Rum and Cane Spirit Entry Categories

Best Cane Spirit (Molasses)

Best Cane Spirit (Sugarcane Juice)

Best White Rum

Best Aged Rum 2 - 4 Years

Best Aged Rum 5 Years and Over

Best Overproof Rum 50% ABV & Over

Best Pot Still Rum

Best Column Still Rum

Best Pot & Column Still Rum

Best Spiced Rum / Cane Spirit

Best Flavoured Rum / Cane Spirit

Best Rum-based Liqueurs

Best Bottle Design

People's Choice Awards

Best Rum Venue
Best Rum Runner (Ambassador or Rep) of the Year
Rum of the Year

1. Best Cane Spirit (Molasses)

Spirit made from molasses juice that has not been aged in a barrel for a minimum of 2 years.

2. Best Cane Spirit (Sugarcane Juice)

Spirit made from freshly pressed sugarcane juice AND must either be unaged or under-aged, i.e., with less than two (2) years maturation in wooden casks.

3. Best White Rum

White Rum must be matured in wooden casks for a minimum two (2) years (in accordance with the Excise Act 1901), but be clear in colour and exhibit characteristics generally understood to meet the definition of “white rum”.

4. Best Aged Rum 2 - 4 Years

5. Best Aged Rum 5 Years and Over

6. Best Overproof Rum 50% ABV & Over

Must have an ABV of 50% or more, must exhibit a colour and flavour clearly associated with maturation in wooden casks for at least 2 years and exhibit characteristics generally understood to meet the definition of “dark rum”.

7. Best Pot Still Rum

Refers to batch distillation only.

8. Best Column Still Rum

Can include single column, twin or multi column systems and refers to a continuous distillation set up.

9. Best Pot & Column Still Rum

Refers to a blend of distillation types

10. Best Spiced Rum / Cane Spirit

Rum or cane spirit that has an inclusion of spices, herbs, fruits and/or nuts. May include sweeteners and alternative flavourings as long as the product is marketed and would be recognised by the consumer as a spiced rum product.

11. Best Flavoured Rum / Cane Spirit

Full flavoured rums that can either be with a single predominant ingredient or non-traditional mix of ingredients.

12. Best Rum-based Liqueurs

Must be produced using rum or cane spirit as a base spirit, have a minimum ABV of 15% with a minimum content of sweetening products, expressed as invert sugar, of not less than 100g/l (grams per litre)

13. Best Bottle Design

The overall design of the bottle: shape, colour, functionality and any embossing, decorative finishes, coatings or direct printed elements as well as visual appeal.

14. Australian Rum

(Judged by overall points score of tasting panel)
A showcase of the pinnacle of rum craftsmanship
Judged by the tasting panel’s cumulative points score
A comprehensive evaluation based on process, profile, taste, aroma, and maturation style
The ultimate recognition for an outstanding rum that stands above the rest.

15. Distiller of the Year

(Judged by the Australian Rum Producers Association)
Recognising the true maestros behind the scenes
Open to application/nomination only
Eligible nominees must be aged 18+
Nominees must have engaged in Australian rum/cane spirit distillation within the last 12 months calendar year at a commercial distillery on Australian soil.
Seeking a highly skilled individual in spirit production
This individual is responsible for every facet of rum production, from sourcing raw materials to final cask selection, blending, defining rum styles, and upholding product quality
Nomination Process:
In 1,000 words or less, provide a concise summary of the master distiller / master blender’s professional journey to date, including employment dates and employers. Highlight qualifications and certifications, and showcase achievements from the past 12 months (calendar year 2024). These achievements should demonstrate a significant contribution to the business, products, category, and local community. Additionally, you have the option to supply supporting assets such as videos or imagery that are relevant to the nomination.
Where to send? Email your files to: info@australianrumawards.com.au

$200.00Register

Medals

Please note that the standard of judging at the Australian Rum Awards is exceptionally high, meaning even our Rum-Runners-Up can hold their heads high. To celebrate the best of the best in the Australian Rum scene, our esteemed judges award these highly sought-after badges of honour:

Trophy

To the products that score the highest overall in their category, earning at least a Gold. These are the finest submissions we have received.

Double Gold

To products that receive Gold ratings from all the judges, making them the stand-outs among the Australian rums.

Gold

To exceptional spirits that set the standard in their category.

Silver

To products that show finesse, refinement and complexity; making them stand-outs in their category.

Bronze

To beautifully crafted spirits that are sound examples in their category. These products are commercially viable, attractive and technically flawless.