23rd Street Distillery bounces back after floods to win Australian Distillery of the Year

Crowned Australian Distillery of the Year at the New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC) 2023, the win represents a pivot moment for the distillery as they recently endured a once-in-century flood event that threatened their Riverland operations in South Australia.

Recognising the distillery's commitment to excellence, the Australian Distillery of the Year winners also picked up numerous individual awards, including Gold medals for their Australian Single Malt Whisky and Mulberry Gin and Silver for their Tropical Gin and Violet Gin.

Coming on the heels of devastating flooding that swept through the Riverland region in late 2022, the award represents a milestone for the distillery that has relied heavily on the local community in the last six months as they regained their footing.

The distillery also picked up the prestigious Best Australian Whisky Award for their NYISC Gold Award winner in the Vintage Cellars Best Dark Spirits Awards.

Paul Burnett, Head Distiller at 23rd Street, said The Riverland's warm, dry summers and mild winters are just right for creating a unique whiskey flavour.

"The Riverland is the perfect climate for the maturation of our Australian Single Malt Whisky, creating intensity and unique flavour, especially when compared to whisky maturing in cooler climates," he said.

Burnett added that the team at 23rd Street pride themselves on their unique take on whiskey. He said every process, from sourcing the Kangaroo Island barely to distillation and maturation, is cared for with meticulous attention to detail.

Earlier this year, 23rd Street also won Double Gold at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition for the Signature Gin, affirming their status as exceptional distillers with international appeal.

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