AUCKLAND, Today: Scapegrace Distilling Co. is on the hunt for New Zealand’s best whisky cocktail, inviting bartenders nationwide to put forward an original creation.
The competition asks bartenders to build a single malt whisky cocktail around either Scapegrace Vanguard or Scapegrace Anthem.
Inspiration can come from anywhere, the whisky’s flavour profile, Scapegrace’s Central Otago roots, the brand’s ethos, or a bartender’s own take on what the spirit stands for.
The key is simple. The drink needs to be whisky-led, intentional, and backed by a clear story.
The competition lands as New Zealand single malt whisky keeps gaining momentum internationally. Bloomberg described the country’s whisky scene as a “modern renaissance” poised to “break big on the global stage,” with Central Otago producers helping drive that rise.
Scapegrace is part of that momentum, with Anthem and Vanguard both picking up gold medals at the World Whiskies Awards and the IWSC.
“This competition is an open invitation to New Zealand’s bartenders to engage with these whiskies properly, understand them, find their own angle, and build something exceptional around them,” said Tim Giles, Scapegrace Sales and Marketing Manager.
“Whisky is extremely popular right now and we want to find and celebrate the best whisky cocktail in New Zealand.”
“This competition is an open invitation to New Zealand’s bartenders to engage with these whiskies properly, understand them, find their own angle, and build something exceptional around them.” – Tim Giles, Scapegrace Sales and Marketing Manager
Entries close on 30 April. After that, Scapegrace judges will choose the top 15 bartenders from around the country. Those finalists will be visited in their own venues during June and July, where judges will taste and score each cocktail.
The top three will then win an all-expenses-paid trip to Queenstown for the national final in October 2026, where they’ll face three finalists from the Central Otago regional competition.
The overall winner will take home $1,000 and the national title. Judging will lean heavily on taste and balance, with extra points available for storytelling, brand knowledge, presentation, technique, uniqueness, and sustainability.
Last year’s national winner was Cal Ross of Panacea in Auckland, who claimed the 2024 title with Taniwha, a Scapegrace Black cocktail inspired by Fiordland and featuring local Syrah and a signature Bushfire Shrub.
To enter, cocktails must use either Scapegrace Vanguard or Anthem Single Malt Whisky with a minimum 30ml pour, include no more than five ingredients, and be the bartender’s original work.
Up to two homemade ingredients are allowed. Entry is open to bartenders currently working in a New Zealand hospitality venue. Bartenders keen to try the whiskies before entering can email tim@scapegracedistillery.com to arrange samples at their venue.
- Full details and the entry form are available at scapegracedistillery.com
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