IT’S official — the world’s best gin is made right here in Adelaide.

78 Degrees gin, created in Nairne by craft distiller Sacha La Forgia, has taken out the top prize for International Gin at the American Distilling Institute Awards, held last night in Baltimore in the US.

“It doesn’t get much bigger than this,” said La Forgia, founder of the Adelaide Hills Distillery, speaking from Maryland.

“There were thousands of entries and we were awarded double gold in our class, best in category and best international gin. We beat out every other competitor.

“Winning best international gin is great, but winning the double gold means all the judges scored it about 95 points.

“There were only five double golds given out in the whole competition, so that was a big thing.”

It’s another feather in the cap for South Australia’s boutique drinks industry, after Prancing Pony Brewery’s India Red Ale last year was named Supreme Champion Beer at the International Beer Challenge in London.

Impressing the judges

La Forgia said he was pleased to have impressed one judge in particular.

British distiller and writer David T Smith, a stalwart of the craft spirit industry, helped La Forgia when he was learning the ropes.

“I worked with him a bit when I was first starting out and it went full circle with him being one of the judges. David awarding me double gold was really satisfying for me.

“Obviously he didn’t find out it was my gin till afterwards and then he fell off his chair! He commented afterwards that we’d beaten all the UK gins from his homeland,” the 29-year-old says.

“We’re just thankful that the judges saw how good the gin coming out of South Australia and the Adelaide Hills really is.”

The cost of a 700ml bottle of 78 Degrees Gin is around $75-$80 depending on the retailer.

Four Tips for a Perfect Gin and Tonic Four Tips for a Perfect Gin and Tonic

Global attention

Gin drinkers around the world have already taken notice of the win and 78 Degrees is preparing for a flood of interest from spirits enthusiasts around the world.

“We’ve already been flooded with online orders,” says La Forgia. “This winter, we’ll throw the doors open on the production shed of our new Nairne distillery, and then the cellar door and restaurant will be open later, probably about December.

“The South Australian Government has been really supportive of craft distilleries. Leon Bignell has been exceptional. But I think the Federal Government needs to take action on the prohibitive tax system and barriers to entry. But the future is exciting for us.”

78 Degrees gin — tasting notes

A complex and savoury gin distilled from a grape base and vapour infused with 12 botanicals, selected specifically for their purity and quality. Pungently aromatic and displaying resinous, citrus and floral notes with underlying spice.

Adelaide Hills Distillery 2017 American Distilling Institute Awards

Best of Class, Gin, International Gin: 78 Degrees Gin

Double Gold Medal: 78 Degrees Gin

Silver Medal, Liqueur: International herbal/botanical/spice liqueur ‘The Italian’ Bitter Orange Aperitif

Bronze Medal, Brandy International Apple Eau de vie: Left of Centre Series Virgin Apple

adelaidehillsdistillery.com.au