AWARD CATEGORIES


The categories for the 2025 awards have been reworked to better reflect industry trends and now fifteen trophies will be awarded in this year’s competition.

The categories are based upon the commonly held spirit groupings which define the style and process of spirit production.  The organisers reserve the right to move any entry into a different category (with the approval of the submitter), if there are not enough entries in any one category

WHISKY

Whisky or whiskey is a type of liquor made from fermented grain mash.

Scotch

All whisky following the Scotch definitions regarding ingredients, production methodology, and maturation requirements.

 Sub Categories

  • Single Malt NAS
  • Single Malt 12yr and Under
  • Single Malt Over 12yrs
  • Blended

Irish

All whisky following the Irish definitions regarding ingredients, production methodology, and maturation requirements.

 Sub Categories

  • Single Malt NAS
  • Single Malt 12yr and Under
  • Single Malt Over 12yrs
  • Blended

North American

All whisky following the North American definitions regarding ingredients, production methodology, and maturation requirements.

Sub Categories

  • Bourbon
  • Rye

World Whisky

Whisky from non-traditional whisky producing nations or non-traditional styles from traditional whisky producing countries.

Note: Whiskies entered must conform to the regulations in the country of production.

 Sub Categories

  • Single Malt Single Cask
  • Blended
  • Single Malt

Other

Other whiskys that do not fall into previous categories may be entered here under the relevant sub category. 

 Sub Categories

  • Moonshine
  • Corn Whisky
  • Grain Whisky


GIN

Gin is an alcoholic drink flavoured with juniper berries and other botanical ingredients or flavourings

Contemporary 

Contemporary Gins – with flavour profiles where juniper is still discernible, but other flavours such as citrus, spice and floral notes are more prominent than in a traditional gin. Contemporary Gin is a catch-all term for gins described as “New-Wave”, "New Western”, “New American Dry”, etc. Must be bottled at a minimum of 37.5% ABV 

Navy Strength

Gin bottled at a strength higher than 50% as well as Navy Gin (bottled between 57 and 58% ABV)

Flavoured

Gin that has been flavoured with fruit or additional botanicals, typically via infusion or maceration, and may be sweetened. Must be bottled at a minimum of 37.5% ABV.


Barrel Aged

Gins that have been aged in wood after distillation. 


Classic
(Juniper Forward)

Juniper forward traditional-style gins, including those using the London Dry production method. Must be bottled at a minimum of 37.5% ABV



RUM

Is an alcoholic liquor made from sugarcane or sugarcane by-product.

White

A rum which is colourless either by process of distillation or filtration

Gold 

A rum which is transparent gold or amber in colour by means of wood influence or colouring

Dark

A rum with an opaque amber or brown hue by means of added caramel or molasses

Spiced

A rum that is flavored with spices and/or botanicals post distillation

Overproof

A rum that is bottled higher than 50% vol

Other

Any rum that does not fit easily into any of the above categories - e.g. botanically distilled rums


AGAVE

Agave spirits are alcoholic beverages derived predominantly from the agave plant.

Mezcal

An agave spirit that is approved by the ‘Norma Oficial Mexicana’ from one of the key states recognised in its Geographical Indication.

Tequila

A spirit made from the blue agave that conforms to the ‘Appellation of Origin of Tequila’ from one of the key states recognised in its Geographical Indication.

Sub Categories: 

  • Blanco
  • Reposado
  • Anejo
  • Extra Anejo

Destilado

‘Destilado de agave’ is an alcoholic liquor that is distilled from agave but which cannot legally label as either a Mezcal or Tequila.

VODKA

Vodka is an alcoholic liquor produced from any ingredient of agricultural origin obtained following fermentation with yeast.

Flavoured

A flavoured vodka is a vodka which has been given a predominant flavour other than that of the raw materials. Whether achieved during or post distillation.

Neutral

A vodka which does not organoleptically express any primary discernible flavours or aromas. 


Characterful

A vodka which retains some discernible flavour from the distillation of a base raw material.

BRANDY

Brandy is an alcoholic liquor which is distilled from a fruit ferment. It may or may not include wood finishes or added flavour, colours or sugars but at low and controlled levels

Armagnac/Cognac

An Armagnac or Cognac are grape brandies that are legally recognised under the European AOC associated with either category

Other

Any other fruit distillate that falls within the base category yet with a defining character - e.g. Calvados, Spanish Brandy, Applejack etc 

LIQUEURS

A liqueur is an alcoholic drink sweetened to contain at least 100 grams of sugar per liter, flavored with natural or artificial ingredients, and having a minimum alcoholic strength of 15% ABV.

Cream

A cream liqueur (not to be confused with a ‘crème liqueur’) is a liqueur that is flavored with dairy cream or other milk products.

Fruit

A fruit liqueur is a liqueur primarily flavoured with fruit, either by infusing or distilling

Anise/Herbal

An anise/herbal liqueur is a liqueur primarily flavoured with herbs, spices and/or anise by infusing or distilling

Spirit

A spirit liqueur is derived from an otherwise finished spirit product that is sweetened to qualify it as a liqueur - e.g. whisky liqueur, gin liqueur etc

Other

 Any liqueur product that does not naturally fit into any of the above categories.

Aperitif/Digestif & Other spirits

The aperitif/digestif category refers to both low (11-25%) and high (>35%) alcoholic beverages that commonly have balanced sweetness and include macerations of herbs, spices and sometimes fruits.

Vermouth

A vermouth is a fortified, aromatized wine with at least one herb from the Artemisia (wormwood) family, hold alcohol between 14.5%-22% and contain at least 75% wine. 

Sub Categories:

Sweet

A Sweet Vermouth (“rosso” / “rouge”) is a vermouth that is coloured with caramel and containing a minimum of 130 grams of sugar per liter. 

Dry

A Dry Vermouth (“sec” / “secco”) is a vermouth that is typically lightly gold or colourless with a sugar content of less than 50 grams per liter.

Amaro

Amari (plural) are made from a wine or spirit base infused with bitter or herbaceous botanicals and some amount of sugar. Occasionally aged and can range between 16% - 40% ABV. 

Other Spirits

Other Spirits represents any spirits low or high in alcohol that do not naturally fit into the above categories – e.g. Baijiu, Soju, Shochu etc.





New Zealand Innovation Award

Entries will be judged as a whole package. Judging will be based on the uniqueness of the innovation in the New Zealand Spirits market context and its potential value to spirits consumers or to change the spirits market or industry in New Zealand.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Ensure all applicable information is included to enable judging.
  • Submit your entry by the specified deadline.
  • Include supporting materials to strengthen your application.
  • Send a product sample that demonstrates the innovation and how it is presented in the market.
  • Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered.

New Zealand Design and Packaging Award

The Packaging Design Award recognises excellence in packaging design. The entries will be assessed for their degree of innovation, aesthetic quality, functionality, and whether the concept or design offers enjoyment beyond a mere practical purpose.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Ensure all applicable information is included to enable judging.
  • Submit your entry by the specified deadline.
  • Include supporting materials to strengthen your entry.
  • Send a product sample that showcases the packaging design and how it is presented in the market.
  • Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered

The New Zealand Emerging Product Award

The New Zealand Emerging Product Award is open to all New Zealand distilleries who have a brand requiring a final refinement. This could be a pre-commercial distillery with a product concept close to launching into the market or a commercial distillery with a brand in development or in the market (must be less than 1 year old) which would benefit from further brand development. The trophy will be awarded to a distillery demonstrating a real dedication and passion to the New Zealand spirits industry with an impressive level of preparation for the future. The winner will receive design assistance to develop a new innovative product, brand or packaging concept for release in the New Zealand and international market.

New Zealand Best Cocktail Bar Award

The New Zealand Best Cocktail Bar Award honours the finest in mixology, service, and atmosphere, recognising the bar that leads the way in cocktail excellence across the country. This prestigious award celebrates venues that demonstrate creativity, technical mastery, and a superior guest experience.

Nominations will be made by brand ambassadors, who use their industry expertise to identify the standout bars in New Zealand. These nominations are then reviewed and judged by a panel of renowned industry experts from across the country, who evaluate each bar based on innovation, consistency, service, and their overall impact on the cocktail scene.

The New Zealand Best Cocktail Bar Award is the ultimate accolade for bars that have a focus on promoting spirits, set trends, inspire the industry, and deliver unforgettable experiences—one cocktail at a time.

New Zealand Bartender of the Year Award

The New Zealand Bartender of the Year Award celebrates exceptional skill, creativity, and innovation. This prestigious award recognises a bartender who not only delivers outstanding cocktails and service but also contributes to the industry—through mentorship, sustainability, or innovation—shaping the future of New Zealand’s cocktail scene.

Nominations are made by brand ambassadors, who bring their industry knowledge to highlight the bartenders who are making the greatest impact in New Zealand’s cocktail scene. A panel of industry experts will then evaluate the nominees on skill, creativity, consistency, and overall contribution.

The New Zealand Bartender of the Year Award honours a bartender who has a deep knowledge of spirits, is shaping the industry, inspiring others, and creating unforgettable experiences with every cocktail.

New Zealand Best Cocktail Menu Award

The New Zealand Best Cocktail Menu Award honours the most innovative, creative, and well-curated cocktail menu, celebrating excellence in quality, concept, and guest experience. 

Nominations are submitted by brand ambassadors, using their industry insight to spotlight bartenders making a significant impact on New Zealand’s cocktail scene. A panel of experts will then assess each nominee on skill, creativity, consistency, and overall contribution. 

The New Zealand Best Cocktail Menu Award honours the bars that push the boundaries of cocktail creation, inspire the industry, and deliver unforgettable experiences.

NEW ZEALAND Best Pairing Award

The New Zealand Best Pairing Award celebrates the ideal balance between premium gin and Fever-Tree Indian tonic. This award recognises the exceptional harmony and flavour profile achieved when a gin and tonic are expertly paired to elevate the tasting experience.

Distilleries who register their gins for the main gin category awards can opt to enter them into the New Zealand Best Pairing Award. For this special category, each gin will be blind-tasted by a panel of expert judges, paired with one part gin and three parts Fever-Tree Indian tonic. The judges will assess the balance, clarity, and overall quality of the pairing, ensuring the perfect combination of gin and tonic.

To be eligible for the New Zealand Best Pairing Award, the gin must first be registered for the main gin category awards. This exclusive category allows distilleries to highlight their gin’s versatility and perfect pairing with the renowned Fever-Tree Indian tonic, and be able to proudly state they produce the best Gin and Tonic in Aotearoa.

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