The World Drinks Awards has revealed its Gin medallists and country winners for 2026 – with Australia standing tall. Broken Hill Distillery, Callington Mill Distillery, and Never Never Distilling all had standout achievements.
This year, Australia had over 30 awarded entries in 2026 across 16 distilleries, receiving 14 Gold and 16 Silver medals. Never Never received three Golds, the most of any Australian distillery.
There were several standouts amongst the Australian entries, with Broken Hill Distillery’s Outback Strength Gin topping the Best Australian Matured category for its third consecutive year. The company also led the Signature Botanical category for a second year, as its Saltbush Gin came out on top in 2025.
Callington Mill’s Poltergeist Citrus Gin led the London Dry category for the second year running, following the distillery's recognition at the World Whiskies Awards announced in February. Founder John Ibrahim said the Poltergeist range has been an exciting playground for the company.
“It’s allowed us to explore bold, flavour-driven and barrel-aged styles that, while deceptively simple in their construction, deliver a layered and complex gin for a discerning palate,” said Ibrahim.
“The recognition these gins continue to receive reflects the strength and confidence of Australian distilling on the world stage.”
Australian country category winners for 2026 included;
- Best Australian Classic Gin: Pure Origin Tasmanian Gin 40%
- Best Australian Colour-Changing Gin: Poolside Gin Contemporary Australian Botanics 42%
- Best Australian Compound Gin: Lucky 13 Compound Gin 42%
- Best Australian Contemporary Style Gin: Archie Rose Distilling Signature Dry Gin 40%
- Best Australian Flavoured Gin: Beachtree Distilling Native Plum & Sloe Gin 26%
- Best Australian London Dry Gin: Callington Mill Distillery Poltergeist Citrus Gin 48%
- Best Australian Matured Gin: Broken Hill Distillery Outback Strength 60%
- Best Australian Navy Gin: Never Never Juniper Freak Gin 58%
- Best Australian Old Tom Gin: Ester Spirits Ester Old Tom Gin 44%
- Best Australian Signature Botanical: Broken Hill Distillery Old Man Saltbush Gin 45%
All country winners will be tasted against one another for the opportunity to become the World’s Best in their category. These will be announced alongside the World Drinks Awards 2026 World’s Best, Icons of Drinks and Design winners on 2 June 2026 at a Gala Dinner in London.
