Australian Gin Awards 2026

Australia’s best
gin for 2026

Blackwattle Distilling Co. Dry Sydney Gin has been crowned Best in Show at the 2026 Australian Gin Distillers Association Gin Awards.

This modernism-inspired artwork was created by Sydney-based design agency MOLASSES. The vibrant colours evoke thoughts of experimentation and marketing creativity. The bubbles and citrus describe the urgency of product development and the all seeing eye promises thoughtfulness, scrutiny and compliance.

We are a purpose-driven organisation championing Australian gin and other spirits through immersive events, industry awards, cultural diversity and impactful education. Our mission is to connect the people, producers and venues behind Australian spirits — championing local distillers and primary producers, and celebrating the craft and provenance in every glass.

Your Customers LOVE Spirits!

Why else would they buy tickets? All attendees are there to sip, sample and spend. Find out why our festivals are so succesful.

What you can expect at our festivals

All distillers who book a stand receive a Delegate Kit. The Kit tells you everything you need to know about your festival.

Hear what the distillers and the public have to say about our Events.

This video was taken at the Adelaide Gin Festival and showcases what some of the distillers and the public think of our festivals.

Things we’d like you to know
and things you need to know.

AGDA Membership

We have always treated our delegates as if they were members, by offering benefits and servicing our events in the most professional and helpful way.

The AGDA has led the industry with exceptional festivals for eight years and now it’s time to take it up a notch by establishing a formal membership which offers even more.

All distillers who have purchased at least one of our gin events festival stands is now considered a member.

Cancellations and Refunds

Stand cancellations will be afforded a credit if received more than 60 days prior to the first day of the event, otherwise all funds paid will be forfeited. The cancelled stand must be realised within 24 months or the funds will be automatically forfeited.

Mixer policy

As of 1st of September 2026 Fever-Tree is our Exclusive Tonic Partner supplying the best of mixers to the Gin Events festivals, the Australian Gin Awards and the G&T CUP and the G&T WEEK. During all festivals you will be able to order your choice of tonic for use as a mixer in order to enhance your gin and increase your chance for sales.

Our logistics team and Tasfreight save you money

We manage all of the logistics regarding your stock into the venue. Plans vary depending on the venue and their facilities. In most cases you are responsible to get your stock to our warehouse in each city at your cost. We then move your stock via Tasfreight to the venue, right to your stand, at our cost. Some delegates prefer to self-deliver and that is also permissible. As of 2026 the same system will prevail however all costs and charges will revert to the Delegate.

Stand fees cover basic stand set up (trestle, ice bucket, spit bucket, company lanyard, ice tub) and we provide you with ice and Long Rays premium mixers to conduct your tastings. Power is available within the space however not to all stands. Water jugs are regularly topped up at all stands. You are welcome to personalise your stand however you choose – media screens, pull up banners and display shelving are popular choices. Examples of stand set-ups can be seen in the introductory video on this page. Also in your Delegate Kit.

All ticket holders are provided with a tasting glass for sampling and a tote bag for any bottle purchases. We don’t charge any additional costs or fees, and we leave bottle sales entirely in your hands. Licensing fees may apply in some states – so far this has only been applicable in Queensland. Stand holders are expected to offer free tastings to ticket holders. These sample pours are to be no more than 10mL. Share your story, showcase your gin range, and encourage ticket holders to purchase a bottle or two to take home with them! We exercise ZERO TOLERANCE regarding the sale of single mixed drinks or RTDs at our events.

There is a minimum of 500 tickets sold per session. At some of our larger venues, up to 1000 tickets can be sold per session. To see session times across all cities, check out the event pages on ginevents.com.au. Generally, there are 4 tasting sessions across 3 days. Terms & Conditions

OUR FESTIVAL CITIES
MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, BRISBANE, ADELAIDE and PERTH.

HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SPIRITS?

The ISA is a new arm within our successful group of hospitality-focused entities, including The Australian Gin Distillers Association Inc., The Australian Gin Awards, and Gin Events Pty Ltd.

The ISA is a dynamic, new education company dedicated to elevating spirits education and certification for the hospitality industry. We offer an unparalleled range of courses with four levels of certification, finishing with the Master of Eau de Vie, delivering expert knowledge in an innovative and accessible format.

BOOKING NOW
See the web site for details: internationalspiritsacademy.com

The AGDA Team

Judith Kennedy AM

CEO / Director / Sales
Marketing & planning

Kate Meyer

Chair / CFO
Financial control

Alex King

Marketing & Events Manager

Kym Middleton

General Manager

Charles Casben

Education Chair
International Spirits Academy

Mikey Enright

Chairman of Judges
Australian Gin Awards and the G&T CUP

Sabina Tom

Designer

Kaye Gates

Financial Admin
Accounts department

Our Sponsors