A mistelle crafted from a blend of Gewurztraminer and Moscato before being fortified with unused spirits has taken out the major prize at the Drink Easy Awards.
Økar Tropic was crafted in Gumeracha, South Australia and was named Australia’s Best Drink at a ceremony in Adelaide last week.
Økar’s Director, Brendan Carter, said he is still stunned by the win.
“A lot of what we do is sitting on the cutting edge of sustainability in drinks production, and that tends to divide crowds a bit,” he said.
“What’s fascinating for us is that when you take away the brands, the story, the people selling you product and judge a drink purely on flavour and drinkability without context, drinks like these really start to stack up.
“The hope is that this gives producers the confidence to push more boundaries, and dig a little deeper into farming inputs and outputs, to see where they can potentially add value for both the farmer and the consumer.”
The mistelle was named Australia’s Best Drink over Seppeltsfield’s Para Grand Tawny, while a small-batch farmyard beer, Sobremesa Fermentary & Blender’s Vibes on Toast, rounded out the top three.
Major Award Winners
- Australia’s Best Drink: Økar Tropic, SA
- Australia’s Best Wine: Moorak Wines, Petillant Naturel: Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, SA
- Australia’s Best Spirit: Never Never Distilling Co, Triple Juniper Gin, SA
- Australia’s Best Non-Alcoholic: Smug AF Non-alcoholic Mojito NSW
- Australia’s Best Alternative: Ventura Brewing, Peach & Sage Alcoholic Kombucha, NSW
- Australia’s Best Beer + Cider: Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery, Vibes on Toast, VIC
Chief Judge, Nick Ryan, said the line-up of intriguing drinks speaks to diversity and creativity driving Australia’s beverage scene.
“We’re living in a golden age of liquid refreshment,” he said.
“I’d encourage anyone with an interest in treating their tongue right to get out there and start exploring.”