Kiwi gin wins top global title
Clarity Navy Gin from Tauranga’s Clarity Distilling Company has won the title ‘Gin of the Year’ at the 2026 International London Spirits Competition.
It is the first time a New Zealand gin has taken out the title at the global event, which drew entries from more than 30 countries and evaluates spirits on taste, value for money and packaging.
Clarity Navy Gin also secured ‘Double Gold’ and ‘Spirit of the Year New Zealand’, achieving an outstanding 98-point score – making it one of only four spirits overall to be rated so highly.
The distillery, which launched in 2023, previously claimed ‘Gold’ and ‘Spirit of the Year New Zealand’ at the 2025 event for its Clarity Navy Gin, and the same title in 2024 for its Clarity 2023 Gin.
“At the London Spirits Competition, a winning spirit must excel in quality, offer outstanding value for money, and be packaged in a way that truly connects with today’s consumer,” said London Spirits Competition CEO, Sid Patel.
“What makes this competition unique is that all products are judged by the highest level of trade professionals—bartenders, bar managers, and buyers—who understand what sells and what delights customers. Our winners represent the very best of the global spirits industry.”
2026 London Spirits Competition winners Include:
• Spirit of the Year: No.3 Gin – Holland, Double Gold - 98 Points
• Best Spirit by Quality: Bareksten Navy Strength Gin – Norway, Double Gold - 97 Points
• Best Spirit by Package: CandeGIN Gentle – Italy, Gold - 94 Points
• Best Spirit by Value: Żubrówka Vanilla Flavoured Vodka – Poland, Double Gold - 98 Points
• Gin of the Year: Clarity Navy Gin – New Zealand, Double Gold - 98 Points
• Vodka of the Year: Żubrówka Vanilla Flavoured Vodka – Poland, Double Gold - 98 Points
• Rum of the Year: Kakira Dark Rum – Uganda, Double Gold - 96 Points
• Liqueur of the Year: Martin Albus Liker OD Višnje – Croatia, Double Gold - 97 Points
• Tequila of the Year: Herradura Reposado – Mexico, Double Gold - 96 Points
• Cognac of The Year: Courvoisier VS – France, Gold - 95 Points
• Whiskey of the Year: Root Shoot American Single Malt – United States, Double Gold - 97 Points
• Single Malt Whiskey Of The Year: The Donn – Ireland, Double Gold - 96 Points
W: For more visit londonspiritscompetition.com
