General News
21 September, 2022
FNQ Distillers Win Award
AMERICANS have shown their appreciation of the fine quality of liquor created by Skybury Farms and FNQ Spirits by awarding the Far North Queensland-made vodka, coffee liqueur and rum silver and bronze medals at the recent USA Spirits Ratings held in San Francisco.
Skybury commenced making spirits from surplus papaya three years ago, partnering with Cairns distillery FNQ Spirits to create a premium, classical vodka.
The union has also produced coffee liqueur, papaya schnapps, passionfruit papaya liqueur and a coffee/ vodka hybrid named Fusion.
Each USA Spirits entry was judged on quality, value for money and appearance.
Skybury CEO Candy MacLaughlin said the further international recognition was invaluable in gaining more distribution points and attracting market attention.
“USA Spirits Ratings are to recognize, reward and promote spirit brands successfully created to identify and target a specific spirits drinker,” Ms MacLaughlin said.
“For any spirits brand to earn its place on a retailer’s shelf or a restaurant’s spirits list - and then stay there - they need to be marketable and consumer-driven.”
“That is why the USA Spirits Ratings is important; they spotlight those spirits brands consumers really want to buy, identifying a clear market value for liquor trade buyers,” she said.
Taking out the Masters Award in the Rest of World Category for the 2021 Vodka Masters in London last year helped the locally made vodka gain national distribution in Dan Murphy’s and BWS.
The partnership with FNQ Spirits, described as ‘a concert between two like-minded businesses’ on the bottles’ labelling, has been going strong since 2020.
Owner Troy Read, aka Lord of the Rums at FNQ Spirits, said he was delighted with a Bronze score in the USA Spirits Rating awards.
“This is fantastic recognition for our signature brand, Croc Piss. It’s a rum-like spirit we created to bottle the heart and soul of Far North Queensland,” Mr Read said.
“The judges’ description of it fits really well, ‘a sharp nose with notes of cane and butterscotch, with vanilla and caramel characteristics on the palate.’
“We are absolutely delighted to medal at this highly rated USA event.”
All Skybury Farms and FNQ Spirits award-winning products are available at Dan Murphy’s and BWS and can be purchased online at their websites: www.skyburyfarms.com.au and www.fnqspirits.com.au
