Australia’s first gin distillery, Kangaroo Island Spirits, has had a massive 2023 thus far. After being recognised and winning awards at the biggest spirits competition in the world—the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC)—they’ve also been shortlisted for the prestigious International Gin Producer Trophy Award, which is set to be announced this October.
Founded in 1969 and considered to be the Oscars of the global drinks industry, the IWSC welcomes thousands of entries each year from over 90 countries across the globe, all competing for the highest of accolades for their performance in their specific spirit category. With judging taking place each year in London by a highly regarded panel of industry professionals, each entrant is awarded points out of 100.
To be one of only three distilleries to be nominated for the International Gin Producer Trophy Award is no small feat, and despite being shortlisted twice before, the team at Kangaroo Island Spirits are hoping that this year it’s a case of third-time lucky for them.
‘It’s an honour to be nominated for best international gin producer. To me, it’s confirmation that we’re still doing a good job,’ says Head Distiller at Kangaroo Island Spirits, Charlie Schmidt. ‘In the last couple of years, we’ve had some big changes around the place with new stills, a new production shed, packaging change and the commencement of our whisky program.
‘To keep our gins at their usual high quality through all those changes has been an ongoing challenge. It’s a credit to our staff and their hard work and dedication that we’ve come as far as we have,’ says Charlie.
Kangaroo Island Spirits’ fellow nominees for the International Gin Producer Trophy are Four Pillars Distillery from Victoria, Australia (previous winners from 2019 and 2020) and Hernö Gin from Sweden (previous winners from 2016 and 2017). ‘To be shortlisted for this award tells me that we’re still making world-class gin and makes me proud to be a part of the team that gets to make it,’ says Charlie.
Each year, producers with the best performance in their spirits category medal tables are shortlisted to win the Producer Trophy. This year, Kangaroo Island Spirits walked away with a Gold Outstanding Medal, receiving an exceptional 98 points for their O’Gin, and Silver Medals for Old Tom Gin, Spiced Pudding Gin and the Whisky Barrell Aged Gin.
The winner of the International Gin Producer Trophy Award will be decided by a judging committee and announced on Thursday, October 19th, at IWSC’s 2023 Awards Celebration at the Roundhouse in London.
What a great achievement for this local SA gin distillery and definitely something to celebrate, no matter the outcome in October. Congratulations Kangaroo Island Spirits—you truly are one of a kind.
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