Sunshine Coast distillery Sunshine & Sons has taken out gold for Australia in the 2024 World Vodka Awards.

Vodkas from more than 20 countries were put to the test at the awards with ‘new world’ drops up-staging traditional producing countries like Poland, Sweden and Canada.

An expert panel tested vodkas in four categories: pure neutral, varietal, botanical and flavoured. Globally, 38 country winners have been selected and will undertake additional judging and compete to be deemed the world’s best – including Sunshine & Sons Original Vodka. The results will be announced on 20 February. 

“From our humble beginnings distilling spirits on the Sunshine Coast, we are thrilled to be on the world stage alongside the world’s best distilleries from South Africa to Scotland,” said Sunshine & Sons founder Matt Hobson.

“Our Original Vodka is one of less than five per cent of vodkas globally that are produced from grapes giving a soft, spongy and velvety texture that is unmistakably premium in comparison to traditional grain, sugar cane and potato vodkas. Combine this with our uniquely local filtration system, using millennia old volcanic rock from the Sunshine Coast, gives our vodka a beautiful minerality that can be comfortably described as a floral pepperiness,” he added.

Chair of Judges for the World Vodka Awards Veronika Karlova said: “Today’s approach to vodka production has taken a new turn. Forget the traditional perception of vodka as tasteless and boring – it’s anything but plain and flavourless. Producers really pay attention to ingredients and focus on how to retain the character of raw material in vodka.”

The accolade is a further boost for Hobson and his team who are celebrating 12-months since launching their innovative pouches of spirits onboard Australia’s newest airline Bonza. Sunshine & Sons Original Vodka is among one of the most popular drink choices on the airline’s all Aussie menu. 

“We know Aussie consumers love to support local and the success of Bonza’s 100 per cent Australian menu is proof of that alongside our popularity with retailers and surf clubs,” said Hobson.

The award-winning vodka is available nationally and is the number one seller at popular surf clubs on the Sunshine Coast and is a popular choice for discerning customers at liquor retailers – led in numbers by Noosa Dan Murphy’s.

“The award is a great way to start 2024 as we double down on export markets this year,” said Hobson.

“In March, we will join Austrade in London and we’ll be working with our distributors to increase presence globally. We’re also working closely with Visit Sunshine Coast and the Food and Agriculture Network to shine a light on the food and agritourism sector here on the Coast – both to a national and international audience.”