In a celebration of all things distilled around Australia, entries are open for the annual Tasting Australia Spirit Awards. Now in its sixth year, the national awards recognise the achievements and ingenuity of the distilling industry.
Australian distillers are invited to submit entries for their products into any of the 11 award categories. New to 2023 are two additional awards, Best New Distiller, celebrating the best performing producer entering the awards for the first time, and the Premier’s Spirit Award, recognising the highest rated SA spirit.
Entries will be assessed by a panel of expert Australian judges selected by Ollie Margan, Head Judge and Owner of Adelaide bar Maybe Mae.
“Since the awards started in 2018, we have seen an increasing number of Australian based artisanal distillers and I look forward to seeing what new and innovative products are entered into the Spirit Awards this year,” said Margan.
“Not only do the Tasting Australia Spirit Awards offer an opportunity to shine at the country’s longest running culinary festival, but they also offer an important launch pad for distillers nationwide – awards like these can increase a boutique distillers’ credibility when entering into the mainstream market.”
The 2022 awards were hugely successful, attracting award nominations for 328 spirits from 77 distillers across the nation, the highest number of entries received since the inception of the program.
Winners will be announced at an awards presentation in Adelaide on Thursday 28 September, with two gold medal winners being integrated into Tasting Australia’s events and drinks programme in 2024. Presented by RAA Travel Festival, Tasting Australia is the country’s longest running eating and drinking festival celebrating the unique experiences that only South Australia can offer.
Zoe Bettison, South Australian Minister for Tourism, recgonises the opportunity provided by the awards for distillers to showcase the produce of South Australia to the country. “After a hugely successful Tasting Australia festival this year, it is exciting that we can continue the momentum with the Spirit Awards.”
“Last years awards attracted 140 entries from South Australian distillers – a true reflection of how this industry is booming in our state – as well across the country.”
“As a festival, Tasting Australia is invested in promoting and showcasing Australian distilling and the best products being made – I encourage all distillers to submit their entries into these coveted awards and embrace the opportunity to be part of Tasting Australia in 2024.”
The awards are now open for entries here, until Friday 25 August.
