Scapegrace Distilling Co. is celebrating one of its most significant ever award wins, with its Vanguard Whisky impressing international judges to win best New Zealand single malt at the 2025 World Whiskies Awards.

The World Whiskies Awards are the most prestigious international whisky awards, with the win putting Scapegrace’s name in lights alongside some of the most well known global whisky brands including Glenmorangie from Scotland, and Teelings from Ireland.

The award recognises Vanguard as the best New Zealand single-malt whisky, and Scapegrace Co-Founder Daniel McLaughlin says the team is extremely proud.

“This win is a real milestone moment for us both locally and internationally,” said McLaughlin. “It’s a testament to our team’s hard work and it’s fantastic to see the world taking notice.”

McLaughlin added that Vanguard is the result of years of meticulous development.

“Vanguard really does showcase the best of New Zealand. It’s distilled with glacial waters from the Southern Alps and crafted using locally grown barley, before ageing in the unique Central Otago climate.

“The end result is a highland malt-esk whisky which is rich, elegant and subtle. It’s a great whisky and we’re thrilled it’s making waves internationally,” said McLaughlin.

The event judges noted Vanguard has "plenty of cereal and honey on the nose, with apple and pear. Grassy on the palate but with honeylike sweetness and some vanilla and golden syrup."

The latest accolade adds to Scapegrace’s growing international reputation. In 2024, Scapegrace Anthem won Gold at International Wines & Spirits competition, and also Gold at the Global World Whisky Masters.

About Vanguard

Cask Type: Virgin French Oak

Malt: New Zealand Laureate

Liquid: Natural Colour and Non-Chill Filtered

Tasting Notes: Poached Pears, Vanilla Custard & Anzac Biscuits