Mountain Distilling, a distillery in Mount Macedon, Victoria, has won gold in the 2021 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) for its first whiskey, Red Gum Single Malt Whiskey.
Mountain Distilling, best known for its award-winning Mountain Gin and Mountain Gin and Tonic, was supplied with 95 points in the IWSC’s Worldwide Whiskey category. This placed them at a higher rank from products created by other Australian whiskey-focused brands, such as Starward and Lark Distillery.
“This is absolutely astonishing that our first ever whiskey produced is co-awarded the highest scoring whiskey in Australia,” Mountain Distilling co-founder Michael Harris said.
The Red Gum Single Malt Whiskey uses 100 per cent malted barley and is the first to use Australian red gum exclusively from start to finish in the maturation process as the only wood component. This created a distinct Australian flavour profile.
IWSC judges noted that Red Gum Single Malt’s profile is a “herbaceous, spicy smoked nose with aromas of caramel, burnt wood and hedgerow. Peat comes through well on the palate and balances the flavours of prunes, Christmas spice and pear, brightened by a hint of citrus.”
“There’s something about the Macedon Ranges and the distinctive flavour of Red Gum that is so enticing,” Harris said.
“Everyone who sampled it has given us great feedback but this award has even exceeded our expectations.
“Our Red Gum Single Malt is a true representation of our distillery’s ethos here in the Macedon Ranges.”
Launching in 2017, Mountain Distilling have focused predominantly on their signature Mountain Gin, which is inspired by locally foraged botanicals and ingredients.
Mountain Gin picked up two awards at IWSC 2021, winning gold and 95 points in the Contemporary Gin category and Gold in the Gin & Tonic category. Mountain Distilling’s Oblivion Gin, made in collaboration with UK-electronic producer Lapalux, was also awarded silver and 91 points.
Mountain Distilling’s highly-anticipated Red Gum Single Malt will be available as a limited pre-order from the brand’s website until it’s official release in November 2021.