The results of the 2023 London Spirits Competition are out. This is a competition where spirits are judged keeping end consumers in mind. Spirits are rated with three main criteria in mind: quality, value and packaging. To be a medal winner, Spirits must show a high rating in all the three factors with the most weightage on quality.
A record number of entrants this year were vying for the much-coveted bronze, silver, and gold medals, with about 2000 spirits brands entering from more than 80 countries. The competition prides itself on consistently being assessed by a top panel of judges, consisting of some of the world’s leading figures from the hospitality sector.
Waiheke Distilling Co. entered four spirits with all four receiving medals. Premium botanical vodka, Horopito Spice, took out a Gold Medal with a score of 92 out of a possible 100 and scooped the prestigious “Best in Show by Country” making it the highest ranked New Zealand spirit within the competition.
The company’s Kawakawa Summer Vodka was awarded a Silver Medal and Hibiscus Honey Vodka a Bronze Medal. While in the highly competitive gin category, the island distillery’s Red Ruby Gin entry with its distinctive infusion of organic cherry juice was also awarded a Bronze Medal.
“This is a huge honour for a young boutique distillery and it is a great reward for the foraging and showcasing of native botanicals which we strive to hero. Premium New Zealand flavours are the heart and soul of our vodka products. Horopito Spice, our double award-winner, balances Aotearoa’s native pepper with grains of paradise, pink peppercorn and the zest and zing of fresh Waiheke lime,” says Liz Scott, Director and distillery co-founder.