judges.
Key Dates
Entries open: 20 March
Entries close: 16 June
Final day to receive judging samples: 23 June
Judging: 15 - 17 July
Medal winners announced: 30 July
Trophy winners announced: 14 August 2026 - Awards Dinner