Emerging Swan Valley distillery Old Young's has smoked the competition again, named best distillery in Australia for the second consecutive year.

The one-man band is orchestrated by former sports administrator and marketer James Young, who operates out of a 36sqm shed in the traditional winemaking region just north of Perth.

The craft spirits specialist was also awarded two gold medals at the 2018 Australian Distilled Spirit Awards in Melbourne, one for its Six Seasons Gin for the second year running and another for its Common Gin, a new product launched only last Monday.

James Young at his Swan Valley distillery and cellar door.

Entries from the 86 exhibitors were up 20 per cent on last year, with 297 in total, the majority (130) of which were gin, with 24 gold medals being awarded.