Adelaide Hills producer, Ambleside Distillers, received the “Best on Show” award from Australia at the 2022 International Liquor Competition in London for his Big Dry Gin.
He was awarded three more medals for other spirits in his portfolio – a huge achievement for the family distillery, which was launched less than six years ago on a small plot in a valley near Handorf.
The London Spirits Competition is one of the world’s leading award programs in this category, but goes beyond simple rewarding through tasting and pricing for quality, price and packaging, given what consumers like and current trends. The panel of judges, which includes top-level liquor buyers and other trade experts, evaluated the materials based on these three criteria. In 2022, a record number of applications was received: Ambleside competed with about 2,500 alcoholic brands from more than 80 countries.
Big Dry Gin from Ambleside Distillers scored 93 points, winning a gold medal and Best in Show for Australia, bypassing dozens of other entries from Australia, including some of Australia’s leading gin brands. Botanical Gin No. 8 Ambleside, Mandarin Gin and Small Acre Gin won silver medals.
Ambleside’s team carefully examines herbal substances that are selected according to their spirit to create a balanced yet large, bold alcohol, while Ambleside’s Big Dry Gin is distilled with jalapeno, lime leaves, sage, rosemary and thyme. It is large, dry and peppery, but not too sharp. It is characterized by intense and reliable plant, complemented by bold notes of juniper, which create a feeling of warmth in the mouth.
This is not the first time Big Dry has received recognition on the world stage. In recent years, he has received numerous awards, including gold at the San Francisco World Spirit Awards 2020 and gold at the 2021 SPI Awards.
Ambleside Distillers was founded in 2016 by Matt, Trudy and Steve Dixon and has since grown into one of the most beloved and award-winning spirits brands in South Australia. At the end of 2021, it expanded its production space to take into account future demand and diversify its supply beyond gin by installing 1,250-liter whiskey.
Located in the family grounds, Ambleside Distillers was built “from the garden”, with a focus on the ingredients and flavors that thrive on the hills of Adelaide, including botanical products grown in the garden on site.
“We are still in the cloud nine to get the news of winning the Best in Show from Australia in such a respected international competition. We are proud to produce our spirits and how our packaging and brand philosophy will appeal to consumers, so it is very nice that this is recognized by a group of experts, ”said Matt Dixon of Ambleside Distillers.
“Last year we launched our expanded distillery space and we recently introduced a new branding, so the big win at the international awards is another testament to the team’s hard work and shows that we far exceed our weight on the world stage. Adelaide Hills Family Business ”.
https://www.foodmag.com.au/ambleside-distillers-crowned-best-australian-gin-london-spirits-competition/
