Just a week after winning the Contemporary Gin Trophy at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2025, Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin has taken home Champion Other Gin at the 2025 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show.

Sydney Royal Chair of Judges Stuart Gregor said: “I firmly believe Australia makes the world’s best gin right now, and this show reinforced that view for me – the winners were terrific and show a lovely balance of traditional and Aussie botanicals.”

Four Pillars Navy Strength Gin was the only Australian spirit to win a trophy at the IWSC 2025 (scoring 98 points), with only three gin trophies awarded and just 21 spirit trophies given overall.

The IWSC Judging Panel describing the gin as featuring “green hedgerow aromas and refreshing nettle notes, which entice the senses. The palate delivers a zesty explosion, showcasing bright finger limes with an earthy undertone. The finish is long-lasting, leaving a delightful impression long after the spirit has faded”.

The Robb Report also recently named the gin one of the world’s 13 Best Gins to Buy Right Now, describing it as “flavourful and refreshing despite its high proof”.

Navy strength gin is a high-proof spirit, traditionally bottled at 57% alcohol by volume (ABV) or higher, which historically allowed it to ignite gunpowder when spilled on it. This “gunpowder proof” ensured the spirit was strong enough not to have been diluted with water by suppliers for the British Royal Navy. 

Today, navy strength gin is known for its intense flavour profile and versatility in cocktails, with its high alcohol content intensifying the botanical flavours and allowing it to cut through mixers more effectively than a standard-strength gin. 

The IWSC trophy was the first for Four Pillars Head Distiller Sarah Prowse, who said: “Everyone knows this is my favourite gin and I’m absolutely thrilled its won top honours at the IWSC. Navy Strength has always punched above its weight but to win a trophy at the IWSC and named top three gins in the world is very cool indeed.”

Four Pillars also won the Champion Ready to Drink trophy at the 2025 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show for its Rare Dry Gin and Tonic.

Other gins that triumphed were Never Never Distilling Co’s Triple Juniper Gin (Champion Traditional Gin) and Bright Night Spirit’s Wild Tasmanian Gin (Champion Contemporary Gin).

St Agnes claims Best in Show

St Agnes Distillery claiming the coveted Best Distilled Spirit of Show, alongside Best Brandy, with its St Agnes XO 15 Year Old.  

This marks the second consecutive year St Agnes has taken out the top prize, with the revered producer having won in 2024 thanks to its St Agnes XO Grand Reserve 40 Year Old.

“Brandies from the winning distillery should probably be registered as national treasures – they are exquisite, and the winner balances freshness and age perfectly. They are the world’s best, no question,” said Gregor.

“We’re thrilled our XO 15YO has been crowned not only the best brandy but the best spirit overall – it’s an incredible honour,” said Richard Angove, joint managing director of St Agnes Distillery.

“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.”

South Australia dominated the whisky category, with Tria Prima taking home Champion Single Malt Whisky for its Tria Prima Enchantress, while Fleurieu Distillery won Champion Grain or Blend Whisky for the second year running, this time with its Mary Ann blend. The distillery also took home the prestigious Chair of Judges Annual Prize with its Telemachus whisky.

“The whisky classes really shone this year, particularly the single malt whiskies,” said Gregor.

“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.”

Gregor was announced this week as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of one of Australia’s most iconic whisky distilleries, Lark Distilling Co.

Champion Liqueur went to Marionette’s rich and fruity whisky liqueur, the Caretaker’s Cottage Black Forest. In the Champion Alternative Spirit category, Never Never Distilling Co came out on top again, this time with its limited edition, Australian Absinthe.

Shining a light on NSW small producers, Blue Mountains Gin Company won Champion Vodka with its Wild Dog Vodka, while Banks & Solander Distillery’s Cask Strength Rum was named Champion Cane Spirit or Rum and Best NSW Distilled Spirit.

View all the 2025 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show winners here.