Scapegrace scoops major accolade at World Whiskies Awards
The brand’s Vanguard whisky was named the Gold winner and Best in Category of the Single Malt No Age Statement category.
New Zealand’s largest spirits producer Scapegrace Distillery has claimed a major international honour at the World Whiskies Awards in London.
The brand’s Vanguard whisky was named the Gold winner and Best in Category of the Single Malt No Age Statement category, beating out some of the world’s top brands. Scapegrace Co-Founder Mark Neal described the award as “a milestone moment for the team”.
“The World Whiskies Awards represent the pinnacle of international whisky competitions, so winning this award is a massive achievement for us. We’re incredibly proud of our team, and it’s fantastic to see our whisky receive this level of recognition,” he said.
According to Neal, the Vanguard expression “showcases the best of New Zealand, having been distilled with glacial waters from the Southern Alps, using locally grown barley, in the remarkable climate of Central Otago”.
“The end result is a highland ‘malt-esk’ whisky which is rich, elegant and subtle. It’s a great whisky and we’re pleased it’s making waves internationally,” he added.
Scapegrace’s Ephemeral whisky picked up a silver medal at the World Whiskies Awards, which involve a series of US and European judging rounds, culminating in a final evaluation in London in early February.
The latest accolades add to Scapegrace’s growing international reputation. In 2024, Ephemeral Whisky won Gold in the New Zealand Single Cask category at the World Whiskies Awards, and in 2023 the brand received a Master Medal for its Single Malt Fortitude V Whisky at the Global Spirits Masters’ World Whisky Masters competition.
As reported, Scapegrace Distillery unveiled its new state-of-the-art home, comprising a head office, bottling facility, warehousing, barrel hall and distillery late last year. 
