Consumers worldwide are rapidly embracing spirits from boutique distilleries, but especially so in Australia, helped along by the budding small bar scene.
Australian distillers are also making quite an impression on the global stage, producing spirits to rival some of the world’s finest producers.
According to Australian Distillers Association (ADA) president Stuart Gregor, there are now around 50 operating distilleries throughout Australia.
“Australian distillers are rightfully recognised as some of the best in the world, but because of an overly burdensome excise regime we are being priced out of the Australian market to the benefit of our overseas, mass-produced competition,” Gregor says.
“Our smaller brewing and wine-making mates all enjoy the benefits of generous excise and tax rebates – while small distillers are forced to compete with a huge tax monkey on our back,” he says.
