Producers and distillers from around Australia gathered at the 2021 Tasting Australia Spirit Awards, presented by Master Cask. Hosted at the beautiful Gallery on Waymouth, this industry gathering celebrated the best spirits from around the country. This year a record 315 different spirits from 73 Australian Producers entered the awards, with 36 of these being South Australian.

The Spirit Awards have been running for four years, and the presentation was also live streamed around the country for those who couldn’t be there in person. Judged by a team of industry experts, the awards began and a buzz of nervous excitement filled the room! The winners of each category are as follows:

Alternate Spirits – Mulligan’s Clear Cane Spirit, St Mary’s, SA

Liqueur – Brix Citrus Got Real, Brix Distillers, NSW

Brandy – St Agnes XO 15 Year Old, Angove Winemakers, SA

Rum – The Aisling Riverina Rum, The Aisling Distillery, NSW

Vodka – Croc Vodka, FNQ Spirits, QLD

Whisky – The Jabberwocky, Fleurieu Distillery, SA

Gin – Triple Juniper Export Strength Gin, Never Never Distilling Co, SA (there were over 150 entrants in this category alone!)

Premier’s Gin Award (Exclusively for South Australian entrants) – Triple Juniper Export Strength Gin, Never Never Distilling Co, SA

Small Cask Maturation – Overeem Sherry Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky, Overeem Whisky

Best Independent Bottler – The Sparkke Change Beverage Company, Seppeltsfield Road Distillers and Jimmy Rum, SA

Best Distiller – Angove Family Winemakers, St Agnes, SA

It was incredible to see so many South Australian producers, and especially touching to see the Angove family win best distiller after an astonishing 90 years! After the awards the winning bottles were unveiled and tastings could begin. You could also choose your own garnish and tonic if required. It was a fantastic afternoon that certainly left everyone in high spirits!

Words and Images by Heidi Ioannou from The Hungry Heidi