The accolades keep coming for Australian spirits, with a huge haul of 220 medals awarded at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024.
The medal haul includes 41 Double Gold medals, which are only awarded to entries that receive a Gold Medal rating by all members of the judging panel in a blind tasting.
Starward Whisky recorded an impressive 13 of the Double Gold Medals, which was the largest haul from one distillery in the competition – an honour the Melbourne-based distillery has now claimed for the third year in a row.
In addition, Starward also took home eight Platinum Medals. Which are only awarded to entries that receive a Double Gold Medal for three consecutive years.
Starward Founder, David Vitale on receiving the medals, “To be consistently recognised at this calibre is gobsmacking, quite frankly. I started off with a simple vision; to create a distinctly approachable Australian whisky we can offer the world with pride.
“In our wildest dreams, the passionate and small team in Melbourne could not believe that this was an option, but now it’s a reality. We are firmly stood alongside, and sometimes above, the world’s most renowned spirits including whisky, gin, and tequila from countries such as Scotland, Japan, USA and UK.
“We promise to continue to push for Australian spirits and showcase our best on the global stage.”
Australian whisky continues to gain further global recognition, with Morris Whisky claiming five Double Gold medals, plus one Gold, one Silver and one Bronze.
Global Marketing and Sales at Morris Whisky, Michael Sergeant said: “The team at Morris Whisky are absolutely thrilled to take home five double gold medals and one gold medal at the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
“This outstanding win is not only a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and craftsmanship but also acknowledges the growing appreciation for Australian Whisky on a global stage.”
There’s also promising news for new Australian spirits with the Act of Treason Agave Spirit from Top Shelf International earning a Gold Medal. In addition the producer took home a Double Gold with its NED Australian Whisky Green Sash Reserve.
Archie Rose was another Australian producer to claim a Platinum Medal, with the Bone Dry Gin hitting the mark again, the team and also took home two Double Gold, a Gold and two Silver Medals.
Western Australia’s Limeburners and Giniversity scored a 100 per cent medal return on its six entries to the awards with a total of three Gold, two Silver and one Bronze.
Cameron Syme, Founder and Head Distiller of Limeburners Whisky and Giniversity Gin said: “This year we entered six of our spirits into the competition and were awarded six medals on this international stage. Wonderful news for Western Australian spirits.”
There was also a Gold Medal win for Australia’s Papa Salt Gin, which was founded by Margot Robbie, with her husband Tom Ackerley and friends Josey McNamara, Regan Riskas and Charlie Maas.
Speaking about the win CEO Maas said: “The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is one of the most prestigious taste tests in the world. To earn a gold there is a credit to our entire team, the five years we spent developing Papa Salt, and of course our amazing Australian botanicals.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrated amongst so many Australian gin producers on the industry’s biggest international stage.”
Hellyers Road also commented on its wins in its first year entering the competition, saying: “Our 19 YO Voyager Cask Single Malt has been awarded Double Gold, the highest accolade at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, after being a winner at the World Whiskies Awards earlier this year.
“Crafted at the Distillery on Tasmania’s northwest coast, this single malt was distilled and filled into American Oak casks (from Kentucky) in 2003 where it matured for 16 years. Secondary maturation in a single French Oak cask (used for wine and liqueur maturation) for three more years added exceptional character and distinction.
“Hellyers Road Distillery also brought home a Gold and three Silver Medals.”
Melbourne Martini was also recognised with multiple accolades, including the Salted Caramel Espresso Martini, which was awarded a near-perfect score of 97 and a Double Gold Medal. In addition, the Bar Strength Amaretto Sour, Espresso Martini, Bar Strength Espresso Martini, and Tommy Margarita all received gold medals. There were also wins for Melbourne Martini Passionfruit Gin Sour, Edwin Original Dry Gin, Fellow Vodka and Good Hands Organic Vodka, which all scored Silver Medals and Bronze Medals went to Melbourne Martini Bar Strength Smoked Chilli Margarita, Melbourne Martini Bar Strength Pornstar Martini and Fellow Gin.
The full list of Australia’s 220 medal winners can be found on the San Francisco Spirits Awards website.
