A South Australian whiskey made by three mates with a taste for delicate, easy-drinking spirits has just taken out one of the country’s biggest whisky prizes, and it costs just $90 a bottle.
Bird Blended Malt Whiskey has been named Best Blended Malt Whisky at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards, after claiming the only gold medal among eight entries in the Australian blended malt category.
The remaining seven entries picked up five silver and two bronze medals, making Bird’s win something of a David-and-Goliath moment for the young South Australian label.
And while the award is impressive, the story behind the bottle is even better.
The Bird was founded by Mark Bouris, Andrew Nugent and Paul Giles, three friends whose whiskey journey began more than a decade ago.
Paul, who spent around 20 years working at Bird in Hand Winery in various capacities, recalls organising an event in Sydney about 12 years ago and bringing Bouris along.
“Mark asked us whether we wanted to do a whiskey, because he was passionate about whiskey,” he says.
For Paul, the inspiration was also deeply personal.
Having lived in Japan for several years, he developed a particular appreciation for Japanese whisky, which is known for its delicate, refined and remarkably drinkable character.
“Japanese whisky is actually quite delicate and easy to drink,” he says.
“Mark was exactly the same, and Andrew was the same as well.”
Rather than chasing a big, heavy whisky, the trio wanted to create something distinctly more elegant.
“Mark and Andrew both have a strong palate, but we wanted to do something that was actually quite delicate, quite floral.”
That philosophy has ultimately shaped Bird.
The whiskey is predominantly matured in bourbon casks, with an apera-finished whiskey component adding another distinctly South Australian touch. Official tasting notes describe citrus, cream, baked shortbread, vanilla, barley sugar, buttery cream and honey.
There is also a subtle savoury edge.
“We wanted a bit of maritime influence as well, so we made it a bit salty, like salted caramel, and kind of shortbread flavours.”
The road to Bird, however, was not built around making an inexpensive whiskey.
The founders initially positioned their business firmly in the premium space, with bottles selling for somewhere between $200 and $300.
“But we always had the intention to make something that was approachable and affordable to everyone,” Paul said.
“That’s why it was always in the business model that we released Bird, which is the more approachable, affordable one for everyone — and that’s the one that won the award.”
Bird launched in October 2025 and retails for $90 for 700ml, a price point that makes its latest accolade particularly appealing.
For a category that can sometimes feel intimidating to newcomers, the founders are clearly hoping Bird can be the bottle that changes that.
After all, their whiskey philosophy is about more than what’s printed on the label.
“It’s what people are paying for, not a bottle and not a label and not a name sort of thing, they’re paying for what’s inside,” Paul said.
“That’s what we’re most proud of is our juices now sort of world-class.”
For Paul, the appeal of whiskey is ultimately less about collecting bottles and more about what happens when you open one.
“I love what whiskey and wine, when done right, what it does. It’s connection.”
He talks about family, friends, authenticity and the simple ritual of sitting down with someone, looking them in the eye and enjoying their company.
“You’ve got to be sitting down to really enjoy the person’s company and look them in the eye, and be authentic and be honest and be real and be truthful.”
To find out more and buy The Bird whiskey, click here.
