Batch 22 American Aquavit has been named Specialty Spirit of the Year at the 2026 New Orleans Spirits Competition, earning the competition’s highest honor for specialty spirits.
In addition to receiving this prestigious recognition, Batch 22 also earned Best of Category and a Gold Medal, making it one of the competition’s most decorated spirits of 2026.
This latest achievement adds to an already impressive year of recognition for Batch 22; it further establishes the brand as one of the leading examples of American aquavit and validates Batch 22’s unique mission to highlight aquavit as a category worthy of attention by American consumers.
Batch 22 Earns Three Major Honors at the 2026 New Orleans Spirits Competition
The New Orleans Spirits Competition celebrates exceptional spirits from around the world, recognizing brands that demonstrate quality, craftsmanship, and innovation across a variety of categories.
For Batch 22, this year’s competition resulted in three major accolades:
Specialty Spirit of the Year
The highest specialty spirit honor awarded at the competition, recognizing Batch 22 as the top specialty spirit overall.
Best of Category
Awarded to the highest-scoring spirit within its category, highlighting Batch 22’s exceptional performance among its peers.
Gold Medal
A recognition of excellence in quality, craftsmanship, and overall execution.
Together, these awards represent more than just medals. They reflect the dedication, creativity, and attention to detail that go into every bottle of Batch 22 American Aquavit.
Specialty Spirit of the Year: A Defining Achievement for Batch 22
While every award is meaningful, being named Specialty Spirit of the Year represents a significant milestone for Batch 22.
This recognition shines a spotlight on the Batch 22 mission, which is focused on opening the eyes of consumers to the versatility and complexity of great aquavit.
As the spirit category gains attention among enthusiasts, bartenders, and collectors, Batch 22 is working to get aquavit behind the bar and on the menu at locations all over the U.S.
What Makes Batch 22 One of the Best American Aquavits?
Aquavit has a rich history that dates back centuries. As the national spirit of most Nordic countries, aquavit is known for its unique botanical character, often featuring notes of caraway, citrus, dill, and other spices.
Batch 22 brings the Nordic tradition to the U.S. with an American interpretation of the spirit. Crafted with a focus on balance, complexity, and versatility, Batch 22 offers a distinctive expression that honors aquavit’s heritage while creating something uniquely its own.
Industry experts have taken notice, as Batch 22 has earned enthusiastic support from respected figures in both the beverage and culinary worlds. Renowned spirits judge and cocktail educator Tiffany Barriere praised the brand, saying, “This aquavit challenges the status quo of what an aquavit can be and that is exciting. The quality of liquid in this bottle is stunning.”
A Modern Aquavit Crafted for Sipping and Cocktails
One of the things that makes Batch 22 stand out is its versatility.
While aquavit has traditionally been enjoyed as a “shot” spirit (poured straight from the freezer), modern expressions like Batch 22 are showing how adaptable the category can be. Its balanced botanical profile makes it an excellent choice neat, paired with food, or as the base spirit in creative cocktails.
Batch 22’s Growing List of Award-Winning Achievements
The 2026 New Orleans Spirits Competition honors continue a remarkable year for Batch 22 American Aquavit.
Earlier in 2026, Batch 22 received additional recognition from respected spirits competitions, including:
- Platinum Medal at the 2026 L.A. Spirits Awards
- Double Gold Medal at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition
And now:
- Specialty Spirit of the Year, Best of Category, and Gold Medal at the 2026 New Orleans Spirits Competition
With each new award, Batch 22 continues to gain recognition as one of the most exciting and respected American aquavits available today.
Experience Award-Winning American Aquavit
From its Scandinavian roots to its modern American expression, Batch 22 is helping redefine what aquavit can be.
Recognized by judges, spirits enthusiasts, and industry professionals, Batch 22 American Aquavit continues to showcase the craftsmanship and innovation behind this growing spirit category.
Discover why Batch 22 is earning recognition as one of the best American aquavits and experience the award-winning spirit for yourself.
