One just for us
Our mission is simple- find and promote the best local small batch gins in New Zealand.
No imports, no mass production, supporting local.
Who?
From the team behind the NZ Organic Wine Awards, now in its successful 11th year with over 500,000 award stickers adorning wine bottles, comes the NZ Small Batch Gin Awards. Building on our legacy of promoting exceptional, locally-produced beverages, these awards are dedicated to showcasing New Zealand's finest artisan gins. Our goal is to amplify local market presence and open doors for export opportunities, putting New Zealand's unique gin craftsmanship on the map.
Judging
Here at the NZ Small Batch Gin Awards, we’re doing things a bit differently. We've put together a custom-made judging platform that's all about getting the opinions of gin lovers. It's set up to make it easy for everyday gin fans to have their say and help us figure out which gins really stand out. We take all the feedback we get, crunch the numbers, and that's how we come up with our winners. This way, we're making sure the gins that take home the prizes are the ones that real people, not just the experts, are crazy about.
Taste categories
-
London Dry Gin represents the quintessence of gin's heritage. Emphasizing a strong juniper presence, this category demands a bold and traditional flavor profile. The production process restricts any artificial flavors or colorings, ensuring that the taste comes purely from distillation. Perfect for purists, this category honors gins that adhere to the classic methods and tastes that have defined gin for centuries.
-
The Classic Gin category is a showcase of balance and subtlety, featuring gins that have a juniper-forward flavor profile achieved through traditional distillation techniques. These gins often incorporate a variety of classic botanicals like angelica root and citrus peels, allowing the intricate interplay of flavors to shine through. Ideal for those who appreciate a timeless gin experience that respects the spirit's origins.
-
Contemporary Style Gin is a playground of creativity and innovation, where the essence of juniper is woven into a tapestry of diverse, often unconventional botanicals. This category is for gins that dare to be different, highlighting modern approaches to flavor that can include bold citrus, intricate spices, or delicate floral notes. It's a celebration of the modern gin revolution, perfect for adventurous palates.
-
Flavored Gin is all about the infusion of vibrant tastes and aromas. In this category, gins are enriched with additional flavors, ranging from fruits to botanicals, creating a unique and often colorful gin experience. It's a showcase of gins that push the boundaries of traditional profiles, offering a delightful journey of taste exploration.
-
This category is dedicated to the bold and the brave. Navy Strength Gin, with its high alcohol content of at least 57% ABV, is celebrated for its intensity and robust flavor. These gins retain a full-bodied juniper aroma and a potent botanical richness that are meticulously preserved during the distillation process. It’s a journey into the heart of gin's maritime history, offering a powerful, unadulterated tasting experience that’s as daring as it is delightful.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a huge part of why we do what we do- and we want to put a big focus on the sustainability of the NZ distillery industry.
Part of this sustainability is social, supporting local producers, communities and suppliers.
And part of sustainability is environmental, such as waste reduction, carbon elimination and offset.
Part of our awards will identify a ‘Sustainable Gin Producer of the year’ award. This will consider all efforts being made by the producer. This could include initiatives such as community outreach programs, organic production, solar conversion, water conservation, natural plantings, plastic and waste reduction, carbon accounting and auditing, etc!
FAQs
Who are you?
We are Echoes Aotearoa, the founders and operators of the NZ Organic Wine Awards, which is now in its 11th continuous year of operation. We also run the NZ Library Stock Wine Awards.
Why Gin?
We have long looked at a range of awards that we think need a shake up, either because their is a void in the market- or we think we can add something to the existing offerings. With regard to gin, we believe we can add a true consumer centric, independent voice advocating for the small producers across New Zealand.
How do you judge?
Independence has always been paramount to our awards and an emphasis with all of our endeavors. Our mission is to ultimately help NZ Gin brands sell more product, and forge a clear path for international expansion. We have developed a custom judging platform designed to take non-professional judges through the steps of quantitive and qualitive judging. Allowing us to leverage real consumers (that’s right, real people who actually buy product!) opinions, and via weighting, anomaly detection and other methods evaluate a gin’s quality.
What about medals/award media?
Awards media is provided free of charge. We provide digital artwork for medals, or can provide medals at ‘cost price’ via a leading supplier in NZ.
What is Small Batch?
OK, so this is a little ambiguous. However we are defining small batch size as produced using still of less than 1000l. All entries must be produced in New Zealand.
Can I enter?
Our criteria for entry states entries must; be produced in NZ, be produced from a still of 1000l or less, be available for sale in NZ, be produced in retail packaging showing brand name, ABV and batch details.
How much does it cost to enter?
Entries are $45 per gin entered.
2026 Timeframe
Submissions Close
📅 22 May 2026
All entries and samples must be received by this date. No late entries accepted.
Judging Complete
📅 20 June 2026
All entries will be blind tasted and scored by this date.
Embargoed Results Sent to Entrants
📅 24 June 2026
Medal winners notified under embargo. No public announcements yet.
Medal Orders Close
📅 1 July 2026
Deadline to order medal stickers and marketing materials.
Public Results Announced
📅 3 July 2026
Winners published on our website and shared across social media.
Medals & Materials Dispatched
📦 7–11 July 2026
Medal stickers and award assets sent out.