Nil Desperandum puts Aussie rum in global spotlight

Australian rum continues to make its mark on the world stage, with Sunshine Coast distillery Nil Desperandum’s The Double Dunder receiving a Double Gold medal and an outstanding 98 points at the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

The rum has also been named Best of Class in the Aged Rum category, placing it among the world’s leading aged rum expressions.

The win is a significant achievement for Australian rum, showcasing the quality and craftsmanship emerging from the country’s distilleries.

Crafted and aged on Australia's Sunshine Coast – a UNESCO-recognised biosphere, The Double Dunder is an Australian Certified Organic rum made using organic molasses, wild yeast and Queensland’s Woombye water.

The rum is double-cooper-pot distilled and matured in ex-bourbon casks emptied of sherry, highlighting the distillery's meticulous approach to flavour.

“We set out to make Australia’s finest rum that could proudly be compared with the best in the world – rum made from sugarcane grown on Queensland’s ancient, fertile volcanic plains and nurtured by Australian sunshine and rain,” said Matt Hobson, founder and owner of Nil Desperandum.

“To have The Double Dunder recognised at this level is an incredible moment, not just for us, but for the people and passion behind every bottle, and ultimately, for Australian rum.”

The result builds on a standout year for Nil Desperandum, which was recently named Champion Australian Distiller (Medium) and awarded The Raymond ‘Spike’ Dessert III Trophy for Best Rum at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards.

According to Adam Chapman, head distiller at Nil Disperandum, great rum starts long before it hits the still.

“With The Double Dunder, we showcased the agricultural origin of the raw ingredients and pushed the fermentation process to develop more complexity, then let the spirit and cask do their thing,” he explained.

“Rum’s flavour is not added, it's built. Every decision from raw ingredients and fermentation through to final cask selection is about creating something with genuine character. Double Dunder is exactly that.”

The Double Dunder’s result was part of a strong showing for Nil Desperandum and Sunshine & Sons at the 2026 SFWSC awards, with the distillery’s wider portfolio receiving multiple trophies, gold, silver and bronze medals.

With this latest international recognition, Nil Desperandum is playing a part in cementing Australian rum firmly on the global spirits’ map.