What's New in 2025

As the Awards opens its doors to the world, several exciting changes have been introduced to ensure the competition evolves with the dynamic spirits industry. With new categories, expanded international participation, and updates to existing classes, the 2025 Awards promise to be more diverse and innovative than ever before.

Awards now accepting entries from international distilleries 

As the Awards open their doors to the world, several exciting changes have been introduced to ensure the competition evolves with the dynamic spirits industry. With new categories, expanded international participation, and updates to existing classes, the 2025 Awards promise to be more diverse and innovative than ever before. 

New Champion Distiller trophies  

The Champion Distiller trophies have been expanded to recognise excellence on a broader scale, applauding Australian and international distilleries, as well as Australian Gypsy distillers. 

The new trophies are: 

  • Champion International Distiller
  • Champion Australian Gypsy Distiller
  • Champion Australian Gin 

New categories and trophies 

The Awards have established new categories to further acknowledge the introduced international styles in the competition, as well as a trophy for Best Non-Alcoholic Spirit to recognise innovation within the industry and consumer trends. The new categories and their corresponding trophies are: 

  • Best Non-Alcoholic Spirit
  • Best Tequila or Agave Spirit
  • Best International Single Malt Whisky
  • Best Grain Whisky
  • Best Blended Malt Whisky

For full category and class information, please see sections and classes for entry on page 18.

Changes to existing categories and classes  

  • VOD001 – Pure (Neutral) and VOD002 – Contemporary Vodka have been combined into a new class and trophy: Unflavoured Vodka
  • RTS003 – Ready to Serve Spritz has been added to the Best Ready to Serve Category