The results of the San Francisco World Spirits Competition have been announced and once again Australia’s spirits producers have won big, bringing home more than 100 medals.
Widely regarded as one of the key annual spirits competitions, the high number of Australian medals highlights the quality of spirits made in this country and how well they are viewed on the global scene.
Of the 104 medals won by Australian spirits there were 18 Double Gold, 24 Gold, 47 Silver and 15 Bronze.
Starward once again brought home a slew of medals, which Founder David Vitalie was understandably delighted with.
Vitale told The Shout: “I’m incredibly proud that we’ve taken home 15 medals at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — including a Double Gold for Nova, our single malt that put us on the world map as a delicious and innovative and whisky maker.
“This recognition is another reminder that Australian whisky is shining bright on the global stage, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team and the wider industry for the collective result.”
Archie Rose also brought multiple medals including a Double Gold for its Single Malt Whisky, plus for Silver medals, with the team saying, “These accolades are a testament to Archie Rose’s dedication to exceptional quality, innovation and the use of traceable, locally sourced ingredients that hero the best of Australia”.
Tasmania’s reputation as a global whisky powerhouse was boosted with Callington Mill’s four Double Gold medals, including 98 points for its Pedro Ximenez Single Malt Whisky.
Founder John Ibrahim said: “Each Callington Mill release expresses a distinct story, and it’s exciting to see this story resonating at such a prestigious competition. The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a huge platform to showcase our craft.
“It’s one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions. We’re incredibly proud to see our whiskies earning recognition at a global level, particularly at a time as we’re expanding our footprint both in Australia and internationally.
“Our whiskies represent a new era in Tasmanian whisky. We have built the Rolls-Royce of distilleries in the heart of Oatlands using Tasmanian technology and supporting local suppliers to make Callington Mill an acclaimed whisky destination. We’re setting new standards in sustainability and through our cask program, which is resulting in what I feel is a new level of craft Tasmanian whisky.”
Australia’s gin producers were also awarded a range of medals, including a Double Gold for the Melbourne Gin Company’s Single Shot Gin, the distillery also picked up a Gold medal for its MGC Dry Gin.
Founder Andrew Marks told The Shout: “The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is the global pre-eminent spirits competition so it is great to be recognised on the world stage. Australia has again done extremely well across a variety of classes be they white or dark spirits.
“We know that roughly 80 per cent of consumers still favour imported spirits, so results like these reinforce the strength of our home-grown local offerings and will hopefully influence consumer behaviour to try local. The upshot is we are literally world class.”
Hickson House Distilling Co won Double Gold as well for its Harbour Bridge Gin, and Co-Founder Mikey Enright telling The Shout he was “absolutely buzzing” with the award.
“Gold is the most valuable currency right, so being awarded a double gold is a huge achievement and secondly by the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
“Massive thanks to the Hickson House team and our Head distiller Tim Stones. Its testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and craftsmanship but also acknowledges the growing appreciation for Australian spirits on a global stage.”
Never Never is another Australian distillery that has consistently performed well on the global awards stage and that form continued in San Francisco, with a Double Gold for its Triple Juniper Export Strength Gin.
Co-Founder Sean Baxter said: “It’s incredibly rewarding to consistently land in the top flight of these global award competitions.
“We’ve always treated competitions as an independent panel of reviewers who continue to drive our reputation for liquid excellence.”
He joked: “These spirit judges have tried an awful lot of gin, so to impress them is a seriously tough gig, especially in 2025 when the competition is at its most fierce.”
“Over and over again our spirits are named best in the country, and in some instances, the world. To excel in so many different gin and cocktail categories is testament to the work our team put into creating world class spirits.”
He added: “Our ambition is to be Australia’s most recommended gin brand and with such outstanding global results it allows us to stand behind our brand messages.”
There was also Double Gold for Prohibition Liquor Co’s Juniperus Gin, and Hugh Lumsden, Head Distiller and Production Manager was another to share his delight with The Shout.
“Achieving double gold status at the SFWSC for multiple years in a row is more than just a moment of recognition for us — it’s a mark of our consistency and a standard we’re proud to uphold,” Hugh said.
“The competition grows stronger and more diverse each year, with distillers from around the globe continuously raising the bar. The outstanding performance of the Australian distilling community at such a prestigious event is a testament to our local industry’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship.”
Huge congratulations to all Australia’s medal winners, and long may Australian spirits continue to shine and grow on the global stage.
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