Independently Owned, Locally Grown, Community Loved
It’s not every day a local distillery takes home international honours, but for 74 Islands Distillery, this year’s World Drinks Awards in London delivered a milestone moment not only for the business, but for the Whitsundays region itself.
74 Islands Distillery received major recognition on the global stage, with its Rainwater Vodka awarded Gold and named Best Vodka in Australia at the World Vodka Awards, while its Rainwater London Dry Gin secured a Silver Medal at the World Gin Awards.
For founder Glenn Hitch, the achievement is confirmation of the brands vision and belief in the quality of what can be created in regional Queensland.
“As a boutique distillery based in Airlie Beach, the awards mark a significant milestone and a proud moment for our team.”
“From the beginning, we wanted to create spirits that genuinely reflected the beauty and quality of this region.”
The awards place Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays alongside some of the world’s most respected spirit producers, with Hitch describing the recognition as both exciting and humbling for the team behind the brand.
“There are so many outstanding Gin’s and Vodka’s in the market, it’s both humbling and validating to be recognised on the world stage.” he said.
“We set out to be authentic to our brand ethos of drink well and to show the Whitsundays in our product.”
Central to the success of the spirits is one ingredient found nowhere else: Whitsunday rainwater.
“The Whitsunday rainwater is very clean and free from contaminants, this combined with our distilling process, the botanicals we use, has resulted in a product which is unique and premium”
Now, with global recognition secured, the team at 74 Islands Distillery is encouraging locals, Queenslanders and Australians alike to experience the award-winning spirits firsthand and celebrate a distinctly Whitsunday success story.
Jump online and give us a try, grab a bottle and do some blind tasting against your favourite international vodka and let us know your feedback!
Free delivery (within Australia) on the London Dry Gin and Vodka until the end of June to celebrate the awards.
Free tastings are also available at Harry Brown in Cannovale each Friday between 3-4pm and at the Airlie Beach Markets on Saturdays, come down to try and have a chat.
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