The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) is introducing an Australian Distilled Spirits & Liqueurs category into its 2014 Royal Melbourne Fine Food Awards (RMFFA) Autumn Program, giving local distillers the chance to go head-to-head in a home-grown industry competition.
The winners of the spirits and liqueurs awards will be announced at the Top Shelf drinks festival in February. Special master classes will showcase winners during the show.
An Australian first, the competition is open only to Australian distilled products in classes including whisky, rum, gin, vodka, brandy, liqueurs and other spirits.
Created in close consultation with industry experts, the new category is reflective of increased consumer interest and market trends and highlights the innovation and excellence demonstrated by Australian distillers.
RASV CEO Mark O’Sullivan said the introduction of the new category provides an opportunity for Australian distillers to benchmark against their peers and a platform to promote and celebrate excellence.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Top Shelf to announce and showcase our Australian Distilled Spirits & Liqueurs winners,” he said.
Entries open for the Autumn Program on Thursday, 21 November 2013.
For more information, visit www.rasv.com.au/finefoods and follow the RMFFA on Twitter at @RMFFA.