Filipino pride soars in the premium spirits category as Ginebra San Miguel Inc. premium brands, 1834 Premium Distilled Gin and Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin, emerged as the biggest winners at the Manila Gin Festival 2026, held at the BGC High Street Amphitheater last February 20-21.
Now on its fourth year, the country’s largest celebration of gin culture gathered local and international brands, industry personalities, and thousands of gin enthusiasts—but it was GSMI’s premium portfolio that exuded the winning “spirit” literally, earning the festival’s most prestigious recognitions.
1834 Premium Distilled Gin was awarded the festival’s highest honor, “Most Popular Gin,” while Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin secured 1st runner-up for “Most Popular Gin,” marking a defining moment for Filipino-crafted premium spirits on a competitive stage.
Beyond the competition, both brands also impressed festivalgoers through immersive brand experiences. In the Premium Category for Best Booth, Archangel earned 1st runner-up, while 1834 Premium Distilled Gin received 2nd runner-up, further proof of the brands’ growing influence in shaping elevated gin experiences—and that “Gin is In.”
“This is a sweet victory for all of us,” said Ron Molina, GSMI AVP for Marketing. “More than awards, this represents acceptance, a validation of our consistent winning streak and our relentless pursuit of quality. These recognitions affirm that Filipino gin can consistently meet world-class standards while remaining true to its craftsmanship and heritage.”
For GSMI, the wins reflect the steadily growing appreciation for locally produced premium spirits among discerning consumers. After placing 1st runner-up for Most Popular Gin in 2025, and ranking among the festival favorites in previous years — 2nd place in 2023 and 3rd place in 2024 —1834 Premium Distilled Gin finally bagged the top prize, marking the culmination of years of rising recognition and consumer support.
“We are proud of our products, and we want more people to discover what Filipino craftsmanship can offer,” said Josephine Caldo, Group Product Manager for White Spirits. “Every bottle represents careful innovation and dedication, and moments like this inspire us to keep pushing the category forward.”
Celebrity and brand ambassador Paolo Abrera echoed the growing sentiment among gin lovers. “It’s time for more people to discover the premium quality of GSMI’s products—the premium quality behind every bottle shows that a Filipino brand can truly stand at par with the world’s best,” he said.
GSM Premium Spirits at the forefront
The festival once again proved to be a platform where gin lovers explored flavors, discovered new expressions, and celebrated craftsmanship, with GSMI at the forefront of the experience.
At the 1834 Premium Distilled Gin booth, guests enjoyed four signature cocktails specially prepared by master mixologist Niño Cruz: Galleon Roast, Pearl of the Orient, 1834 Adobo Gin & Tonic, and the Manila Sunset.
Meanwhile, the Archangel booth showcased three popular cocktails: the Classic Gin & Tonic, Golden Halo, and Sun Day.
With top awards now added to an already growing list of recognitions, products of Ginebra San Miguel Premium Spirits continue to strengthen its position as a leader in the premium gin category, proudly carrying Filipino excellence onto the global stage.
Made by the producer of the world’s largest-selling gin Ginebra San Miguel Inc., 1834 Premium Distilled Gin is a meticulously crafted gin made from the finest ingredients, including Philippine botanicals like Sampaguita and Calamansi, making it an excellent choice for discerning tastes.
Joining 1834 Premium Distilled Gin in the premium gin category, the Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin is a 90-proof premium dry gin bottled in an iconic emerald green one-liter Frasco (Spanish for flask) bottle commemorating Ginebra San Miguel’s 190-year heritage. This premium gin is made from a select blend of fine botanicals, including juniper berry, angelica root, coriander seed, lemon peel, orange peel, and licorice, making it the preferred gin for those with a refined appreciation for luxury spirits.
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