Kangaroo Island Spirits are delighted to announce that they have been awarded the top gong for Old Tom Gin, at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC).

KIS owners Jon and Sarah Lark are “tickled pink” with the result. The first ever Gold medal awarded to an Australian producer in this competition, was only last year, 2017. 

The Larks meanwhile are moving ahead with plans to open a warehouse in Port Adelaide to have a base on the mainland and to offer master classes and gin tastings.

The distillery at Cygnet River has increased production over the past year with a new 300-liter still and hopes to start exporting products overseas soon.

The IWSC awards are held in London annually, and renowned the world over as being one of the toughest spirit judging competitions.

The IWSC is in its 49th year. Entries are placed from 90 countries worldwide and judging takes place in dedicated tasting premises, with a permanent onsite cellar and more than 400 global experts judging products for seven months of the year.

KI Spirits was launched by the Larks in 2006 when their dream of operating a micro-distillery on Kangaroo Island came into being.

This distillery was the first in Australia dedicated to producing premium gin, and their handcrafted products take inspiration from the unique environs found on Kangaroo Island.

“We are very proud that our modest craft distillery on Kangaroo Island has been able to achieve such big things internationally,” Jon Lark said.

Of recent times, Kangaroo Island Spirits have won a swag of awards including a 2018 Golds for Old Tom Gin and for Whisky Barrel Gin at the Melbourne International Spirits Competition.  The Mulberry Gin also won a Silver.

The Kangaroo Island Spirits’ distillery was named Australian Distillery of the Year for 2018 at the 5th annual Melbourne International Spirits Competition (MISC) held recently and was then shortlisted for the International Gin Producer of the Year 2018 (IWSC).  

The judging panel for MISC included trade buyers from top retail stores, sommeliers, distributors, and importers, from Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Read more at source: The Islander Online