Australian distiller Sacha La Forgia, of Adelaide Hills Distillery, was awarded Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Gin Awards in London overnight. It is one of the world’s most prestigious gin awards, given based on a distiller’s full range of spirits rather than individual products.
La Forgia first started the distillery in 2015 and now runs a large scale, sustainable operation in South Australia’s Hay Valley, based on a mission of “crafted for better”.
Adelaide Hills Distillery creates zero waste water, in comparison to 10-15 litres of waste water per litre of alcohol at most distilleries. It also draws power from 300kw of solar panels, as well as using spent grain to feed cattle, and making the spirit itself from waste material from wine.
On receiving the award, La Forgia said: “I am truly humbled to receive this award, there is nothing I love more than making great tasting gins and knowing that we do it in a way which is sustainable for our precious environment. Cheers to that.”
“One of the best parts of receiving this award is that we didn’t even enter, Gin Magazine had been watching us, and liked what they saw.”
“Considering how many great craft distilleries are around these days, it’s really special.”
Adelaide Hills Distillery’s core range is its 78 Degrees gins, however it also creates the Australian aperitif, Bitter Orange, and a Native Gran Whiskey, using wattleseed and other endemic grass species.
