Hawkridge Distillers Creates the Country’s Best Flavoured Vodka 2026

We’re delighted to announce that LAVAR Madagascan Vanilla Vodka, distilled by Hawkridge Distillers, has been named Best Flavoured Vodka in the country at the World Vodka Awards 2026.

The World Vodka Awards celebrate excellence in vodka production, recognising the finest spirits from around the world for their quality, character and craftsmanship. To receive this recognition is a significant achievement for LAVAR and a proud moment for everyone involved in bringing the product to life.

Created as the fourth expression in the LAVAR family, LAVAR Madagascan Vanilla Vodka is distilled six times to achieve exceptional smoothness before being infused with natural vanilla flavourings. The result is a spirit that showcases the rich, indulgent character of Madagascan vanilla while maintaining the clean finish expected from a premium vodka.

Using natural vanilla flavourings crafted by expert flavourists through the refined method of steam distillation, the spirit captures the depth and complexity of Madagascan vanilla in a way that feels authentic, balanced and elegant.

During the process, vapour gently passes over the vanilla botanical, releasing its aromatic compounds. These are then collected as concentrated oils, preserving the rich, creamy notes that give the vodka its distinctive character.

The result is a beautifully balanced spirit with a warm, rounded sweetness and a silky finish. Smooth enough to enjoy neat and versatile enough for cocktails, it delivers a pure vanilla profile without overpowering the vodka itself.

At Hawkridge Distillers, every spirit we produce is guided by a commitment to quality, flavour and craftsmanship. Working closely with brands to bring their vision to life is a core part of what we do, and seeing those products recognised on a national stage is always rewarding.

Phil Howarth, Managing Director of Hawkridge Distillers, said:

“We are incredibly proud to have distilled LAVAR Madagascan Vanilla Vodka and to see it recognised at the World Vodka Awards 2026. From the outset, the goal was to create a vanilla vodka with genuine depth of flavour, exceptional smoothness and broad appeal. To be recognised as the country’s Best Flavoured Vodka is a fantastic achievement for LAVAR and a testament to the collaboration, care and expertise that went into creating it.”

This latest success further strengthens Hawkridge Distillers’ reputation as one of the UK’s leading spirits producers. Alongside this year’s Best Flavoured Vodka title, the distillery currently holds the title of Best English Single Malt Whisky, was crowned World’s Best London Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards 2025, and was named Best London Dry Producer 2025 by the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). The award also marks the second time Hawkridge Distillers has produced the country’s Best Flavoured Vodka, having first achieved the title in 2024. Together, these accolades reflect the breadth of expertise within the distillery and its ability to produce award-winning spirits across a wide range of categories.

This award highlights the continued growth of the LAVAR range and demonstrates how thoughtful product development, premium ingredients and skilled distillation can come together to create something truly exceptional.

We would like to congratulate the entire LAVAR team on this achievement and thank everyone involved in the creation of the product.

Here’s to the country’s Best Flavoured Vodka.