International win for WA gin

Margaret River-based Giniversity has won Best Navy Gin in Australia and awarded double gold for its navy strength gin at the international American Distillers Institute Awards 2023.

Giniversity launched its Southern Ocean Navy Strength Gin in June 2022, made from local botanical ingredients such as juniper, coriander, angelica root and fresh citrus.

While Giniversity’s win at the American Distillers Institute Awards comes less than one year after the launch of its navy gin, it is not the spirit's first award.

In October 2022, the navy gin was named Best Navy Gin in Australia and awarded gold at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards.

Giniversity’s Barrel Aged Gin was also recognised at this year’s American Distillers Institute Awards, winning bronze in the aged gin category.

The Giniversity brand is operated by Margaret River Distilling Company, which was launched in 2005 by Great Southern Distilling Company.

According to Business News’ Data & Insights, Great Southern Distilling Company is the second biggest spirits company in Western Australia.

Great Southern Distilling Company founder and head distiller Cameron Syme said the company was thrilled to be awarded at both the American Distillers Institute Awards and the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in the space of just seven months.

"Our team's dedication to creating a unique and high-quality gin has paid off and we are honoured to be recognised by such respected organisations in the industry,” Mr Syme said.

Other core brands owned by Great Southern Distilling Company include Dugite Whiskey, Limeburners Single Malt Whiskey and Tiger Snake Whiskey.

The American Distillers Institute was founded in 2003 in California to promote the art of distilling and recognise the best craft spirits from around the world.