Grainshaker Australian Vodka has been crowned Vodka Producer of the Year at this year's International Wine & Spirits Competition held in London overnight. This marks only the second time in Australian spirits history that an Australian brand has been awarded this honour, after Four Pillars Gin.
The Melbourne-based distillery, which launched in 2020, outperformed over 200 producers including global giants Whiteclaw and Anora PLC to take home the top prize at the annual event that celebrates the best in spirits and alcohol production worldwide.
Awarded by nine of the world’s best judges, Grainshaker was commended for its commitment to quality and innovation, and its smooth, flavourful vodka. On behalf of the judges, David T. Smith said "a stylish and versatile spirit. Light in body and gently warming, the palate shows great purity. Fresh citrus notes provide lift and balance amid the creamy mouthfeel. Very smooth offering showing good character on the finish."
Proudly hand made in Australia, the distillery truly is local, sourcing all its ingredients from Victoria and New South Wales and employs a team of 80 in the north of Melbourne.
CEO at the maker of Grainshaker Vodka, Top Shelf International, Trent Fraser said being awarded the Vodka Producer of Year at the International Wine & Spirits Competition is an acknowledgment of the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and catapults Grainshaker onto the world stage.
“This really is the gold medal for the global spirits industry, and we couldn’t be prouder. The win is a testament to our entire team’s hard work, passion, and relentless pursuit of perfection,” said Trent.
“It’s our mission to transcend Australian Spirits culture both here and abroad. We are embarking on this journey by creating pioneering and fearless brands. There is real momentum and as we look forward, there is much to be excited about. We want to be part of the cultural fabric and win our home market. We’ve got a loyal and strong customer base here in Australia, but this win will help us expand into international markets like Asia and the USA who will also appreciate our vodka, not to mention help put Australia on the map as a global spirits powerhouse,” he added.
Grainshaker was born out of desire to restore some flavour and fun to an otherwise boring Vodka market. Rather than be another eastern bloc lookalike, we chose to use Australian grains to make our vodka, as they are packed with character. We distil them for maximum flavour – crafted by hand, guided by taste. From the silo to the serve, it’s vodka the Australian way.
Grainshaker had barely set foot in the Australian market in 2020 with the signing of a 3-year partnership with the Australian Open and soon after, the Australian Turf Club. If you happen to be in Sydney for the Spring Carnival, pay the themed Grainshaker caravan a visit at Randwick! If the races isn’t your thing then keep an eye out for them over the summer at multiple festivals around the country, where you can unleash your inner emu with Australia’s very own award winning Vodka.
Award-winning Grainshaker Vodka is available exclusively at national Coles Liquor retailers including Liquorland, First Choice Liquor Market and Vintage Cellars stores - from $59.
“This is a huge achievement for an Aussie producer and a real credit to Grainshaker’s
dedication to the distillation process and industry-leading innovation that’s created a
distinct and high-quality vodka,” said Sophie Went, Coles Liquor Business Category Manager Spirits & RTD.
