Eleven Australian craft spirits have won Gold medals at the 2020 International Wine & Spirits Awards. Ten of the 11 medals went to gins, with Lark Distillery Muscat Cask Single Malt Whisky the only whisky to score Gold.
The IWSC is the world’s largest and most influential international spirit awards company and is currently celebrating its 50th year.
Here are the Aussie Gold Medallists …
Granddad Jack’s Craft Distillery 65 Miles
The judges said: “Liquorice and aniseed on the nose developing into liquorice with citrusy lemon and lime on the palate, carrying through to a delightful sweetness on the finish. Outstanding in its complexity and textural intensity.”
Four Pillars Distillery Bloody Shiraz Gin
The judges said: “A beautiful nose that is reminiscent of a good Shiraz, combining black cherry with the herbal and floral notes of the botanicals and a hint of cinnamon. Its rich complexity balances the deep, red wine character with delicate sweetness.”
Four Pillars Distillery Rare Dry Gin
The judges said: “Pronounced on the nose with lifted lemon and herbaceous aromas. Excellent depth and balance, displaying bold juniper with cardamom and heather on the palate before developing into lighter herbal notes and spicy vanilla to finish.”
Cape Byron Distillery Brookie’s Byron Slow Gin
The judges said: “Big and bold with spicy sweet plums and prunes, sour cherry notes and stone fruit pips. The acidity takes over to build a slightly warmer big finish.”
Kangaroo Island Distillery Kis O Gin
The judges said: “Vibrant, lifted, intense and deliciously balanced. Juniper led with botanicals dominated by orange peel which are delightfully integrated with refined citrus and wood spice for an exuberant rounded mouthfeel. Displaying great complexity and intensity of flavours.”
Kangaroo Island Distillery Kis Wild Gin
The judges said: “Bold with juniper on the nose with an abundance of green freshness layered with spiciness for a delicately, well balanced and flavoursome impact on the palate. Culminating in a delightfully long and expressive finish.”
Lark Distillery Muscat Cask Single Malt Whisky
The judges said: “Appealing spice on the nose. A subtle hint of sugary tea followed by a hearty shot of coffee on the palate. A big swell of syrupy peach and apricot sets off a mouthwatering tsunami and a gratifyingly spicy finish.”
Seppeltsfield Road Distillers Savoury Allsorts Gin
The judges said: “Bright and expressive, displaying aniseed, liquorice and spice on the nose. Flavoursome floral and citrus notes are harmoniously balanced whilst being embellished with hints of cloves, black pepper, sweet liquorice and gentle herbaceous undertones on the palate.”
Turner Stillhouse Three Cuts Distiller’s Release Gin
The judges said: “Elaborate citrus bouquet on the nose which is beautifully integrated with the botanicals to produce a layered, complex and very delicately balanced gin. Full bodied citrus prevails with a terrific balance of spice, pungency and mineral notes.”
Never Never Distilling Triple Juniper Gin
The judges said: “Bounteous in botanicals, this elegantly dry eucalyptus and juniper infused gin is harmoniously balanced by cooling citrus and fragrant soft botanicals. An aromatic aria that serenades the senses.”
The West Winds Wild Plum Gin
The judges said: “Opulent, ripe plum on the nose with hints of milk chocolate, cinnamon, juniper and earthy angelica adding complexity. It has a decadently velvet texture and ends on a pleasant note of sweetness. “
