Three Cuts Gin named Australia's best

Three Cuts Gin has been named Best Australian Gin at the 2021 Australian Gin Awards.

The award for the Tasmanian craft spirits brand follows its joint win at the American Distilling Institute (ADI) Craft Spirits Awards earlier this year when it was named Best In Category - International Contemporary Gin (sharing the win with Republic of Fremantle’s Full Bodied Gin).

The gin is named for the ‘three cuts’ of roses that are used in the distilling process while the distillery, Turner Stillhouse is named after its founder, American born Justin Turner.

Mr Turner grew up in Northern California in a winemaking family that also produced brandy and other spirits. He emigrated to his wife’s homeland on the isle of Tasmania and opened the doors to Turner Stillhouse in 2018.

Brett Coulson works alongside him as co-distiller and having previously worked at Cascade Brewery, brings an extensive brewing background. Together they have worked to create a gin inspired by the golden era of cocktails (late 1800s and early 1900’s) when gin and rye whisky were the predominant spirits favoured by famous mixologists. 

“Three Cuts Gin is carefully distilled from a premium grape base using pure Tasmanian water and a unique blend of Tasmanian grown and internationally sourced botanicals,” says Mr Turner, “We know that we have created something truly unique and we are excited to share it with the world.”

Mr Turner and Mr Coulson plan on releasing whisky, rum and other selected spirits in the future but for now, taking their small-batch Tasmanian gin to the world is the main priority with plans to expand their domestic reach as well as securing international distribution in 2022.

Turner Stillhouse's 3,000 litre US copper still is also producing a range of whiskies for the distillery, due to be released in early 2023. Craft rum and selected other spirits are also in the works. Turner brings a unique American approach to distilling while working within the traditions of fine Tasmanian spirits.

The Best In Class Awards at the 2021 Australian Gin Awards went to:

Classic Dry Gin - Gindu Australian Dry Gin produced in Brighton, Victoria. Judges: “Perfectly integrated botanicals supporting the structure of the spirit and striking in its simplicity.”

Contemporary Style -Three Cuts Distillers Release. Judges: “Layers of citrus and cardamon on the nose, balanced with the perfect amount of juniper, spices and beautiful floral notes on the end.”

Mature Gin: Sunshine & Sons Small Batch Barrel Aged Gin, Woombye, Queensland. Judges: Overall a highly successful, matured gin that stands on its own.

Old Tom Gin – Kangaroo Island Spirits, KIS Old Tom Gin, Kangaroo Island, South Australia. Judges: A beautifully woven gin with a resoundingly smooth and luscious finish.

Over-proof Gin: Never Never Distilling Co, Southern Strength Gin, McLaren Vale, South Australia. Judges: A remarkable gin; distinct juniper at every stage, wonderful complexity on the palate, perfectly balanced, with soft mouth feel.

Traditional Liqueurs using Gin as a base – The West Winds Gin, Wild Plum Gin, Osborne Park, Western Australia. Judges: This entry shone in every element combining a balanced offering of a clean, fresh spirit which rides lusciously across the palate. The finish is long, balanced and satisfying in every respect.

Other flavoured spirits using gin as a base: Jones and Smith Distillery, Epoch Sloe Gin, Spring Hill, New South Wales. Judges: Rich ripe fruit with a pleasant sweetness, pronounced acidity and freshness of finish.

Chairman Bill Lark said, “Well 2021 has been another tough year for Australia and the Australian spirits industry. Amazingly the industry continues to grow with a record, yet again, of high quality Australian Gins in this year’s Australian Gin Awards.

One hundred and nine Australian and 11 New Zealand companies entered 370 gins into the 2021 Australian Gin Awards.

Three Cuts Gin is currently stocked nationally at select Dan Murphy’s and Coles stores, boutique bottle shops and online at turnerstillhouse.com.