What's New in 2024

Now in its 10th year, the Awards welcomes a number of refinements to the program, including the New Ready to Serve Category

Melbourne Royal is excited to introduce the new Ready to Serve Cocktail or Pre-Mix Trophy at the 2024 Australian Distilled Spirits Awards. Acknowledging 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.  

These classes provide the Australian distilling industry a platform to showcase its innovative products in front of a specialised judging panel led by a veteran of the Australian distilling and cocktail scene, Sebastian Reaburn, and judges from behind the bar, trade and distilling.  

All entries into the category must exclusively contain alcohol distilled and packaged ready for consumption within Australia, aligning with the Awards' overarching mission to spotlight the innovation of Australian spirits, liqueurs, aromatics, and vermouths. 

Class Review 

Following a detailed review of the competition and through comprehensive consultation with our Industry Advisory Group, the 2024 Awards sees the introduction and revision of a number of categories and classes. 

Split of New World / Contemporary Gin class 

Expanding on the introduction of sub-styles in the New World / Contemporary Gin class, these styles will now form their own classes in 2024: 

  • GIN002 – Australian Contemporary / Dry 
  • GIN003 – Citrus Gin 
  • GIN004 – Contemporary Gin 

New classes 

  • VOD005 - Barrel-Aged Vodka  
  • LIQ002 - Cello Liqueur 
  • LIQ007 - Nut Liqueur