Australian gins named finalists in world spirits competition

Two Australian gins have been named as finalists in the Best of Class field for the 2026 San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

Two Cats Distillery, based in Newton, South Australia, received recognition for its Main Coon Gin. Described by judges as a “big, bold London Dry” that is “herbaceous and boisterous,” the spirit is noted for its juniper-forward and piney character.

78 Degrees is also a finalist with its Juniphex Gin. The distillery utilizes a specific column-and-basket vapour distillation method over a grape spirit base, ensuring botanicals are not heated above 78°C to preserve delicate oils. Judges highlighted its “classically correct gin character” and “generous green peppery spice.”

The other four finalists in the category include Gin Ayres from Argentina, Crespo from Ecuador, Martin Miller Westbourne from the UK, and Hout Bay from South Africa.