Distillers nationwide are in high-spirits, and in spite of not being able to celebrate face-to-face, the NZ Spirits Awards has announced its trophy winners in a live virtual awards ceremony last evening.
“After 260 entries, judging over three days by 17 judges we can announce the trophy winners in each of our seven
categories,” says Spirits NZ Chief Executive, Robert Brewer.
The most anticipated category – gin – saw the trophy taken away by Napier’s own National Distillery Company and their
Hemp Gin. For the second year running the whisky trophy went to the Talisker 10.
“We heartily congratulate all our trophy and medal winners and thank all our world-class entrants from here and afar for
supporting what is becoming a hotly-contested competition. The crafting of fine spirits respects long-standing history
and tradition, but it’s important for the industry to embrace innovation, new flavours and techniques, and to keep an
open mind and challenge the status quo,” says Sue James, Chair of Distilled Spirits Aotearoa.
“Great Barrier Island’s ‘Island Gin’ deservedly received this year’s New Zealand Innovation Award for its copper pot
distilled gin presented in a unique Kina-inspired bottle made of reclaimed glass. This award recognises unique or new
processes, imagery and packaging design, recipes, flavours or products. This beautiful bottle, packaged on a
solar-powered packaging line, is instantly recognisable, and invokes wonderful images of New Zealand island life,
beaches and summer,” says Sue.
After a delay of several months, COVID-19 wasn’t going stop Kiwi distillers competing against some of the world’s most
recognised and long-standing brands. Judging took place under Alert Level 1 in July in Wellington with 54% of entries
from New Zealand and 46% from overseas. Medal winners were also acknowledged recently.
“For what is a relatively young industry in New Zealand, we are seeing sophisticated spirits being produced here, and
they are standing up strongly against some of the most recognised brands in the world. A quality spirit is part art and
part science – and a whole lot of passion and hard work. We are delighted to give distillers the recognition they
deserve and hope that the Awards bring some awareness to these skilled craftsmen and women. This industry has a really
bright future, growing both local and export markets,” says Robert.
“Right now we are seeing a renaissance in spirits and a shift to premiumisation – that’s people drinking less but
perhaps spending a little more to enjoy a quality beverage. Whether Kiwis are getting out and exploring the regions
through their palate and meeting local distillers on the New Zealand Spirits Trail, imbibing a decadent cocktail in a
city bar, or having a wee dram at home in front of the fire, maximum enjoyment comes from taking a moment to simply sip
and savour your spirit,” say Sue and Robert.NZ Spirits Awards Trophy Winners 2020:New Zealand Innovation Award
Winner: Island GinHighly commended:
Lunatic & Lover - Botanical Rum Silver Batch No 1
Begin Distilling - Juno Trailblazer’s Four-PackRum - Best New Zealand in category
Winner: Helmsman spiced rumGin - Best New Zealand in category; AND Best overall in category
Winner: National Distillery Company Hemp GinRum - Best overall in category
Winner: Havana Club 7 Year OldVodka - Best New Zealand in category; AND Best overall in category
Winner: 42 Below PassionLiqueur - Best New Zealand in category; AND Best overall in category
Winner: Sovrano Caffelisir coffee liqueurWhisky - Best New Zealand in category
Winner: Thomson Whisky South Island Peat Single MaltBotanicals and other spirits - Best overall in category
Winner: Herradura Ultra AnejoWhisky - Best overall in category
Winner: Talisker 10 Year OldBrandy - Best overall in category
Winner: Martell XO