Cork Distillery Celebrates Major International Win as Maharani Pomelo Vodka Named Best Irish Vodka

Rebel City Distillery is celebrating another major achievement for Cork’s craft spirits sector, with its Maharani Pomelo Vodka named Best Irish Vodka at the 2026 World Drinks Awards.

The award recognises the quality and craftsmanship behind the small-batch vodka, which is distilled at Rebel City Distillery in Cork using pomelo peels to create a bright, clean and refreshing spirit.

The latest achievement adds to an already strong year of international recognition for Maharani Pomelo Vodka. In 2026, the vodka also received Gold at The Global Vodka Masters and was recognised at the World Vodka Awards Ireland, further highlighting its growing reputation among Irish and international spirits competitions.

A Distinctive Irish Vodka

Maharani Pomelo Vodka is distilled in premium small batches, with pomelo peels used to deliver a vibrant citrus character while maintaining a crisp and smooth finish.

Maharani Pomelo Vodka:

• Distilled with pomelo peels for a vibrant citrus lift

• Crisp and smooth finish

• 39.6% ABV

• Gold – The Global Vodka Masters 2026

• Recognised at the World Vodka Awards Ireland 2026

• Best Irish Vodka – World Drinks Awards 2026

Winning Best Irish Vodka at the World Drinks Awards means Maharani Pomelo Vodka will now progress to the global final in June, where it will compete for the overall world title.

For Rebel City Distillery, the achievement adds to its growing international recognition and highlights the potential of Cork’s independent drinks producers to compete on a global stage.

“We are absolutely delighted to be named Best Irish Vodka,” said Robert Barrett, Co-Founder and Master Distiller of Rebel City Distillery. “We are a small team working from Cork, so recognition like this means a huge amount to us. We’re incredibly proud of Maharani Pomelo Vodka and excited to take it forward to the global final.”

The distillery’s success in 2026, including Gold at The Global Vodka Masters, recognition at the World Vodka Awards Ireland, and now Best Irish Vodka at the World Drinks Awards, reflects the growing reputation of Maharani Pomelo Vodka and Cork’s independent spirits industry.

Rebel City Distillery continues to bring together Irish distilling craftsmanship, international inspiration and a spirit of experimentation, creating spirits that are made in Cork and recognised around the world.

With the global final ahead, the team is now hoping to bring the world title back to Cork.

From Cork to the world.