Eight gins earn top honors at 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition

The 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has announced its Gold Outstanding medal winners in the gin category, highlighting eight exceptional gins from around the world. The IWSC, held annually in London, is recognized as one of the most respected spirits competitions globally. Each year, distillers submit their best products to be evaluated by a panel of expert judges through a rigorous blind tasting process. To earn a Gold Outstanding medal, a gin must score at least 98 out of 100 points, making this recognition one of the highest honors in the industry.

This year’s competition saw 264 gins receive medals, but only eight achieved the Gold Outstanding distinction. These gins now compete for the Gin Trophy, which will be awarded at the IWSC gala event in the fall. The winner will earn the title of World’s Best Gin for 2025.

Among the winners is Black Fox Farm and Distillery’s Haskap Gin from Saskatchewan, Canada. This gin stands out for its use of locally grown haskap berries, gentian root, black tea leaves, and honey from the distillery’s own farm. Judges noted its deep ruby color and complex blend of red fruit and botanicals, describing it as fresh and powerful.

France’s Distillerie Combier also earned top honors with its Meridor Gin from the Loire Valley. Developed over two years, this London Dry style gin features rose petals, elderflowers, licorice, and lemon among its botanicals. Judges praised its vibrant juniper and citrus notes, bold palate, and long finish with bittersweet bergamot.

Australia made a strong showing with four gins among the eight winners. Australian Distilling Co.’s Navy Gin impressed judges with its robust 57% ABV and layers of cardamom, nutmeg, juniper, and pine. The gin was described as bold and complex with a lingering herbal finish.

Nine Circles Distillery from New South Wales received recognition for its Signature Gin. Crafted with 14 botanicals, it offers a balanced profile of citrus, spice, and aniseed. Judges highlighted its menthol and citrus blossom aroma and structured palate.

30 Knots Spirits Sea Spray Gin from Western Australia also took home a Gold Outstanding medal. At 57% ABV, this gin incorporates native Ruby Saltbush for a subtle salty character alongside traditional botanicals. Judges noted its green botanicals and creamy, zesty complexity.

Tasmania’s Turner Stillhouse was honored for its Three Cuts Distiller’s Release Gin. Made with local ingredients including Tasmanian lime and three cuts of rose petals, this small-batch gin was praised for its floral bouquet and harmonious integration of botanicals.

Singapore’s Brass Lion Distillery won for its Pearl Jasmine Gin. Inspired by jasmine tea, this gin uses hand-rolled Dragon Phoenix Jasmine Tea pearls to create a delicate flavor profile reminiscent of tea with honey sweetness. Judges appreciated its golden color and lingering perfumed finish.

Japan’s Mikuni Distillery rounded out the list with Osaka Gin. As Osaka’s only craft gin distillery, Mikuni offers a small-batch product that emphasizes floral flavors over traditional juniper dominance. Judges described it as having a burst of lemon verbena on the nose and a harmonious blend of spices on the palate.

The IWSC’s Gold Outstanding medal is highly sought after in the spirits industry due to the competition’s strict judging standards and international reputation. The eight gins recognized this year represent innovation and quality from diverse regions including Canada, France, Australia, Singapore, and Japan. The final selection for World’s Best Gin will be revealed at the IWSC gala later this year in London.