The winners of The Junipers, the New Zealand Gin Awards, have been announced for 2023, with organisers saying the significant growth of the gin category was reflected in the number of entries this year.
Prohibition Liquor Co.’s Original Gin was named Best In Show – a unique gin made with wormwood as a base, combined with blood orange, ruby red grapefruit, juniper, coriander and ginger root.
The Adelaide-based distillery opened its doors in 2017 and is under the guidance of Head Distiller Hugh Lumsden.
“[We were] super-chuffed to wake up this morning to find out we took out the top gong in #TheJunipers – New Zealand’s premium Gin Awards,” the Prohibition team said on Facebook.
“Our #OriginalGin took out Best Classic Dry Gin and Best in Show to celebrate our re-launch into New Zealand early this year!
“Congratulations again to our entire team, but especially Hugh and Levi in our incredible distilling team!”
New Zealand’s Clarity Distilling Company was awarded Best In Class in the NZ Classic Dry Gin category for its Limited Dry Gin.
The Tauranga-based distillery has secured a number of accolades over recent months, including a Gold Medal at the Australian Gin Awards and a Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco Spirits Awards.
“We are thrilled and honoured to have received the Best in Class Trophy and Gold Medal for our Clarity Dry Gin at the Junipers,” says George White, of Clarity Distilling Company.
“These awards are a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire Team, as well as our commitment to crafting spirits of the highest calibre.”
Junipers judge Tash McGill says it’s clear to see how New Zealand distillers are evolving and lifting the standard of entries.
“It is exciting to see our southernmost distillery, Third Island Distillery, producing something clean, fresh and delicious.
“Prohibition Liquor is an exciting winner with a curious citrus highlighting blood orange and ruby grapefruit, well balanced with botanicals.”
The other Best In Class winners are:
Flavoured & NZ
1919 Distilling Pineapple Bits
Liqueurs
Imagination Damson Plum & Blackberry Gin Liqueur
Contemporary Modern & NZ
Strange Nature Gin
Navy Strength
Imagination Navy Strength Dry Gin
Contemporary Dry
New Zealand Gin Day Gin
Old Tom
Sandymount Chapter Three
Matured
Strange Nature Barrel Aged Gin
For the full list of medal winners, click here.
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