New Zealand’s Scapegrace Distilling is celebrating three major medal wins at the World Whisky Masters whisky competition.
The 2024 World Whisky Masters were held overnight in London, with Scapegrace’s Single Malt Anthem Whisky awarded the prestigious gold medal, while Scapegrace’s Vanguard and Fortuna Single Malt each picked up a silver medal.
Scapegrace Co-Founder Mark Neal says the team is thrilled with the recognition.
“This is one of the world’s most highly acclaimed whisky events so to win not one, but three medals is fantastic,” said Neal.
“Our team is really pleased with the results. This is a huge win for our international reputation and again shows that Scapegrace’s range of single malt is up there with the best in the world.”
Neal says Anthem showcases the best of New Zealand, having been distilled and cut with pristine New Zealand glacial waters and made using locally grown barley.
“Anthem is a highland malt-esk whisky which is rich, elegant and subtle. One of the unique features of the products is the inclusion of Manuka smoked malt, from New Zealand’s native Manuka plants, which is used instead of peat.
“The smokiness we get from Manuka is complex and dry, with eucalyptus, menthol and forest floor style notes. These intricacies help to bring a lighter and more versatile smoke to our whisky that also lets the cereal from our new make shine in a balanced profile.”
“We are super proud of our unique, distinct manuka style and we’re proud to be leading the way in new world whisky from New Zealand.”
The World Whiskey Masters is recognised as the world’s most highly regarded spirits blind-tasting competition globally.
The success continues a proud international award-winning legacy for the Central Otago distillery. In 2018 Scapegrace Gin was voted World’s Best London Dry Gin at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition.
The award caps a big few months for Scapegrace, with the brand recently landing a major distribution deal with leading UK supermarket chain Waitrose. Scapegrace has also recently partnered with Air New Zealand, with both Scapegrace and Rogue Society spirits served both inflight and in airline lounges.
