Britain lays claim to being the world’s gin capital, but Australia is poised to steal its title after sweeping five major trophies at the Icons of Gin Awards 2020 in London.
Icons of Gin is presented by Gin Magazine and celebrates the people, products and places that make the category so dynamic and exciting.
Archie Rose Master Distiller Dave Withers (above) was awarded Master Blender/Distiller of the Year; Caroline Childerley, The Gin Queen, was named Communicator of the Year; Sydney’s The Barber Shop took out Bar of the Year; Adelaide Hills Distillery was Gin Distiller of the Year; and Cape Byron Distillery won the Sustainable Distillery Award.
Archie Rose said it was “incredibly proud” that Withers triumped at the prestigious gin awards.
“This is a testament to his hard work and dedication producing innovative, exceptional quality spirits, as well as leading our amazing production team since we launched in 2015,” the distiller said.
Caroline Childerley is the owner and organiser of Junipalooza Melbourne, Australia’s largest gin festival; and has been running The Gin Queen website for more than six years. The Gin Queen has become the largest gin blog in Australia with a strong social media presence across all platforms, and a highly engaged audience.
“Well, this is rather nice,” Childerley noted. “Thanks Gin Magazine!”
The Barber Shop houses an impressive collection of more than 700 gins from all corners of the globe. The speakeasy-style bar is hidden behind a traditional barber shop in Sydney’s CBD.
While the bar has won numerous Australian accolades, this is its first international award.
Sacha La Forgia, the founder of Adelaide Hills Distillery, is the first Australian to be awarded the title of Gin Distiller of the Year by Gin Magazine.
“One of the best parts of receiving this award is that we didn’t even enter, Gin Magazine had been watching us, and liked what they saw,” La Forgia told City Mag.
“Considering how many great craft distilleries are around these days it’s really special.”
Cape Byron Distillery is the home of Brookie’s Gin. Of the 25 botanicals in Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin, 17 are sourced locally, many from the distiller’s rainforest.
“We’ve picked up a few awards along the way but this award holds an extremely special place in our hearts,” co-founder Eddie Brook said. “If we can build a thriving business and produce exceptional spirits whilst having a positive impact on the community and environment then we can hold our heads up high.”
Congratulations everyone who won at the gin awards!
