AUCKLAND, Today: Scapegrace Distilling Co. has kicked off 2025 strong, scoring big again—this time with a gold medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).
Its Anthem Single Malt Whisky landed a near-perfect 95 out of 100, while Vanguard Single Malt and Gold Gin took home silvers. Not a bad haul.
It’s been a whirlwind for Scapegrace lately. Vanguard bagged gold at the World Whisky Awards in February, then ThunderDonk followed up with a win at the World Drinks Awards in April.
“This has been a great few months for Scapegrace, with recognition coming in from some of the biggest competitions in the world,” said Scapegrace Co-Founder Mark Neal.
“To now be acknowledged by the IWSC is an incredible moment for the team and we’re incredibly proud to see our New Zealand whisky earning its place on the world stage.”
“We’re incredibly proud of Anthem. It’s distilled from locally grown barley, including our distinctive manuka-smoked grain, which imparts a subtle sweetness and gentle smoke.” – Mark Neal
Neal says Anthem was crafted at their high-tech Central Otago distillery, built to showcase the best of Aotearoa’s ingredients and environment.
“We’re incredibly proud of Anthem. It’s distilled from locally grown barley, including our distinctive manuka-smoked grain, which imparts a subtle sweetness and gentle smoke.
Like all our spirits, it’s cut with glacial water from the Mt Aspiring lakes and matured in the extreme climate of Central Otago, with the conditions bringing real depth and character to the final whisky.”
It’s a beautifully smoky whisky with subtle tasting notes of spiced walnuts and cider apple. We only launched Anthem in New Zealand last month and we’re encouraging whisky lovers to grab a bottle and enjoy.”
These latest wins just build on Scapegrace’s hot streak. Last year, Ephemeral Whisky grabbed gold at the World Whisky Awards, and Fortitude V took a Master Medal back in 2023.
Safe to say, they’re on a roll.
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