At the 2024 London Spirits Competition, Tasmania-based Callington Mill Distillery won gold for their Poltergeist Unfiltered Gin and silver for their Dark Secret Single Malt Whisky. Anthony Joundarian, from the distillery, provided insights into the positive impact that the awards have had on the business.

Callington Mill Distillery is located in the historic district of Oatlands, Tasmania, which embodies a rich heritage intertwined with modern whisky making.

Source: Callington Mill Distillery

Anthony started by setting the scene: “The distillery is centered around the iconic Callington Windmill, originally built in the 1830s. John Ibrahim, inspired by the heritage and potential of the site, founded the distillery to revive this historic landmark and produce premium Tasmanian whisky. 

“John also wanted to make ‘Tasmanian Single Malt’ with Tasmanian Ingenuity’ — so he collaborated with a Tasmanian company to manufacture Tasmania’s first automated turnkey distillery. Charles MacLean described Callington Mill as: ‘The beginning of a revolution in Australian whisky.”

The owners of the company were aware of the London Spirits, Wine, and Beer Competitions through various industry networks and its significant international reputation.

Features: Poltergeist Unfiltered Gin, London Spirits Competition Gold Winner

Their primary motivation for entering the competition, as he explained, was: “To gauge our premium spirits with the rest of the world and hopefully help grow awareness for Tasmanian single malt whisky.”

Features: Dark Secret Single Malt Whisky, London Spirits Competition Silver Winner

When asked what impact the award has had on the business, Anthony was unequivocal: “Winning an award has significantly enhanced our brand’s visibility and credibility, helping us reach new markets and attract enthusiasts who appreciate premium whisky. 

“Our vision is to become a worldwide recognizable brand, and winning awards is all part of this journey.”

Anthony explained the company has promoted the awards through their website, social media platforms, email marketing campaigns, and print advertisements to ensure broad audience reach: “These awards also give us credibility with potential distributors and retailers.”

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Asking for his opinion of the London Spirits Competitions, he was impressed that the competition is: “Distinguished by their rigorous judging process and international prestige. This competition offers greater exposure and credibility compared to others.”

Looking to the future, Anthony explained that the company is: “Keen to expand our presence in the Australian and international markets, with a strategic focus on Asia.”