By Thongsavanh Souvannasane The Laotian TimesJune 17, 2026

A gin from Laos received a Gold Outstanding medal, the highest distinction, at the 2026 International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), placing it among only ten gins worldwide to reach the top tier this year.

Gin is a distilled spirit flavored primarily with juniper berries alongside a range of botanicals, produced by distilling a neutral spirit with those flavoring ingredients. According to the IWSC, the gin brand named Lao Gin, a 750ml Contemporary Gin from The Lao Distilling Company, impressed judges with a palate described as “silky and creamy, with zingy, zesty notes,” scoring 98 points. 

Founded in 2022, the company has built its reputation on locally sourced ingredients, turning native botanicals and local traditions into something genuinely distinctive on the world stage.

The IWSC, founded in 1969 and held annually in London, is one of the most respected drinks competitions in the world, covering spirits, wine, beer, cider, and sake. 

This year, judges awarded 233 medals across Silver, Gold, and Gold Outstanding tiers, with only ten gins reaching the top Gold Outstanding. Alongside Lao Gin in the Contemporary category were Tanqueray No. Ten Gin from Scotland, Aureus Vita Gin from England, and Taiwan Coriander Superb Craft Gin. 

Classic Gin top honors went to Navy Gin from New Zealand, Juniper Freak Gin from Australia, and Ohoro Standard Gin from Japan. Wood-Finished Gin winners were Awildian Coromandel Mānuka Gin from New Zealand and Barrel-Aged Gin from Japan, while Haskap Gin from Canada was the sole Flavored Gin winner.

Lao Gin’s result places it alongside established global names including Tanqueray No. Ten Gin, Aureus Vita Gin from Krenngala Meurth Distilling Company, and Taiwan Coriander Superb Craft Gin, as well as craft producers from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Japan

All ten winners now advance to trophy consideration ahead of the organization’s annual awards ceremony in London in November later this year.

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