The World Drinks Awards 2026 have officially wrapped up, and just as it has for the past few years, pastis has its very own category!
The finest pastis makers from around the globe submitted their best bottles to be judged by an international panel of industry experts, distillers, and media professionals. The competition was fierce and included a few brand new distilleries, all vying for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals, culminating in the coveted title of World’s Best Pastis.
Here are the standout pastis brands that took home awards at this year’s ceremony!
Pastis Tahitien - World’s Best Pastis 2026
Pastis Tahitien from Va’eva’e is a truly singular pastis from French Polynesia, built on a rum agricole base that immediately sets it apart from any European counterpart. The agricole esters come through clearly on the nose alongside gentle anise, and the rum character resurfaces on the finish for a warm, distinctly island-inflected close.
It is no surprise that Tahitian Pastis made a strong impression on the global stage, securing the Best Pastis Title this year!
Pastis 13 Desserts - Gold
Already present at the Concours International de Lyon this year, the Pastis 13 Desserts from the Distillerie des Alpilles is a quietly refined expression with a modest, understated nose and a light louche. It is distilled in copper pots to capture the warmth of a southern French gathering, and named after the beloved Provençal Christmas tradition.
Pastis de Nos Jardins - Gold
True to its traditions and dedicated to organic harvesting, Distillerie de l’Ort delivers an award-winning experience with Pastis de nos Jardins. Light and refreshing, this Pastis has some acidity and lemon on the nose that gives it a lovely touch.
Pastis Ardent - Silver
Pastis Ardent takes the silver medal this year, after having won Bronze in 2024. Based in Belgium, Distillerie Noblesse was revived in 2017 and has since then created several local and organic spirits.
Pastis Le Tranquille - Silver
Also from Distillerie des Alpilles, Pastis Le Tranquille is the first one they released in 2025. A more classic version of the traditional drink, low in sugar, it is light and refreshing on the palate with gentle sweetness and soft anise. It already received a bronze medal in 2025 at the French Drinks Awards.
Pastis du Verger: Edition Amande - Silver
After winning the 2025 edition with its Pastis du Verger, Distillerie C’est Nous is back this year with a new recipe: the Pastis du Verger: Edition Amande (Almond). It shows a green, oily anise nose before revealing a clean palate with a pleasing nuttiness, straw, and a hint of paprika. And of course, almonds!
Pastis Garagaï - Bronze
Distillerie Garagaï’s flagship pastis, Pastis Garagaï, is crafted using anise, licorice, and a complex blend of fresh, wild, and cultivated botanicals sourced directly from the south of France. It’s a vintage Pastis, so each year’s batch highly depends on the harvest and its unique weather attributes.
Pastis Du Baou - Bronze
Second entry from Distillerie Garagaï this year, Pastis du Baou takes a softer, more meadowy direction. It has more than 15 plants in its recipe, to reflect the full range of the Provence landscape.
---
Personally, I find this year’s selection to be amazingly diverse. From heritage distilleries reviving old traditions to brand-new makers shaking things up, the Pastis scene is really exciting! This is definitely shown through this year’s winner: Pastis Tahitien, coming all the way from French Polynesia.
Huge congratulations to all the winners who took home a medal this year, and see you next edition!
For more stories and daily news from the world of Pastis, join us on our Instagram!