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The people's choice: Black Cockatoo rum soars to the top at national awards

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A family-owned liquor producer has claimed the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the Australian Rum Awards.

Diablo Co earned rave reviews for their Black Cockatoo Chilli Spice Rum, at the gala event at Brisbane’s Tattersalls Club.

Diablo Co owners Dimitris Limnatitis and Charlene Dellaway said they were thrilled their team’s commitment, to create a range of locally-sourced and produced alcoholic beverages, was acknowledged.

“It’s incredibly rewarding recognition for our hard-working team, who are committed to putting our range of locally-produced liquors up against some of the biggest players in the industry and coming out on top,” Mr Limnatitis said.

“It’s a classic David and Goliath situation, as we were up against highly-respected major producers like Bundaberg Rum and Husk Distillery.

“People from across the country voted for this award so it’s mind blowing to think that we were awarded the highly-coveted People’s Choice Award.”

The Diablo Co crew at the awards night.

The Black Cockatoo Chilli Spiced Rum has flavours of chilli and hint of vanilla.

It makes ‘The Perfect Storm’ when combined with Diablo Alcoholic Ginger Beer, ice, lime and mint.

“This award really reinforces our commitment to creating a portfolio of innovative, high quality beverages which are made from 100 per cent Sunshine Coast ingredients, even our bottles are Australian made,” Mr Limnatitis said.

“I think our philosophy really resonates with consumers who want to know their beverages are made from locally sourced ingredients while also positioning Diablo Co as a sustainability leader in the liquor industry.

Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor including your name and suburb via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au.

Ms Dellaway said she was proud that Diablo Co represented the Sunshine Coast.

“We are up against some of the largest national and multinational alcoholic beverage producers,” he said.

“Our range of eight liqueurs will be rebranded as the 100 per cent Australian made alternative to the imported liqueurs and our sights are firmly set on competing with the leaders in the global liqueur industry.”

Earlier this year. Diablo Co and the Noosa Biosphere Reserve Foundation teamed up to raise funds to support research and on-ground actions to better understand the Glossy Black-Cockatoo behaviours and critical habitat within the Noosa region.

The partnership has seen Diablo Co donate a percentage from every sale of the award-winning Black Cockatoo range to raise funds to preserve the smallest and rarest of the Black Cockatoos, listed as vulnerable in Queensland.

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