The Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales (RASNSW) has awarded some of Australia’s top spirits producers at the 2025 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show, with South Australia’s St Agnes Distillery receiving the top honour for the second year running.
Last year’s awards were the first time RASNSW has run a distilled spirits program since 1981, a comeback intended to support the growth of the Australian spirits and drinks industry by providing producers with an opportunity to benchmark products at a national level, which follows the format of several other states.
With almost 300 spirits being judged for the 2025 edition, St Agnes Distillery, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, claimed the Best Distilled Spirit of Show award with its St Agnes XO 15 Year Old, following from its 2024 win for XO Grand Reserve 40 Year Old.
South Australian distilleries took out half the major awards, with St Agnes joined by Never Never Distilling, Fleurieu Distilling and Tria Prima.
St Agnes Distillery managing director, Richard Angove, said it was an incredible honour for the XO 15YO to be crowned not only the best brandy, but the best spirit overall.
“This award shines a light on the dedication and skill of our small Renmark team, who continually raise the bar to keep St Agnes at the forefront of Australian distilling,” said Angove.
“South Australia continues to set the bar for world-class spirits, and it’s fantastic to see so many homegrown labels recognised in this way.”
Gin was particularly celebrated for its impressive medal count this year, with 75 per cent of entries in the traditional class and 89 per cent of entries in the contemporary class receiving a medal.
The top picks included Never Never Distilling Co’s Triple Juniper Gin, which won Champion Traditional Gin; Bright Night Spirit’s Wild Tasmanian Gin, which took home Champion Contemporary Gin; and Four Pillars’ Navy Strength Gin, which was named Champion Other Gin.
Sydney Royal Chair of Judges, Stuart Gregor, said the Distilled Spirits Show is about shining a light on the Australian distilled spirits industry, with whisky standing out to him.
“The calibre of entries was fantastic and the spread of exhibitors from across the nation was great to see, with four states represented amongst tonight’s champion winners,” said Gregor.
“The whisky classes really shone this year, particularly the single malt whiskies. To me, this is proof that Australian whisky is on the cusp of a potential golden age. The Telemachus I selected for the Chair of Judges Annual Prize is a stunning example of where I think Australian whisky can land over the next few years.
“I congratulate all of the winners and thank all who contributed and exhibited at this year’s Show,” he said.
The full list of champion trophy winners for 2025 includes:
- Champion Alternative Spirit: Australian Absinthe – Never Never Distilling Co
- Champion Grain Or Blend Whisky: Mary Ann – Fleurieu Distillery
- The JJ McWilliam Memorial: Apres Ski Bavarian Hefe Wheat Beer – Sunday Road Brewing
- Champion Cane Spirit Or Rum: Cask Strength Rum – Banks & Solander Distillery
- The Chair Of Judges Annual Prize: Telemachus – Fluerieu Distillery
- Champion Contemporary Gin: Bright Night Wild Tasmanian Gin – Bright Night Spirits
- Champion Liqueur: Caretaker's Cottage Black Forest – Marionette
- Best NSW Distilled Spirit: Cask Strength Rum – Banks & Solander Distillery
- Champion Other Gin: Navy Strength Gin – Four Pillars Distillery
- Champion Ready To Drink: Rare Dry Gin And Tonic – Four Pillars Distillery
- Champion Single Malt Whisky: Enchantress – Tria Prima
- Best Distilled Spirit Of Show: St Agnes XO 15 Year Old – St Agnes Distillery
- Champion Traditional Gin: Triple Juniper Gin – Never Never Distilling Co
- Champion Vodka: Wild Dog Vodka – Blue Mountains Gin Company
