Island Gin is riding an extraordinary wave of success, with its flagship Island Gin Original adding another prestigious title to its growing list of accolades: NZ’s Best London Dry Gin at the renowned World Drinks Awards. The latest triumph comes alongside a Gold medal in the same competition, further solidifying Island Gin’s position as a top-tier spirit on the global stage.
The distillery announced the win, sharing their elation and gratitude with the world: “We couldn’t be prouder to announce that Island Gin Original has won Gold and also has been crowned New Zealand’s best London Dry Gin at the @worlddrinksawards.”
This latest recognition builds upon an already impressive track record. Island Gin Original secured Gold medals for two consecutive years, from 2022 to 2023, at the esteemed World Spirits Competition. Furthermore, their dedication to quality has been recognized closer to home with Double Gold awards at the NZ Spirits Awards.
The international recognition is another major moment for the Medlands-based micro-distillery, run by Andi Ross.
Distilled with Great Barrier mānuka and bush honey, the Original blend has become a staple in NZ — and increasingly, overseas, with a footprint that far exceeds its humble origins: a 12-volt copper pot still in an off-grid beach shack.
Andi has built a loyal following — not just for the taste, but for the iconic kina-inspired bottle, now a common sight across Aotea as vases, tumblers, and oil bottles.
Like most things on the island, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Andi’s battled grounded flights, barges that don’t run, and power outages from old generators that refused to start in the rain. But she’s stayed true to the island ethos: small-scale, hand-crafted, and uniquely local.
Now, with a World Drinks Award in hand and plans to go fully solar, Island Gin is proving that world-class spirits can be made at the end of the supply chain — with a bit of ingenuity, a lot of grit, and the full flavour of Aotea.
