Underground Spirits Founder Toby Angstmann. Photo: Adam McGrath from H Creations.
As locals, we have all known for years, that our little capital certainly punches above our weight when it comes to world-class produce, restaurants, innovators and makers, well now one local business has the accolades to prove it!
The Canberra-based distillery, Underground Spirits, has recently won a Bronze medal at the 2018 International Spirits Challenge for their highly acclaimed premium craft gin.
Now in its 23rd year, the International Spirits Challenge, held in the UK, is the most authoritative, well-respected and influential spirits competition in the world.
“Being awarded Bronze for our premium gin in one of the world’s most highly regarded global spirits competition is a huge feat, one that we are very proud of,” said Underground Spirits Founder Toby Angstmann.
Gin: Ten Regional Botanicals – Underground Spirits. Photo: Adam McGrath from H Creations.
Underground Spirits secured Bronze in the Premium Gin category from a total of 1,500 entries into the competition from nearly 70 countries worldwide. The Canberra distiller is among good company with other International Spirits Challenge winners including globally recognised brands such as Beefeater London Dry Gin and Gordon’s Dry Gin.
The award is the most prestigious win for Underground Spirits in a string of notable achievements including, most recently, best Pure Neutral Vodka for Australia at the 2018 World Drinks Awards – another highly regarded global achievement – as well as Gold medal winner at the 2017 Global Spirit Awards Las Vegas (gin); Silver medal winner at the 2017 Melbourne International Spirits Competition (gin) and Silver medal winner at the 2018 Tasting Australia Spirit Awards (gin and vodka).
“The International Spirits Challenge Bronze medal, along with our other industry nods, underpin what we have been working towards for a while now – taking our product to a global stage and expanding our distribution beyond Canberra’s local market,” continued Angstmann
“We have already begun testing the market in the UK, with very positive results, but we are keen on expanding further into Europe and even Asia.”
To that end, Underground Spirits are working on an exciting rebrand which will be revealed in weeks to come, which will help launch and expand the brand globally, while firmly cementing its Canberra roots through its design and brand identity.
“The support and trust that we’ve received from the local community have been phenomenal,” said Angstmann, “and now we’re ready to set our sights further afield by putting Underground Spirits and Canberra on the world stage with our premium spirits.”
With a medical background and a love for science and alchemy, Toby Angstmann has a patented procedure for distilling the award-winning spirits. His secret is in a deep understanding of raw science, raw ingredients and a clarity of purpose for the process. Designed to draw out impurities using medical grade equipment with surgical precision, is what makes Underground Spirits innately different.
Plans are also underway for the company to move onwards and upwards, with a relocation into bigger premises and the launch of new products to add to the existing range which currently consists of the Signature Gin, Shiraz & Pepperberry Gin, Signature Vodka, Caramel Vodka, Hazelnut Vodka and Vanilla Vodka.
Classic Gin Martini from Bar Rochford. Photo: Sophia Brady.
Underground Alchemy Cocktail from Bar Rochford with Lemon Myrtle Tea & Elderflower Liqueur. Photo: Sophia Brady.
As to how best to enjoy the spirits, well Angstmann likes his drinks served straight up and neat but some of Canberra’s best bars are turning the Underground Spirits range into delightful cocktails, just ask for them by name next time you are out to get a taste of a Canberra success story.
Visit the website for more information.
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