By James Atkinson in Hobart
Tasmanian whisky distillers united this week to raise industry awareness that they are producing some of the world's most awarded whiskies of recent times.
Tasmanian Whisky Producers Association representative Bert Cason told TheShout that the credentials and credibility of Tasmanian whisky are now very well established.
On a media tour of Tasmania's distilleries, Cason said that along with Sullivans Cove's recent accolades, the state's other major distillers – Lark, The Nant and Overeem – have all scored above 95 points in Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. [continues below]
Distillers from Belgrove, William McHenry & Sons, Sullivans Cove, Lark and The Nant in Tasmania yesterday
"That's a very strong sign of quality," Cason said.
"The key message to bartenders is, when someone asks for a Scotch, say: 'No, how about a Tassie?'"
Cason, of Sullivans Cove producer Tasmania Distillery, said Tasmania has some of the world's cleanest water and highest quality barley – the best ingredients you could possibly put into a single malt.
"Everything's hand distilled, nothing's computerised – everything's done with love," he said.
The Tasmanian Whisky Producers Association represents the state's eight whisky distillers, who this week reaffirmed their focus on producing high quality, small batch whisky.