By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
Entries are open to the inaugural Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (ADSA) which is being conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV).
Supported by the Australian Distillers Association (ADA), the awards have been developed to provide the growing number of distilleries in Australia with an opportunity to benchmark their product against that of their peers, give distillers the opportunity to gain feedback from industry experts, and celebrate the growing industry and premium quality spirits and liquors in Australia.
Eight major trophies, including the Australian Distiller of the Year Award are up for grabs across seven categories – Whisky; Gin; Vodka; Brandy; Rum; Liqueurs; and Alternative Spirits – which will be presented at High Spirits, a cocktail party to be held as part of the 2015 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in March next year.
“We are proud to unveil the very first dedicated Australian distilled spirits and liqueurs awards. The program responds to the expansion of the industry, providing a critical opportunity for brands to benchmark their products at a time when the Australian offering is establishing itself in a highly competitive global marketplace,” said RASV chief executive officer, Mark O’Sullivan.
“We invite distilleries of all sizes, from boutique and artisan producers distilling small batches through to established, large volume spirits brands to enter their products in the upcoming awards. The consultation process with industry experts from the Australian Distillers Association ensures classes and assessment criteria are in line with industry standards and reflective of current trends, such as the use of indigenous botanicals in production.”
Entries will close on the 23rd of January 2015, with High Spirits and the awards presentation set to take place on the 5th of March at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
For more information visit www.rasv.com.au/spirits.