The Australian spirits industry professionals dominating the world stage this week 

Today, Four Pillars' Co-Founder and Head Distiller Cameron Mackenzie was inducted into Gin Magazine’s Gin Hall of Fame, becoming only the second Australian and 20th person in history to do so.

“Well this is quite something, isn’t it,” he said at the London event.

“This is a marvellous tribute to the work of everyone who has been involved in Four Pillars across the ten years we have been making gin. And it just goes to show that Aussie gin is now recognised clearly as amongst the best in the world.”

As Head Distiller, Cameron has been responsible for the full Four Pillars range, which has been awarded Best in Category eight times and Global Gin Master 17 times over the years. It is currently the best-selling gin domestically in Australia and accounts for approximately 40% of all Australian gin produced. 

Four Pillars’ Operations Director Michelle Hall was also awarded Sustainability Officer of the Year and Venue Manager Scott Gauld was awarded Visitor Attraction Manager of the Year by Gin Magazine. The Production Team of the Year award was taken home by Four Pillars Distillery as a collective. 

Since becoming 100% owned by Lion in July of last year, the distillery has started turning its attention towards international expansion, appointing a new international team. Mackenzie's new recognition as one of the most important figures in gin will undoubtedly assist the distillery with this renewed focus.

Emma Cookson named Emerging Talent in Spirits Communication Winner

In related news, The Whisky List’s Emma Cookson was announced the Emerging Talent in Spirits Communication winner at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2024.

“Our judges praised Emma’s accessible writing style, the way she shares technical information, as well as information about lesser-known areas, without losing her audience, but instead bringing them along for the ride,” said the IWSC judging panel.  

“Emma has a knack for immersing herself so deeply in a subject that she really brings it to life. Our judges were blown away by Emma’s level of detail that goes into her content, her knowledge and passion is palpable, she really lives and breathes it.”

When asked about her communication style, Cookson reflects on the TWL ethos of making whisky educational, fun, and and accessible to all audiences.

“My goal is to broach the tricky and nuanced aspects of whisky history and production in a way that everyone of any experience level can learn something new from it,” she said.

“I'm so humbled that our work writing about whisky is valued and noticed by international leaders in the industry.”

The Whisky List's recent acquisition of The Whisky Show will provide it with a new way of bringing whisky education to its audience.