Dan Murphy’s 2024 Decoded Spirits Awards recognising excellence from across Australia and the world

The highly-anticipated Dan Murphy’s Decoded Spirit winners have been announced for 2024 recognising outstanding spirits from across Australia and throughout the world, while helping customers navigate their drinks discovery. 

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In its third year, The Decoded Spirits Awards selection process is the result of a rigorous 2-day tasting event from a panel of 13 esteemed Spirits judges tasting more than 450 products across 19 categories. 

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Those categories include Agave - Anejo, Agave - Blanco, Agave - Reposado, Apéritifs, Digestifs & Liqueurs, Brandy / Cognac / Armagnac, Gin - Australian, Gin - Coloured & Sloe, Gin - International, Non Alcoholic (Spirits Substitute), Pre Batched Cocktails, Rum, Rum - Spiced, Scotch - Blended Whisky, Scotch - Single Malt Whisky, Vodka - Australian, Vodka - International, Whisk(e)y - Australian, Whisk(e)y - North American and Whisk(e)y - World. 

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And to eliminate any potential bias or room for influence all judging is carried out under blind tasting conditions. 

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This year’s winners embody the craftsmanship of producers right across the country, with a record number of Australian Whisky entries this year. 

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There have been some interesting state based trends to emerge. 

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South Australia and Victoria were tied as the states with the highest number of winners and finalists, with 7 producers making the leaderboard. 

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Western Australia’s Old Young's Pavlova Vodka 700mL, which was named as a finalist in the Australian Vodka category, has been recognised for its delightful tribute to the Aussie classic dessert. It’s been described as a great base for a champagne cocktail or a sour, but equally as good when mixed with cranberry juice or lime and soda.

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Unsurprisingly, the state of Queensland has dominated the Rum category with two, local producers named as finalists. 

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Tasmania has dominated the Australian Whiskey category, recording three finalists. Known for some of the cleanest water in the world, it makes it an ideal place for producing world class whisky. 

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South Australia has dominated the category for Australian gin producers as either a winner or finalist. 

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Dan Murphy’s Head of Spirits Sarah Hall said the awards are about celebrating excellence as well as taking out the guesswork for customers. 

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“These awards really recognise the high quality spirits on the market but also pay homage to the incredible workmanship of Australian producers,” she said. 

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“We are incredibly lucky to have some of the best producers in the industry right at our doorstep. Australian producers demonstrate not only a high level of skill and tenacity but also creativity relying on natural products from our diverse landscape. 

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“From sourcing ingredients like botanicals unique only to Australia to sourcing high quality Australian barley, all of these elements really demonstrate that Australian producers deserve to be on the world stage.” 

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This year’s Decoded Spirit Awards also present a unique offering for customers by presenting detailed tasting notes making customers’ drinks discovery even more enjoyable. 

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“We wanted to break the mould and in the context of streamlining the process for people to enjoy quality spirits and provide another level of guidance for those especially who may be unfamiliar with the world of spirits. 

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“We know in terms of the younger demographic, with changing macroeconomic conditions many are looking to elevate their at-home experiences. 

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“The MilZ cohort want to explore new and sweeter tasting drinks and want to be able to use their creativity to create insta-worthy cocktails. 

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“These are the people we know who will really gravitate towards this kind of initiative - high quality spirits that are unpretentious and accessible, regardless if you have the knowledge of a professional bartender or not.”

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There’s even more to love about this year’s Decoded Spirit Awards with exclusive My Dans member offers across the range of entrants to provide great value for customers. 

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See the list below: 

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Agave - Anejo 

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Winner - Solento Organic Anejo Tequila 750ml 

Tasting notes: Notes of rich caramel, brown sugar, banana and cinnamon with an oaky finish.

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‍Other finalists: 

• Prospero Anejo Tequila 700ml 
• Kimo Sabe Anejo Mezcal 750mL 
• Patrón Anejo Tequila 700mL 
• Don Julio 1942 Anejo Tequila 750mL 

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Agave - Blanco 

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Winner - Casamigos Blanco Tequila 700mL 

Tasting notes: Very good blanco Tequila. Very floral nose with well balanced tropical, fruity sweetness, along with vegetal and honey notes. 

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Other finalists: 

• Sierra Antiguo Plata 700mL 
• Kah Tequila Blanco 700mL 
• Olmecca Altos Plata 1L 
• Patron El Cielo Blanco Tequila 700mL 

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Agave - Reposado

Winner - Don Julio Reposado Tequila 750mL 

Tasting notes: Overall a very good Tequila. Complex, vegetative, earthy and mature, with notes of vanilla and caramel on the nose. 

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Other finalists: 

• Sierra Gold Tequila 700mL 
• 1800 Reposado Tequila 700mL 
• Olmeca Altos Reposado Tequlia 1L 
• Patrón Reposado Tequila 700mL 

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Apéritifs, Digestifs & Liqueurs 

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Winner - Dubonnet 700mL 

Tasting Notes: Scored well across the judging panel, rich and herbal with balanced attributes.

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‍Other finalists: 

• Luxardo Aperitivo 700mL 
• Byrrh Grand Quinquina Aperitif 750mL 
• Baileys Irish Cream 700mL 
• Baileys Espresso Creme Liqueur 700mL 

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Brandy / Cognac / Armagnac 

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Winner - Hennessy VSOP Cognac 700mL

Tasting Notes: Flavours of apricots, fig, and a hint of marmalade, finishes smooth and long. Simply put, done very well. 

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Other finalists: 

• St Agnes XO 15 Year Old Brandy 700mL (From South Australia) ‍
• Monnet VSOP Cognac 700mL 
• Hennessy XO Cognac 700mL 
• St Agnes XO Grand Reserve 40 Year Old 700mL (From South Australia) 

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Gin - Australian 

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Winner - Kangaroo Island Spirits Wild Gin 700mL (From South Australia) Tasting Notes: Well rated across the judging panel. A classic style with notes of peppermint and lime, super sessionable and lends itself to all occasions. 

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Other finalists: 

• Manly Spirits Co. Australian Dry Gin 700mL (From New South Wales) ‍
• Naught Overproof Gin 700mL (From Victoria) ‍
• Adelaide Hills Distillery 78 Degrees Small Batch Gin 700mL (From South Australia) 23rd Street Distillery Signature Gin 700mL (From South Australia) 

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Gin - Coloured & Sloe 

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Winner - MG Orange Blossom Gin 700mL 

Tasting Notes: Smooth with pleasant fruit flavour. Really good all round 

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Other finalists: 

• Tanqueray Flor De Sevilla Gin 700mL 
• Gordon's Pink Gin 700mL 
• Ink Gin Sloe & Berry Gin 700mL (From New South Wales) ‍
• Naught Sangiovese Gin 700mL (From Victoria) 

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Gin - International 

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Winner: Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin 700mL 

Tasting Notes: Good mouthfeel to this Gin; complex, well balanced with good spice notes well integrated. 

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Other finalists: 

• Hendricks Lunar Gin 700mL 
• The Botanist Islay Dry Gin 700mL 
• Tanqueray No. Ten Batch Distilled Gin 700mL 
• Mars Wa Bi Japanese Gin 700mL 

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Non Alcoholic (Spirits Substitute) 

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Winner: Abstinence Blood Orange Aperitif Non Alcoholic Spirit 750mL 

Tasting Notes: A runaway winner in the category, good balance with flavours of citrus and orange.

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‍Other finalists: 

• Gordons 0% 700mL 
• Banks Botanicals 700mL (From Victoria) ‍
• Doc Sensibles UnWhisky 500mL 
• Doc Sensibles Zero Alcohol UnTriple Sec 500ml

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Pre Batched Cocktails 

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Winner: Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock & Rye Whisky Can 100mL 

Tasting notes: Flavours of stewed navel orange, sweet honeycomb and satisfying spice. All well rounded with nice heat and warmth. Great to enjoy whilst watching a footy game

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‍Other finalists: 

• Batch & Bottle Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned 500mL 
• Brookies Byron Negroni 700mL (From New South Wales) ‍
• Avero Negroni Cocktail 700mL (From Victoria) ‍
• Prohibition Negroni 500mL (From South Australia) 

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Rum 

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Winner: Zacapa Centenario 23 Solera Gran Reserva Rum 700mL 

Tasting notes: Balanced and smooth Rum, rich flavours but with an easy going style / texture.

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‍Other finalists: 

• Beenleigh Handcrafted Double Cask Rum 700mL (From Queensland) ‍
• Husk Rare Blend 700mL (From New South Wales) ‍
• Mt. Uncle Distillery Iridium Gold Rum 700mL (From Queensland) ‍
• Ron Obispo Rum 700mL 

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Rum - Spiced 

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Winner: RATU Spiced Rum 5 Year Old 700mL 

Tasting notes: Rich and flavoursome with notes of toffee apple, stonefruit, apricot, peach, confectionary, biscuit and nougat. 

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Other finalists: 

• Captain Morgan Original Spiced Gold 700mL 
• Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum 700mL 
• Bumbu Rum 700mL 
• Rockstar Spirits Passionfruit Grenade Navy Strength Spiced Rum 500mL 

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Scotch - Blended Whisky 

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Winner: Chivas Regal XV 15 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky 700mL 

Tasting notes: This Whisky offers notes of orchard fruits, dark caramel, toffee and cedar-y spice, with long notes of creme brulee and toasted sugar on the finish. 

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Other finalists: 

• The Naked Grouse Blended Scotch Whisky 700mL 
• Shackleton Blended Malt Whisky 700mL 
• Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky 700mL 
• Johnnie Walker Blue Label Blended Scotch Whisky 700mL 

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Scotch - Single Malt Whisky 

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Winner: The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL Tasting notes: A plethora of flavours; candied fruit, candied nut, corinth raisin, fig, chocolate and Christmas pudding spice, love it! 

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Other finalists: 

• Ledaig 10 Year Old Scotch Whisky 700mL 
• The Balvenie 12 Year Old DoubleWood Scotch Whisky 700mL
• Glenmorangie Signet Scotch Whisky 700mL 
• Aberlour 12 Year Old Double Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky 700mL 

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Vodka - Australian 

Winner: Tread Softly Vodka 700mL (From Victoria) 

Tasting notes: Well balanced Vodka; delicate, consistent and bright with a good finish.

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‍Other finalists: 

• Aether Vodka 700mL (From Victoria) ‍
• Manly Spirits Grape and Grain Vodka 700mL (From New South Wales) ‍
• 78 Degrees Australian Vodka 700mL (From South Australia) ‍
• Old Young's Pavlova Vodka 700mL (From Western Australia) 

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Vodka - International 
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Winner: Belvedere Vodka 700mL 

Tasting notes: This Vodka offered a fruity, herbaceous and floral nose, complemented with a complex and heavy mouthfeel with light oily texture, lingering sweetness, and notes of citrus and lime. All perfectly balanced with alcohol well integrated and no burn. 

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Other finalists: 

• Stolichnaya Cucumber Vodka 700mL 
• Cîroc Vodka 750mL 
• Chopin Potato Vodka 700mL 
• Crystal Head Aurora Vodka 700mL 

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Whisk(e)y - Australian 

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Winner: Morris Rutherglen Signature Single Malt Australian Whisky 700mL (From Victoria)

‍Tasting notes: Dark fruit notes and flavours to this Whisky, with savoury notes and a long finish.

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‍Other finalists: 

• Corowa Distillery Bosque Verde Single Malt Whisky 500mL (From New South Wales) Lark Rebellion Single Malt Australian Whisky 500mL (From Tasmania) ‍
• Lark Tasmanian Peated Single Malt Australian Whisky 500mL (From Tasmania) Overeem Port Cask Matured Single Malt Australian Whisky 700mL (From Tasmania) 

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Whisk(e)y - North American 

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Winner: Redemption Bourbon Whiskey 750mL 

Tasting notes: Orange, ginger, and zest on the nose, wth nutty notes of almond, cashew and a creamy palate comparable to 2022 Winner in the Category. Vanilla, spice and everything nice!

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‍Other finalists: 

• ‍Angel's Envy Bourbon 
• Maker's Mark 46 Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky 700mL 
• Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey 700mL 
• Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey 750mL 

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Whisk(e)y - World 

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Winner: Yamazaki 12 Year Old Whisky 700mL

Tasting notes: An outstanding Whisky; great balance of spicy oak, candied fruit, orange, florals, toffee with a solid backbone and finishing with spiciness. Simply "mmmm" (sic!).

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‍Other finalists: 

• Pearse Lyons Founders Choice 12 Year Old Single Malt Whiskey 700mL 
• Redbreast 12 Year Old Irish Whiskey 700mL 
• Mars Iwai Tradition Blended Japanese Whisky 750mL 
• Jameson Black Barrel Blended Irish Whiskey 700mL 

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ENDS 

For more information please contact 

[email protected] 

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About Dan Murphy’s 

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Dan Murphy’s is the destination for the widest range of drinks discovery in Australia at the best prices. Discover over 4000 different wines - local, imported, aged and rare - as well as a huge range of local and imported craft beer, spirits, zero alcohol drinks and more.