ThunderDonk Wins Gold at World Drinks Awards

01/05/25

ThunderDonk Whisky has taken top honours at the 2025 World Drinks Awards - just weeks after launching.

ThunderDonk Spiced Maple was awarded Gold and named Country Winner as the top liqueur from New Zealand, and ThunderDonk Salted Caramel also picked up a silver medal.

The World Drinks Awards are a prestigious global competition that celebrates excellence across the drinks industry. This year, thousands of entries were judged by a panel of international experts, and we’re honoured to be recognised among them.

“We launched ThunderDonk with a bold vision, to create the best-tasting flavoured whisky in the world, and we’re beyond thrilled to see it recognised on the global stage,” said our Co-Founder Daniel McLaughlin.

“These awards are a testament to the incredible team behind the product as well as the dedication that went into developing this bold and boundary pushing flavoured whisky.”

Thanks to this win, ThunderDonk Spiced Maple will now advance to the final stage of the competition, where it will go head-to-head with other Country Winners for the coveted World’s Best title, to be announced on June 4th.

ThunderDonk is made using real single malt whisky from Scapegrace distillery in Central Otago. By blending aged whisky with full-on flavour innovation, we’ve created something that delivers the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and spice.

“Flavoured whisky is booming globally, and ThunderDonk is here to shake things up. It has a name that captures its spirit and it’s designed to be shared and enjoyed, whether neat, in a cocktail, or as a chilled shot.”

ThunderDonk is now available across New Zealand through all the major retail banners and select on-premise venues for an RRP of $59.99. Thunderdonk will be launching into Australia, the UK, and other select markets later this year.

thunderdonk.com