These Australian whiskies won big at the 2024 World Whisky Masters

Australian whisky has further defended its reputation on the international stage, receiving 13 Gold medals and two Master medals at the 2024 Whisky Masters. The highest available accolade of the competition, both Master medals were awarded to Sydney’s Archie Rose Distillery for Archie Rose Rye Malt Whisky and Archie Rose Heritage Red Gum Cask Single Malt Whisky.

According to the judging panel, Heritage Red Gum Cask was a clear highlight of the category. Archie Rose’s Founder Will Edwards said, "we're honoured to have received a Master Medal for our Heritage Red Gum Cask Single Malt Whisky, as this rare bottle pays tribute to the continual evolution of Australian whisky, honouring a long-standing family history and questioning what Australian whisky could look like in the future. 

“It's incredible to have this uniquely Australian product recognised on a global stage."

Archie Rose Heritage Red Gum was released earlier this year using red gum timber casks believed to be from the 1930s. Prior to housing Archie Rose Single Malt Whisky, the barrels were used over several decades for the maturation of apera fortified wine.

“I have a clear memory of my dad passing on stories he heard about fortified wine barrels being made from native eucalyptus timbers in the 1930s, which inspired me to use them in production,” said Dave Withers, Master Distiller. 

“Many years later, I heard from one of our coopers about a small parcel of casks that had an oddly red colour to the timber. I called my dad right away and told him what I had discovered”. 

Whisky Masters judge Matt Chambers said Heritage Red Gum Cask was a highlight, describing it as: “caramel, toffee and eucalyptus oil on the nose, some burnt wood also, very charismatic on the palate. Vibrant fruit and spice with toffee and caramel, bitter orange oil comes through as does some milk chocolate and cocoa, lovely background minty menthol note.”

Archie Rose also received Gold Medals for Single Malt Whisky and Smoked Heritage Rye Malt Whisky. Both Hellyers Road and Lark Distilling attained a further four Gold medals respectively, positioning the three as the only Australian distilleries to achieve four gold and above medals. 

In addition to Gold medals for Dark Lark 2024, Classic Cask, Chinotto Citrus Cask, and Tasmanian Peated, Lark also achieved also achieved three silver medals.

“It is an enormous honour for LARK to be awarded four gold medals at one of the most prestigious industry events in the world,” said Chris Thomson, Master Blender.

“We received a medal for every whisky we entered, which is a testament to our pursuit of excellence; the quality, craftsmanship and pioneering Tasmanian spirit that goes into every bottle.”

Australia’s other gold medal winning whiskies in the 2024 World Whisky Masters include Good George Brewing Co’s People’s Cut – New Zealand Single Malt Whisky, Scapegrace Distillery’s Scapegrace Anthem, Lawrenny Estate Distillery’s Homestead Single Malt Whisky, and Vok Beverages 23rd Street Australian Whisky. According to the judges, the 23rd Street whisky displayed an “excellent texture, nutty spice, vanilla and plenty of wood”.

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Drinks Trade recently sat down with Archie Rose's Head Distiller Dave Withers to discuss how Archie Rose goes about maintaining a strong Australian identity.

"We want to represent our experience as Australian whisky drinkers and creators in every product we produce, which comes down to the raw materials we use and maturation environment that ultimately reflect the richness and diversity of the Australian terroir," he said.

To read the full What makes Australian whisky different? Drinks Trade article, click here.

In addition to its nation-leading whisky performance, Archie Rose also recently won two Gin Masters gold medals for its Signature Dry Gin and Bone Dry Gin early last month. It has also announced a unique partnership with the Sydney Opera House, that will see it release of two exclusive whiskies inspired by the venue’s music history.

Ahead of the November release, the Sydney-based distillery is calling on all music and whisky fans to nominate their favourite Opera House music events from the past 50 years, with submissions closing on 14 August.