South Burnett Distillers returns home from the prestigious London Spirits competition with a silver award for its Apinya gin.
The small-batch craft spirit distillery wowed the judges with its grape-to-glass gin inspired by tropical Southeast Asia.
The new South East Queensland distillery is thrilled to receive such high praise in a contest that recognises the world’s best spirits.
Distiller Nick Pesudovs has spent the last couple of years putting his heart into crafting top-quality grape-to-glass spirits from scratch.
As head winemaker at Clovely Estate the South Burnett local has an experienced palate, and this international award is proof his talents extend beyond wine.
“At South Burnett Distillers we’re trying to do something different and this international accolade shows that we’re on the right path,” Pesudovs says. “The London Spirits Competition awards the world’s best spirits, and we’re honoured to be included in that list.”
One sip of the award-winning Apinya gin will transport you to the tropical beaches of Phuket, with aromatic botanicals including lemongrass and coconut, with a delicate fresh lime perfume and lingering juniper finish.
Pesudovs says distilling local wine into a grape-based spirit takes extra time and effort, but the result is in the glass – and it’s clear the judges tasted that difference.
“Having total control over the distillation process is vital. Fermenting the finest grapes and distilling our own base spirit gives our gin range a softer, more textural edge not seen in other spirits,” Pesudovs says.
“The Apinya gin has been extremely popular at our cellar door. The unusual choice of botanicals offers the gin lover a modern and refreshing take.”
The 2023 London Spirits Competition received more than 2000 entries from 80 countries. Over three days some of Great Britain’s top bartenders and spirits buyers sniffed, swirled and sipped their way through a huge array of spirits from around the globe, judging each drink on quality, value, and packaging.
“For a fledgling distiller, 18 months from inception, to be recognised at this level is truly humbling and an acknowledgement of the massive effort we put in to design such a beautiful drink,” says Pesudovs.
“Receiving this award on the global stage will have an enormous impact on our industry and tourism, promoting Australia’s South Burnett region locally and to the world.”
South Burnett Distillers looks forward to sharing its exceptional grape-to-glass spirits with gin lovers across South East Queensland and beyond.
Taste all four signature gins when you visit Clovely Estate’s Cellar Door, just a few hours’ drive from Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast, or order a bottle online.
Key Facts:
Small-batch SEQ craft distillery wins silver in global competition
Judges impressed with unique grape-to-glass gin
Award-winning Apinya gin inspired by Southeast Asian botanicals
Distiller Nick Pesudovs says hard work and a commitment to quality paid off
About us:
South Burnett Distillers is a small-batch distillery based in the heart of the South Burnett region of Queensland, Australia. We handcraft premium spirits using locally sourced, grape-spirit using traditional distilling techniques.
