Two New Zealand gins have taken top global honours at the World Drinks Awards in London.
Arrowtown Distillery’s Rifters Royal was named the World’s Best Navy Gin and Awildian’s Coromandel Mānuka Gin was named World’s Best Matured Gin.
Both gins were also awarded a Gold Medal and named Country Winner.
The World Drinks Awards celebrate the very best drinks, people, companies, and places in the ever-growing world of the global drinks industry.
Category winners for World’s Best Design and the Icons of Drinks (celebrating the achievements of individuals and companies who provide exceptional service for their brand) and World’s Best winners for Taste were announced at the Waldorf hotel in the heart of London’s theatre district.
Stuart Clark, founder of Arrowtown Distillery that produces Rifters, says the win is surreal.
“To win World’s Best Gin is an incredible moment — especially knowing how tough the competition is out there,” he says. “We’ve always believed in the product, but this level of recognition is a real milestone for the whole team.”
Rifters Royal is a bold 57.7% navy-strength drop with notes of grapefruit, sweet liquorice root, pink peppercorn and a smooth bay leaf finish.
The other Kiwi winner, Awildian Mānuka Gin, was described as “a captivating experience” by the judges.
The 48% warming Old Tom Style gin is matured for no less than three months in toasted Mānuka wood coated in medicinal grade Mānuka honey.
“We couldn’t be prouder,” said the Awildian team on social media. “This gin is extra special to us, with its 18th Century roots and distinctive smoked Coromandel Mānuka wood and honey flavours.
“Thanks to the judges and organisers for this amazing honour. This is our second world title, so we are extremely grateful for all the support we have received over the years!”
For the full list of World Drinks Awards 2025 winners, click here.
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