Distillers hailing from every corner of Australia are being urged to participate in the inaugural distilled spirits competition hosted by Sydney Royal, an esteemed initiative by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW (RAS). With entries now officially open, the competition promises a platform for producers to showcase their finest creations and receive invaluable feedback from a panel of esteemed judges.
Guiding this prestigious event is Stu Gregor, a stalwart in the drinks industry, who serves as the competition’s chairperson. Gregor emphasized the significance of this new endeavor, highlighting its role in providing producers with an opportunity to benchmark their spirits against industry peers.
“As the allure of distilled spirits continues to captivate Australian consumers, it becomes increasingly imperative for producers to assess and refine their offerings in comparison to industry standards,” remarked Gregor.
The Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show boasts an extensive array of categories for producers to vie for recognition, encompassing an assortment of spirits ranging from Brandy to Vodka. Among the diverse classes, participants can contend for 15 coveted Champion Trophies, including prestigious titles like Champion Non-Alcoholic Spirit and Champion Ready to Drink.
Recognizing evolving consumer preferences, Gregor underscored the importance of acknowledging the burgeoning trend of ready-to-drink spirits. The Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Competition stands poised to be at the forefront of evaluating this contemporary category, alongside more traditional libations, thus reflecting the dynamic landscape of the spirits industry.
In alignment with its steadfast commitment to promoting Australian agriculture, the competition mandates that participating products comprise a minimum of 85 percent Australian-grown ingredients. This stipulation mirrors the stringent criteria upheld across various Sydney Royal competitions, including wine, beer & cider, dairy produce, and fine food, reaffirming the organization’s dedication to championing homegrown excellence.
With the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Competition, the RAS continues its legacy of fostering innovation and excellence within Australia’s thriving spirits industry. As distillers gear up to showcase their craftsmanship and ingenuity, the competition serves as a beacon of recognition and a catalyst for further advancements within the realm of Australian spirits production.
