Tasmanian spirits producer Island Coast Spirits has celebrated a standout performance at the 2026 Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards, taking home nine medals and one of the competition’s highest honours.
The business, founded by Kirk Pinner, received a medal for every spirit it entered, including a coveted gold medal for its Butterscotch Schnapps, while also being named Champion Australian Nomad Distiller.
Mr Pinner said the results were a proud moment for the small Tasmanian business.
“We were fortunate enough to win more medals than any other Tasmanian distillery, with awards across our whisky, gin, rum, vodka and schnapps range,” he said.
“To receive national recognition alongside some of Australia’s most respected distilleries is something my small team and I are incredibly proud of.”
Island Coast Spirits was built around a different approach to distilling.
Rather than relying solely on its own production facilities, Island Coast Spirits works with several Tasmanian distilleries to produce its award-winning range.
Mr Pinner said the collaborative model not only allows the business to create award-winning products but also supports Tasmania’s wider distilling industry.
“While we lease our main distillery, we also work with other incredible Tasmanian distilleries to create our spirits, supporting local businesses while producing award-winning products,” he said.
Island Coast Spirits describes its philosophy as creating “Tasmania in a Bottle”, using premium Tasmanian ingredients, pristine water and small-batch production to produce a diverse range of whiskies, vodkas, gins, rum and liqueurs.
Mr Pinner said while awards were rewarding, the business remained focused on its customers and community.
“We’re a proud supporter of local organisations, including the Kingborough Tigers, North West Bay Golf Club, the Huon Show and the Cygnet Folk Festival,” he said.
“For us, the feedback from our customers is paramount, the awards are just the cream on top.
“Support local, support small business.”
The Melbourne Royal Australian International Spirits Awards are Australia’s largest and longest-running spirits competition, recognising excellence in distilling across a broad range of categories.
Melbourne Royal Australian Internation Spirit Awards 2026
Major Trophy
Champion Australian Nomad Distiller
Australian Single Malt Whisky Unsmoked
Whisky Ex Bourbon Cask – Bronze
Whisky Ex Sherry Cask – Silver
London Dry Gin
Juniper Gin – Bronze
Best Fruit pr Wine / Grape Gin
Haskap Berry Gin – Silver
Vodka (unflavoured)
Vodka – Silver
Vodka (flavour infused)
Lime Vodka – Silver
Rum (Underproof Rum – Dark)
Rum – Bronze
Alternative Spirit
Butterscotch Schnapps – Gold
Ready to Serve Pre-Mix
Vodka with Lime and Ginger Soda – Bronze
