Welcome to The Drammys, New Zealand’s Whisk(e)y Awards. Launched in 2018 with the
primary objective to grow the whisky category and celebrate the best worldwide whiskies
on offer in the New Zealand Retail market.
Best in show
The Balvenie Portwood 21YO
Despite strong competition, the judges decision was unanimous. Finished in 30 year old port casks to enhance and develop its taste without losing its original characteristics, The Balvenie Portwood is a creamy, silky Scottish single malt. The fruit, honey and spice notes, followed with a gentle nutty finish made this 21 year old a stand out entry and worthy Best in Show winner.
The Drammys 2020 are now closed and judging took place in July 2020.
The Drammys 2021
The Drammys 2021 will be open for entries in January 2021.
For any more information please contact us at info@thedrammys.co.nz
Mat Johns
Matt has 20 years experience in the Scotch Whisky industry. After working 9 years for Glenmorangie Ltd, first as a family owned business and then with Moet Hennessy, Matt then moved over to manage the spirits business for Terroirs Distillers, owners of Tullibardine Single Malt Whisky, Highland Queen and Muirhead’s Scotch Whisky and Louis Royer Cognac.
Rory Donnelly
Rory has been working in the whisky industry for over a decade. Hailing from the area surrounding the Old Bushmills Distillery, and currently heads up the role of Spirits ambassador for the Beam Suntory whisky family at Cocoa-Cola Amatil.
Jack Potter
Jack worked in Scotland for Glenfiddich where he gained experience in brand education, consumer engagement and all things Whisky More recently, Jack worked for Chivas in an engineering capacity, developing an energy efficiency project for one of Chivas’ smaller distilleries – Glentauchers.
Phil Spector
Phil has worked in some of the world’s most awarded venues – including bars in both Sydney and London recognised on the World’s 50 Best list. Having returned to New Zealand, he has now taken the role as National Brand Ambassador for Glenfiddich and The Balvenie.
Kenny Ariaens
Kenny’s journey and experience has taken him from student pubs to cocktail bars, then on to beverage consultant in South East Asia and after returning home, into the realm of Brand Ambassador life. His passion for educating people on whisk(e)y, the history and its many tales is what he enjoys most!
Tash McGill
Tash McGill has been tasting whisky as long as she can remember, but has been judging and reviewing spirits for the last 15 years. Her experience ranges from whisky judging and hosting tastings to cocktail competitions and monthly columns for leading hospitality and food publications.
James McKenzie
Whisky distilling is in his blood, the MacKenzie family has had a very long history with whisky blending & distilling, so thrilled to be part of the new exciting chapter in NZ whisky history as Master Blender at The New Zealand Whisky Collection.
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