Contains affiliated content. Products featured in this article are selected by our writers. If you make a purchase using links on this page, Daily Mail Australia will earn an affiliate commission. Click here for more information.
When it comes to Whisky you’ll likely think of Scotland and for good reason, but one Australian distillery is being lauded with praise and being recognised for standing out among the world’s finest spirits.
23rd Street Distillery was recently honoured at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters 2024 awards with two of the tipples from the South Australian brand named the among best in the globe. No small feat for a distillery that has only been running since 2016.
The 23rd Street Australian Whisky, won gold in the World Whisky Super Premium category while the 23rd Street Australian Single Malt Whisky, won gold in the Ultra Premium class.
‘With 95 per cent of whisky sold in Australia being imported, we set out to disrupt the category by creating a whisky that Australians could take real pride in,’ Chris Illman, of 23rd Street Distillery said.
‘Securing two Gold medals at The Spirits Business Luxury Masters is not only a major milestone for our team but also a testament to the dedication, passion and craftsmanship that has gone into creating our Australian whisky range.’
The Australian Whisky boasts ‘citrus, orange blossom and caramelised fruit’ aromas and is described as having a palette of ‘sweet oils and biscuity malt are framed by vanillin oak. Dark chocolate spice, roasted nut and toffee notes unfold toward a lingering, creamy finish.’
The brand recommend enjoying it over ice and with scorched almonds or an Australian aged hard cheese.
Meanwhile the Single Malt is described as having ‘aromas of toffee, lifted fruit and delicate vanillin oak’ while the palate is noted as being ‘full and lightly sweet, with citrus and apricot, bedtime malted milk, and a finish of butterscotch oak and lingering warmth.’
23rd Street’s master distiller Paul Burnett said that the brand focus on using premium local ingredients and that aroma and flavour are key factors during the whisky distillation process.
We concentrate on delivering the highest quality new spirits, targeting sweet oils and rich layers of grain and malt. The distillation cuts are done purely on aroma and flavour,’ he said.
‘Only the purest of the hearts fraction of spirit is reduced to approximately 65 per cent and matured for 2.5 years in a massive variety of oak barrels and small oak vats.’
Comparing the way 23rd St make whisky compared with international counterparts, Burnett said: ‘ Australian Whisky has some similarities to imported whiskies but has a few important differences.’
‘Aussie Whiskies like our 23rd St Australian Whisky – uses premium local malting barley, distilled in Australia and is also exposed to the Australian climate for its aging.’
‘Many Whiskys made in Scotland are aged in near freezing temperatures. Australian Whisky is aged in higher temperatures which speeds up the maturation and concentrates its flavours. I love that our Whisky is aged in Australia in our climate – it makes it truly special from end to end.’
23rd Street also make a double cask Hybrid Whisky ($84.88) but the brand isn’t just making waves thanks to its whisky range.
The distillery also makes a range of gins including a vibrant Violet Gin ($93.09) and a citrusy Yuzi Gin ($87.19), as well as vodkas including the award winning Riverland Rose Vodka ($83.95) or its Pomegranate Vodka ($74.00) and flavoured RTDs like its Tropical Gin and Soda cans ($30.68 for four) too.
Not only does the brand make award winning drinks but the stylish bottles and pretty artwork make the tipples the perfect present for any drinks aficionado.
Although the distillery has only been operating for the past eight years, it sits on a historic site in Renmark, South Australia which was home to Australia’s first co-operatively owned winery, Renmano, for nearly a century.
To shop 23rd Street drinks on Amazon click here.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk