At the prestigious 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Australian distilleries once again demonstrated world-class quality. The country won a total of 104 medals, including 18 Double Gold and 24 Gold medals.
Strength in Single Malts
Notably, two-thirds of Australia’s Double Gold medals went to single malt whiskies. This achievement placed Australia second only to the United Kingdom in this highly competitive category.
Starward Distillery Leads the Pack
Starward Distillery emerged as the most awarded distillery globally last year. The distillery received six awards, including Double Gold for:
Botrytis Cask
Bourbon Cask #2
Nova
Single Barrel #8193
Single Barrel Captain’s Pick #2
Yering Station Pinot Noir Cask
Callington Mill’s Remarkable Success
Trailing closely was Callington Mill, winning Double Gold for four wines:
Fusion
Solera
Pedro Ximenez
The Pedro Ximenez wine was the highest scoring in its category with an impressive 98 points. Callington Mill founder John Ibrahim said, “We are extremely proud to see our whiskies recognised around the world… Each of Callington Mill’s products tells a unique story, and it’s great to see that story resonate in such a prestigious competition.”
Other Standout Australian Spirits
Two more Double Gold medals for Australian whiskies went to:
Archie Rose Single Malt
Headlands Illawarra Plum Cask
Following whiskies, Australian gins and rum also gained recognition:
Best Australian Rum: Burdekin Rum’s Distillers Edition Coral Sea Strength
Top Australian Gins:
Never Never Triple Juniper Export Strength
Prohibition Juniperus
Ginny Pig Distillery Botanic Gin
Hickson House Harbour Bridge Gin
The Melbourne Gin Company Single Shot Gin
Upcoming Awards and Gala
All Double Gold medal winners will compete for the Best of San Francisco World Spirits Competition awards, with winners to be announced this week. The official presentation will take place at the Top Shelf Gala Awards in November 2025.
Related Topics
