This year’s International Wine and Spirits Competition entries showcased global excellence across four continents, with standout spirits in categories including whisk(e)y, gin, brandy, agave, vodka, liqueurs, aperitifs and digestifs.
Just 3% achieved Gold Outstanding, and 12% were awarded Gold – including seven spirits from New Zealand.
Agave Spirits was awarded a Gold Medal and 98 points for its ready-to-serve cocktail, Besos Margarita Habanero, in the Alternative Drinks category.
“It’s incredibly rewarding and a bit overwhelming to see such recognition so soon,” says Global Brand Manager, Luis Cabrera.
“We only launched this product late last year, and to already be winning Gold one of the most prestigious competitions in the world is a huge achievement.”
Gin
Gin entries are assessed as Classic, Contemporary or Flavoured. This year’s top-scoring gins came from 20 countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Seven Gold Outstanding medals (98 points) were awarded to contemporary or flavoured gins from Australia (four), France, Japan and Singapore.
Vodka
This year’s vodka entries highlighted the category’s diversity, showcasing a wide range of styles, flavours and base ingredients, with 10 Gold Outstanding and 33 Gold medals awarded.
The Gold Outstandings included both flavoured and neutral vodkas from Sweden, Finland, Iceland, England, Germany and Poland.
Scotch Whisky
A leading IWSC category, Scotch whisky attracted a broad range of entries.
Thirteen whiskies received 98-point Gold Outstanding medals, including both blends and single malts from Speyside, Islay, the Lowlands and the Highlands.
Notably, Loch Lomond, Glenfiddich and Double Dutch each earned two Gold Outstanding medals.
Worldwide Whiskey
Worldwide Whiskey delivered standout entries this year, with judges praising the top whiskies for pushing quality to new levels.
Australia led the field, winning eight Gold medals across rye and single malts. East Asia remained strong. Kavalan earned a Gold Outstanding (98 points) for its Solist Pedro Ximenez Sherry Cask, plus three further Golds.
South Korea, Japan and Taiwan collected seven Golds between them. Irish producers also impressed, with 17 medals awarded across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
In total, 18 countries secured Gold or Gold Outstanding medals.
Rum
Rum entries were strong this year, with six Gold Outstanding and eight Gold medals awarded.
Winners represented both molasses and cane sugar styles, with five of the six Gold Outstandings going to cane sugar rums.
While the Caribbean remains central to rum production, this year’s top medals also went to producers in Australia, Taiwan, Cyprus, the United Kingdom and the USA.
Tequila and Mezcal
The IWSC Agave category continues to gain traction, with 11 Gold Outstanding and 25 Gold medals awarded.
Mezcal stood out for its complexity, particularly Espiritu Montaraz’s Ancestral Pechuga Mole, described as “bursting with herbaceous and meaty spices… with a delightful umami richness.”
Tequila also impressed. Blancos from Tanteo, Cascahuin and Sierra Unidas were commended for purity and balance. Three Reposados from Campo Azul, Panco Datos and Lagrimas were among the top performers.
The New Zealand Gold Medal Winners include:
Agave Spirits
Besos Margarita Habanero – Gold (98 Points)
Jumping Goat Liquor
Bartender Edition Coffee Liqueur – Gold (96 Points)
McKenzie Brothers
Heart of Rugby Single Cask Single Malt Whisky – Gold (95 Points)
Jumping Goat Liquor
Cold Brewed Coffee Liqueur – Gold (95 Points)
Cardrona Distillery
The Reid Single Malt Vodka – Gold (95 Points)
Strange Nature Distilling
Premium Gin – Gold (95 Points)
McKenzie Brothers
Heart of Rugby Single Cask Single Malt Whisky – Gold (95 Points)
For the full list of winners, click here.
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