The Melbourne Royal Australian Spirits Awards is inviting distillers from around the world to compete for the first time, transforming the event into a global benchmark for quality in spirits production.
By opening to international entries, Melbourne Royal is set to elevate its influence on the world stage – offering distillers an opportunity to showcase their craftsmanship in front of an elite judging panel.
Kirrily Waldhorn, Senior Manager of the Melbourne Royal Food & Beverage Awards, said the decision reflects on the global standard within the spirits industry.
“The Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards have long been a symbol of quality and excellence in the Australian distilling industry. By extending our invitation to international distillers, we are creating a truly global platform for recognising and celebrating the world’s finest spirits,” said Waldhorn.
The 2025 program includes 17 trophies and 31 category awards, with new honours such as Champion International Distiller joining established titles like Champion Australian Distiller.
Melbourne Royal has also introduced several new award categories that reflect industry trends: Unflavoured Vodka – recognising purity and technical excellence, Best Non-Alcoholic Spirit – celebrating innovation in zero-proof products, and Best Ready to Serve – spotlighting premium convenience drinks.
Key Dates:
- Entries Open: 8 April 2025
- Entries Close: 16 May 2025
- Judging: 1–3 July 2025
- Awards Presentation: 10 July 2025