Australia’s Starward Whisky has been named the Most Awarded Distillery of the Year at the world’s largest and most competitive international spirit competition; the 2022 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

Melbourne-based Starward is the first Australian distillery to take the top honour in the competition’s 22 year history, beating close to 5,000 of the world’s most renowned spirits including whisky, gin, and tequila from countries such as Scotland, Japan, USA and UK.

The Most Awarded Distillery of the Year title follows Starward’s win of 12 Double Gold and 3 Gold medals at the SFWSC in April 2022. This was the largest haul of perfectly scored gold medals by any distillery across the entire 2022 competition.

This title is only awarded to distilleries who have consistently produced the finest quality spirits, and Starward is thrilled and humbled to be awarded this global accolade.

Starward Founder, David Vitale said: “To become the first Australian whisky to be named the Most Awarded Distillery of the Year at the world’s most competitive spirits competition is a dream come true.” 

“Fifteen years ago we had an idea to bring an approachable and delicious Melbourne whisky to life and to receive this recognition confirms what we’ve always known, that Australia is home to some of the finest whisky and spirits in the world,” he said.

“This achievement would not be possible without the passion, commitment and shared dream of our team. With this win, we are excited to take Starward to new horizons both here and abroad,” David said.

Paul McLeay, CEO Australian Distillers Association said: “The Australian Distillers Association are very excited to celebrate with Starward on this momentous and historical win,” Paul said.

“This recognition will help further the industry’s emergence on the global stage and accelerate the growth of the Australian Spirits Industry. There’s exciting times ahead for both Starward and our Spirits Industry,” he said.

Starward’s award winning whisky is available for purchase at its website, at the Starward distillery in Port Melbourne, at certain bars and restaurants across the country and national drinks retailers including Dan Murphys, Vintage Cellars, BWS and Liquorland.