Rifters, founded by Stu Clark and Hamish Bourke in 2020 — an idea they dreamed up while building in Clark’s backyard shed — last week won the world’s best Navy gin at the prestigious World Drinks Awards in London, while its original dry gin also struck gold and several other entries were awarded medals at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, also held in London last week.
"It’s honestly pretty surreal," Clark says.
"To win world’s best gin is an incredible moment — especially knowing how tough the competition is out there.
"We’ve always believed in the product, but this level of recognition is a real milestone for the whole team."
Rifters Royal, a bold 57.7% navy-strength drop, was also named New Zealand’s best and won a gold medal at the World Drink Awards.
Having recently opened the Rifters Tasting Room in Arrowtown’s historic Dudley’s Cottage, beside the Chinese Village, Clark says the evolution of the business over the past five years has been a hell of a ride — "and we’re just getting started".
- Rifters is joining forces with Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa to celebrate World Gin Day from 4pm till 6pm on Saturday, at Sofitel’s Le Salon Rouge. Tickets, which include gin tasting and canapes, cost $89 via eventbrite
