The inaugural Royal Queensland Distilled Spirits Awards (RQDSA) has revealed a successful first year with 150 entries received from more than 30 distilleries, and Falls Creek Original Gin coming out as Best in Show.
RQDSA chief judge Nicholas King said that the number of entries to this year’s awards was a positive sign for its future.
“The awards have made a good solid start and show good promise with a lot of high-quality liquid produced across the board. There were spirits there of a very impressive quality, with distillers using various difficult takes on the technique of fermentation. Some products were so good that they could come out onto the world stage,” he said.
Other winners include Burdekin Rum’s Vintage Cane Spirit, which took home Champion Rum, Highest Scoring Queensland Distillery, and Highest Scoring Queensland Spirit; Fleurieu Distillery’s Champion Whisky, Country To Coast #4; and Australian Distilling Company’s Champion Vodka, Melbourne Vodka.
King commented on the elegance and balance of the winning spirits.
“When we got to the end of the competition, there were four very credible spirits that deserved full recognition. There are two key elements in judging, which are balance and expression. Fair to say, this competition did not let me down with these qualities and I think the liquids will only get better,” he said.
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said that entries to this year’s competition reflect the quality of the Queensland distilling industry.
“Almost 100 of the entries came from Queensland, testament to the boom in our state’s distilled spirits industry, which experts have likened to wine production in South Australia,” he said.
The judging panel of the RQDSA comprised leading industry professionals, including educators, retailers, distillers and distributors. Judging took place over two days at Brisbane Showgrounds, during which time the panel decided on the spirits deserving of the top honours.
