A South Australian gin distillery is winning worldwide acclaim – from its home on South Australia’s pristine Kangaroo Island, to the toughest of global critics in the US.
Kangaroo Island Spirits (KIS) – Australia’s first dedicated gin distillery when it began operations near Kingscote a decade ago – was last month awarded a Gold Medal for its signature Old Tom Gin against gins from around the world at the SIP International Spirits Competition in California. The distillery’s Wild Gin also won a Silver Medal in the Flavour / Infused category.
The SIP Awards is the only international spirits competition using consumers as judges and, as a blind tasting event, is highly respected for its unbiased assessment.
Last week, KIS’ Whisky Barrel Aged Gin also won a rare Double Gold Medal at the Melbourne International Spirits Competition – the only gin in a crowded international field to be awarded the honour. The unique gin is enhanced by ageing in selected Australian whisky barrels to create a creamy, buttery finish.
The company’s Old Tom Gin and Wild Gin took out individual gold medals while Kangaroo Island Spirits was also named as the Best Australian Gin Distillery by the Melbourne International Spirits Competition judges.
Closer to home, KIS was last month a recipient of the Kangaroo Island Food, Wine and Tourism Business Development Award.
The company’s founders Jon and Sarah lark say while their hearts are firmly planted on Kangaroo Island, they’re proud to be counted among winners on a world scale.
“All in all, we are very proud that such a little distillery on Kangaroo Island has been able to achieve such big things internationally,” Jon and Sarah said.
“As passionate Australian craft distillers and committed food and wine ambassadors for Brand Kangaroo Island, we are delighted to celebrate these recent wins and our product’s success.
“We like to think that Old Tom represents the unique attributes of the place it stems from and reflects the personalities of Kangaroo Islanders – wild, fun, sensitive, rural, ecological, old, new, caring, special, true to their history and roots and above all, great value!
“Visitors to Kangaroo Island can experience those characteristics first hand – and those who can’t visit, can taste it every time they sip one of our gins because the flavours and freshness of Kangaroo Island live in every bottle.”
Kangaroo Island Spirits products and further information is available by visiting the KIS website or by emailing info@kis.com.au.
Issued by Hughes Public Relations on behalf of Kangaroo Island Spirits.