NEW ZEALAND. Going against the grain has reaped important rewards and now global recognition for Strange Nature, the innovative New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc-based gin which continues to reap top accolades.
Strange Nature Gin received 98/100 – Gold Outstanding at the recent International Wines & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2024 held in London.
Competing against 4,000 spirits worldwide, Strange Nature Gin ranked as the top New Zealand wine and spirit in 2024 and the top New Zealand wine and spirit in the past eight years based on scoring New Zealand liquor across all categories. The gin was placed in the top 2% of awarded spirits, in the top five across all gins internationally, and also tied for the Best Contemporary Gin in The World award with Fiesta Gin from the Czech Republic.
Strange Nature Gin also claimed a Gold Medal for Bottle Design and Packaging at the Los Angeles Spirits Awards.
| Strange Nature Distilling is the exclusive partner of The Moodie Davitt Report’s popular Image of the Day feature. Strange Nature was developed during the COVID lockdown in New Zealand. Family-owned Giesen Wines, one of the country’s most successful – and best – winemakers, was trialling ways to make zero-alcohol Sauvignon Blanc, never expecting the alcohol extract to have a rich, herbaceous-citrus flavour that would “lend itself so perfectly to gin”. Read the full story here. |
Strange Nature Gin General Manager and Owner Rhys Julian said: “We’re immensely proud of these accolades, which highlight the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Strange Nature Gin and continues our exciting upward trajectory only three years after launching.
“Crafting the strangest gin on the market packed full of Sauvignon and juniper flavours, with a product that is highly sustainable and completely traceable from grape to glass, are qualities which undoubtedly set us apart. Not to mention our distinctive bottle design which captures the attention even before our delicious liquid hits the lips.”
At the Los Angeles Spirit Awards, Strange Nature Gin’s bottle design and packaging was recognised for its exceptional design, creativity and craftsmanship. “This accolade underscores our brand’s commitment to not only delivering a superior gin but also presenting it in a visually striking and sophisticated manner that enhances the overall consumer experience, Julian added.
“Winning the Gold Medal for our bottle design at the LA Spirit Awards and achieving such high honours at the IWSC is a testament to our team’s dedication and passion. These awards place Strange Nature amongst the world’s best and validate our efforts to create a gin that not only delights the palate but also captivates the eye.”
Strange Nature has attracted a loyal following with its singularly botanical with juniper characteristics, capturing the essence of its origins; aromatic, fruity, tropical, zesty and herbaceous.
Recognised as one of the fastest-growing global craft gin brands, Strange Nature is available in travel retail at several airports in Asia Pacific and the Middle East and in domestic markets including the US, Australia and, more recently, the UK.
According to Julian, the brand is set to welcome further airport listings in Qatar, New Delhi and Singapore, opening the brand to more than 160 million global travellers.
“In the last year we’ve made great strides growing and investing in our overseas markets, particularly the US and Australia,” Julian said.
“Earlier this year Strange Nature launched into the US and succeeded in gaining positioning in parts of the market such as California, Texas and New York where there is already strong brand awareness for New Zealand food and beverage.
“We have strategically positioned Strange Nature to secure high-value placements in cocktail bars and premium retail environments, appealing to discerning consumers who seek unique, super-premium gin crafted by a trusted source from New Zealand.
“We are working hard to ensure these quality placements remain in place for years to come, through a myriad of marketing activities that support the trade and at the same time provide the consumer good reasons to pick our brand off the shelf or as part of an ingredient in their favourite gin cocktail. It’s an exciting time ahead,” Julian concluded. ✈
