Medals announced in 2026 NZ Spirits Awards
Medallists in the 2026 NZ Spirits Awards have been announced with gins leading the Gold medal tally.
This year’s event drew nearly 400 entries across the spirits categories and judges awarded a total of 65 Gold medals. The full list of medallists is here.
Trophy winners will be announced at a gala event on Friday 14 August in Auckland.
Gin was the biggest category this year with 143 entries and 21 Gold medals awarded. Whisky was the next largest category at 72 entries with 10 Golds. Nearly half of the 44 vodkas entered won Gold, with 19 awarded.
The NZ Spirits Awards are open to local and international spirits and are judged by specialist panels of industry professionals across hospitality, distilling, spirits education, and liquor retail and distribution. They are presented by Spirits New Zealand and Distilled Spirits Aotearoa.
The NZ Spirits Awards Head Judges noted the quality of entries across the board this year. “What stood out most was the increasing level of precision across the competition. Year after year, the spirits become cleaner, more refined and more assured in their execution. Great ideas are being supported by stronger technical understanding, thoughtful production and a clear sense of purpose.”
The NZ Spirits Awards evening will also see major awards for Innovation, Design & Packaging, Emerging Product, Best Cocktail Bar, and Bartender of the Year.
