Australian gins have collected four Masters trophies and 14 Gold medals at the The Spirits Business 2024 Gin Masters competition in the United Kingdom.

Launched in 2008, the Gin Masters rates and rewards excellence in spirits production and is judged by a completely independent panel of expert judges. It is arguably the world’s most highly regarded spirits blind-tasting competition in the world. This year was once again very competitive with 305 entries from over 135 producers across the globe.

Four Pillars’ specialty gins Olive Leaf Gin and Spiced Negroni Gin each took home a Master trophy, the highest award given at the awards, for the third year in a row. The former gained the top award for being “moreish with big bursts of flavour”.

Crafted with a focus on savoury botanicals, Olive Leaf Gin was specifically made for the Martini, while Spiced Negroni Gin, with its bold and complex spice blend was designed for Negronis, characterising both gins as speciality spirits within the category.

Four Pillars Co-founder and Head Distiller Cameron Mackenzie said: “Everyone knows my favourite drinks are Martinis and Negronis so I’m bloody thrilled these two have trumped the pack. We always set out to make gins we love and these two are it.”

As well as the two Master awards, Four Pillars picked up five Gold Awards for its Sticky Carpet Gin, Rare Dry Gin, Fresh Yuzu Gin, Whisky Barrel Gin and Bloody Shiraz Gin.

Fellow Victorians Naught Distilling also took home Masters for their Naught Classic Dry Gin and Overproof Gin. Naught Distilling’s two Masters follow its Overproof Gin being awarded Gold at the 2024 International Wine & Spirit Competition earlier this month.

“We are extremely humbled and excited to be awarded with not one but two master medals at this years Global Gin Masters competition,” said owner and distiller Chris Cameron.

“To be recognised amongst such a competitive category reassures us that our products are some of  the best in the world. The Global Gin Masters are one of the pinnacle competitions in the world, which carries even more weight to these medals.”

Aussie supermarket gins win big

Gins from ALDI Australia and Coles Group took home an impressive five Gold and four Silver medals at the Gin Masters.

In its third quarter results, Coles said its Exclusive Liquor Brand portfolio had provided affordable choices to customers during the cost of living crisis, with 39 new lines added during the quarter and more than 80 awards received.

ALDI’s win follows the supermarket taking home major gongs at the 2024 Spirits International Prestige (SIP) awards earlier this month.

ALDI’s exclusive label scotch whisky was recognised with six awards at the extremely competitive 2024 Spirits International Prestige (SIP) award. ALDI’s exclusive Highland Scotch Whisky range (from $36.99) was put to the test by over 300 spirit enthusiasts, winning a remarkable Platinum medal and two Gold medals. Experts assessed more than 1300 spirits across various categories, meticulously judging them based on aroma, taste and finish.

ALDI Australia Buying Director Paul Handley said: “Delivering the highest quality liquor at the most affordable price point is our top priority when it comes to what we put on our shelves for our customers. Winning the consumer panel’s vote in the SIP Awards’ blind tasting is a testament to our promise of low-price, high-quality options for our shoppers.”

Masters

Four Pillars Distillery Four Pillars Olive Leaf Gin

Four Pillars Distillery Four Pillars Spiced Negroni Gin

Naught Distilling Naught Classic Dry Gin

Naught Distilling Naught Overproof Gin

Gold

Coles Liquor Group 1585 London Dry Gin

Coles Liquor Group Pure Origin Tasmanian Gin

Coles Liquor Group Pure Origin Tasmanian Pink Gin

Archie Rose Distilling Co Archie Rose Bone Dry Gin

Naught Distilling Naught Australian Dry Gin

ALDI Australia The Infusionist Creme Brûlée Flavoured Gin Liqueur

ALDI Australia The Infusionist Chocolate and Roses Flavoured Gin Liqueur

Archie Rose Distilling Co Archie Rose Signature Dry Gin

Four Pillars Distillery Four Pillars Sticky Carpet Gin

Four Pillars Distillery Four Pillars Rare Dry Gin

Four Pillars Distillery Four Pillars Fresh Yuzu Gin

Four Pillars Distillery Four Pillars Whisky Barrel Gin

Four Pillars Distillery Four Pillars Bloody Shiraz Gin

Naught Distilling Naught Sangiovese Gin

Silver

Aldi Stores Australia The Infusionist Lemon Myrtle Craft Gin

Coles Liquor Group Mayfair Pink Gin

Coles Liquor Group Mayfair London Dry Gin

Aldi Stores Australia The Infusionist Classic Dry Craft Gin