Group Product Manager Josephine Caldo and Assistant Brand Manager Gladys Ann Enriquez leads the  Ginebra San Miguel team in receiving the four trophies garnered by 1834 Premium Distilled Gin and  Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin.

1834 and Archangel dominate  Manila Gin Festival 2026 with top honors

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 dynamic 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 Nino 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 in the premium gin category, the Archangel Reserve 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.

FOUR TOP PRIZES: 1834 Premium Distilled Gin was awarded the festival’s highest honor, Best Gin, and 2^nd runner up in Best Booth premium category, while Archangel Reserve Premium Dry Gin secured 1st runner up for Best Gin and 1^st runner-up for Best Booth premium category.

The 1834 Premium Distilled Gin booth was awarded 2^nd runner-up for Best Booth in the premium category.  Right photo: One of the most requested cocktails of the night, the Pearl of the Orient.