Back in 2007, the American Distilling Institute revolutionised spirits competitions with the creation of the Judging of Craft Spirits. Before this spirits competitions simply gave out scores or medals. To better serve the growing spirits industry in the US, they developed the first competition to award excellence with medals, and use expert judges to give written feedback on every spirit entered into the competition.
I was fortunate enough to be on the panel of judges for the 2020 competition (right before the c-word hit) and it was extremely rigorous. The assembled judges came from all over the world – the US, UK, Germany, Italy and France, with decades of experience between them. I learnt so much and am really hoping to get back to the panel in 2022!
Australian gins are, unsurprisingly, judged in the International categories. It’s thrilling to see that three of our local gins took out Best in Category awards!
Our distillers achieved 3 Best in Category awards and 2 Double Gold, 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 6 Bronze medals! A really brilliant result!
Here’s a round-up of the results:
BEST IN CATEGORY
Turner Stillhouse Three Cuts Gin (Distiller’s Release) International Contemporary Gin
One of my Top 10 Australian gins of 2020 Three Cuts Distiller’s release is highly aromatic with juniper, cardamom and a hint of white pepper, as the gin develops on the mid-plate, the beautiful, rose flavours emerge. Those delicate notes roll on to a lengthy, herbaceous finish.
Follow Turner Stillhouse Distillery on Facebook and Instagram.
Republic of Fremantle Full Bodied Gin International Contemporary Gin
This is a classic dry gin, with the base spirit distilled from Verdelho grapes.It has bold, herbal flavours with pepper and spice making it ideal in a Negroni.
Follow The Republic of Fremantle Distillery on Facebook and Instagram.
Four Pillars Distillery Navy Strength Gin International Navy Strength Gin
One of my top 5 navy strength gins! It’s made with native finger lime, fresh ginger and turmeric. It’s bold and intense, but really smooth!
Follow Four Pilllars Gin on Facebook and Instagram.
DOUBLE GOLD
Republic of Fremantle Full Bodied Gin International Contemporary Gin
Turner Stillhouse Three Cuts Gin (Distiller’s Release) International Contemporary Gin
GOLD
Adelaide Hills Distillery 78° Classic Gin International Contemporary Gin
78 Degrees Classic gin was one of my favourite new releases back in 2015! It’s aromatic with delightful resinous juniper flavours, fresh citrus and floral notes with underlying spice. A really versatile gin!
Follow 78 Degrees on Facebook and Instagram.
Four Pillars Distillery Navy Strength Gin International Navy-Strength Gin
Manly Spirits Co. Distillery Australian Dry Gin International Signature Botanical Gin
Follow Manly Spirits Co. on Facebook and Instagram.
SILVER
Turner Stillhouse Three Cuts Gin (Pinot Barrel Rested) International Aged Gin
BRONZE
Adelaide Hills Distillery 78° Sunset Gin International Gin
Four Pillars Distillery Olive Leaf Gin International Contemporary Gin
Husk Distillers Ink Gin International Contemporary Gin & Excellence in Packaging
Manly Spirits Co. Distillery Lilly Pilly Pink Gin International Flavoured Gin
Turner Stillhouse Three Cuts Gin (Founder’s Release) International Contemporary Gin
Turner Stillhouse Three Cuts Gin (Chardonnay Barrel Rested) International Aged Gin
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