The rise of Australian gin on the global stage continues to show no signs of slowing with three of the four finalists in the prestigious IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year Trophy hailing from Australia.
Granddad Jack’s, Kalki Moon and Naught Distillery will be hoping to make it a hat-trick of wins for Australia, and bring home the Trophy that Four Pillars has won for the last two years.
Each year the IWSC shortlists the producers with the best performance in their spirit category’s medal tables for the producer of the year accolade. This year, for the first time, the IWSC is asking shortlisted producers to complete a short questionnaire for its Judging Committee to have more of a behind the scenes understanding of the advancements being made at the distilleries.
Based on the feedback from the questionnaire, in combination with the medal results, the Judging Committee will agree a winner, who will be announced on Thursday 29 September at the IWSC’s 2022 Awards Dinner & Industry Celebration.
Each of the winners from the 10 spirits categories will also be put forward for the IWSC’s Outstanding Spirit Producer of the year trophy.
Understandably the distillers were delighted to gain this international recognition. Naught Co-Founder Chris Cameron told The Shout: “To be nominated for the IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year is very humbling and a great honour. We are incredibly grateful to be recognised amongst other amazing distilleries throughout Australia and the world.
“Hopefully, our nomination can further elevate the reputation of Australian-made gins, showcasing to the world that we are indeed producers of the finest spirits available.”
Rick Prosser, Founder, Owner and Master Distiller at Kalki Moon told Bars and Clubs the nomination was a credit to the whole distillery team.
“At just five years old and to be nominated for the IWSC International Gin Producer Trophy is an absolute honour for us at Kalki Moon.
“This nomination is a real credit to our Distillery team who consistently produce world class London Dry Gin right here in our home town of Bundaberg. We employ locals and do all the work in house. A testimonial to how a regional producer can mix it with the best.
“Our tasting results at this years IWSC included winning two Gold and three Silver medals in the London Dry category, this shows to our consumers and industry peers that we have continued to keep a high quality of consistency in a category we take pride in manufacturing.
“This is now our second nomination for the International Gin Producer Trophy and we are already looking to the future. Congratulations and good luck to fellow Australian Distilleries Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery and Naught Gin.”
David Ridden, the Founder of Granddad Jack’s was also honoured that the team has been recognised on the global stage.
“As a small family business here on the Gold Coast, it is an honour to be a finalists in the IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year 2022, especially when there are so many outstanding Gin producers around the World,” He told Bars and Clubs.
“With two out of the four nominees being QLD distilleries, Queensland is now on the World stage and that’s got to be a good thing for our industry.”
Caroline Ashford, aka The Gin Queen, told Bars and Clubs the nominations reflect the high regard for Australian gin around the world.
“The nomination of three Australian gin distillers for IWSC International Gin Producer of the Year is extraordinary. It is a testament not only to their talent and hard work, but also to the perception of Australian gin globally.
“As a judge for two other international competitions, the overriding sentiment around Australian gins is quality and innovation. It’s a proud day for Australian gin.”
