Kiwi distillers shine at 2025 World Whiskies Awards

New Zealand whisky has been in the spotlight at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards with local distilleries celebrating country wins across a range of categories.

Scapegrace Distilling Co.’s Vanguard Whisky was named Best New Zealand Single Malt and Scapegrace Co-Founder Daniel McLaughlin says the team is extremely proud.

“This win is a real milestone moment for us both locally and internationally. Vanguard really does showcase the best of New Zealand. It’s distilled with glacial waters from the Southern Alps and crafted using locally grown barley, before ageing in the unique Central Otago climate.”

He says the end result is a: “...Highland malt-esque whisky, which is rich, elegant and subtle. It’s a great whisky and we’re thrilled it’s making waves internationally.”

Best New Zealand Single Cask Single Malt went to Thomson for its Quercus Alba Single Cask and Best New Zealand Small Batch Single Malt was awarded to Waiheke Whisky’s Peat + Port.

Reefton Distilling Co.’s Moonlight Creek Manuka Smoked was named Best New Zealand New Make & Young Spirit.

W: See the full results at worldwhiskiesawards.com