Kiwi gin lands Double Gold at 2026 SFWSC

Christchurch-based 4 Bars Distillery has earned a 96-point Double Gold Medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC), placing it among the world’s highest-rated gins judged at this year’s competition.

The distillery’s flagship gin, Gin Clear Day, was the only New Zealand spirit to earn Double Gold.

Double Gold is awarded only when every judge on a tasting panel independently awards a spirit a Gold Medal, making it one of the industry's most respected indicators of quality and consistency.

Gold Medals were awarded to Bluff Distillery for Bluff London Dry Gin and Wellington’s Woodward Street Distilling Company for its Penguins Crossing London Dry Gin.

4 Bars Distillery was founded by former RNZAF and commercial pilot Chris Gear and takes its name from the four bars worn by an airline captain. Gin Clear Day references the aviation term used to describe exceptionally clear flying conditions.

“Receiving a 96-point Double Gold at San Francisco is an incredible honour,” says Gear. "As a small independent Christchurch distillery, we're proud to see Gin Clear Day recognised alongside some of the world's most respected gin brands. The result reflects years of refinement, consistency and attention to detail.”

W: See the full list of medallists at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Awards