ThunderDonk, the bold new flavoured whisky from Scapegrace Distilling, is earning global recognition just weeks after launching, taking top honours at the 2025 World Drinks Awards.

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

The World Drinks Awards are a prestigious global competition which celebrates excellence across the drinks industry. The 2025 edition saw thousands of entries tasted and critiqued by an expert panel of judges.

“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 Scapegrace 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.”

The win will see ThunderDonk Spiced Maple advance to the final stage of the competition, where winners go head-to-head to determine the coveted World’s Best titles, set to be announced on June 4th.

ThunderDonk is crafted using real single malt whisky from Scapegrace’s distillery in Central Otago. The drink blends aged whisky with flavour-forward innovation to deliver a 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 available nationally in New Zealand across all the main retail banners and targeted on premise for an RRP of $59.99. It will launch in Australia, the UK and other selected markets later this year.

For more visit: thunderdonk.com

About Scapegrace Distilling Co.

Scapegrace Distilling Co is New Zealand’s largest independent spirits company, founded in 2014 by brothers-in-law Daniel McLaughlin and Mark Neal, alongside Richard Bourke.

Today, the Scapegrace brand is available in 43 markets worldwide, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative spirit that captures the adventurous essence of New Zealand. In addition to its award-winning Scapegrace portfolio, the company also produces distinctive brands under Rogue Society Liquor, including premium gin and vodka, as well as ThunderDonk — a bold, flavoured whisky.

Scapegrace Gin was awarded World’s Best London Dry Gin at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition in London, 2018. Its unique bottle design also turned heads, earning Best Looking Gin Bottle at the San Francisco Spirits Competition.

Scapegrace’s single malt whisky range continues to gain international acclaim. Vanguard Whisky won gold at the World Whisky Awards 2025, while Anthem picked up gold at the World Whisky Masters in 2024.

All Scapegrace spirits are proudly crafted at New Zealand’s largest distillery, a state-of-the-art facility purpose-built by the brand on the banks of Lake Dunstan in Central Otago. This world-class distillery ensures Scapegrace can meet growing global demand across its luxury portfolio of Single Malt Whisky, Flavoured Whisky, Gin, Vodka, and premium RTDs.