Western Australian distillers the toast of the nation
Racing and Gaming Minister Colin Holt declared Western Australia a nation-leader in producing fine spirits after local distilleries scooped the pool at the 2016 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (ADSA).
Albany’s Limeburners Distillery was announced Australian Distiller of the Year at the ADSA ceremony in Melbourne in April, taking home a total of three trophies including the title of Champion Whisky for the second year running, and Champion Small Batch Spirit.
“Limeburners won the small batch trophy for their Single Malt Whisky Heavy Peat M226, which was also awarded Champion Whisky,” Mr Holt said. “Limeburners has been distilling whisky for 10 years from its boutique distillery in Albany, and now also in Margaret River.”
Kununurra’s Hoochery Distillery took home the award for Champion Rum for its Ord River Rum – Premium and Old Young’s (previously Wild Swan Distillery) Pure No.1 was named Champion Vodka.
The 2016 ADSA attracted 154 entries from 42 exhibitors, representing more than 80% of Australian distillers. “Of the eight awards on offer, Western Australian distillers won five of them,” the Minister said. “These distilleries are not only a source of great pride for our State, but also provide significant employment and tourism opportunities. The Hoochery in Kununurra welcomed more than 20,000 tourists and visitors last year.”
Mr Holt said the State Government was making it easier for distillers to do business, reducing the regulatory burden so the distilling sector can continue to grow.
WA Trophy winners at the 2016 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards
Champion Australian Distiller
Limeburners Single Malt Whisky Heavy Peat M226
Limeburners Distillery, WA
Champion Small Batch Spirit
Limeburners Single Malt Whisky Heavy Peat M226
Limeburners Distillery, WA
Champion Whisky
Limeburners Single Malt Whisky Heavy Peat M226
Limeburners Distillery, WA
Champion Vodka
Pure No. 1
Old Young’s, WA
Champion Rum
Ord River Rum – Premium
Hoochery Distillery, WA