A boutique distillery in Central Queensland currently producing only hand sanitizer for the COVID-19 crisis has won international acclaim for its hand-crafted spiced rum.

Key points: International judges say the spiced rum has a 'funky nose' and surprising palate

International judges say the spiced rum has a 'funky nose' and surprising palate The rum has taken two years to age in barrels in Central Queensland

The rum has taken two years to age in barrels in Central Queensland Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many distilleries have turned to making hand sanitizer to help keep up with demand

It has been two years since the Saleyards Distillery in Rockhampton made the small-batch Capricorn Spiced Rum but this week it took out the spiced rum category at the 2020 World Rum Awards.

After some initial criticism from a few locals in the Beef Capital, distillery owner Warren Brewer said the award was validation for the small team's hard work.

"When we first started making it, everyone was a bit hesitant.

"Ours is a lot drier and thinner on the palate [than most rums] and people weren't really used to it."

But Mr Brewer persevered with the recipe.

"Some of the harsh critics we had maybe just didn't have an appreciation of a rum of that style," he said.

'Funky nose' and vibrant palate surprises judges

The Saleyards Distillery team in Rockhampton celebrate their win at the World Rum Awards. ( ABC Capricornia: Inga Stunzner )

The competition's official tastings are normally held in London, but this year the international panel of judges carried out their duties from their homes.

The judging notes remarked the drink had a "funky nose with exotic fruits and spices" and that the "palate is quite vibrant which is a nice surprise".

Mr Brewer said while the distillery had had success at the World Gin Awards, the recognition for his rum was particularly sweet.

"My passion is rum and I've always wanted to make rum.

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"However, rum needs to age for a few years in the barrel so while we were waiting for our rum to age, we've been making gin," he said.

"Now that the rum is starting to get past that two year mark, it's starting to take on a character that we're happy with and excited about, it's time to shine."

Stiff competition

The product beat out some big players in the market from around the world as well as some that are closer to home, including an entry from the iconic Queensland company, Bundaberg Rum.

"Some of them are really big brands and distillers I look up to," Mr Brewer said.

"Obviously we're not in the same realm as them when it comes to bottling [numbers] and longevity but at least we're making a product which is comparable."

He said the secret to his award-winning recipe came down to a lot of tastings and plenty of trial and error.

Mr Brewer said the last few months of operating his business had proved challenging but like many distilleries around the country, they were now supplying hand sanitizer to help keep up with the demand for the product during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has been taking a lot of it and a few other aged care facilities and other essential services around the place," he said.