Scapegrace Wins Major Accolade at World Whisky Awards

"The World Whisky Awards represent the pinnacle of international whisky competitions, so winning this award is a massive achievement for us"

07/02/25

Scapegrace is celebrating a major international win at the prestigious World Whisky Awards in London.

Our Vanguard Whisky has been named the Gold winner and Best in Category of the Single Malt no age statement category at the World Whisky Awards, beating out some of the world’s top brands for the honour.

Our Co-Founder Mark Neal says it’s a milestone moment for the team.

"The World Whisky Awards represent the pinnacle of international whisky competitions, so winning this award is a massive achievement for us," said Neal.

"We’re incredibly proud of our team, and it’s fantastic to see our whisky receive this level of recognition."

Vanguard truly 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,” said Neal.

It wasn’t the only win for us at the awards, with our Ephemeral Whisky picking up a silver medal. 

The World Whisky Awards celebrates the finest whiskies globally and saw over 1,500 entries this year.

The latest accolade adds to our growing international wins. In 2024, Ephemeral Whisky won Gold in the New Zealand Single Cask category at the World Whisky 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.

The World Whisky Awards involve a series of U.S. and European judging rounds, culminating in a final evaluation in London in early February.

About Vanguard

Cask Type: Virgin French Oak

Malt: New Zealand Laureate

ABV: 46%

Liquid: Natural Colour and Non-Chill Filtered

Tasting Notes: Poached Pears, Vanilla Custard & Anzac Biscuits

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