Great Southern named champion whisky

The Great Southern Distilling Company cleaned up at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards last week, bringing home seven medals and being named Australia’s Champion Whisky, Champion Distiller and Best Small Batch Whisky.

Considered one of the most rigorous competitions in the world, the awards celebrate Australia’s premium distillers some of which are recognised worldwide.

GSDC has been operating in Albany for 10 years and has won a plethora of awards over the past few years including a double gold medal at the International Wine and Spirit Competition.

Limeburners Tiger Snake whisky was recently shortlisted for best grain whisky in the world.

GSDC owner Cameron Syme attributes the local company’s success to a variety of factors.

“Our location at Princess Royal Harbour is actually pretty incredible ... the quality of our team — we are all trade qualified distillers,” he said.

“No other Australian distillery can lay claim to that.

“I think our ethos of ‘in pursuit of excellence’ means that we’re looking for continuous improvement.”

Mr Syme believes these recent accomplishments will bring benefits to the whole region.

“This really cements us I think — we are part of the foundation of the Australian whisky industry,” he said.

“This will bring significant exposure and tourism into the region.”