Formed as a true portfolio across spirits and RTD, Blue Sky Drinks Co is positioned to become one of Australia’s leading drinks businesses. Bringing together some of Australia’s most distinguished brands, and the know-how of industry leaders, the homegrown portfolio is already making waves with key brands available broadly once again.
One of the standouts in the newly acquired Blue Sky Drinks portfolio is NED Australian Whisky. Founded in Melbourne in 2014, NED Australian Whisky was born from a desire to create a locally crafted whisky that was uniquely Australian, and over the last decade the brand has cemented itself as a key player in the Australian whisky market. Loved for its bold, smooth style, that sits closer to a Tennessee-style bourbon, NED Australian Whisky offers a uniquely local take on a classic American-style spirit.
After several months in limbo following Top Shelf International being placed into voluntary administration, Blue Sky Drinks is proud to have acquired the brand. With a new permanent home in the Blue Sky Drinks portfolio, NED Australian Whisky has transitioned to its new management and is now available once again across all major wholesalers.
The Blue Sky Drinks portfolio holds the full NED Australian Whisky lineup, including Golden Bickie Flavoured Aussie Whisky Liqueur and the complete range of NED Australian Whisky RTDs. A unique whisky liqueur with an Aussie twist, Golden Bickie takes its flavour cues from one of Australia’s most iconic biscuits – offering a nostalgic sweetness of golden syrup, creamy coconut and a hint of comforting oats.
In its acquisition from Top Shelf International, Blue Sky Drinks also acquired Grainshaker Vodka, and an exclusive licence to distribute Act of Treason Agave.
Launching in Melbourne in 2022, Grainshaker was developed as the premium Australian answer to vodka – known for its unique flavour profile, superior quality and commitment to local produce. The brand has swiftly risen in prominence due to its dedication to craftmanship, being named International Vodka Producer of the Year at the 2024 International Wine and Spirits Competition among many other prestigious tiles over the years.
With the Gravity Drinks team now leading Blue Sky Drinks, the full portfolio is set for success, and the team isn’t stopping there. Having also purchased Gravity Drinks Co, Blue Sky Drinks will continue to build momentum in the RTD category.
Famed for its “Over Sugar?” trademark, Gravity has become one of Australia’s most recognised challenger RTD brands, with national ranging across thousands of on- and off-premise outlets. The core portfolio includes unmistakable flavours like Watermelon & Salty Lemon, Blood Orange & Passionfruit, Lime & Cucumber, and, as the brand continues its innovation pipeline, Hard Soda Lemoncello.
Inspired by summertime, and the fast-growing market segment of lemon-flavoured RTDs, Gravity’s premium RTD, Hard Soda Lemoncello, continues to go from strength-to-strength, and is now available in over 1,500 stores, plus on tap Australia-wide.
Staying true to Gravity’s staple “Over Sugar?” trademark, Hard Soda Lemoncello is a drink for the discerning consumer seeking full-flavour lemon, with fewer calories and an endless summer of feeling light – crafted specifically to close the gap between sugary RTDs and those that are low in sugar yet skimp on flavour.
Mick Spencer, co-founder of Gravity, says: “Our Hard Soda Lemoncello was crafted with the Aussie consumer who is over sugar in mind. Aussies want full flavour without the sugar or calorie consequences. For those lucky enough to have experienced limoncello on the Amalfi Coast of Italy, we note the light bitterness and zest it provides. We noticed the lemon RTD drinks out here weren’t as sessionable and needed a unique tweak, hence the inspiration.”
Under the leadership of Spencer, Liam Battye, Greg Mitchell and David Ward, and joined by industry veteran Ray Noble on the board, Blue Sky Drinks has maintained strong distribution across the country and is working closely with thousands of on- and off-premise partners to
To find out more about Blue Sky Drinks Co and explore the full portfolio, visit www.blueskydrinks.com.au.