2026 Winners Announced

A’peel Vodka – Milton Distillery

GOLD
Best Spirits, Seltzer + Cocktail Mixer 2026

$58.00

A’peel Vodka is a sustainability-led spirit made from fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, supporting circular supply chains and offering a clean vodka at an accessible price point.

Made with excellent clean ingredients.
Milton Distillery prioritises efficiency in spirit production by designing systems to minimise waste and maximise yield, including upcycling agricultural byproducts and surplus produce into spirits. The distillery uses an Estal Wild Glass bottle made from 100% post-consumer recycled glass and an FSC® certified label stock containing 30% post-consumer waste. Workplace practices emphasise dignity, respect, safety, fairness and professional conduct as non-negotiable standards.
Milton Distillery reduces waste and resource intensity by using surplus produce, off-cuts and agricultural byproducts as inputs for spirit production. Its distillation systems are engineered for improved thermal efficiency, with waste heat reused to lower energy demand and operational emissions. Packaging uses 100% post-consumer recycled glass bottles and FSC® certified label stock containing 30% post-consumer waste. The distillery prioritises recovered inputs and recycled-content packaging to reduce reliance on virgin materials and landfill waste.
Milton Distillery partners with Help Enterprises, a Queensland social enterprise, to create inclusive employment opportunities for people with disability by supporting packaging operations, particularly bottle labelling, since 2022. The distillery structures its production and packaging processes to be safely and consistently completed by a diverse team, with clear work instructions and repeatable quality checks. Social responsibility is integrated into procurement by directing spend to mission-led local enterprises and the workplace culture emphasises dignity, respect, safety and fairness for all employees.

Product Reviews by Experts


I really enjoyed A’peel Vodka because it feels fresh, modern and easy to drink, with a great sustainability story behind it. Made using fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, it has a clever circular approach without feeling gimmicky. The vodka itself is clean and smooth, making it lovely served simply over ice, but it also works beautifully mixed into a spritz, soda or cocktail. It is the kind of spirit that feels good to have on the shelf: versatile, well made and thoughtful, with a purpose that adds to its appeal. I really liked A’peel Vodka’s sustainability approach because it feels smart, practical and built into the product from the start. Rather than simply talking about waste, the brand is finding clever ways to turn surplus produce and byproducts into something premium and enjoyable. I also appreciate the focus on thoughtful packaging and more efficient production, which makes the whole concept feel considered without losing its sense of style. Overall, it is a great example of a spirit that feels modern, well made and genuinely more conscious.


This is such an innovative product and I was really fascinated by their process. Beyond that, it’s a really beautiful vodka. From the packaging, to the aroma, to the taste. Subtle fruity notes and just a really enjoyable product overall. This is a brand that has sustainability at the forefront of everything they do. I loved reading about their use of by-products and their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.


For me, the biggest appeal is that it feels genuinely innovative. There’s a clear purpose behind the product, but at the end of the day it’s still a vodka I’d happily use in a cocktail or enjoy on its own. I came away feeling like the brand has thought about its impact from a few different angles. Reducing waste is clearly a big focus, but I also liked seeing the emphasis on inclusive employment and making practical decisions that benefit both people and the environment.

A’peel Vodka – Milton Distillery
$58.00
Review I really enjoyed A’peel Vodka because it feels fresh, modern and easy to drink, with a great sustainability story behind it. Made using fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, it has a clever circular approach without feeling gimmicky. The vodka itself is clean and smooth, making it lovely served simply over ice, but it also works beautifully mixed into a spritz, soda or cocktail. It is the kind of spirit that feels good to have on the shelf: versatile, well made and thoughtful, with a purpose that adds to its appeal. I really liked A’peel Vodka’s sustainability approach because it feels smart, practical and built into the product from the start. Rather than simply talking about waste, the brand is finding clever ways to turn surplus produce and byproducts into something premium and enjoyable. I also appreciate the focus on thoughtful packaging and more efficient production, which makes the whole concept feel considered without losing its sense of style. Overall, it is a great example of a spirit that feels modern, well made and genuinely more conscious.

–Mia Cowling

Review This is such an innovative product and I was really fascinated by their process. Beyond that, it’s a really beautiful vodka. From the packaging, to the aroma, to the taste. Subtle fruity notes and just a really enjoyable product overall. This is a brand that has sustainability at the forefront of everything they do. I loved reading about their use of by-products and their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.

–Courtney Dow

Review For me, the biggest appeal is that it feels genuinely innovative. There’s a clear purpose behind the product, but at the end of the day it’s still a vodka I’d happily use in a cocktail or enjoy on its own. I came away feeling like the brand has thought about its impact from a few different angles. Reducing waste is clearly a big focus, but I also liked seeing the emphasis on inclusive employment and making practical decisions that benefit both people and the environment.

–Delaney Loane

A’peel Vodka is a sustainability-led spirit made from fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, supporting circular supply chains and offering a clean vodka at an accessible price point.
$58.00
Review I really enjoyed A’peel Vodka because it feels fresh, modern and easy to drink, with a great sustainability story behind it. Made using fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, it has a clever circular approach without feeling gimmicky. The vodka itself is clean and smooth, making it lovely served simply over ice, but it also works beautifully mixed into a spritz, soda or cocktail. It is the kind of spirit that feels good to have on the shelf: versatile, well made and thoughtful, with a purpose that adds to its appeal. I really liked A’peel Vodka’s sustainability approach because it feels smart, practical and built into the product from the start. Rather than simply talking about waste, the brand is finding clever ways to turn surplus produce and byproducts into something premium and enjoyable. I also appreciate the focus on thoughtful packaging and more efficient production, which makes the whole concept feel considered without losing its sense of style. Overall, it is a great example of a spirit that feels modern, well made and genuinely more conscious.

–Mia Cowling

Review This is such an innovative product and I was really fascinated by their process. Beyond that, it’s a really beautiful vodka. From the packaging, to the aroma, to the taste. Subtle fruity notes and just a really enjoyable product overall. This is a brand that has sustainability at the forefront of everything they do. I loved reading about their use of by-products and their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.

–Courtney Dow

Review For me, the biggest appeal is that it feels genuinely innovative. There’s a clear purpose behind the product, but at the end of the day it’s still a vodka I’d happily use in a cocktail or enjoy on its own. I came away feeling like the brand has thought about its impact from a few different angles. Reducing waste is clearly a big focus, but I also liked seeing the emphasis on inclusive employment and making practical decisions that benefit both people and the environment.

–Delaney Loane

A’peel Vodka is a sustainability-led spirit made from fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, supporting circular supply chains and offering a clean vodka at an accessible price point.
Review I really enjoyed A’peel Vodka because it feels fresh, modern and easy to drink, with a great sustainability story behind it. Made using fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, it has a clever circular approach without feeling gimmicky. The vodka itself is clean and smooth, making it lovely served simply over ice, but it also works beautifully mixed into a spritz, soda or cocktail. It is the kind of spirit that feels good to have on the shelf: versatile, well made and thoughtful, with a purpose that adds to its appeal. I really liked A’peel Vodka’s sustainability approach because it feels smart, practical and built into the product from the start. Rather than simply talking about waste, the brand is finding clever ways to turn surplus produce and byproducts into something premium and enjoyable. I also appreciate the focus on thoughtful packaging and more efficient production, which makes the whole concept feel considered without losing its sense of style. Overall, it is a great example of a spirit that feels modern, well made and genuinely more conscious.

–Mia Cowling

Review This is such an innovative product and I was really fascinated by their process. Beyond that, it’s a really beautiful vodka. From the packaging, to the aroma, to the taste. Subtle fruity notes and just a really enjoyable product overall. This is a brand that has sustainability at the forefront of everything they do. I loved reading about their use of by-products and their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.

–Courtney Dow

Review For me, the biggest appeal is that it feels genuinely innovative. There’s a clear purpose behind the product, but at the end of the day it’s still a vodka I’d happily use in a cocktail or enjoy on its own. I came away feeling like the brand has thought about its impact from a few different angles. Reducing waste is clearly a big focus, but I also liked seeing the emphasis on inclusive employment and making practical decisions that benefit both people and the environment.

–Delaney Loane

A’peel Vodka – Milton Distillery
A’peel Vodka is a sustainability-led spirit made from fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, supporting circular supply chains and offering a clean vodka at an accessible price point.
Review I really enjoyed A’peel Vodka because it feels fresh, modern and easy to drink, with a great sustainability story behind it. Made using fruit waste, off-cuts and “ugly” produce, it has a clever circular approach without feeling gimmicky. The vodka itself is clean and smooth, making it lovely served simply over ice, but it also works beautifully mixed into a spritz, soda or cocktail. It is the kind of spirit that feels good to have on the shelf: versatile, well made and thoughtful, with a purpose that adds to its appeal. I really liked A’peel Vodka’s sustainability approach because it feels smart, practical and built into the product from the start. Rather than simply talking about waste, the brand is finding clever ways to turn surplus produce and byproducts into something premium and enjoyable. I also appreciate the focus on thoughtful packaging and more efficient production, which makes the whole concept feel considered without losing its sense of style. Overall, it is a great example of a spirit that feels modern, well made and genuinely more conscious.

–Mia Cowling

Review This is such an innovative product and I was really fascinated by their process. Beyond that, it’s a really beautiful vodka. From the packaging, to the aroma, to the taste. Subtle fruity notes and just a really enjoyable product overall. This is a brand that has sustainability at the forefront of everything they do. I loved reading about their use of by-products and their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.

–Courtney Dow

Review For me, the biggest appeal is that it feels genuinely innovative. There’s a clear purpose behind the product, but at the end of the day it’s still a vodka I’d happily use in a cocktail or enjoy on its own. I came away feeling like the brand has thought about its impact from a few different angles. Reducing waste is clearly a big focus, but I also liked seeing the emphasis on inclusive employment and making practical decisions that benefit both people and the environment.

–Delaney Loane

CLEAN + CONSCIOUS AWARDS 2026 PROUDLY PARTNERED WITH
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