Cork’s Robert Barrett Named Among the World’s Top Four Distillers

Rebel City Distillery is celebrating a major international achievement for Cork and Irish distilling, with Co-Founder and Master Distiller Robert Barrett shortlisted for Distiller of the Year at The Spirits Business Awards 2026.

Barrett has been shortlisted alongside just three other distillers from around the world, placing him among the world’s top four distillers recognised in this prestigious category.

The international recognition marks another significant milestone for Rebel City Distillery, whose award-winning spirits are crafted in Cork and continue to gain recognition on the global stage.

Award-Winning Spirits Crafted in Cork

Rebel City Distillery’s flagship Maharani Gin has established itself as a multi-award-winning Irish gin, crafted in Cork using botanicals sourced from Kerala, India. The gin has secured five titles, including Gold at The Gin Masters, Silver at the London Spirits Awards, Bronze at Craft Spirits Berlin, Bronze at the IWSC and Silver at Blas na hÉireann.

The distillery’s Maharani Pomelo Vodka combines Irish distilling craftsmanship with South Indian inspiration. Distilled in Cork with pomelo, the vodka was named Best Irish Vodka at the World Drinks Awards in 2026, adding another major international achievement to the distillery’s growing collection.

Rebel City Distillery’s small-batch Rebel City Absinthe, crafted by Robert Barrett from a historic French recipe, further demonstrates the distillery’s experimental approach to spirits. It has been awarded Gold at the Irish Whiskey Awards 2023 and Silver at the World Drinks Awards 2023.

Putting Cork Spirits on the World Stage

From award-winning gin and vodka to internationally recognised absinthe, Rebel City Distillery is helping to showcase Cork’s growing reputation for innovation, creativity and craftsmanship in the drinks industry.

Robert Barrett’s Distiller of the Year shortlist recognition represents a significant achievement not only for Rebel City Distillery, but also for Cork’s wider business and entrepreneurial community.

“Being shortlisted among the world’s top four distillers is an incredible honour,” said Robert Barrett, Co-Founder and Master Distiller of Rebel City Distillery. “We have always wanted to show what can be achieved from Cork, and to see our spirits and our work recognised internationally is something we are extremely proud of.”

With its growing collection of national and international awards, Rebel City Distillery continues to develop spirits that bring together Cork craftsmanship, global influences and a spirit of experimentation.

From Cork to the world, this is just the beginning.

Sláinte!