‘World class’: Burdekin Rum’s extra-strong cane spirit turns heads at world competition

The makers of an extra-strong British navy-strength vintage rum that was nominated ‘Best Unaged Rum of the Year’ have revealed why it kept turning heads at an international competition.

The annual crush of Burdekin Rum's limited 'First Giru Cane Spirit' was completed last week on the property it was grown on, thanks to a portable crush operated by the distillery.

Local distillery Burdekin Rum continues to wow judges, being nominated for ‘Best Unaged Rum of the Year’ for its extra-strong ‘British navy’ strength vintage.

CEO Tim Lamb said the distillery’s latest award-winning product – a French Caribbean-style cane spirit – was harvested and crushed in August 2024, and is the first spirit to be made in their new Frilli still.

“A lot of rum is made in pot stills, but the Frilli is a pot-and-column still from Tuscany and it gives us a very high level of control over the process,” Mr Lamb said.

“It’s possible it is the only hybrid pot-and-column still in Australia.”

The Majors Creek-based distillery didn’t waste time with the new still, immediately using it to create 600 bottles of their highest proof vintage yet – the 54.5 per cent ‘Coral Sea Strength’ Giru Cane Spirit.

Also known as ‘British navy’ strength, the hefty Giru Cane Spirit was shipped off to the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, where it turned quite a few heads last week.

“We’ve just heard from the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition — it’s been awarded a Double Gold medal,” Mr Lamb said.

Tim Lamb Chief Executive for Burdekin Rum Distillery

Only 600 bottles were made of the limited 'Second Giru Cane Spirit' at Coral Sea or British Navy strength

“A Double Gold is only awarded to entries that receive a gold medal rating by every member of the judging panel; and are described as being among the finest products in the world.”

The Coral Sea Strength Giru Cane Spirit also scored 98/100, and was named a finalist in the Best of Class – Unaged Rum.

The Best of Class results will be judged later in the year.

Burdekin Rum founder and director, Anthony Duggan, said the double gold status was testament to the quality of the local Giru sugarcane.

The annual crush of Burdekin Rum's limited 'First Giru Cane Spirit' was completed last week on the property it was grown on, thanks to a portable crush operated by the distillery. Pictured: Jason Chan

“Given we were able to crush so close to the distillery, means this product truly reflects the Burdekin terroir, and the fact that all judges rated it so highly means the future of Burdekin Rum is bright,” Mr Duggan said.

“This is a world class product made right here in the Burdekin.”

The new pot and column Frilli still, recently acquired by Burdekin Distillery

Alongside their new double gold Coral Sea strength spirit, Burdekin Rum also produces a premium aged rum ($99), vintage cane spirit, virgin cane spirit, and numerous distiller’s editions (ranging from $150 to $190).

The bottles can be bought online at burdekinrum.com.au, or through local StarLiquor stores.

Burdekin Rum is also featured on the drinks menus at OSK bar and the Ardo Rooftop.

Originally published as ‘World class’: Burdekin Rum’s extra-strong cane spirit turns heads at world competition