Local Spirit Medals at the 2024 New Zealand Spirits Awards!

It’s official, The Heke’s own Waiheke Vodka, the cheekily named ‘Wodka’ is one of the best in class having been awarded a GOLD following the just completed judging at the sixth annual NZ Spirits Awards. WODKA is a playful name for ‘W’aiheke Vodka, and is also the spelling for Vodka in Polish and German. This premium grain Vodka was hand made on Waiheke Island. Triple distilled for premium clarity and flavour.

Wodka displays hints of citrus peel and back notes of almond and black pepper. The palate is warm, smooth and generous with a lingering finish. The Heke’s founders like to share this with friends and it’s equally perfect with mixers or in cocktails.

In a trifecta result, The Heke’s Jardim Gin, and Fire in the Hole were awarded SILVER medals in their categories in the competition.

“We are just thrilled to be medalled and really feel this will help with the promotion of our products,” said Vivian Hindmarsh, Co-Owner of The Heke. “The Heke has been open for two and half years, but this is the first year that we have entered any awards for our spirits. Initially it was distilled by our team as the house-pour in our bars but guests kept saying they’d love to buy them to take home. So last year we bottled our Jardim Gin, and this year we also released Wodka and ‘Fire in the Hole’ our spicy cinnamon liqueur.”

Waiheke Whisky’s distillery picked up two GOLD medals and two SILVER medals. The awards were the 37th medals and trophies won by Waiheke Whisky over the past few years.

All of the spirits are available to purchase at the Visitor Centre at The Heke, located at 64 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island. In addition, Waiheke Whisky is available to purchase online, and ship to any where in New Zealand.

The judging for the sixth Awards took place just over a week ago in Wellington. Twenty-two judges tasted and graded 451 entries.