Sunshine Coast distilleries have been toasted for creating some of Australia’s finest spirits.
Nil Desperandum claimed the prestigious best rum trophy at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in Melbourne.
The Woombye-based business claimed 12 medals, from 12 entries, at the event.
The big winner amid the rum section was The Double Ton, a limited edition of 169 bottles that was pot distilled and aged for three years in barrels emptied of bourbon and sherry.
The rum was the first batch from a 200-litre barrel and was available to members of The 1871 Club, where members get access to exclusive releases.
The awards, hosted by Melbourne Royal, a trademark of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, offer distillers the opportunity to benchmark their spirits against the highest industry standards.
Nil Desperandum co-founder and CEO Matt Hobson said he was thrilled by the accolade.
“We are so delighted to have taken out a major win at the awards and look forward to bringing the trophy home to Woombye, to join the cabinet alongside Nil Desperandum’s other accolades,” he said.
“This latest achievement cements our reputation as Australia’s finest rum, giving rum lovers further proof we are the country’s most awarded rum brand and we couldn’t be prouder of our head distiller Adam Chapman and team.”
Meanwhile, Caloundra-based Beachtree Distilling Co took out best liqueur at the awards, for its Native Plum and Sloe Gin.
“This award-winning spirit is crafted right here in our backyard using locally sourced ingredients,” founder Kirra Daley said.
“We’re thrilled to be representing the Sunshine Coast on the national stage.”
Melbourne Royal CEO Brad Jenkins said the awards were crucial for producers.
“The Melbourne Royal Australian Distilled Spirits Awards offer distillers an invaluable opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship and innovation, while also receiving recognition and feedback from Australia’s leading industry experts,” he said.
Nil Desperandum also won gold for its Botanical Rum at the World Rum Awards in May.
Since the rum brand was launched in 2022, it has won a plethora of awards from Royal Queensland Distilled Spirits, World Rum Awards, Australian Rum Awards, Australian International Rum Awards, Australian Distilled Spirits Awards and Tasting Australia Awards.
Nil Desperandum will celebrate Queensland Rum Day with its annual RumFire event on the Sunshine Coast on November 2.
Held in the hinterland, the event will include music, local food, entertainment and rum.
Queensland Rum Day is an annual celebration of producers using Queensland sugar cane to create their own drops.
