Tasmania dominates World Whiskies Awards

Tasmanian distilleries have dominated at the World Whiskies Awards.

The state won 14 Category Awards - including eight Country & Category Winners - in the Taste competition, along with 15 gold medals, 27 silver and 38 bronze.

A number of Tasmanian individuals and distilleries were also recognised in the Icons of Whisky awards.

The state accounted for 94 of the 133 awards won by Australian distilleries.

Tasmanian Whisky and Spirits Association president Kristy Lark said the state had been at the forefront of global whisky excellence since Sullivans Cove first won World's Best Single Malt Whisky in 2014.

“More than a decade later, these awards prove our continued dominance isn't luck – it's the result of Tasmania's unique combination of world-class craftsmanship, pristine environment, and unwavering commitment to quality,” Ms Lark said.

“These award wins demonstrate why now is the right time for strategic investment by the Tasmanian Government to accelerate export opportunities, giving more consumers worldwide the chance to enjoy award-winning Tasmanian whiskies while generating greater interest in whisky tourism to Tasmania.

“This creates a powerful multiplier effect, delivering regional employment and benefits throughout the supply chain.”

Lark’s master distiller, Chris Thomson, was named ‘Master Distiller/Blender of the Year – Rest of the World’ in the Icons of Whisky categories.

He is now a finalist in the Global Icon of Whisky Award, with the winner to be announced later this year in London.

“This is fantastic recognition for the dedication and craftsmanship of our distilling and blending team at our new Pontville Distillery,” Mr Thomson said.

“It’s incredibly exciting to see our uniquely Tasmanian whiskies so positively received on the world stage.

“This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for Lark as we prepare to launch new whiskies globally.”

Mr Thompson joined Lark in 2007 and began distilling there in 2010.

“I want to pay tribute to the entire team at LARK for their contribution,” he said.

“When I started on the bottling line, I was under the tutelage of both Bill and Lyn Lark.”

The Tasmanian winners were:

Country & Category Awards

• Best Australian Single Cask Single Malt 13 to 20 Years (Country & Category Winner) – Sullivans Cove, French Oak White Wine Old & Rare TD0112
• Best Australian Single Cask Single Malt 21 Years & Over (Category Winner) – Sullivans Cove, American Oak Second Fill Old & Rare HH0010
• Best Australian Single Malt (Country & Category Winner) – Callington Mill, Amphora
• Best Australian Rye (Country & Category Winner) – Greenbanks Tasmanian Whisky Co., Quadruple Cask Rye
• Best Australian Single Cask Single Rye (Country & Category Winner) – Greenbanks Tasmanian Whisky Co., Rye Cask 027
• Best Australian New Make & Young Spirit (Category Winner) – Greenbanks Tasmanian Whisky Co., Wheat – Rye – Malt New Make
• Best Australian Grain Whisky 13 to 20 years (Country & Category Winner) – Hellyers Road, Anniversary Collection 2005 Grain Whisky 20 Years Old Single Cask 5180
• Best Australian Single Malt 21 Years & Over (Category Winner) – Hellyers Road, 21 Club Blue Gum
• Australian Single Malt 13 to 20 Years (Country & Category Winner) – Hellyers Road, Barnbougle 20th Anniversary Release
• Best Australian Single Malt 12 Years & Under (Category Winner) – Hellyers Road, Quinta do Portal 11 Years Old
• Best Australian Pot Still No Age Statement (Category Winner) – Hunter Island Tasmanian Pot Still Whisky, Apera Cask Matured
• Best Australian Small Batch Single Malt (Country & Category Winner) – Overeem Whisky, Pedro Ximenez Cask Matured
• Best Australian Single Cask Single Malt (Category Winner) – Overeem Whisky, Bourbon Cask Distiller Strength
• Best Australian Pot Still 12 Years & Under (Category Winner) – Transportation Whiskey, Snug

Icons of Whisky Awards

• Master Distiller/Master Blender of the Year – Chris Thomson (LARK)
• Innovation Manager of the Year– Heather Tillott (Sullivans Cove Distillery)
• Warehouse Manager of the Year – Marcelo Viaplana (Sullivans Cove Distillery)
• Sales Team of the Year – Sullivans Cove
• Campaign Innovator of the Year – Sullivans Cove
• Craft Producer of the Year (Highly Commended) – Furneaux Distillery
• Visitor Attraction Manager (Highly Commended) – Nicole Kennedy (Furneaux Distillery)
• Brand Ambassador – Scotch Whisky of the Year – Seamus Carroll (of Tasmania’s own, The Whisky Club).