A Greytown gin distillery has been awarded a silver medal at the illustrious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Lighthouse Gin was one of 1160 spirits to be judged and the silver medal has delighted distiller Neil Catherall.
"We know we have an outstanding product, but to have it recognised by winning asilver medal really confirms Lighthouse Gin as being a quality spirit distilled by an independent artisan distillery."
Mr Catherall said the small team has worked tirelessly and the accolade was a fantastic reward for its efforts.
Lighthouse Gin is a copper-pot batch-distilled gin in the London dry style, using fresh zest of Yen Ben lemons, Gisborne navel oranges and fresh kawakawa to achieve distinctive and complex flavours.
The gin project in Greytown was started by Mr Catherall, a retired energy consultant and chemist, and apple juice producer Andrew Wright.
The two men came up with the idea of making their own alcohol over lunch at Gladstone Vineyard, originally making apple brandy and wine but switching to gin.
Greytown Fine Distillates now has 30 shareholders and while the company is building its market in New Zealand it also has an eye out for export possibilities.
The spirits competition held in San Francisco is internationally recognised as one of the most revered in the worldwide spirits industry.
