Fleurieu Distillery wins three awards at the 2023 Tasting Australia Spirit Awards

South Australian distillers dominated at the annual Tasting Australia Spirit Awards. See the full list of winners.

Fleurieu Distillery has been named Best Distiller at the 2023 Tasting Australia Spirit Awards announced on Wednesday afternoon in Adelaide for the second consecutive year.

The Goolwa-based distillery owned by Gareth and Angela Andrews won the top gong for their Don Quixote, which also won Best Whisky and the Premier’s Spirit Award, and Tapestry blends.

A record 86 distillers entered their products into this year’s national awards.

The panel of judges tasted more than 280 products to pick the winners.

Fleurieu Distillery in Goolwa was named Best Distiller at the 2023 Tasting Australia Spirit Awards.

Head Judge Ollie Margan, one of the country’s top bar entrepreneurs who led the expert panel, said the spirits industry was one of the most diverse in the world.

“This year, 249 medals were given out including 43 gold medals, 98 silver medals and 108 bronze medals,” Mr Margan said.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said the SA spirits industry was one of the fastest growing in the nation.

“It is sensational to see South Australian distillers took home nine of the 11 major awards, something our state can be very proud of,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“With another increase on last year in the number of distilleries around the nation entering products, up 12 per cent on 2022, the Tasting Australia Spirit Awards only continue to grow. Being able to host such a significant competition here in South Australia and see the industry converge in our state is fantastic.”

Gareth and Angela Andrews at Fleurieu Distillery, Goolwa. Picture: Matt Turner.

2023 Tasting Australia Spirit Award winners:

• Best Whisky: Don Quixote by Fleurieu Distillery – South Australia

• Best Gin: Triple Juniper Gin Export Strength by Never Never Distilling Co. – South Australia

• Best Vodka: Pluto Vodka by Pluto Spirits – South Australia

• Best Rum: Australian Rum by Brix Distillery – New South Wales

• Best Brandy: St Agnes XO 15YO Brandy by St Agnes Distillery – South Australia

• Best Liqueur: Orsa by Karu Distillery – New South Wales

• Best Vermouth / Bitters / Other: Aperitivo by Ragazzi e Succo – South Australia

• Premier’s Spirit Award: Don Quixote by Fleurieu Distillery – South Australia

• Best Distiller: Fleurieu Distillery for their Don Quixote and Tapestry – South Australia

• Innovation Award: ‘Siropo’ Amaro by Spirito Santo – South Australia

• Best New Distiller: Pluto Spirits for their Pluto Vodka and Pluto Oaked Cane Spirit – South Australia