Australian Distilled Spirits Awards Accepting Entries for 2020

Showcasing and awarding a wide variety of Australian spirits and liqueurs, entries for the 2020 ADSA are now open. Sebastian Costello, owner of Melbourne bar Bad Frankie is set to lead the team of more than 25 industry experts throughout the judging process, after taking on the role of Head Judge.

Thrilled with the opportunity to increase his involvement in the Awards, that has included three years as a panel chair, Mr Costello is excited to see the continued growth of the ADSA and to taste the many spirits and liqueuers that take part.

“The Australian Distilled Spirits Awards provide a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to the industry. We have distillers, bar tenders and industry experts that will carefully taste and consider the many products and provide feedback that will allow the tremendous growth of the spirits industry to continue, said Mr. Costello”

“Each entry will be judged blind on the five criteria of colour, nose, pallet, balance and finish. The entries are carefully considered both individually and again as a group to provide the best overview of the products strengths, and whether any faults could be improved.”

The panel of more than 25 judges will award up to 13 champion trophies including Whisky, Gin, Vodka, Brandy, Rum, Liqueur, Alternative Spirit, Aromatic and major awards for the Champion Micro Batch and Champion Small Batch Spirit and the coveted Champion Distiller.

New in 2020 are the trophies for Champion Victorian Distiller and Champion Victorian Gin that are supported by the Victorian State Government.
RASV CEO, Mr Brad Jenkins is excited about the 2020 Awards and the role they have in improving the industry.

“The Australian Distilled Spirits Awards recognise the diverse success story that is the Australian distilling industry. We recognise and reward the commitment of distillers that work tirelessly to provide uniquely Australian products throughout the world”

“Participants in the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards can benchmark their products against industry standards, receive feedback from independent industry experts, market their award winning spirits, and promote their products through associated events,” Mr Jenkins said.

One of the additions to the competition is the whisky classes increasing from five to eight. The changes include the introduction of blended whisky and grain whisky classes and a split of the peated whisky class.

RASV CEO Mr Brad Jenkins said the changes were a direct reflection on Australia’s changing whisky production and the emerging industry trends.
“The ADSA remain committed to adapting to the production trends that are relevant for industry right now.”

“Australian whisky distilleries are increasing in overall number, size and scale. The industry currently generates $20 million worth of sales with great opportunity for future growth.”

“The new class changes ensure the Australian Distilled Spirts Awards continue to provide a fair benchmarking platform for all of Australia’s wonderful spirits” said Mr Jenkins.

Recognising the long tradition of distilling in Australia as well as the new generation of emerging spirits and liqueur producers, the Awards and the Presentation evening, conducted by The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), provide Australian distillers with an essential benchmarking and networking opportunity.

With judging to take place on 24 – 25 March 2020 at Melbourne Showgrounds, spirits producers are encouraged to get their entries in early to be part of this prestigious program.

Entries for the competition close on Friday 28 February. For more information or to enter online visit www.rasv.com.au/spirits or email spirits@rasv.com.au or follow RASofVIC on Facebook or @rasofvic on Instagram.