The Global Taste and Design winners of the World Drinks Awards were celebrated this week in London, with several Australian brands recognised as Icons of Drinks and World’s Best winners for Taste.
It was a particularly successful night for Prohibition Liquor Co, with the company picking up several major awards. The Adelaide-based distillery was named Brand Innovator of the year, which the team said was a testament to “the bold creativity and vision that underpins everything Prohibition does”.
Founder Adam Carpenter said: “This is a proud moment for our entire team.
“To be recognised globally, especially for both our gin innovation and our growing liqueur range, is hugely rewarding. These awards speak to the passion, creativity, and craftsmanship behind every bottle we make in Adelaide.”
Other awards Prohibition won include:
- World’s Best Coffee Liqueur – awarded back-to-back for its internationally acclaimed Bootleg Coffee Liqueur
- World’s Best Nut Liqueur for its rich, indulgent Hazelnut & Macadamia Liqueur
- Highly Commended for Distiller of the Year
- Highly Commended for Craft Producer of the Year
- Country Winner for Australia – Colour Changing Gin for the Moonlight Gin.
Head Distiller Hugh Lumsden added: “It’s incredibly validating to be acknowledged not only for the taste and quality of our spirits but also for the innovation that defines our approach to distilling. From bold native botanicals to modern production methods, we’re proud to represent Australia on the world stage.”
Sunshine Coast distillery Beachtree Distilling Co, also enjoyed a successful night being named World’s Best Craft Producer and World’s Best Sustainable Distillery. Other awards included Australia’s Best Gin Liqueur, for Ocean Blue Gin Liqueur, as well as recognition for its Organic Vodka, Native Plum & Sloe Gin and Vodka Liqueur.
Co-Founder Kirra Daley said: “For a small, independently owned Queensland distillery — fully organic, solar-powered, and made from scratch — this was a career-defining moment. And a proud one, not just for our team, but for what it represents about the future of Australian spirits.
“We’ve always done things a bit differently at Beachtree. We produce everything in-house: from fermenting our own organic sugarcane base, to hand-distilling and bottling each spirit right here on site. We’re certified organic, zero-additive, naturally gluten-free, and committed to real flavour through native botanicals and ethical sourcing.”
Steve Grace, Beachtree’s Master Distiller added: “To be recognised not just for the quality of our spirits, but for how we make them — that’s everything.
“We’ve always believed world-class spirits could come from the bush, crafted with integrity, real ingredients, and respect for the land. Now the world agrees.”
Another Australian brand to secure back-to-back wins was Act of Treason, with its Reposado named World’s Best in the Flavoured & Speciality spirits category. It is also the second year Act of Treason has been denied entry into the Tequila category, having to enter the Speciality category instead.
CEO Trent Fraser said: “It’s no small thing building a new category from scratch, but Australian agave is earning its place on the global stage.
“This win is recognition of the incredible work being done by our team who work day-in, day-out on the farm. They don’t always get to see the ‘wow’ response of bartenders around the country while they’re busy harvesting, cooking and distilling, but this is more recognition for all the hard yakka they put in.”
Independent Australian brand Fellr marked its fifth birthday with suitably celebratory win, being name World’s Best Hard Seltzer for its Alfred’s Apartment Fellr Lemon Squash.
Co-Founder Will Morgan said, “We’re blown away with the result. We love creating awesome-tasting drinks that our drinkers that they’re proud to share with their mates. We’ve been playing with new ingredients and new styles of drinks – so getting global recognition for our latest liquid’s reinforces we’re on the right track.”
Co-Founder Andy Skora added: “Incorporating real fruit is the next step in Fellr’s evolution. Aussies want drinks that taste incredible, feel premium, and still align with a low-sugar lifestyle – and that’s exactly what Lemon Squash delivers.”
The World Drinks Awards select the very best in all internationally recognised styles of drinks, and aim to reward and promote the world’s best drinks to consumers and trade across the globe.
Speaking about this year’s awards, Anita Ujszaszi, Awards Director, said: “Meeting producers from all corners of the world, tasting exceptional products, and celebrating the diversity and passion of the industry makes for a truly rewarding experience.
“With more and more products entered each year, from dozens of countries, it’s clear the scope of the global drinks market is forever on the rise. A huge thanks to our winners, judges, and everyone involved.”