Cameron Mackenzie here - I have just started as the Interim General Manager of the Australian Distillers Association. Some of you might know me as a co-founder of Four Pillars and the current President of Spirits Victoria.

Three weeks ago, I was sitting on a beanbag in my pyjamas at lunchtime, eating Twisties and watching Seinfeld. Fast forward to last Thursday, I was wearing my best pink shirt/blue jacket combo and meeting with the Assistant Treasurer at the Parliamentary Offices in Melbourne. Not exactly the gap year I had in mind but I’m absolutely loving the ride so far.

To be honest, the timing couldn’t be better. The Saints are dreadful (yes, I’m a long-suffering Victorian), trout season is closed, and my wife was on the verge of kicking me out of the house if I didn’t find something to do. So here I am, and it’s great to be on board.

It’s fair to say the last fortnight has been a whirlwind. We have so many great things going on and it’s brilliant to see so many familiar and new faces on all the Teams calls I’ve joined.

Last week I had the pleasure of joining our fearless leaders Holly and David as we sat down with Assistant Treasurer, Dr Daniel Mulino MP. It was a terrific opportunity to talk about the potential of our industry and to acknowledge the importance of the Alcohol Manufacturers Remission Scheme (AMR). More on this in the AMR Member Update below.

We also took the opportunity to stress the importance of creating Spirits Australia and the Spirits Exporter Accelerator Strategy. Dave also managed to sound like an expert on blockchain – impressive!

Over the next few weeks I will be focusing on keeping the Association’s momentum going, whilst helping to recruit a permanent GM, offering some thoughts on the structure of the organisation, and helping to streamline a few internal processes along the way. I will be working closely with the Board, and doing my best to be useful where I can.

A big thank you to Michael and the Board for helping me settle in. I’ve got a lot to learn, but I hope I can add some value during my time in the chair, building on the incredible work that’s already been done over the past few years.

Looking forward to working with many of you and if you’ve got questions, ideas, or just want to talk about why the Saints can’t kick straight, I’m all ears.

Stay well,

Cam

Alcohol Manufacturers Remission Scheme Member Update:

The Australian Distillers were invited to meet with Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino on Thursday 19th June. Acting General Manager Cameron Mackenzie, President Holly Klintworth and Vice President David Vitale represented Australian Distillers, and also present was an ATO representative. This meeting was initiated by government following the ground work laid by former CEO Paul McLeay to ensure our industry has a seat at the table, and to discuss the ADA’s key asks: establish a Spirits Australia, support the Spirits Export Accelerator Program, place a freeze on excise and review the current tax regime inclusive of whether the Alcohol Manufacturers Remission Scheme (AMR) is meeting its policy objectives in its current form – because we know that with the right policy settings, the Australian distilling industry’s true potential can be unleashed.

When the AMR was introduced in July 2021 to give distillers the same support as the wine industry, many Australian spirits producers agreed it was a game changer for many in our industry, received at a time when it was needed most. Different businesses have harnessed the AMR in different ways. Because the AMR is fixed, the production frontier reduces twice per year, every year. The Labor government’s announcement during the election campaign to increase the AMR from $350K to $400K from 2026 was a welcome relief for our industry which at present is battling multiple challenging economic factors that are weighing heavily on members. While the $50K increase is a welcome step, it effectively returns the AMR closer to its original value in real terms and does little to address the structural limitations of the scheme. As currently designed, the policy does not provide a clear pathway for distilleries to scale sustainably beyond the remission threshold. Without further refinement, it risks falling short of supporting the long-term viability of the industry - regardless of whether your aspirations are local, national, or international.

The ADA’s position is that nearly four years on, it is prudent to conduct a review of the AMR by establishing a working party between government and industry, to ensure efficiency and alignment with the original intent of the policy. It is a positive first step, that government have engaged with industry on this issue, and Australian Distillers continue to actively pursue our policy objectives with government, and will keep members informed of any developments.

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The 2025 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) has announced the eight finalists for World’s Best Gin, with four Australian spirits (and three Australian Distillers Members) up for the top award.

The IWSC is one of the world’s oldest and most respected competitions, often referred to as the “Olympics of the drinks industry”. It sets the global benchmark for quality across wine, spirits and other drink categories, evaluating over 12,000 entries annually from more than 90 countries.

The eight finalists in the World’s Best Gin category were all awarded the IWSC’s Gold Outstanding medal. To earn a Gold Outstanding medal a gin must score at least 98 out of 100 points. While this year’s competition saw 264 gins receive medals, only eight achieved the Gold Outstanding distinction.

The Aussie gins that won Gold Outstanding medals were Australian Distilling Co.’s Navy Gin, Nine Circles Distillery’s Signature Gin, 30 Knots Spirits Sea Spray Gin and Turner Stillhouse’s Three Cuts Distiller’s Release Gin.

“We are thrilled to be included among the world’s best gins and proud to be recognised as Australia’s most awarded distillery,” said Australian Distilling Co. Founder Michael Hickinbotham.

“This acknowledges the way we we craft our uniquely Australian gins and is a testament to our focus on producing the very best spirits.

“We are fortunate to have the skills and expertise of our master distiller, Professor Graham Jones, who has taught generations of South Australian winemakers and distillers at the University of Adelaide for almost 35 years.

“The competitions we enter provide endorsement at the highest level and give us confidence that judges and consumers appreciate and enjoy our spirits.”

The final selection for World’s Best Gin will be revealed at the IWSC gala later this year in London.

First published in Drinks Digest June 2025.

We’re excited to share something new. After some great conversations at the Australian Distillers Conference, we took your feedback seriously. The response to our new 1-litre bottle sample was so positive that we went straight into action.

This new bottle is lightweight, easy to handle, and designed with on-premise use in mind. It has a comfortable diameter that makes pouring smooth and effortless, which is ideal for bartenders and busy service environments. It also works perfectly with our stocked screw caps, so you can get moving quickly without needing custom closures.

Beyond function, it looks great too. The clean shape gives it strong shelf appeal, and once it’s dressed up with a label, it really stands out. It’s a great fit for duty-free displays or anywhere you want your product to catch the eye.

We’ve also made it easy to customise. You can decorate or personalise the bottle with labels, screen printing, or embossing, even for runs under 10,000 units. That means more flexibility for brands that want to do something unique without committing to huge volumes.

If you’d like to learn more or request a sample, get in touch with us at internalsales@uniquepak.com.au. We’d love to help you bring your next packaging idea to life.

A study by Heriot-Watt University has warned that changing climate conditions could affect the flavour profile of gin in the future.

Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) found that changing weather patterns could alter the flavour compounds in juniper berries, a key ingredient for gin.

The study, called Sources of variance in the volatile contribution of juniper to gin, was published in the Journal of the Institute of Brewing.

The study examined juniper berries from seven different regions across Europe, including Albania, Bosnia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Kosovo, and Italy.

Matthew Pauley, assistant professor at the ICBD, said that different regions can influence the flavour of juniper – similar to the wine industry.

Each region produced berries with distinct chemical profiles, with some compounds showing high variability between locations. These differences could affect the woody, resinous, citrus, and floral notes in the final gin product, the study noted.

Pauley said: “A wet harvest year can reduce the total volatile compounds in juniper by about 12% compared to a dry year.

“This has direct implications for the sensory characteristics that make gin taste like gin.”

Weather conditions during harvest years showed major variations, with 2017 being notably wetter than the following year. The researchers found that increased rainfall demanded longer drying periods for the berries, affecting their chemical composition.

Professor Annie Hill, the study’s supervisor, added: “The least water-soluble compounds are most affected by post-harvest drying.

“For distillers, this means the flavour profile can shift depending on the harvest conditions.

“For a multi-billion-pound industry, which is increasingly focused on consistency and quality for its discerning consumers, this represents a risk.”

Alternative solutions

Gin producers tend to source juniper from select regions to maintain their house style.

However, with the changing climate conditions, distillers may need to source juniper from other regions or adapt their production and blending techniques.

“With an ever-changing climate affecting growing conditions globally, it’s increasingly important to monitor the effect on existing juniper crops and be aware of new emerging growing areas,” noted Pauley.

However, Pauley expressed his confidence that the industry can adapt to climate changes.

“Every year, the gin industry takes part in ‘the big sniff’, where the current juniper harvest is evaluated, ahead of everyone buying in their supply for the next one to two years.

“So long as we are vigilant of the changes, and curiously explore different areas for harvesting the dry, piney, signature botanical of choice – your gin and tonic is in safe hands.”

Edinburgh-based Heriot-Watt University is aiming to raise £35 million (US$47m) to build a new distilling and brewing centre that will embrace sustainable practices.

Global gin volumes grew by 2% last year, led by emerging markets such as Italy and India, while the UK and the US continued to decline.

Last year, The Spirits Business explored the challenges facing botanical supplies.

By Nicola Carruthers, Spirit Business 24.06.25

After some great conversations at the Australian Distillers Conference, the team at UniquePak listened closely to what brands are looking for. In response, they’ve introduced a new offer that makes custom glass packaging more accessible, especially for smaller and growing producers.

UniquePak has lowered the minimum order quantity to just 10,000 units for a 700ml bottle and reduced tooling costs. This gives smaller and mid-sized brands the chance to create their own custom packaging without needing to commit to massive volumes. For many, this is the kind of flexibility that’s been missing in the market.

Custom packaging is a powerful way for brands to stand out, but the cost and scale have often made it hard to justify. UniquePak’s new approach changes that by making it more affordable and easier to get started.

But it’s not just about lower costs. UniquePak has a dedicated quality control team that ensures every bottle meets high standards. Their experienced supply chain team also helps customers manage production and logistics, making the whole process smoother and more reliable.

Adding to this momentum, UniquePak is now owned by TricorBraun, one of the largest packaging suppliers in the world. This partnership gives UniquePak access to global design, engineering, quality and supply chain resources and innovation while still offering the local personal service and flexibility that customers appreciate.

For brands looking to take their packaging to the next level without stretching their budget, this is a great opportunity. UniquePak is making custom glass packaging something that more brands can actually achieve.

To learn more, reach out to the UniquePak team at internalsales@uniquepak.com.au

CUSTOM PACKAGING

Five Australian whiskies (and four Australian Distillers members) are finalists for the World’s Best Australian Single Malt Whisky at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

SFWSC is the oldest and largest competition of its kind, setting the industry standard for excellence. Medal winners range from globally renowned distilleries to rising small-batch producers, many of whom have gained widespread recognition through the competition.

The competition is rigorous judged by an expert panel of spirits professionals, with each product tasted blind.

The Aussie top five finalists are:

Australian distillers took out 18 Double Gold medals at the SFWSC, which is the oldest and largest competition of its kind, setting the industry standard for excellence.

Medal winners range from globally renowned distilleries to rising small-batch producers, many of whom have gained widespread recognition through the competition.

Among the distillers that swept up a swag of Double Golds were Starward with six and Callington Mill with four.

Callington Mill Distillery Founder John Ibrahim said: “The San Francisco World Spirits Competition is a huge platform to showcase our craft. It’s one of the world’s most respected spirits competitions.

“We’re incredibly proud to see our whiskies earning recognition at a global level, particularly at a time as we’re expanding our footprint both in Australia and internationally.”

Last year, San Francisco World Spirits Competition named Starward whisky the world’s best for 2024, awarding it with the title of ‘Most Awarded International Distillery of the Year’.

“It is incredibly thrilling to have this recognition from a highly competitive global competition, across all spirit categories,” Starward founder David Vitale said.

“It is the Olympics of the international spirits industry, and our Melbourne-made whisky has taken top honour. With this recognition, it is absolutely plausible that the Australian whisky industry could be as big internationally as Japanese whisky, which would be a massive boon for our export industry.”

The Best in Class and Best in Show winners will be announced at The Tasting Alliance’s annual gala later this year.

All the Aussie Double Gold winners at 2025 SFWSC

Original article published in Drinks Digest 04 June 25. 

Entries are now open for the 2025 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show

Join the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show in 2025 and unlock a world of opportunities for your distillery!

Now in its second year, the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show continues to drive innovation in Australia’s distilled spirits industry, under the guidance of Chair of Judges, Stuart Gregor.

What sets the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show apart:

We encourage all interested Exhibitors to read the 2025 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show Schedule before proceeding with the entry process.

ENTER NOW

Entries close Wednesday, 25 June 2025

Building on from our successful conference in the Gold Coast the other week, we will share various articles on the subject of building your brand and being heard in a crowded and economically challenging market over the coming months, with content from our amazing conference sponsors.

Today we share content from 'Mac and Bern Creative' with an offer for all conference attendees.

Your product’s not the problem. Your story might be.

Let’s be honest — the craft spirits space is busy. Really busy.

Great products are everywhere. New distilleries opening up all the time. The barriers to entry have dropped, and standing out is harder than it’s ever been.

So how do you cut through?

A lot of distillers come to us thinking they need a video. And they're probably right. But pretty quickly, it becomes clear - what they really need is a story. Not just any story, but one that connects. One that feels like them, reflects their values, and actually resonates with the people they’re trying to reach.

Because you can’t sell a secret. And if you’re not being seen, it doesn’t matter how good the product is.

We all probably know a few products in the market — beautifully made, thoughtful, high-quality — that just aren’t getting the traction they deserve. And at the same time, there are brands that most of us would agree are fairly middle-of-the-road… and yet they seem like they're everywhere. Scaling fast. Building huge awareness.

Why? Not because the product’s better - but because the story is working.

Because they’ve figured out how to be seen, remembered, and bought.

When we look at story, sometimes it’s not about polish - it’s about truth.

A weird detail. A rough start. A bit of grit. Something personal.

That’s the stuff people remember.

And I get it — especially as Aussies, we tend to downplay, stay humble.

“Ah, we’re just having a go/doing our thing” and avoid big noting. But the reality is, you’re probably sitting on something unique. But might not have framed it in a way that lands yet.

When we make films, we don’t start with “what do you want to say?” — we start with “why would anyone care?”

That shift in thinking — that’s the difference between content that gets scrolled past and a story that stops people in their tracks.

The final piece? Don’t just think about your audience — think like them.

You’re not creating for yourself, or your peers, or your family. You’re creating for the person who’s never heard of you and needs to understand, in seconds, what makes you worth caring about. The balancing act of preserving the brand voice for existing loyal customers and followers can be challenging, but isn't impossible.

At Mac and Bern Creative, we work with distilleries across Australia and internationally to bring their story to life in a way that actually connects. We’ve helped brands secure investment, grow export opportunities, and build loyal followings — not with gimmicks, but with honest, strategic, beautifully crafted storytelling that feels true to them.

So the next time you ask, “What should we put in a video?”, start with this:

Why do we matter to the people we’re trying to reach?

And build from there.

Christian Fitzpatrick
Mac and Bern

*** Special Offer for Australian Distillers Members ***

Secure your FREE 20 min Zoom Call strategy session for anyone who attended the 2025 conference by clicking the link below.

Every project starts with a free 20-minute brand storytelling session — to help you clarify your direction, shape your message, and explore what’s possible.

And for Australian Distillers members who didn't attend the conference, we’re also offering a special rate on the 20 min strategy call.

Furthermore, ALL Australian Distillers members receive a special rate on select production services — available for projects booked before the end of April.

If it feels like a good fit, we’ll apply it automatically.

​No promo codes. No pressure. Just a genuine thank you for connecting.

⚡ Strictly limited availability.

ACCESS THE OFFER HERE

The Australian Distillers Association’s 2025-26 Pre-Budget Submission, jointly developed with Spirits & Cocktails Australia, has now been lodged with Treasury.

This comprehensive submission outlines key recommendations to support the growth and international competitiveness of the Australian spirits industry, including:

The submission emphasises the alignment of our industry’s objectives with Federal Government priorities, such as growing manufacturing, diversifying exports, and supporting regional communities.

The proposed SEAS package includes measures that would benefit all Australian distillers, regardless of whether you are interested in exporting. These include:

For those businesses who are already exporting or wish to do so, the package would provide additional assistance, such as coordination of an Australian contingent at major global trade shows.

DOWNLOAD THE SUBMISSION

REVIEW OUR OTHER POLICY DOCUMENTS

The Albanese Government’s freeze on draught beer excise discriminates against spirits producers, drinkers and the entire distilling supply chain, the spirits industry says.

Spirits & Cocktails Australia chief executive Greg Holland said there was no policy rationale to support a freeze on draught beer alone.

“The tax on spirits is already three times higher than it is on beer. Freezing draught beer excise alone is discriminatory in every sense – it favours beer drinkers over spirit drinkers, brewers over distillers, and pubs over bars,” he said.

Holland said the Government has effectively ignored the spirits industry’s calls for sensible alcohol tax reform.

“These recommendations were supported by a bipartisan parliamentary committee in its recent report on the food and beverage manufacturing inquiry,” he said.

“Yet the Government has baulked at the alcohol tax reform it knows is desperately needed by the 700 distilleries operating across Australia, 50% of them in regional areas.”

Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay said the Albanese Government’s favouritism of the beer sector was disappointing.

“This policy has put a dampener on last week’s announcement of a $50,000 increase to the remission,” he said.

“We’ve spent the past year advocating for the industry’s opportunities for growth, including our potential to become a $1 billion export industry within the decade.

“The Government has so far overlooked this economic opportunity, so we hope there are further policy announcements that will enable us to realise this potential.”