It’s official - Wilderkin Spirits Co vodka is rated amongst the top quality vodkas in the country, having been awarded medals for the three vodka products entered at the sixth annual NZ Spirits Awards. 

And they were awarded a prestigious double-gold medal for their Chilli-infused vodka, meaning that every judge awarded the product a gold rating.

“We are beyond excited and pretty proud to be medalled in just our first year of operation,” says Jonathan Clare (JC), one half of the Wilderkin production team

“Nige [Nigel Sanderson] and I spent many, many hours perfecting our distilling processes, and the results have been officially recognised.”

Wilderkin Spirits were awarded a prestigious double-gold medal for their Chilli-infused vodka. Photo: Supplied.

Wilderkin Spirits Co, based in Waihī Beach has been in business for just 11 months and has had an incredible first year.  

They participated in four Flavours of Plenty events in April this year, were featured in Cuisine Magazine in June and have recently been nominated in the ‘Emerging Business Star’ category in their local community awards.

Nige and JC. Photo: Supplied.

The point of difference in their production, is that they handmake their vodka from scratch. 

The majority of distillers in New Zealand start with an alcohol base, but JC and Nigel start use only potatoes, yeast, spring water and organic sugar in their recipe.

They then complete the process by filling each bottle by hand and labelling each bottle individually.   

“It really is a labour of love,” says Nige, JC’s co-conspirator, “We enjoy the process and exploring new flavours and ideas in the distilling space.”

Wilderkin Distillery were awarded medals for their three vodka products entered at the sixth annual NZ Spirits Awards. Photo: Supplied.

The judging for the sixth New Zealand Spirit Awards took place just over a week ago in Wellington. 

Twenty-two judges tasted and graded 451 entries. The Awards are hosted by industry bodies Spirits New Zealand and Distilled Spirits Aotearoa. 

With these great results under their belts, Wilderkin are forging ahead  with some new ideas, planning for a busy summer in hot spot Waihī Beach and looking at adding new infused vodka varieties to their portfolio.

If you’d like to try any of the  Wilderkin products check out their website at www.wilderkinspirits.com – and to celebrate their win, they’re offering a special offer on online purchases.  Simply enter AWARDS at checkout to receive a discount