In the Media – 2026
2026
Drinksbiz – September - October 2026
A Spirited Affair – Pg 20
Reefton Distilling Co. secures the hard-fought World Whisky Trophy for its Moonlight Creek West Coast Manuka Smoked Single Malt Whisky.
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Industry News – 15 August 2026
Trophy winners at NZ Spirits Awards 2026
Notable spirits category trophy wins included Reefton Distilling Co. with the World Whisky Trophy
www.drinksbiz.co.nz/news/trophy-winners-at-nz-spirits-awards-2026
Brightprint – 27 August 2026
A great packaging partnership is about more than producing a box. It’s about understanding the brand - Facebook & YouTube
West Coast business Brightprint talks to Patsy Bass about their long-standing partnership with Reefton Distilling Co., to produce packaging for their range of award-winning New Zealand spirits.
www.facebook.com/brightprintltd/videos/a-great-packaging-partnership-is-about-more-than-producing-a-box-its-about-under/2065794384143988/
The New Zealand Herald – 18 August 2026
Horror 100km/h crash survivor joins former All Blacks to raise $125,000 in New York Marathon – by Anna Leask
Reefton Distilling Co.’s Shane Thrower among a team of super athletes training for the New York city ultra-marathon, all for the benefit of Te Tahi Youth.
www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/horror-100kmh-crash-survivor-joins-former-all-blacks-to-raise-125000-in-new-york-marathon/67HVSYPWVRACPJPKZLENEE56KQ/
The Shout – 14 August 2026
NZ Spirits Awards 2026 Trophy Winners – by Charlotte Cowan
Moonlight Creek took out the Awards’ World Whisky Trophy with its three-year-old West Coast Manuka Smoked Single Malt New Zealand Whisky, beating out international whisky distilleries from traditional big-hitters
www.theshout.co.nz/nz-spirits-awards-2026-trophy-winners/
Food Ticker – 10 August 2026
Reefton hits raise milestone as Little Biddy anchors sales
www.foodticker.co.nz/tag/reefton-distilling-co
Liquorland – 2 August 2026
DISTILLER SPOTLIGHT: Reefton Distilling Co.
Patsy Bass: Bottling the Spirit of the West Coast at Reefton Distilling Co.
www.liquorland.co.nz/drinks-guide/distiller-spotlight-reefton-distilling-co
The Shout – 31 July 2026
Drinks News Spirits
Gin leads medal tally at 2026 New Zealand Spirits Awards – by Charlotte Cowan
NZ producers featured prominently in the world-whisky results – including Moonlight Creek
www.theshout.co.nz/gin-leads-medal-tally-at-2026-new-zealand-spirits-awards/
Food Ticker – 22 July 2026
Reefton back on the fundraising trail
www.foodticker.co.nz/tag/reefton-distilling-co/
Development West Coast – 21 July 2026
2026 Leading Light Awards finalists revealed
- Including Reefton Distilling Co.
westcoast.co.nz/news/2026-leading-light-awards-finalists-revealed/
Drinksbiz - May/ June 2026
Industry News
New CEO for Reefton Distilling Co
issuu.com/hurstcreative/docs/drinksbiz_may_june_2026/8
AND
www.drinksbiz.co.nz/news/new-ceo-for-reefton-distilling-co
Cuisine – May 2026
Traffic
Change is in the air at Reefton Distilling Co
www.cuisine.co.nz/traffic-may-2026/
Rural Exchange – 12 March 2026
Reefton Distilling Co. CEO steps down
Host Dom George talks with Patsy Bass, the outgoing CEO of Reefton Distilling Co., about why she's decided to step down, her new role and her reflections after nine years at the helm.
Listen to the Podcast or via your favourite App – Apple, Omny, Spotify
The Shout NZ – 12 March 2026
Business, News, Spirits
Reefton Distilling Co. appoints new CEO by Charlotte Cowan
www.theshout.co.nz/reefton-distilling-co-appoints-new-ceo/
Restaurant & Café – 12 March 2026
Reefton Distilling Welcomes Lachlan Boyle
Reefton Distilling Co. has appointed Pic's Leader Lachlan Boyle as CEO for the company's most crucial stage of growth.
restaurantandcafe.co.nz/reefton-distilling-welcomes-lachlan-boyle/
Business Canterbury - The Bold Company Podcast – 5 March 2026
Hannah Weeds and Tim McInnes chat with Reefton Distilling Co.’s Founder Patsy Bass for a behind‑the‑scenes look at a brand built on authenticity, community, and pride in place.
www.businesscanterbury.co.nz/bold-company/s3-episode-2-patsy-bass-reefton-distilling-company
Listen to The Podcast via your favourite App: Spotify, Apple
Drinksbiz – March/ April 2026
Wins for Kiwi distillers at World Whiskies Awards
issuu.com/hurstcreative/docs/drinksbiz_march_april_2026/74
The Shout NZ – 3 March 2026
Drinks, News, Spirits
Shake up your drinks list with these standout gins – by Charlotte Cowan
The Shout, highlights Little Biddy in a selection of gins offering genuine character, strong serve potential, and broad customer appeal
www.theshout.co.nz/shake-up-your-drinks-list-with-these-standout-gins-2/
Drinksbiz – March/ April 2026
New Little Biddy RTD’s from Reefton
issuu.com/hurstcreative/docs/drinksbiz_march_april_2026/18
Development West Coast – 29 January 2026
Moonlight Creek wins at World Whiskies Awards
westcoast.co.nz/news/moonlight-creek-wins-at-world-whiskies-awards/
Development West Coast – 16 January 2026
News
From wild ingredients to world-class brands
DWC Chief Executive Heath Milne takes a look at producers transforming pristine West Coast produce into premium, value-added products, earning national and international recognition.
westcoast.co.nz/news/from-wild-ingredients-to-world-class-brands/
The Press – 15 January 2026
The West Coast's new identity: premium food and beverages – by Joanne Naish
www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360917030/milk-and-meat-gin-and-cranberries-how-west-coast-reinventing-its-food-economy