Strange Nature gin, the quirky super-premium gin from New Zealand which sponsors The Moodie Davitt Report’s popular Strange Predictions competition, has been named one of the ten 2024 Gins of the Year at the prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC).
The IWSC Gin Panel wrote of the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc-based gin: “A wonderfully vibrant aromatic profile, bursting with gooseberries and zesty citrus, leading to a resinous, juniper forefront. Pristine and bold on the palate, with a juicy grape base shining through and finishing with an expressive blend of bright [Sauvignon Blanc] grapes and freshly ground coffee. Marvellous!”
As reported, Strange Nature has gained impressive momentum in travel retail since entering the channel in 2022.
| Strange Nature Distilling is the exclusive partner of The Moodie Davitt Report’s popular Strange Predictions column. 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. |
IWSC Spirits Judging Committee member and Chair of its Gin Panel Olivier Ward said of the gin category: “Globally, Gin as a category is blooming worldwide and is as inspiring, diverse, creative and dynamic as ever. This diversity is a testament to the innovation and passion driving the gin industry forward.”
He added: “People are drinking less but better gin, and the category is contracting around brands with established quality credentials.
“We see the global gin renaissance through the resurgence of London Dry as a style and how the Flavoured Gin category uses real botanicals and authentic flavours. Time-honoured distilling techniques are in, and synthetics and colorants are out.” ✈
The other nine recognised gins were:
- Junipero, Smoked Rosemary Gin (USA)
- Naught Distilling, Overproof Gin (Australia)
- Four Pillars Barrel Aged Bloody Underhill Shiraz Gin (Australia)
- Garage22 Prague Distillery, Fiesta Gin (Czech Republic)
- BEG Boutique Distillery, New World Navy Dry Gin (Brazil)
- Hernö Gin, Old Tom Gin (Sweden)
- Dune Distilling Co., Mediterranean Gin (Australia)
- Balmenach Distillery, Caorunn Scottish Raspberry Gin (Scotland)
- Pudel, Portofino Dry Gin La Penisola (Italy)
