South Australia shines at Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show

Fourteen Australian producers were awarded top honours at the 2025 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show, with South Australia’s St Agnes Distillery again taking out the prestigious Best Distilled Spirit of Show.

The family-owned distillery won the title with its St Agnes XO 15 Year Old, which also secured Best Brandy, marking the second consecutive year it has claimed the top award. In 2024, St Agnes won with its XO Grand Reserve 40 Year Old.

Chair of Judges Stuart Gregor said: “Brandies from the winning distillery should probably be registered as national treasures – they are exquisite, and the winner balances freshness and age perfectly. They are the world’s best, no question.”

Whisky also delivered standout performances. Tria Prima won Champion Single Malt Whisky for its Enchantress, while Fleurieu Distillery repeated its success in the Champion Grain or Blend Whisky category with Mary Ann. Fleurieu also collected the Chair of Judges Annual Prize for its Telemachus whisky.

“The whisky classes really shone this year, particularly the single malt whiskies. To me, this is proof that Australian whisky is on the cusp of a potential golden age,” Gregor said. “The Telemachus I selected for the Chair of Judges Annual Prize is a stunning example of where I think Australian whisky can land over the next few years.”

Gin entries impressed with high medal counts, with Never Never Distilling Co’s Triple Juniper Gin named Champion Traditional Gin, Bright Night Spirit’s Wild Tasmanian Gin winning Champion Contemporary Gin, and Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin taking Champion Other Gin.

Gregor added: “I firmly believe Australia makes the world’s best gin right now, and this show reinforced that view for me – the winners were terrific and show a lovely balance of traditional and Aussie botanicals.

“And my favourite surprise was the calibre of liqueurs entered. The Champion Liqueur was an absolute blinder, uniquely delicious and balanced, and a style we would love to see more of.”

Marionette’s Caretaker’s Cottage Black Forest whisky liqueur won Champion Liqueur, while Never Never Distilling Co also secured Champion Alternative Spirit for its limited-edition Australian Absinthe.

NSW distillers were also recognised as Blue Mountains Gin Company claimed Champion Vodka with its Wild Dog Vodka, and Banks & Solander Distillery took Champion Cane Spirit or Rum and Best NSW Distilled Spirit with its Cask Strength Rum. Four Pillars added to its wins with Champion Ready to Drink for its Rare Dry Gin and Tonic.

Gregor said the competition highlighted both quality and diversity across the industry:

“The Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show is about shining a light on the Australian distilled spirits industry and celebrating the craftsmanship of some of our best producers,” he said.

“And I believe in 2025 we did just that, the calibre of entries was fantastic and the spread of exhibitors from across the nation was great to see – with four states represented amongst tonight’s champion winners. I congratulate all of the winners and thank all who contributed and exhibited at this year’s Show.”