Mount Maunganui-based Best Behaviour is celebrating international recognition after claiming a Gold Award at the 2026 World Spirit Awards for its mānuka smoked rum.

The accolade, in the Contemporary and Botanical Rum category, marks a significant milestone for the fast-growing distillery, which has built a reputation for pushing beyond traditional rum styles while maintaining a focus on craftsmanship and barrel ageing.

Founder Jake Payne said the win reflected both the quality of the product and the brand’s broader ambition.

“We’re stoked to see the rum recognised on a world stage. The Contemporary & Botanical category is one we’re really excited about and a space we’re passionate about championing,” he said in a statement.

“There’s a new era of rum emerging globally, and we’re proud to be part of that movement.”

Best Behaviour’s mānuka smoked rum combines barrel-aged rum with New Zealand mānuka wood smoke and mānuka honey, creating a spirit designed to balance depth and botanical complexity while remaining approachable.

The brand is also working to shift perceptions of rum, with many consumers still associating the spirit with sweeter or heavily spiced varieties. Payne said there is growing interest in more refined, contemporary expressions that emphasise quality ingredients, careful ageing, and nuanced flavour profiles.

“All of our rum is barrel-aged,” he said. “For us, rum deserves the same level of appreciation and craftsmanship often associated with whisky.”

In January, the company expanded its footprint with the opening of a tasting garage in Mount Maunganui, giving customers a hands-on way to explore its range.

“Opening the tasting garage was about creating a space where people could experience rum differently – less intimidating, more hands-on,” Payne said.

The venue has quickly become a drawcard for locals and visitors, offering a more personal introduction to New Zealand’s evolving rum scene.

As the category continues to grow globally, Best Behaviour hopes its latest success will help shine a spotlight on contemporary New Zealand rum.

“We want to show people just how diverse and exciting rum can be.”