Melbourne Royal has officially announced the 10th annual Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (ADSA). It is Australia’s first and largest national spirits competition that highlights the innovation and excellence of Australian-manufactured spirits, liqueurs, aromatics, vermouths and ready-to-serves.
Established in 2015, endorsed by the Australian Distillers Association, the Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards offer distillers an invaluable opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and innovation, while also receiving recognition and feedback from Australia’s leading industry experts.
After a record-breaking year in 2023, with 970 entries from 246 exhibitors, the 10th annual Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards promises even more excitement.
This year, the Awards have been enhanced with the inclusion of the new Ready to Serve category, which aims to acknowledge the growth and innovation in the Australian ready to serve market. The category will feature two new classes: Ready to Serve Cocktail and Ready to Serve Pre-Mix.
In addition to this, the Awards will be implementing the following updates:
- split of New World / Contemporary Gin – expanding on the introduction of sub-styles in the New World / Contemporary Gin class, these styles will now form their own classes in 2024 including, Australian Contemporary / Dry, Citrus Gin & Contemporary Gin; and
- new classes – introduction of new classes including Barrel-Aged Vodka, Cello Liqueur, Nut Liqueur.
Melbourne Royal CEO Brad Jenkins emphasised that the Awards offer Australian distillers an invaluable benchmarking opportunity.
“The Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards proudly acknowledge, celebrate, and inspire innovation in Australian distilling.
“In response to industry feedback, Melbourne Royal has introduced some changes to the Awards in 2024 to better reflect industry needs, wants and expectations along with consumer interests. One of the most exciting changes is the introduction of two new classes: Ready to Serve Cocktail and Ready to Serve Pre-Mix.
“Judged by highly respected judges, the Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards provide a unique and valuable opportunity for Australian distillers to have their spirits benchmarked against their peers to improve quality and inspire innovation.
“Medal and trophy winners can leverage their success and market medal-winning products using the Melbourne Royal seal of excellence,” Jenkins said.
Entries are now open and will close Friday 7 June 2024.
Full details of the categories and classes and how to enter the awards can be found here.
