One of the world’s best whiskies isn’t in Scotland; it’s actually in Renmark, South Australia. And it’s actually affordable.

Australian whisky has come a long way since its beginnings, and now we’re competing (and winning) on the world stage. The 2026 New York International Spirits Competition – an annual, globally recognised event – has just named 23rd Street Distillery in Renmark, South Australia, the Australian Distillery of the Year.

About the win

For the second year in a row, 23rd Street Distillery has been named Australian Distillery of the Year. But in 2026, the judges’ scores made for an especially impressive milestone.

The distillery’s Australian single malt whisky took Double Gold with 96 points – an impressive score that placed it at the top of the entire competition, ahead of more than 500 whisky entries from 39 countries. For whisky lovers, this means it was judged to be better than whisky favourites like Glenmorangie Signet, Glenmorangie 18 Year Old, Highland Park 15 Year Old, The Glenrothes 18, Bruichladdich 18 and Crown Royal 31 Year Old – all of which retail for two to three times the price.

“We’re blown away! This recognition is built on beautiful Australian ingredients, hard work and a constant drive to refine what we do," said Paul Burnett, head distiller.

Visiting 23rd Street Distillery

South Australia’s Riverland region may be lesser-known, but its position next to the Murray River and incredible food, wine and spirit offerings make it one worth discovering.

And it’s here, in the suburb of Renmark, that you’ll find 23rd Street Distillery. Inside a restored building from 1914, the distillery draws on the Riverland’s warm climate, historic copper pot stills and locally grown Australian barley to create whiskies with a distinctly Australian identity.

Really get to know the whiskies by joining a guided tasting flight, distillery tour or even a cocktail masterclass. And then line the stomach at the distillery restaurant, Twenty Third Street. Find wood-fired pizzas and a seasonal menu making the most of Riverland’s produce.

Australian single malt whisky

The winning whisky is crafted using barley grown on Kangaroo Island and matured for a minimum of three years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. The result? A golden amber-coloured drop with aromas of toffee, lifted fruit and delicate vanillin oak. The palate is described as full and lightly sweet, with citrus, apricot and malted milk, finishing with butterscotch oak and lingering warmth.

“Our focus on maturing in a variety of oak types and finishing in old fortified barrels brings a depth and complexity that truly defines our whiskies," said Burnett. “To be recognised alongside the world’s best is something we don’t take lightly. It’s a real milestone for the brand and a reminder that you can push boundaries while still keeping exceptional spirits within reach."

The details

Address: Corner of Renmark Avenue and Twenty Third Street.
Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 10am – 4pm, Thursday to Saturday from 10am – 10pm.