Racing and Gaming Minister Colin Holt today declared Western Australia a nation-leader in producing fine spirits after local distilleries scooped the pool at the 2016 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (ADSA).
Albany's Limeburners Distillery was announced Australian Distiller of the Year at the ADSA ceremony in Melbourne on Thursday night, taking home a total of three trophies including the title of Champion Whisky for the second year running and Champion Small Batch Spirit.
"Limeburners won the small batch trophy for their Single Malt Whisky Heavy Peat M226, which was also awarded Champion Whisky," Mr Holt said.
"Limeburners has been distilling whisky for 10 years from its boutique distillery in Albany, and now also in Margaret River."
Kununurra's Hoochery Distillery took home the award for Champion Rum for its Ord River Rum - Premium and Old Young's (previously Wild Swan Distillery) Pure No.1 was named Champion Vodka.
"Of the eight awards on offer, Western Australian distillers won five of them," the Minister said.
"These distilleries are not only a source of great pride for our State, but also provide significant employment and tourism opportunities. Just this week, I was at the Hoochery in Kununurra which had more than 20,000 tourists and visitors come through the door last year."
Mr Holt said the State Government was making it easier for distillers to do business.
"The Liberal National Government is reducing regulatory burden so the distilling sector can continue to grow," he said.
"Legislative changes passed through State Parliament last year allow distilleries to sell their product online or via telephone from an offsite location.
"Further red tape reductions have been planned following consultation with the industry for later this year and, pending State Government approval, a measure to allow distillers to serve their product with a mixer for tastings will also be introduced."
Fact File
The 2016 ADSA attracted 154 entries from 42 exhibitors, representing more than 80% of Australian distillers
Other WA distilleries to enter into the awards included Gidgegannup Distilleries Pty Ltd, Hippocampus Distillery, The Grove Experience, The Tailor Made Spirits Company and Whipper Snapper Distillery
Minister's office - 6552 6100
2016 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards Trophy Listing
Champion Australian Distiller
Limeburners Single Malt Whisky Heavy Peat M226
Limeburners Distillery, WA
Champion Small Batch Spirit
Limeburners Single Malt Whisky Heavy Peat M226
Limeburners Distillery, WA
Champion Whisky
Limeburners Single Malt Whisky Heavy Peat M226
Limeburners Distillery, WA
Champion Gin
kis Old Tom
Kangaroo Island Spirits, SA
Champion Vodka
Pure No. 1
Old Young's, WA
Champion Brandy
St Agnes XO
St Agnes Distillery, SA
Champion Rum
Ord River Rum - Premium
Hoochery Distillery, WA
Champion Liqueur
Golden Knight Schnapps Liqueur
Castle Glen Australia, QLD
