Presented by Spirits New Zealand Inc. and Distilled Spirits Aotearoa (NZ) Inc. the New Zealand Spirits Awards is a celebration of spirits in New Zealand.

As spirits become more popular and New Zealand-produced products grow in significance it is important for a New Zealand-based spirits awards to judge and award the best available products in the market, in a New Zealand context. To help New Zealand consumers select and enjoy the best spirits available to them and to measure how well the New Zealand-produced products stand up against the best in the world available here. 

The New Zealand Spirits Awards select the very best in local and internationally available spirits within their categories. The top spirits in each category are recognised with bronze, silver and gold medals as judged by panels of industry experts. The absolute best are recognised with Trophies awarded for Best Overall in each category.

Trophies are also awarded annually for the best New Zealand Emerging Product Award, New Zealand Packaging Design Award and New Zealand Innovation Award – an exciting and unique award for creativity in a New Zealand context.

Furthering this spirit of innovation, the NZ Cocktail Bartender of the Year and NZ Cocktail Bar awards serve as a vital link between spirits producers, distributors, and the talented professionals using these products in the field.

Now well established in its seventh year, the New Zealand Spirits Awards continues to grow, with entries increasing year-on-year—solidifying its place as the premier event for the New Zealand spirits community