Judges
The Australian International Spirits Awards judges are sourced from a broad base and include distillers, spirits writers, bar owners, and retailers. They are selected for their product knowledge and expertise in the industry.
Entries will be allocated a Tasting Order Number, separate from the Catalogue (Exhibit) Number, to ensure the anonymity of the Exhibit and to retain the integrity of the judging process. Additionally, Exhibits will be judged ‘blind’. Exhibits are judged according to class and by percentage alcohol (% ABV); lowest to highest. Exhibits are critically and quantitatively evaluated for their commercial excellence, quality attributes and trueness to type. Exhibits are not judged or ranked against each other but are assessed on their own merits.
Attribute scores for each Exhibit will be awarded, checked, and entered by the judging panel. Classes will be judged to Bronze, Silver and Gold Medal. The process for determining the trophy winner of each category requires an additional level of scrutiny. The Gold Medal spirits from each category will be individually and independently reassessed and ranked using the Borda Count method – only Gold Medal awarded Exhibits are eligible for Trophies.
2025 Head Judges
Holly Klintworth
Holly Klintworth is Managing Director of Bass & Flinders Distillery and a leading voice in Australia’s spirits industry. A second-generation distiller, she specialises in grape-to-glass production, crafting premium gins, brandies and liqueurs. Holly has judged the Awards since 2021 and served as Panel Chair since 2023. As the first woman President of the Australian Distillers Association (2022–2025), she has played a key role in championing innovation, provenance and the global recognition of Australian spirits.
Sebastian Reaburn
Sebastian Reaburn is an award-winning distiller and respected industry leader, recognised both nationally and internationally for excellence across spirits production. His accolades include Australian Whisky Producer of the Year, Australian Vodka Producer of the Year and World’s Best Vodka Producer, alongside multiple AISA trophies. A judge since the Awards’ inception in 2014, Sebastian also contributes to industry education through the Australian Distillers Association, supporting the development of distilling training and safety standards.