Australians standout at World Whiskies Awards

The Whisky List's Emma Cookson has been named Communicator of the Year - Rest of the World while Melbourne's Whisky & Alement won Icons of Whisky - Bar of the Year and Bar Manager of the Year at the World Whiskies Awards.

Cookson, Whisky Specialist & Educator at The Whisky List said:

"I think my win is really a testament to the community here in Australia, the fact that people are so engaged and interested in whisky - locally produced and international - it's the foundation for what I do.

"This award is definitely a pinnacle moment in my career, and it means so much to me that I even have the opportunity to converse with so many people on both the industry and consumer side and to share my love of whisky with people."

Cookson joined The Whisky List in 2021. It was Highly Commended as Online Retailer of the Year.

Oliver Maruda, Co-Founder, The Whisky List said, "Our passion is simple - to help people discover their next whisky. We're thrilled with Emma's win as Communicator of the Year for the Rest of the World Icons of Whisky category. Emma excels in making whisky appreciation both enjoyable, educational, and approachable, and it really resonates with our customers."

Tasmania's Sullivans Cove was also a standout. It received three prestigious awards: Highly Commended as Brand Innovator of the Year, its Head Distiller Heather Tillott (pictured above right) won Distillery Manager of the Year and the Highly Commended title for Master Distiller / Master Blender of the Year.

Ally Bhana of Sullivans Cove won World Whisky Brand Ambassador of the Year. 

"I'm blown away to be recognised alongside some incredible industry folk. A fantastic result to see the Australian whisky industry so well represented on the world stage. The team at Sullivans Cove are chuffed to be adding a few more awards to the collection," she said.

The awards were announced in the UK along with World Whisky Awards and Icons of Whisky Awards which are divided into three categories: Ireland, Scotland and Rest of World.

There were gold medals aplenty for Australian whiskies including for Overeem Whisky, Hidden Lake Cask No 195, Iniquity Den’s Drams, #57, Amber Lane, Manly Spirits Co, Spring Bay Distillery and Morris Whisky.

We'll be watching when the champions in each category and region are announced at the World's Best Awards on Thursday, 30 March.