Spotlight on Tassie whiskeys with big wins on the world stage

Tasmanian whiskeys are proving their worth on the world stage after taking home more than half of the awards available for Australian distillers at the recent whiskey “Olympics”.

Barrels of Tasmanian whisky at Killara distillery in Richmond. Picture: Linda Higginson.

Tasmanian whiskey is in the global spotlight after taking home more than half of the Australian awards at the recent world whiskey awards.

President of the Tasmanian whisky and spirits association Kristy Lark-Booth said the world whiskey awards, based in London, was the most prestigious whisky competition in the world.

11 out of 21 Australian awards in the “Rest of the World” category were won by Tasmanian distillers.

Co-founder of Waubs Harbour Whiskey Tim Polmear said it was “huge” to win the gold category for small batch single malt 12 years and under two years in a row.

Tim Polmear co-founder. Waubs Harbour Distillery at Bicheno. Picture: Andrew Wilson

“This is the Olympics of awards in whisky, to win a category award is huge for our little Tasmanian distillery, especially to back it up two years in a row,” Mr Polmear said.

The Icons of Whisky awards for the “rest of the world” category awarded Tom Ambroz from Furneaux Distillery on Flinders Island distillery manager of the year who said it was wonderful recognition for the staff on the remote island.

“Running a distillery on Flinders Island is no mean feat,” Mr Ambroz said.

Tom Ambroz Furneaux Distillery. Picture: supplied

“Every normal operational task has an added level of complexity based on our remote location and minimal resources.

“One day, our team is learning how to change a starter motor on a 1975 diesel harvester engine so we can harvest our grain; the next day, we are shaking cocktails or toasting barrels.” Mr Ambroz said.

Ms Lark-Booth said Tasmania’s successes year after year prove its success of “carving out a unique identity and natural leadership position in the new world whisky market”.

The “rest of the world” category includes all countries except France, Scotland, USA and Ireland.

The category winners from each country award will be judged for a chance to become the “World’s best” in their style.

Originally published as Spotlight on Tassie whiskeys with big wins on the world stage