Bundaberg’s newest premium dark rum, unique Australian spirit Vantage, and Cape Byron Distillery’s Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin have been recognised as some of the world’s best at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
Earlier this month, Bundaberg Master Distillers’ Collection Solera – only launched in October 2016 – was awarded Best Dark Rum in the World at the London World Drinks Awards, a feat followed up last week with the announcement that Solera was also awarded a Gold Medal at the prestigious SFWSC.
The rum was deemed ‘exceptional’ by the 43-member judging panel.
At the same awards, Australia’s own spirit, Vantage Australia, was awarded the silver medal in its category, recognised for its multi-layered complexity, refinement and finesse.
And in further exciting news for Australian distillers, Cape Byron Distillery also picked up a coveted Gold medal for their Brookie’s Byron Dry Gin.
More than 2,100 spirits were judged this year, the largest number of entries in the competition’s 17-year history.
Duncan Littler, senior brand manager at Bundaberg Rum, was ecstatic over the international accolades: “It’s an honour to see the distillery’s craft recognised once again on a global scale,” he said.
“The 2016 Master Distillers’ Collection releases had some big shoes to fill following the Bundaberg Blenders Edition 2015 winning the World’s Best Rum last year, but Bundaberg Solera and Small Batch have delivered world class results. These are two of the most complex rums the distillery has ever created.”
Bill Hargitay, Vantage Australia owner, was similarly excited about the medal.
“We are honoured by the international award Vantaqe Australia has received from the highly competitive San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and we appreciate the international support our Australian owned and produced spirit has received,” he said.
