Aussie spirits, mixers and RTDs succeed at the 15th annual SIP Awards

A standout performance from Australian entrants saw many come home with highly coveted awards at the world's only consumer-judged spirits competition.

Attracting a record 1,382 entrants from around the world, the 2023 competition featured 310 spirit enthusiast judges, who are free of industry bias.

Cher Holmes, Director of Operations for the SIP Awards, said judging is not purely subjective but supported by scientific rigour and innovation.

"Each consumer judge evaluates spirit brands based on aroma, taste, and finish, using the revolutionary NEAT glass. This meticulous process enables us to collect and interpret a substantial volume of data, ensuring that only the finest brands receive the recognition they deserve," he said.

More than 15 Australian spirit and mixer brands made the trip to the US for the competition, with many returning home triumphant.

First-time entrants, Mr. Consistent, came away with a remarkable seven awards, including one Double Gold, three Platinum and an Innovation Award.

Brittany Stimson, Marketing Manager at Mr. Consistent, said the team is humbled and honoured to have achieved such resounding success.

"To be recognised with such highly commended medals at the only Internationally recognised consumer judged spirits competition is an honour. We are absolutely humbled in receiving so many amazing awards at our first time entering the SIP Awards," she said.

Stimson said they expected stiff competition and were delighted with the results. She said the whole team has returned with a renewed belief in their brand of cocktail mixers.

A full circle moment, the Burleigh Heads-based company won Platinum for the first product ever launched, the Margarita, which Stimson said reinforced all the hard work put in over the years.

"Since starting out in a sub-leased kitchen in Northern NSW just three years ago, to now having a $3 million plus custom-built production facility, we can really see the fruits of this labour of love.

"Receiving a Best in Class Platinum award and a Platinum award on our two most recent SKU's, the French Martini and Pornstar Martini respectively, is recognition that the evolution of flavours we are rolling out are exceptional, and is something our production team are extremely proud of," she said.

Leading the way in the non-alcoholic section, Healsville-based non-alcoholic distillery Banks Botanicals came away with a swag of awards, including a Best in Class Platinum in the non-alcoholic RTD section for their recently launched Banks Yuzu, Basil & Tonic.

Yolanda Uys, Banks Botanicals Co-Founder, said a record number of entries at this years’ competition made winning all the more special.

"It was competitive this year with a record number of entries, and it's amazing to know that our premixed cans are considered to be some of the best non-alc drinks in the world.

"We are thrilled to see home grown local products holding their own on the world stage, and the recognition that Australian non-alcs are leading the way globally," she said.

Gold Coast distillery Grandad Jack's also won a Best in Class Platimum for their Greenhouse Gin and the top honour, a Consumer Choice Award in the contemporary gin category.

David Ridden, CEO and Founder of Granddad Jack's, said success at the SIP Awards, especially winning the Consumer Choice Awards, gives the family-run business a chance to showcase their carefully crafted, distilled, bottled, labelled and hand-waxed spirits.

"These awards are a testament to the extraordinary craftsmanship, dedication, and attention to detail that go into every bottle of Granddad Jack's spirits. We take pride in creating spirits that not only deliver exceptional flavour experiences but also resonate with consumers.

"We would like to extend our gratitude to the SIP Awards for providing a platform that highlights the voice of consumers and recognizes the excellence in the spirits industry. We are truly honoured to have our spirits celebrated among the best and are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of taste and quality," he said.

Stay up-to-date with the latest industry news with the Drinks Trade e-newsletter.