The Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards (ASDA), which celebrated its 10th year in 2024, has rebranded as the International Spirits Awards, and opened up entries to international distilleries for the first time in 2025. Entries are now open, and close on 16 May.
The 2024 Awards attracted over 880 entries from more than 225 distilleries across Australia, but the program organisers are ready for growth. The international expansion aims to offer both boutique and large-scale operations a global stage to demonstrate their exceptional spirits, and transform the awards program into a key indicator of quality for spirits enthusiasts and industry professionals worldwide.
There are 17 major trophies and 31 category trophies up for grabs in 2025, including the Champion Australian Distiller and newly introduced Champion International Distiller.
New categories include Unflavoured Vodka for technical purity, Best Non-Alcoholic Spirit for innovative flavours, Best Ready to Serve for premium convenience, and Gypsy Distiller to champion emerging talent, aiming to showcase the evolving landscape of the spirits industry.
Melbourne Royal food and beverage awards senior manager, Kirrily Waldhorn, said winning an award is considered as a hallmark of quality, assuring consumers and trade that a spirit has been rigorously evaluated by Australia’s most esteemed judging panel.
“The Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards have long been a symbol of quality and excellence in the Australian distilling industry,” said Waldhorn.
“By extending our invitation to international distillers, we are creating a truly global platform for recognising and celebrating the world’s finest spirits.”
Tickets are on sale for the 2025 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards Trophy Presentation Dinner on 10 July, and entries are now open for the Awards, closing on 16 May.
For more information on how to enter or to secure tickets, visit melbourneroyal.com.au.
