Queensland rum producers have shown they are the best in Australia, sweeping 4 Trophies, 4 Gold, 3 Silver and 19 Bronze awards at the 2023 Australian Rum Awards.

Leading the way was Mt Uncle Distillery in Far North Queensland, Wildflower Gin and VOK Beverages (Beenleigh Distillery) which captured four of the five Trophies awarded.

Mt Uncle, VOK Beverages and Nil Desperandum won four of the six Gold medals awarded.

Capricorn Distilling Co won two Silvers with Castle Glen Australia winning another. And Queensland distillers swept up 19 of the 26 Bronze awards handed out, with Nil Desperandum being awarded a whopping 9 of them, alongside VOK Beverages, Castle Glen Australia, Bundaberg Distilling Company, Capricorn Distilling Co, Six Tricks Distilling and Sarina Sugar Shed.

President of Queensland Distillers Association (QDA), David Ridden, said these awards highlight that Queensland is the rum capital of Australia, with around 97% of sugar cane grown in the state, plus plentiful sunshine, summer rains and passionate, highly-skilled distillers.

“We have always believed that Queensland spirits, especially rum, are the equal of any in Australia and even the world, and this significant haul of awards demonstrates that Queensland is leading the way in quality rum production,” said Mr Ridden.

“In particular, I want to congratulate members of the QDA who are actively supporting the Queensland craft spirit industry through their membership, and are dedicated to making world-class spirits.”

“The recent launch of the Queensland Distillery Trail website, an initiative of QDA, will add further impetus to our rapidly growing sector, and allow the public to identify distillery doors throughout the state to taste these award-winning releases and discover exciting new brands,” said Mr Ridden.

“Congratulations to all of the winners!”

The Queensland Distillery Trail website can be found below.

Queensland Distillery Trail