Australian distilleries from Sydney, the Gold Coast, Hobart, and across Asia and Oceania picked up gongs at the ‘Spirit Of Craft’ (SOCraft) Awards in Singapore.
In the second iteration of the global awards just announced, Australian producer Launceston Distillery was one of just two spirits to receive a Platinum (3-star) award. Judges described their Single Malt Tawny Cask Matured Whisky as “Sweet nose with chocolate, berries, raisins, toffee; smooth, rich mouthfeel, robust tawny-influenced flavours of Christmas pudding, dried fruit, cinnamon, clove.” The Tasmanian distiller has now secured 3 Star (Platinum) status for two consecutive years.
The awards reflected strength in depth across Oceania with spirits from Australia and New Zealand dominating this year’s awards, largely driven by gin, though distillers from both countries also earned stars for whisky and vodka.
The only other Platinum 3-star award dished out was to Casa Seekers Mekong Bitter Amaro, from Cambodia, with judges praising its “well-harmonised flavours and approachable complexity” as a standout aperitivo.
Judging for this year’s awards included 10 thought leaders in a judging committee, each representing key markets in Asia’s drinks and spirits industry. The committee then jointly selected a panel of 20 judges, including independent bar owners, bartenders, spirits writers, and importers from across Asia.
The SOCraft Awards is Asia’s first awards platform dedicated to celebrating the artistry and craftsmanship behind artisanal spirits. Designed as a gateway to Asia for global craft producers, it also serves as a source of inspiration for the region’s drink makers.
Australian award winners were:
3-Star
- Launceston Distillery Single Malt Tawny Cask Matured Whisky
1-Star
- Artisans Secret Aussie Dry Gin (Gold Coast, QLD)
- Artisans Secret Chili Plum Gin (Gold Coast, QLD)
- Artisans Secret Jaffa Gin (Gold Coast, QLD)
- Battery Point Distillery Kingston Shiraz Cask Whisky (Hobart, TAS)
- Eureka Distilling “V” Premium Vodka (Sydney, NSW)
- Furneaux Distillery Flinders Island Peated Single Malt Whisky (Flinders Island, TAS)
spiritofcraftawards.com
Greg Sunning
