First NZ gin producer shortlisted for IWSC global title

Island Gin has become the first New Zealand gin distillery to be shortlisted for the IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year Trophy.

Created by distiller Andi Ross in 2019, the off-grid solar-powered distillery on Aotea Great Barrier Island is one of only seven gin producers globally named on the 2026 shortlist.

The Trophy winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in London in late November.

The International Gin Producer of the Year Trophy celebrates sustained quality and consistency across a producer’s entire range. To qualify for the shortlist, a producer must enter at least three products in the relevant category, every entry must receive an IWSC medal, and the results must include at least two Gold medals or one Gold Outstanding medal.

Island Gin’s selection for the shortlist follows its results in the 2026 IWSC judging earlier this year, where all three of its gins entered received medals – including IWSC Gold for Island Original Gin and Island Navy Gin. The third gin contributing to the IWSC shortlist was Island Gin Oranges and Mānuka Bush Honey Gin, created in collaboration with Four Pillars Gin in Australia.

“When I found out, I had to read the email twice,” said Andi Ross. “Island Gin began commercially distilling in 2019, so being shortlisted alongside producers from Canada, Australia, Japan and South Africa feels almost impossible.”

Andi Ross developed Island Gin after she began experimenting with a small alembic copper still and ingredients gathered on Aotea. Local mānuka bush honey became the signature botanical in Island Original Gin and the brand became known for its distinctive kina-inspired bottle made in New Zealand from 70% recycled glass.

“New Zealand may seem a world away from the centre of the international spirits industry, but for Island Gin, that distance has proven to be a strength rather than a weakness,” says Ross.

“Our environment, our terroir and the resourcefulness required to produce gin on an off-grid island have all helped make Island Gin what it is.”