WA gin takes international award

Western Australian distillers are making names for themselves internationally with a Margaret River company taking a top award at this week’s world wine and spirits competition held in New York.

The West Winds Gin, which is produced by holding company The Tailor Made Spirits Company, was awarded a double gold medal for its ‘The Broadside’ gin.

It follows steady success in similar international shows in San Francisco, where the company was awarded double gold and gold medals in both 2011 and 2013.

Distiller and chief executive Paul White said the New York win was a fantastic result.

“This win tells us we are making gin that is world class, distinctive and beautiful, and it recognises our approach to creating innovative and exciting flavour profiles that reflect our commitment to the Margaret River region and to the provenance of our products,” Mr White said.

The New York Wine and Spirits Competition is part of what’s described as the ‘Triple Crown’ of wines and spirits competitions, which also includes the San Francisco International Wine Competition and its spirits-focused partner event.

The Tailor Made Spirits Company was established in 2011 - two years after Mr White and three business partners hatched their plan to create Australian gin.

Meanwhile another Western Australian distillery - the Great Southern Distilling Company - has received four awards from the Malt Whisky Society of Australia.

The company, which produces the Limeburners whisky brand, entered three single malt whiskies in the competition with all three picking up prizes.

One was also awarded the ‘pourer’s prize’ - an award determined by those who pour the whisky for the competition judges.

Like The Tailor Made Spirits Company, the Great Southern Distilling Company has also had great success at international competitions.

Last month it won four awards at the London International Wine and Spirit Competition for its single malt whiskies varieties and whisky liqueur.